Mixed Feelings :Great Start in Adult Group Level 1, But Disappointed in Level 2…read more I was genuinely excited to enroll in Level 2 swim lessons this year after having such a positive experience in Level 1. My coach in Level 1 was amazing,patient, encouraging, and I truly felt like I was learning and growing as a swimmer. Unfortunately, my Level 2 experience didn't live up to those expectations. On the first day, I was assigned to a coach , and it quickly became clear that he didn't have a structured plan in place. There were only two of us in the session, yet I felt like the other swimmer received the bulk of the attention. As someone who's still very much a beginner and working through things like fear of the deep end, I felt unseen and uncomfortable. Building trust and rapport in a learning environment like this is essential,and I didn't feel like that was prioritized. That said, I did appreciate that he introduced side swimming, which was a new and useful skill for me. So there were some moments of learning! During the second lesson, there was a new coach . Once again, I had to re-explain my swimming background. He was kind and acknowledged that he hadn't been given any info about the students beforehand, which explained some of the confusion. He reassured me that I belonged in Level 2, but I still felt mostly overlooked during the session as the more advanced swimmers got the majority of his attention. Because of these experiences, I ended up missing the final two classes;one due to travel, and the other because I just didn't feel comfortable returning. I didn't see the value in making up the missed session given how things had gone. While I'm grateful for the strong foundation I got in Level 1, my experience in Level 2 left me frustrated and disappointed. I'm sharing this review in hopes that the program improves communication as I emailed them my experience 07/06/2025 and haven't received any response yet and support for all swimmers, especially those still building confidence in the water.

The star rating is specifically for the portion of class I was able to attend. The class itself was…read moregreat, but the hassle and difficulty of getting/parking around here would make this otherwise a one star rating, as you can read below. I've been wanting to get my baby into swim lessons since about the time she was six months old, but just didn't get to it until now. They do offer infant lessons, so I signed up. I don't know that we'll be at the pool a lot, but I also recently started bathing her in the tub, and I want her to be safe there as well and decided it was time. Lakeside may be the closest swim option to us since it's maybe 10 minutes from my home and I've heard good things. I was really pleased that I was able to get in so easily--my friend is taking her son to swim lessons at another, more well-known brand of swim school, and it took her several weeks on the wait list to get in. The price is the best I've seen, and it's easy to register--I have been able to register just a few days before the class I wanted to attend, and for the baby lessons I didn't have to sign up for a month in advance or specific number of classes, which is a huge bonus. The instructor, Josie, was nice. I enjoyed our class a lot; it was small and the instructor was able to give us attention. The baby wasn't sure about being in the water, and got upset a bit (especially just as we were getting in), but she calmed as the lesson continued. The teacher sang some songs so we could bounce and sway and twirl. She showed me some techniques for getting the baby acclimated to the water and to entering the pool, and getting the baby's legs kicking (though she wasn't real keen on kicking at that point). I actually wanted to take adult swim lessons here too since they offer them. Unfortunately, as great as it was, I just can't continue paying $25-30 per class when out of the two we've signed up for, I've only been to half of one of them. Because of the parking (see further down), we weren't here until about halfway through the lesson, and the second class I signed up for we missed altogether though I left 20+ minutes early. By the time we got there, got her swim ready, and started heading toward the pool it just wouldn't be possible for me to get in with her in my arms for the last 10 minutes of class. And maybe it's still the pregnancy hormones but I was fighting back tears. So even though the class is easy to get into and the class size is great, I don't think that Lakeside works for me because I don't generally have time in the morning to leave an hour before class to make sure we can find parking. If I was in walking distance, this would hands down be my choice. Logistically, the address listed for the swim school is the Edgewater Athletic Club address, which for some reason is the Granville side. But don't let that fool you because the entrance is about halfway down the block on the Kenmore side of the building. The Edgewater Athletic Club has no access on the Granville side of the building. There's some parking across the street, though the lot is tiny and can be really hard to get parked into (it's a little narrow). The lot has 14 spaces, of which one is a disabled spot, shared with several businesses. But the lot is terrible. It's too small to have cars parked in straight, as it's currently designed, though I know they do it because it allows for more cars than diagonal parking does. But the parking lot isn't even wide nights three cars would fit if parked bumper to bumper, so getting in and out is not for the faint of heart (and if you don't like parallel parking this would probably stress you out). I waited for another car to leave so that I could pull out more easily since they came out a couple minutes after we got into the car. In theory, there's lots of street parking, which one may think would easier when Loyola is out since the dorms are only a couple blocks away but you'd be wrong. I've never seen apartment buildings with driveways in Chicago the way they are in this area; along Kenmore almost all of them have them, so what you think may be a spot is actually the driveway for apartment parking. I can't help but wonder if some of the cars belong to students who don't move them often. And if the parking is that bad in the morning, I think it would be worse in the evening so I think I need to continue looking for adult lessons, too.

Great coaching staff! Great team! I know several families who have been involved with this…read moreprogram and absolutely love it!!

Coach Stephens and his group are committed to the kids. My daughter has been with the team for 3…read moreyears now and loves it. They work hard and it shows in the results. They train in the UIC pool making it an ideal central location in the city. For those kids who are not ready for the team but want to learn to swim, they offer a lesson program for all ages. Check them out, class sizes are small and they fill up fast.

Strongly recommend, particularly for a first time swimmer, if you have access to a pool…read more Had an amazing experience with Coach Michael. We were able to get access to a pool for the summer through our HOA. Within just a few lessons, our 1.5 year old is way more comfortable. He used to hate any water over his face or ears, and now he can go underwater for 3-4 seconds no problem! Michael's patient but persistent approach ensures we make steady progress without pushing our son too far. Looking at prices for group lessons at Goldfish, these 1:1 lessons at our desired location are only 2x more, which feels like a deal.

First swim class is amazing! They were able to work with me to do private lessons for my 18 month…read moreold and 4 year old. Coach Luie is the best. My son did not like being in the water at first and cried for the first several lessons. Coach Luie was so patient with him and made sure that he built trust. My daughter loves him and looks forward to every lesson. She progressed fast thanks to Coach Luie. They make class fun by singing songs, playing games, and learning techniques in a way that kids can understand "scooping icecream" with your hands. The class makes sure they learn safety in the water. I would highly recommend them.

I admit I'm not training for a Triathalon...I'm training for something much more difficult, zipping…read moreup my pants! This is a fantastic boutique gym. I've wavered for a long time whether to join, having enjoyed XSport very, very much. However, Well Fit is great even if you're not training for a triathlon! The gym is clean, very friendly, always available. You never must worry about getting to a machine or weights. Remember, they don't have a lot of "machines" which is the beautiful thing. I've learned that using free weights and a ball or whatever helps you get in shape much more quickly. The staff is just fantastic, I mean the BEST. Sharon the owner always has a smile and a word of encouragement, as does Keith and the rest of the staff. The members are fantastic. They are courteous and kind, friendly and thoughtful. There are no egos which overwhelm here. It's worth it to join here for the cleanliness of the facilities, the friendliness and knowledge of the staff, and the tremendous members who make it a warm and inviting gym. With those factors, it makes you want to go to the gym more often!!!! GREAT VALUE! Sharon...longer hours would be nice!

Excellent experience with Coach Ted. Good facility. Next time I'll try the altitude room.read more

Isabella was so patient with both of our boys. They absolutely loved her and gained a ton of…read moreconfidence in the water!

Gina B. is an excellent swim instructor! She is warm, patient, kind, and made our infant feel…read morecomfortable during her very first swim lessons. She was always punctual and came prepared with toys and equipment that made each lesson engaging and fun. Her sweet personality and calm energy immediately put both baby and parents at ease. You can truly tell she loves working with children, and we're so grateful for such a positive first swimming experience. Highly recommend!

I've been swimming with the Chicago Smelts for more than seven years. And for seven years, the…read moreSmelts have been a second family. I've seen countless friendships forged and have even attended a few Smelts weddings--including a couple who met on the team. I've also seen people across ages, swimming abilities, socioeconomic backgrounds, geographic, ethnic and religious backgrounds come together to swim and cheer each other on. We have hardcore competitive athletes and causal fitness swimmer who come to practices when they can. They've all been welcomed and, generally, treated with respect. We have a big team, but it doesn't feel that way. The camaraderie exists at the lane level and the team level. You can be as involved as you want--whether simply attending practices from time to time or helping plan the annual pride parade decorations. The only expectation is that you be nice and swim. I mean, you need to know how to swim and follow lane etiquette, but let's start with you joining us for a practice. Pop by and decide for yourself if you want to join. Hope to see you there!

Wow a 1 star review and the things said in that review are extremely upsetting. First off if you…read moreneed to mention the word insecure 4 times in a review it makes me question how insecure they may be themselves. I am an aquatic professional and not only have I been a part of a few masters swim teams I have also been in charge of a few. The biggest thing about the chicago smelts is how unique they are. Here are few interesting facts about the Smelts: 1. Most masters teams are a program within a club, gym, YMCA, etc. Smelts is it's own entity 2. It is a non profit organization. It is not about making money and if any money is left over we always give back to the community. New lane lines to an out door pool we frequent, money to help with the swim team at Gill park, donation made to other local charities. We even do fundraising at events to help raise extra money for this reason. 3. It is run by volunteers. Everyone who coaches puts their time and energy in for the team. it is run by a board of members and not one single coach is paid. This means they do it because they love it. It's not just another job for them. 4. It's a family. Lots of teams I've seen it's people paying for a service. You go in, get your coached workout and then leave. That's it. Do not expect that from this team. There are some pretty close connections with the members of this team. Best friends formed, marriages, etc. have been created through this team. Some people rely on the friends they have found on this team as if they were family. There are always non sponsored events happening. Once a month a group of people plan a monthly 5K. Do we always get along with everyone, NO. Why should you. There are a ton of people on this team and if everyone got along with everyone then I think we would have found world peace by now. Gill park is a park district pool we utilize but it is not ours. We have no control of how the locker rooms, showers, pool area is run. That is all up to the Chicago Park District. We do our best to try and help out. Remember the raising money I talked about earlier well that's helped pay for some of the improvements made in the facility. We do what we can to help out but in the end it's up to the City of Chicago. I have been on this team for about 6 years and never have I seen a group of committed individuals as this one here. when you talk about goals for state meets many people do not list their times as their goal but how many new people they can meet in the weekend. If you are looking for a team that has no passion, you just want to go in and out without making friends along the way, you want everything to be done for you and want nothing to do with anything that requires the littlest bit of your time and energy outside of the pool then this may not be the place for you. We are about living life, making friends, having fun, and enjoying adventures together.

Such a wonderful pool. Kid friendly. Shallow and deep end. Good for big kids and for small kids…read more The schedule is not regularly updated.

Such a hidden gem and lifeguards are really great. Lots of friendly kids & families + a lap lane…read morefor adults all the time without having the kids to leave the pool. Very deep so kids can dive & jump also a large size shallow end.

This is a fantastic technique! I'm so glad I found it. It is gentle and very effective at pulling…read moreout all the tension and counteracting the hours I spend on the computer each day. It has done wonders for the lingering injuries in my shoulders, neck, and arms. It gives me strength and alignment. I feel great after each session. I have been going to Stretch Chi for about a year now. I would give it more than five stars if I could.

Carrie is awesome, she is very knowledgeable and focused. I really appreciated our convo taking a…read moreholistic approach towards my goals. it's stiffness, exercise, diet, rest, etc. I highly recommend her for those seeking an excellent body work specialist.