I am a citywide CAC member, my home gym is LSAC, but often go to BAC because of it's proximity to my partner. Note: I have had the opportunity to work out at several FFC locations, Planet Fitness, and LA Fitness locations throughout the city as well as other locally owned gyms in the area. While this gym does get busy, and has a heavier focus on free-weights, it's an amazing facility for the price you pay. If you are someone looking to only use machines, then you should probably go to Planet Fitness or LA Fitness. If you are looking to really learn how to lift, this is a great place to do it. Their dumb bells have 2.5lb increases, which can be hard to find at most gyms, and really allows you to improve form without straining joints or muscles. If you are looking to throw out 200lb vanity lifts on a bunch of machines, this isn't the place. In terms of the gym being busy, that's most gyms between the hours of 7a-10a and 4p-7p. Develop a program that allows you to move between different areas of the gym while you're waiting for something to free up rather than complaining on the internet. BAC has substantially more free weight benches and racks than 90% of other gyms, there is no reason that you should be held up by anyone else. The only reason I am at 4 stars is because the Bucktown location does have fewer amenities than Lakeview or Lincoln Square, but that is to be expected, it's just a smaller space, but if you don't NEED to sit in a sauna or steam room after every work out, this gym is going to meet all of your needs. At $80-90 per month, you will be hard pressed to find a gym that is exceeding any CAC (and that price point gets you access to ALL of their locations), if you want TOTAL luxury and expanse, go drop the $350 a month at FFC (which is also busy, lacking diversity in amenities, and generally missing a luxury feel), or you can go to Midtown, which is **again** quite busy. read more

I've had some troubles with setting up my OnePass membership and using it here, but Ross has been really accommodating and patient with me every time, whereas other gyms have not been. The facility is constantly being cleaned and organized. I also love their orange room to do my own exercises and warm-ups in, it's super peaceful. read more

Facility is clean and has bright natural lighting through the large windows upstairs. Busy at peak times like after work but generally not overwhelmingly unless you're trying to use a machine they don't have many of. Large locker room and multiple studio spaces for classes they have a few times daily throughout the building. read more

Really limited hours, especially on weekends. Will likely be not renewing and going somewhere else for that reason alone unless things change. Also the weight room has pretty limited machines, I think one of the many studio rooms could be converted to equipment to help the traffic out or at least have one of every common type of machine. The space is beautiful but between the hours and lack of machinery at such a high price point, it's not a great deal at the moment. Has a lot of potential to be better though read more

If I could leave 0 stars, I would. I joined to support a small gym when I moved to Chicago, but had to cancel a month later due to a family emergency. I called and was told my membership was canceled. Six months later, I realized they'd been charging me the entire time. They claim they sent a confirmation email (I never received it), but also admit they have record of my cancellation and that I haven't used the gym since. Because I never replied to the confirmation email, they never went through with ending my membership. Now they're trying to charge me for another month as a "30-day notice fee." I canceled in November and have been charged through April. This feels extremely dishonest. Also, the membership advisor Audrey was incredibly rude and dismissive. She lacked even an ounce of empathy for the situation. I would not recommend. The gym itself is fine, but the planet fitness down the road has all of the same equipment for a better price and the staff is actually kind. read more

Very friendly, helpful staff. Ample variety and quality of equipment. Clean. Trainers can be terrific but be selective.

I've been a member at 3 total gyms in the area and visited others and this is the best gym by far (besides midtown which is like $300/month). Very well maintained, nice locker rooms stocked with amenities, friendly staff, plenty of cardio equipment, fair amount of weight equipment. With all that being said, it does get overwhelmingly busy to the point of frequent waiting for weight equipment if you go during busy hours. Overall, best you'll find in the area for the price. read more

I really like this gym, but they close too early now. I was a member pre-pandemic and stupidly signed back up without checking for new hours. The early closing on Friday and weekends is especially suboptimal. They should really keep either this or the Wicker Park Athletic Club open until 10:30PM or 11:00PM. If they aren't going to stay open later, I think this location needs a couple more power/squat racks and another seated row/pulldown machine. A bench press with safety rails wouldn't hurt either. read more

The gym is well maintained, plenty of space and they have a variety of workout equipment. My only real issues with this gym is that it seems to take forever for the cardio equipment to be fixed or some of the weight lifting accessories to be replaced that are obviously deteriorating and the overall lack of enforcement of gym policies. Such as talking on your cell phone in the cardio area which is a huge issue there and it was someones bright idea to place a "No cell phone usage in undesignated spots sign" above the water fountains only. How hard is it to post those signs where they're needed, they have plenty of wall space and columns on the second floor to hang those signs where members will actually see them, are they too cheap to print more than two signs? It would be nice if the staff members on shift would actually get up from their chairs and actually walk to the second floor to remind members. The members here smh, no respect for the cleaning staff, Ive seen gum, zyn and garbage in the urinals, towels and energy drinks just left laying on the ground or on the window ledge. The gym has plenty of garbage cans and towel bins for that, yet members feel like the cleaning staff should pick up after them, I get their cleaning staff but they're not your butlers. read more

Beware of phantom charges / unscrupulous billing practices. After paying membership fees for 5 years and terminating membership, was charged erroneously without notice of invoice and sent to collection agency. Billing department does not waive phantom charges despite clear record of membership cancellation in official records. Billing representative was immediately confrontational and clearly accustomed to receiving these complaints. Their membership cancellation process operates like a scam, so please be wary of engaging with CAC. read more

We stayed in bucktown for an extended vacation and got a pass for while we were there. This place had EVERYTHING you would need. It was spacious and loved the way it was set up. Tons of classes to offer. We appreciated how clean the gym was. They were constantly cleaning and had access to wipe down equipment throughout the floors. We wish we had a gym like this back home. read more

I tore my meniscus in my knee and tried to get a refund for personal training sessions they set up. They didn't ever get back to me. They never explained the policy. They wouldn't put me in touch with anyone. I asked if I could talk to his manager because he wasn't giving me any information. She never called me back. It's been three weeks. Don't go here. They're incredibly unprofessional and terrible when it comes to money. I'm going to just to get this settled. read more

Went here and did a free day to try it out. Really clean and a great size! Great to see everyone wearing their masks and not a ton of people there at once. They also have their staff constantly spraying down equipment. read more

Nice gym but honestly I am going to cancel my membership probably unless they change the hours

Bucktown Athletic Club serves the same area more or less as the nearby Wicker Park Athletic Club but this location is much larger and has a lot more redundancy in equipment, especially on the cardio floors. Peak hours here go from about 4:30-7:30 but even then, it isn't too hard to get a workout done. Everyone is friendly for the most part and I haven't had trouble working in with someone on some more popular equipment. The gym itself is very clean and I haven't had any problems with broken equipment. The staff is also frequently cleaning. There is also Wi-Fi and some vending machines selling water, protein, and Celsius pre workout. All in all, a decent place to get a workout in! read more

I've been to gyms all over the US and this has to be one of my favorites. I really love the clean/open feel of the gym, everyone I've seen is pretty considerate about wiping down which is rare, and there is always someone cleaning and wiping down the machines. Speaking of machines- the second floor is full of them, I've only gone during the day but usually I have a lot of breathing room and everyone minds their own business. There are three floors, ground has lockers, showers and bathrooms+ a barre studio+ a mini training area. Second floor is cardio machines + a cycling studio+ a general studio, and third floor is weights! There are free gym towels to use, free wifi and classes included with membership. The classes are fun and open to every skill level. I've tried Barre and its been hilarious and worthwhile- I feel like a clumsy ballerina. But that's ok, because all the teachers are open and encourage you to do your best because its your workout. read more

I literally made a Yelp account just so I could write a review to warn people of these scammers. I loved the workout classes and facility itself, but not worth the hassle and money you'll be ripped off if you ever try to cancel or put a hold on your membership. Especially during a pandemic, you would think they would be a bit more accommodating. They put a complimentary hold on my membership as I did not feel comfortable coming during COVID, then without warning removed the hold and I was told my account was overdue. They had some collections agency harassing me every day to pay for a membership that I had not used for almost a year. I've tried calling and cannot speak to a human, only an automated response. If you try to email, you won't get a response for weeks. SO SHADY. read more

Was visiting family in town for a wedding and LOVED working out here! HUGE with three floors! Lots of space and excellent equipment. One floor just cardio machines. Other floors with plenty of dumbbells, cable machines, benches, BOSU balls, medicine balls, squat racks, etc. Everyone was so friendly. Quiet too. Will be back! read more

I have seen a review similar to mine posted, but I decided to share my experience. I joined in the summer of 2021. Did not love it so I cancelled my membership in June 2021. To my surprise, March 2024 I receive an email from a debt collection agency that states that I never cancelled my membership and owe BAC money. The first time I have heard of this, 3 years later. Keep in mind, I no longer live in Chicago. I have been trying to work with BAC to resolve the issue, but only a sales associate (who has been rude from the beginning) to no avail. Whenever I ask to speak to a manager, they need to "investigate" and I guess I don't make it past the gate to speak to anyone above an assistant manager. I find this incredibly shady and I would stay FAR away if you do not want to have to wonder this establishment will try to hunt you down for money you do not owe 3 years later. read more

I have had a wonderful experience at BAC - exceeding my expectations! I can always find a machine and love the classes. Some of them are popular and fill up (especially in Jan/Feb) but I've never had a persistent issue getting in. Props to a few of my favorite instructors: Katie Duffy (weds body pump pushing you hard), Amy Sauvola (thurs DJ cycle with the good pre-weekend vibes), and Carlyle (sat AM body pump kicking my butt). My only wish is that there were a few of the other classes offered at this location! Most of the negative reviews seem to be about the cancellation policy, which tends to be an issue at all major gyms and hasn't impacted me yet. I didn't have the best luck with a personal trainer here (didn't really push me) so dropped that but the classes are a much better substitute for me anyway. read more

There was another reviewer who wrote about the same issue. The gym will change its policies on you without any notice or communication. Such as, changing their membership freeze policy without notice and when you go to make the request they give you a whole new set of rules. They set arbitrary deadlines and your freeze can't take place until another month, which in most cases is useless. These policy changes are just to take your money while you're not using the facilities. read more

I am here a few times a week this place is like my happy place and always love the wide array of classes offered with some great instructors. Ambiance prior to being a member I was a member at a gym that was $10 a month called Cardinal Fitness which was bare bones but now from modern the equipment to all areas being Staff is always very helpful and nice. I like how they will try to answer any questions and the trainers I have worked with are knowledgeable and try to assist you in attaining your goals. Classes I love working out here because even when there are a lot of people around you can get to a class or a TRX machine read more

Bucktown Athletic Club - Gyms Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have gympass and usually go to as many Athletic Club gyms as possible to see which one I like best. BAC is great. It feels a bit smaller compared to the others (but it has three levels). The weight room is great - very lit too. It can get crowded but overall everyone is wearing masks and respects your space/privacy. I haven't taken a class yet here but they are included in the membership so that's a great deal. I usually take them at the Lakeview location - which was great by the way. Generally speaking, this gym has everything you need. Decent weight room, tons of cardio machines, towel service, etc. The one con is paying for parking on North Ave but at least parking has not been an issue right out front when I do go. Worth a visit if you're in the area. read more

Great location, good amount of equipment, and great classes. The equipment isn't brand spanking new, but well maintained and there's always enough unused machines and weights. It can sometimes get crowded in the weight room 6-7pm on weekdays, but there are always free cardio machines. The classes make the monthly membership a great deal for me, considering it's included in the membership price and group classes are so pricey elsewhere. instructors are also motivating and/or entertaining, which makes time pass quickly. read more

So I decided to upgrade gyms and I chose the athletic clubs of Chicago! I was greeted with friendly smiles and hellos from the front desk staff! I knew automatically this was off to a great start other gyms aren't usually as nice. My membership advisor was Marianne C! And she was awesome! I toured the gym and it was great! Tons of yoga classes as well as high-intensity classes! Great layout of weights, in the weight room and a lot of cardio equipment! I was sold! Plus I upgraded my membership to use the pool outside at the Lakeview location in the summer! I had a great deal for personal training if I bought a few sessions when I signed and I tots took advantage of that! Watch out for my check-ins! read more

Some of the trainers are very inconsiderate of the patrons that aren't working out with them. One Saturday morning, I was at squatting rack and the one trainer kept walking around my area (not a big deal), but slammed some plates down near my feet. She just looked absolutely miserable and like I was inconveniencing her. Another time, a trainer had his client come over to where I was and started working out right next to me, as if I was in their way when I had been there first. As someone who's had MANY gym memberships in the city (X-Sport, Planet Fitness, Rockwell Barbell), I'm absolutely annoyed with the blatant disrespect and lack of professionalism the trainers here have. I've had trainers where there is a mutual respect between everyone in the gym and if there's someone in the area they want to work out in, they don't slam plates down near that patron or work out so close to the patron that it eventually makes them move. As far as patronage, I tend to not review places on that, as they can't help what type of morons walk through their door(s), but this place is pretty chill on that part. The place itself is clean, the guest services at front are really nice, one of them actually gave me a hair tie. All-in-all, I will not be sad to end my membership, as my work and apartment building have gyms. However, I hear that's a pain itself, so I'll keep you updated. read more

I've been working out at CAC gyms for over a year now. In short, the gym and facilities are well kept and machines are extensive, however I've had issues with the staff that have left a bad taste in my mouth. Example: I came back to Chicago, after having paused my membership and forgot to turn it back on. However, for the first week back, for some reason, I was getting into the gym just fine. On the day they realized I hadn't turned it back on I was on my way into a class, which I was almost late for, and they decided to hold me up before the class to get me restarted as a member when I insisted I could just take care of this after the class. I asked multiple times however they insisted that I do it right then. Very frustrating, lacking in empathy, and unnecessary. Also, not cool just removing points without notice. As mentioned by others, it's an example of how bottom line is prioritized over customer loyalty. I've had a few poor customer service experiences at CAC however I am still a member, and that's because the facilities and classes and teachers I've interacted with are solid. read more

This gym could be fine. It's affordable, it is close to my apartment, and it's right off the train. However: there are just two bench presses. That's ridiculous. There is one guy who sits on the bench for an hour plus with his girlfriend, brings his own chalk, and just takes up space. So there is really one bench. There is also no sauna. This isn't huge, but LPAC has a sauna, and LPAC costs basically the same per month. The staff is indifferent, and the vibe is just a little off. I'm done, will be looking elsewhere. read more

Disgusting COVID policies. They're charging 1 month + $50 to cancel your membership. Total lack of compassion: they'd rather you get sick than make it easy to be safe. Despicable. read more

The management of the CAC is shockingly poor. 1) You guys promoted a food delivery service (GOOD EATS) earlier in 2018 that was a complete disaster. A whole box of food was delivered spoiled. Had to beg my awesome personal trainer to get Good Eats to email me back -- which is obviously not her job. Then I waited MONTHS to get my money back. 2) I had almost 1,600 points when management decided to cancel the rewards program with ZERO NOTICE. I've cancelled my membership. For the sake of my fellow Chicagoans who trusted you with their business, I hope the CAC gets it together. Yikes. read more

I was a members of BAC for around 4 years. I really enjoyed the group fitness classes offered and the instructors were always fantastic. I'm sadly leaving a 1 star review because the cancelation policy ruined my entire experience with this gym. After a family emergency that has led me to move, I was forced to cancel my membership and become a member of a new gym that is closer to my new residency. Well- they are charging me for an additional month - and the lady I spoke with on the phone didn't understand why I was getting so upset with this policy because "I'd have access to the gym during that time I'd be paying membership" ....uhhh...duh. Why am I upset? Because I can't use this gym for this month (it's the beginning of March) which I already paid for- and now next month because they are charging me for an additional month and I DON'T LIVE NEAR THE FACILITY TO USE THE DAMN THING! I'll be spreading this info near and far- not worth signing up. So very disappointed. Do better CAC. You suck read more

I canceled my account (with email confirmation from their billing people) more than a year ago and I'm still trying to get them to stop charging me monthly... At a certain point the amount they have stolen will be worth paying a lawyer to get it back. read more

Bucktown Athletic Club - My account was canceled more than a year ago and they are still charging me... - Gyms Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The people who work out here are what make this place so insufferable. Slamming weights, stomping on the cardio equipment, sitting on weight machines while scrolling through their phones.. They appoint two employees to sit at the front entrance but never a single employee to monitor the workout areas. Trainers train their clients with everyone else, no dedicated personal training area. No signs anywhere telling these bros to stop slamming weights, or clean up after themselves. Bad layout, poor management and douchebags. That's an honest review read more

I love the CAC!! I've been coming to this club lately because it's more conveniently located to my home. The fitness classes are fantastic (Bodypump!! Spinning!!) and the equipment is in brand new condition. All club access is the way to go-- you'll be able to access all CACs for a nominal fee that pays for itself in convenience and preventing burnout! read more

Bucktown Athletic Club - Gyms Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This gym is interesting. It's kind of like a maze lol it has a good organization, and good amenities. I would have rated it right around the same rank as LVAC. Only came here because our weight floor is being renovated...again lol the flooring they have at this gym is perfect, I just don't understand why they put fake grass turf on everything in lakeview. This location while missing pools and rock climbing, it does have more weight machines and benches which I appreciate. The locker room is a bit small, the locks are not that fun lol it's supposed to feel techy but the way the locks delay on responses actually made it feel a bit tacky. One thing I really really would like to understand is the design of the bathroom. Why is there such a big gap below the door? Lol it's already translucent glass. Like we don't even have that in boys town. Within the small locker room it's like every one can see who's taking a sht Ps. Something else I noticed, now I might be exaggerating a bit, but definitely felt all the UV rays are bouncing right towards me read more

Pretty dumpy for $78....no pool, no sauna, nothing special at all. The other CAC's are better. Lockers also malfunctioned for me multiple times and I had to wait for someone to help open it. I had multiple treadmills and elipticals where the headphone plug ins would not work. Brought it up to management....and just avoided any machine like that moving forward. The kicker with this place is...when I had finally had enough - I went to cancel, gave them 3 weeks notice, and was told I needed to give 4 and would be responsible for paying the next month. I refused to pay, I had some collections agency call me to try and collect the payment and again - refused. I didn't go to this gym for the 3 weeks after I had canceled or the month after they tried to bill me for, so why on earth would I give them anymore money? They must be struggling if they are trying to recover $78 from someone so bad... You can find a gym for the same price with MUCH better amenities! read more

Generally nice. Would be better if any of the TVs on the cardio equipment worked. Literally can't find one with a working tv, sound / closed captioning. read more

When I joined a few years ago, I would have given BAC 4-5 stars. It is spacious, clean, well-maintained, well-equipped, and there are plenty of group-exercise options. The membership rate is not inexpensive but reasonable given the quality of the gym. Recently, BAC has undergone several renovations and added more amenities (e.g., massive pilates studio on the first floor, the equally huge "THRIVE" studio on the second floor, etc.). Although these were built with all membership fees, they are off limits to most members. Management locks up the THRIVE studio. To gain access, you are required to pay additional fees. The actual gym space for regular members, therefore, has shrunk significantly while membership rates have not gone down. And your money is going towards building equipment that you are not permitted to use. BAC - this demonstrates a lack of appreciation for and loyalty towards your membership base. Offering training programs for additional fees is one thing, but not allowing members to use the very equipment and space that their money has paid for is terrible. It shows that you care more about the bottom line than your customers. read more

Aside from the distorting funny mirrors making me look 5 inches shorter and all sorts of wider, this gym is awesome. One, it's ridiculously clean. Dare I even say meticulously cleaned. One of the cleaning ladies today literally rolled out the yoga mats and wiped them down. I go at all hours and I see at least one cleaning person partaking in some cleaning activity. Two, the machines are new. Three, the decor. Being new to the city, I still don't have a life. The colorful, cool, and modern decor makes me feel like I am anywhere but the gym. Four, the classes. Seriously, how many classes are there?! So many. Too many. But I'm not complaining. Five, the hours. they open early and close late. Super convenient. read more

BAC used to be a pretty good gym. When I signed up in September of 2015, the gym featured a full floor of cardio equipment, a large weight machine selection, enough bench presses, a dumbbell area, ample stretching space, and a designated free weight area. Furthermore, I was told that a sauna and steam room were in the works. Fast forward 11 months and still no sauna and steam room. On top of that, Thrive training was just announced. What is thrive training? Some fad training gimmick that most likely costs an exorbitant amount of money for a low roi workout. Why is thrive even worth mentioning? Well, the Chicago athletic club folks decided to cut the entire third floor in half to build two dedicated thrive facilities. At this point, the amount of benches and dumbbells remains the same, however, there is absolutely no free stretching space, half of the barbbells are now gone, and the Olympic lifting area has vanished. For what it's worth too, the WiFi is shotty at best, though that's not a legitimate gripe. So after 11 months, the grandious gym I was promised is less than half as good as when I first started. For $70+ a month, this has to be one of the worst deals in the city. If you can, look elsewhere. Unfortunately, many like me are stuck paying too much money for a mediocre gym simply because of the lack of selection in the area. read more