Not sure how the facilities are, I NEVER got past the front door. I moved back to the DeKalb area after being gone for a little over 2 years and was looking for a gym to join. I did my research on the gyms in the area and decided to look for at minimum a 1 day pass to check it out. I went on-line and printed their coupon for the location. I went in all changed and ready to go with my work out bag. The front desk worker refused to let me use the coupon because I did not have proof I lived in DeKalb or Sycamore.....Really, it is that serious?! I even explained that I just moved back and had nothing with my new apartment address since I just moved in 2 weeks ago but could at least show my business card from my job in DeKalb. I was told to go home and get proof and then come back......I am sorry but that is crazy!!! it is a one day pass not a year membership I walked out and joined another gym. read more

For a short-term solution to my workout needs while home visiting my parents, Cardinal Fitness is great. A week pass is only $25, which is really cheap compared to other gyms' $10 day passes! The facility is kept extremely clean and there is equipment suiting any type of workout even if Cardinal doesn't have all of the extras (pool, basketball courts, etc.). As far as I can tell from my few days working out here, the customer service is pretty good. The extended hours during the week (5AM-11PM) are definitely a plus for my erratic workout schedule. I will definitely come back anytime I'm back in the area! read more

I am confused by the bad reviews, because that was not my experience at all. I had a great experience at Cardinal Fitness. I was in town just for the weekend and was staying at the Jane Fargo hotel a mile away in downtown Sycamore. The hotel doesn't have a fitness center in its own property but gives out free day passes to Cardinal for those guests who wish it. So, I stopped by Cardinal. Parking was easy, the staff was knowledgable and friendly ; they were fine with the free voucher and I just filled out a form or two and was on my way into the gym. They offered to show me around the place but I didn't need that much introduction just for a day. But it was nice to have the offer, you know? All the machines I could see (and there were a lot of 'em, several different brands, like Cybex and LifeFitness and a some others too) were clean and in working order, the music was fine, the facility was well-lit and tidy. There was obviously a system for keeping the place nice -- a guy was actually dusting the top of the TV screens while I was there, which was nice to see. They do care about the place. Quite honestly it was a larger and nicer gym than the one I belong to in Minneapolis, and better-staffed. I would totally go back, no question, and if I lived in town I would definitely look into a membership. read more

Horrible customer service to start off. Sent in a cancelation letter with my account number and before the monthly cycle ended knowing I had to have it in so I wouldn't get charged for the next month (feb) and they "never received it" the guy I talked to on the phone told me that they got a lot of mail still sitting in the back from over the holidays so he didn't know if it was there or not. He told me that I would be charged for another month and the annual fee even tho I already canceled. It blows my mind how a place like this even can stay open and run. The man I talked to had not a single care to even help me out with anything, was not friendly and no customer service skills. On top of that this gym is dirty, unkempt and uses very old equipment. The Charter fitness in Wheaton is great, clean and very nice to go to, and they also have great customer service skills! I know there's not much to chose from in dekalb/sycamore but don't go here. Save your money for a better place! read more

I needed a gym to workout at...and there is a Charter (Cardinal) Fitness right down the road. I thought this would be perfect! It's a close gym and I know a couple people who workout there. I've even gone as a guest once back in 2012, and from what I can remember (almost 4 years ago) it seemed pretty nice. So I saw they had a 5 day trial and I thought that would be a great opportunity to get a feel for the atmosphere and see what equipment they have. So I signed up online for the Sycamore Charter Fitness and then headed over...and it went sour fast. The employee behind the check-in desk was not courteous or helpful. When I went to check-in she informed me that since I came in as a guest a paying Charter Fitness Member, back in 2012, I was ineligible use the 5 day trial! My only option would be to pay $10 for a one day pass. I'm not sure about anyone else, but remembering a specific day almost 4 years ago is an easy task. I am severely disappointed in the lack of transparency and service from the Sycamore Charter Fitness. P.S. The reviews from their club website (charterfitness.com/location/charter-fitness-of-sycamore) only show fake 5 star reviews. Don't rely on them to heavily. read more

Went in to cancel my membership today because (while still working around 70 hours a week) I am no longer making enough to afford basic life. Went in to cancel and was informed I had to pay the next annual fee that is for next year. I more than understand having to pay my monthly fee for this current month (I was still a member this month) but to have to pay a $40 fee for next year when I would not even be a member is outrageous. Not only do I not have $40 just floating around but what money I do have now goes to oh I don't know to not being homeless. When I asked if there was someone I could talk to about the fee I was told no. I asked if there was a manager or owner. I was told I wasn't allowed to talk to them. I asked if there was a number I could call and talk to about it. They said I could call member services but they wouldn't be able to help me but it was a number I could just call. You know to waste my time. I asked if there was anyone I could talk to at all. I was told nope I was not allowed to talk to anyone else. Apparently, I was only allowed to speak to this wanna be trainer. When I informed them that it was extremely deceitful to charge someone money for a product that they would not be receiving I was told, too bad it's in the contract and there isn't anything you can do about it. And that the only way I could even cancel my membership was to pay the fee for the up coming year and if I didn't pay it they would just send me to collections. Is this really your customer service? Just telling a customer, "too bad. Give me money or else." When I asked how it was possible that no one was running this business I was told I was being rude. Asking to speak to someone that actually has the authority to help with my service issue is not rude. You standing there with your arms crossed and continuing to tell a customer in a snippy, self righteous tone that you will not help them, that you will not let them speak to your boss, that I will pay you or you wont cancel the account, and that if I do not pay you you will just keeeeep charging me and send me to collections is actually the definition of rude. (I know this, I run two customer service businesses and work for two others) You have to love it when people threaten you. Just makes you all warm and fuzzy inside. It might also help you to remember that I own two businesses in the area and took a massive pay cut (now making $0 per year) so that MY employees can still afford life. I hope that gym membership contract form keeps you warm at night because I'm sure your cold, blackened heart makes nights a wee bit chilly. If your wanna be job at this gym doesn't work out I'm sure with your lack of customer service skills you can find an amazing job being horrible at the local DMV. Then you can actually see what a real rude customer is like. Hugs and Smooches from this dissatisfied customer. Oh, and try to not eat any babies on the way home. read more

I paid for an inexpensive membership & I love it, the place is clean, the locker room is spacious, and my personal trainer Tori is the best. For about half of what I used to pay at Curves I get a better workout & I dont have to socialize instead of getting the work done, The Curves didn't even have showers for twice the price! Yep, there is an annual fee, not shocking, and I anticipate signing up was easier than quitting will be. It's never easy to quit a recurring service agreement, but right now I'm not thinking about quitting, I'm just excited to find an affordable place that I like so much! read more

An average gym that doesn't have much to set it apart from the others. The trainers are why I rate it so highly. They are very well educated, never mind answering questions or lending a hand, passionate about their clients, and are very personable. They have been in need of a second squat rack since I joined nearly a decade ago and new years (like ask other fitness facilities) is a nightmare due to new members who rarely last longer than a month. read more

To whomever is reading this, I stopped in to sign up for a free trial at this specific gym in Sycamore. The individual at the counter who looked "Put out" at the fact that my boyfriend and I wanted to join using the 5 day free membership stated that there was a Cardinal fitness facility located in our old home town. We just recently moved and Jeff (boyfriend) had stated that he MAY have been a member of said facility prior to our move. The gentleman behind the counter stated that the free membership was intended for those whom have never been to a Cardinal fitness before and those that had were "Freeloaders hopping from gym to gym." It was at this point that Jeff realized that he could not use the 5 day free membership at the gym and would have to pay in order to utilize the facility. He also realized that he was not a member of Cardinal fitness but a member of the Shamrock fitness club. I on the other had not been a member a Cardinal fitness and wanted a tour. The facilities have equipment in close proximity to one another and the tour felt like something out of a B movie. The individual at the counter gave me MINIMAL information into equipment, uses and just pointed exasperatedly at each machine telling me BASICALLY what they do. When he was done with the "Tour" he clasped his hands in front of him and said "Well...That's it" with a tight lipped smile. At this point I was so exhausted from his negative initiation that I neither had the drive nor gumption (for lack of a better term) to work out. I highly suggest this facility hire another individual who WANTS To be there and get paid. There are plenty of people looking for jobs and this seemingly ungrateful individual just wanted out. I say don't just push him out. Give him a good hard shove. read more

Sure, it isn't a state of the art facility and the people that work there are so-so. But what do you expect when the membership is only $20 (I believe they even have a $10 a month option). Sometimes it can get super crowded but by March, it tends to slow down. It's very clean and I almost never see anything out of order. read more

after work - 5ish - it's mobbed to the point (at times) that the body heat is steaming up the front windows. my other complaint is that the front windows face the west and after work the sun beats right in the front windows, which is where all the cardio machines are lined up. they do have black mesh shades, but it doesn't begin to block the sun and keep that area cool. on a positive note - the place is super clean. read more

Charter Fitness is always clean and is never overly crowded. It offers a relaxed and comfortable environment for all fitness levels. Some staff members are not so friendly, but that never bothered me very much. I only pay $10/month, so how can I really complain, anyway? read more

WORST EXPERIENCE EVER. I have never been treated so rudely by anybody as rudely as i was treated here. After being a paid member for over 6 months when i called about a billing question I was treated with blatant disrespect. The man i spoke to actually had the nerve to call me a liar. After several phone calls to try to get ahold of the general manager I was outright told she wasn't willing to speak to me. Needless to say i cancelled my membership that day. read more