I love Ultimate Ninjas! It's my favorite place ever! Coach Gabe is the best because he helps me…read morewhen things feel a little tricky, like the monkey bars. Sometimes I feel like I can't make it all the way across, but he shows me how to swing and tells me not to give up--and then I do it! That makes me feel super strong and proud. My most favorite thing is the warped wall because it makes me feel like a real ninja! I run as fast as I can and try to get all the way up. Even if I don't make it every time, it's still really fun to try again and again. I also like all the obstacles because they're like a big adventure playground. I get to climb, swing, jump, and pretend I'm on a ninja show. Everyone cheers each other on, and it makes me really happy. I always have so much fun and can't wait to go back! Love, Ethan T.

I was invited here for a party and to my surprise such a place was located in Chicago. Plenty of…read morefree parking and once you sign a waiver you are able to climb, jump and play like you are a ninja. There are two divided sections, first section you learn the simple obstacles like climbing and hanging. The second section has the wall you can run on and more complex items. There is always someone who works there to show you how each section is used. There are smaller rooms for parties where they order pizza to enjoy after all the events. Overall, I enjoyed myself and now first hand, I can say I am no ninja.

Love everything about this place. Great active community, diverse routes, friendly and supportive…read morestaff, good programming.

Although this is not my home gym, I am a First Ascent member and come here pretty regularly to…read moreclimb with my sibling. This is probably my favorite location they have due to the variety of climbing walls they have for bouldering, generally less busy than the bigger block 37 location, and also a great weight room section. Parking can be a bit tricky and would make sure to read all signs around the neighborhood to make sure you're not getting a ticket. One thing that I really appreciate is that they really take feedback into account. For example, I had requested a trap-bar for the weight room at this location and my home gym. After a couple months, I saw it was part of the most recent round of gym equipment they ordered. Additionally, I appreciate them trying to keep the weight room organized, especially sectioning off an area mainly for stretching/core/non-weight activities. The only critique is more of a personal preference in that I would prefer they rotate and put up new problems sooner. I think they update a section every 6 weeks? I'd probably prefer closer to a month, but that's mostly because I'm impatient and if I can't get a problem in 1-3 sessions, I basically give up working on it and would like something new. Tl;dr: Great bouldering gym in Humboldt Park with a nice weight room. Would recommend!

I've been a member here now for a few months (and a climber for 20 years) and so feel like I am now…read morefamiliar enough with my home gym to fairly review it. My favorite things about this gym: - Creative setting in the shorter walled section so you feel more comfortable trying new moves without the fear of falling too far - The layout with open sweeping views and plenty of light - The arch - tons of cool practice with overhangs and traverses - Bike parking inside! - Big area with mats upstairs to do warm-up and warm-down stretches Areas this gym could improve: - Cleaner holds! Not just Uptown - all of the locations. They're so greasy that it automatically adds a grade to any problem, and not in a fun way. - For lower-rated climbs, setting routes that aren't just jug ladders. It is possible to make beginner climbs fun and challenging in a puzzly way, but Uptown doesn't do that. It's all jugs. - More community events, and the community events that exist should be free to members. If I'm a member I shouldn't also be paying to go to sound baths or take fitness classes and participate in citizens' competitions. I've never been a member of a gym that charges its members for ANY events. There are free events at FA, but they're essentially just meetups. Anything with more to offer carries a charge.

Increasingly unsafe. Kids under 8 running around the weight room. People parking infants under…read moresquat racks in their stroller no joke. Idk how they have a good insurance policy.

Oh the convienence of having a health club facility in my office building is a plus in its own but…read moreat the end of the day, some basic needs should be there as well. The gym I go to is in the Presidential towers near Rosemont. I appreciate the deal my company gives me to work out at Lifestart so I take full advantage of it. The facility here is pretty decent and the staff is very nice too. There are plenty of machines for me to get a complete workout. There is a room for classess and I also like having basketball/racquetball courts available. I missed out when this gym had a functionable pool but not much I can do about that.

161 N. Clark location…read more.. I don't love this gym. It's in the building I work in so it's very convenient! That's the best part as far as I'm concerned. A few other highlights: it's not very crowded and is relatively easy to get on a piece of equipment, which is huge for me considering that's why I quit my other gym. And the cost - I pay $45/month for my membership, which I think is reasonable. My company has a special rate at 77 W. Wacker, but not here. The things I don't like: 1. the "cleaning" lady - I use the term loosely as not much is actually cleaned. I see her almost every morning. The same rag is used to clean the toilet and the sink & shower areas (and she cleans the toilet first - yum-o). She puts clean towels on the dirty floor before she stacks them in the towel cubbies. Never once has the floor been swept - just mopped. And many times the mop being used smells rancid - almost sour. I'm really hoping that someone else actually comes in and cleans the locker room at some point during the day. It's really rather disgusting. 2. the temperature - all three rooms (cardio, weight, group fitness) are hot. The women's locker room is usually about 10 degrees cooler than any of these rooms, which seems ridiculous to me. The weight room has a rubber floor and is the worst of the three room in terms of temperature. The horrible rubber smell is horribly amplified by the hot and stuffy conditions - it's nauseating. The cardio room isn't a whole lot better. It always seems stuffy and it feels like the A/C is barely on. And besides that, there are no fans at all. I know the space is small, but moving the hot air would at least make some sort of difference. It's very stagnant. Needless to say, it's a relatively miserable experience. However, I don't really have much of a choice. 3. TV - yah, this "complaint" is relatively low on my list, but it would be nice to have TVs on each machine instead of three on the wall. Reading the closed captioning isn't ideal, but like I said, I can deal with this one. Actually, I've chosen to live with all of the negatives because it's too convenient not to. I just wish the experience was a little more enjoyable each day!

My number one brunch spot in Chicago! Right in front of the…read morecrown fountain. On mother's day weekend We walked in around 12:30 pm and were immediately seated on the patio, surrounded by beautiful purple tulips, it was the perfect setting. The food was absolutely amazing, and the coffee was unlimited, rich and flavorful. Our server, Jake, was incredibly helpful and made the experience even better. Don't miss the crème brûlée it was perfectly done and full of flavor. I'll definitely be coming back. A must-visit spot for brunch lovers! Thank you Jake

This is a new and much needed business In the area. The Cage is an indoor baseball/softball…read moretraining facility in Portage Park, that helps kids with pitching, hitting and fielding as well as physical fitness. Jesus and Jason really know what they are doing and they both work hard to give all players what the skills they need to succeed in the sport. There is decent amount of space for a place within the city and the rates are very reasonable. They make the experience not only rewarding but fun for the players they work with, and you can really see the difference in the kids they work with. Great place with great people. I'd you are lo ok I go for a place to get some swings in on the northwest side definitely give this place a look.

Awsome place and good coaches I used a Groupon here back in 2018 and got my money worth. Wish I…read morelived closer. A good way to get into crossfit.

Love this place!! I took the chance and purchased the Groupon offer and there are no regrets. The…read morecoaches did a personalized intro session to start and then offered one-on-one instructions during classes. The classes were engaging and difficult (in a good way!) The coaches are amazing motivators and took time to check in and help with the movements each class. The trainers are willing to spend time with you, almost like having a personal trainer. They definitely take the time to get to know you and customize the workout to your fitness level. The classes were welcoming to all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels. It was a very welcoming and tight knit community. I would still be there if I didn't move!

This gym is located on UC's campus and I believe you must be affiliated with the University to be a…read moremember here, but I could be wrong. Like most gyms, it really depends on what time you come to decide if you can get in a solid work out or not. Not a lot of free weights, machines are placed together in a haphazard way; not conducive to sets unless leg and bicep day is on your workout schedule. Squat racks and smith machines are plenty, but usually taken by UC athletes who are deadlifting. Equipment is in okay shape. There are spray bottles and towels available to ensure things are sanitized - in theory, that is. Here is my challenge with this gym: there are numerous signs reminding obtuse college students to wash their hands, practice basic human hygiene, wear appropriate clothing and shoes etc. Do you think anyone adheres to these rules? No. This is the smelliest gym I have EVER been to. EVER. Students are barefoot, in flip flops, wearing jeans - which to me just screams lawsuit (and a yeast infection) waiting to happen. At the end of the day, if you are a student here, this is probably an awesome place to work out - athletic 20 year olds, decent equipment, and lots of signs you won't read. As a grown up spending real money to work out here - try and come in the middle of the morning as you will miss out on all the annoyances.

The Gerald Ratner Athletic Center stands out amongst the neo-Gothic architecture of the University…read moreof Chicago thanks to its impressive contemporary design by noted architect Cesar Pelli in collaboration with local architecture firm OWP/P (now Cannon Design). The curvy rooflines and the spiky structural steel masts make their mark upon the northwest corner of the U of C campus. The Ratner includes facilities for swimming, basketball, and assorted workout facilities. The central atrium holds a sports Hall of Fame that includes the first Heisman Trophy, won by Maroon football hero Jay Berwanger.

I have hosted several corporate gatherings at Killerspin House and it's the perfect location for a…read moremix of networking, team building, and any speaking portion you may need. We were able to bring in a bartender and food, utilize the table tennis areas, and the A/V system. It's a wonderful experience working with this great staff, too!

What a unique space and idea for an event. Almost as if your basement grew up and added a few more…read moretables. I was there for an event and found it endlessly entertaining to watch people of all levels ping pong away. They even had some Pro's on staff in order to help you perfect your game. Apparently they offer lessons and memberships to those that love the sport.