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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Chicago's best

Cool gyms

You want a gym that matches your aesthetic standards without sacrificing the equipment you actually use.

Based on 469 Opinions
+466
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Updated April 2026
01
Rockwell Barbell image 1
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Gym offers top-tier powerlifting equipment including combo racks, monolifts, and calibrated plates. Atmosphere stays welcoming and supportive, with a judgement-free community motivating each other. Space combines old-school strength gym vibes with a gritty, authentic feel.

Strong focus on powerlifting with quality equipment like combo racks and platforms. The gym offers knowledgeable programming and maintains a very accepting environment.

Strong community vibe and proper strength gym atmosphere make this place cool. Friendly people create a welcoming spot to lift.

People are saying

"This gym has all the equipment you need for powerlifting."

"The personal trainers here are knowledgeable and friendly."

"It's cool how they have all the equipment I needed for powerlifting."

Good to know

1

Liz offers a group class on Sundays at 11am.

2

The gym has a variety of equipment suitable for powerlifting and strongman training.

3

There are trainers available for personal training sessions.

02
Taylor Biagi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu image 1

Large, sunlit space with clean mats and open floor supports multiple skill levels training together. Atmosphere emphasizes respect and sportsmanship, creating a welcoming community for adults and children alike. Environment fosters rapid skill improvement with supportive peers and inclusive coaching.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training happens in a welcoming and professional environment. The gym supports cross training and prepares members for competitions.

Space feels cool and open. People are friendly and have a cool vibe.

People are saying

"You'll feel so welcomed by the patient Jiu Jitsu community here."

"The gym community here is so welcoming and friendly."

"The people here are so cool and the atmosphere is chill."

Good to know

1

Dias's new competition class is on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7 pm.

2

Evening classes focus heavily on drilling and mastering techniques.

3

Competition-specific classes are offered three times a week.

03
Fox Training Studio image 1
Fitness center

Spacious fitness center with modern equipment and large video screens showing exercise demonstrations and rep counts. Atmosphere feels welcoming and motivating, fostering a community vibe where people support each other. Music and a smoothie bar add to an engaging and enjoyable workout experience.

Workouts adapt to individual needs, avoiding the rigid feel of typical gyms. Equipment is easy to access with no crowding, and a strong sense of community is promoted by the owners.

People are saying

"The coaches here are amazing, knowledgeable, and friendly."

"This gym feels like a welcoming community with supportive members."

"The instruction here is cool, focusing on mobility and full workouts."

Good to know

1

Classes are accessible for all fitness levels and last 50 minutes.

2

Booking classes on the app is super easy.

3

The studio features brand new, top-notch equipment.

04
Bender Martial Arts and Fitness image 1

Expansive mat space combines with a boxing ring and weight room to create a versatile training environment. Atmosphere stays welcoming and inclusive, fostering camaraderie and a fun, supportive vibe. Cleanliness and well-maintained facilities add to a safe, open, and inviting culture for all skill levels.

Strong community vibe and welcoming staff make the gym feel like family. Coaches focus on support and the facility stays clean and beautiful.

Cool city vibe artwork and cushy sprung mats set the tone. The community feels welcoming and the studio has a modern BJJ vibe.

People are saying

"This martial arts gym makes you feel like family."

"The gym community here is so friendly and welcoming."

"The people here are so laid back and friendly, it's really cool."

Good to know

1

There is complimentary off-street parking with direct access adjacent to the building.

2

The classes are suitable for both beginners and advanced practitioners.

3

Bender Martial Arts and Fitness offers a variety of classes every day.

05
First Ascent Block 37 image 1
Rock climbing gym

Spacious rock climbing gym with incredible downtown views and varied bouldering problems across many walls. Atmosphere stays friendly and welcoming, serving as a social and relaxing third space. Amenities include a large fitness area, yoga classes, and free keypad lockers, enhancing the overall experience.

Strong community vibe and access to multiple locations stand out. The gym offers constant route setting and hosts yoga, intro classes, and competitions.

Overhangs stand out, especially one that is really low and small. The gym features interesting routes that add to its cool vibe.

People are saying

"The climbing gym's setting is the best in the city, forcing technique."

"The staff at this rock climbing gym are so friendly and helpful."

"The climbing problems here are really cool and creative."

Good to know

1

The gym opens until 11pm, but the mall closes at 10pm.

2

A daily pass costs $33, which may be high for new climbers.

3

New climbing routes are set approximately twice a week.

06
First Ascent Uptown image 1
Rock climbing gym

Rock climbing gym with natural light and unique overhang walls including roof climbs creates a bright, spacious environment. The vibe is laid back and inclusive, fostering a supportive community. Amenities include bouldering, weight training, and yoga classes, making it a versatile spot for climbers and fitness enthusiasts.

Climbing gyms offer lots of routes and a clean, comfortable environment. Each gym feels unique and interesting, creating a strong community vibe.

Lots of cool boulders fill the space. Giant windows offer great views of Uptown.

People are saying

"The staff at this rock climbing gym are so friendly and helpful."

"The staff at this gym are super friendly and helpful."

"I found lots of cool, creative boulders to choose from."

Good to know

1

Brittany's yoga classes are on Saturdays at 1pm.

2

Membership includes access to gym equipment and yoga classes.

3

The gym offers fun monthly activities for members.

07
Mode Gym image 1

Gym offers beautiful design and high-quality equipment with unique lighting that creates an electric atmosphere. Space includes weights, squat racks, treadmills with terrain simulation, and a studio for yoga and boxing. Loud live DJs contribute to a lively vibe, making it feel energetic and stylish.

Offers a cool, safe space with every piece of equipment needed for training. Membership costs about $125 per month with no contract, making it a solid choice for those focused on gaining muscle and locking in their fitness.

Great aesthetics and cool lights create a dope ambience that sets a chill vibe throughout the gym.

People are saying

"The staff at this gym are awesome and incredibly welcoming."

"This weight lifting gym is super clean."

"The vibe here is so cool, I was surprised."

Good to know

1

Mode Gym opens at 5am, allowing early workouts before work.

2

I paid about $125 per month for the no-contract plan at Mode Gym.

3

The gym is clean and updated with well-maintained equipment.

08
Planet Fitness image 1

Gym offers a spacious layout with many cardio machines and modern equipment. Atmosphere feels comfortable and clean, with well-maintained facilities. Parking can be challenging due to external factors unrelated to the gym itself.

Spacious layout and exceptional cleanliness stand out here. Staff are helpful, and the gym feels well maintained with clean bathrooms and stocked floors.

Spacious layout stands out with plenty of room to move around. The overall vibe feels cool and relaxed.

People are saying

"The gym staff were so nice and helpful."

"I found the bathrooms here to be really clean."

"I found the facility to be pretty cool and spacious."

Good to know

1

Parking is often difficult due to hotel guests using the gym lot.

2

Many members report car break-ins in the parking lot.

3

The gym is consistently clean and well-maintained.

09
Soho House Chicago image 1

Social club combines stylish design with curated cozy rooms and a heated rooftop pool offering breathtaking city views. Atmosphere shifts from cool and relaxed during the day to an amazing late night scene at the bar. Amenities include a huge gym, spa, cinema room, and quality dining options.

Huge, well-equipped gym offers a proper workout with cold plunge and well-maintained facilities. It stays uncrowded even during prime time and is accessible without a membership.

Effortlessly cool vibe shapes the atmosphere here. The space feels upscale without trying too hard.

People are saying

"The atmosphere here is effortlessly cool and vibey."

"The Rooftop staff were professional and attentive, making the visit special."

"The gym here is huge and well-equipped for a great workout."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dining, especially during peak hours.

2

Parking is available in a garage one block away from the venue.

3

The hotel does not require a membership for overnight stays.

10
Block 37 image 1
Shopping mall

Vertical mall with an AMC movie theater at the top offers comfy seating and plenty of tables for relaxing. Atmosphere stays calm and quiet, making it easy to shop or enjoy a drink. Amenities include a climbing wall, simulated golf, and interactive games that add variety beyond typical shopping.

A huge bouldering space offers routes for all skill levels alongside a normal gym area. The front counter staff sport double braids, adding to the authentic climbing gym vibe.

A cool shopping mall with many local and popular retailers creates a lively vibe. The building has a cool aesthetic and the people at the gym add to the wicked cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"It's a fun walking game, great for seeing new places."

"This gym has a huge bouldering space with tons of routes."

"I thought the building was really cool."

Good to know

1

Validated parking is available, making it easier to visit.

2

Restrooms close 15 minutes before the mall's closing time.

3

Block 37 connects to the blue and red subway lines for easy access.

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