Great gym. Very gay, but welcoming to all. Steamroom and sauna. Good price for Chicago. Great energy: busy, but never overful or cramped. LOTS of open space. All solid, new equipment, friendly staff and clientele. 2 very large adjoining workout areas: 1 for free weights and cables; the other for machines, more dumbbells and benches, big turf area, etc. Separate stretching room (with walls and door), with mats, rollers, etc, and 1- to 8-pound weights for light stuff. The deck is 2 feet away, and stretching out there is encouraged, including bringing out ot the matts, etc. Many people take advantage when it's nice, leaving unlimited space. Not much waiting: the usual few choke points: barbell benches and (to a lesser extent) the cablec rossovers (where you need both.) Way more dumbbell benches than most gyms this size, all adjustable to incline/flat. 12-15 cable stations, always a few open. Group classes included, with large spin room and vert big class studio. Pool. Roof deck. Everything included: towels in 3 sizes, including shower size, soap, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryer, etc. Built in combo lockers, so you never bring a lock. I was very happy using trainer Troy Myree. (See below on great offer.) All the other trainers seem excellent (watching them with clients.) Very cleaning including spotless locker room. I'm satisfied enough to commute 1.5 miles with no car. (Bike except very cold winter or wet, then bus.) --- WHEN JOINING OR CONSIDERING: They officially give you 1 free workout, but I asked my sales rep for more to try it at different times, and she happily gave me 3. (I let her know I was definitely joining LVAC or FCC, and wanted to try them both a few times. That was true, and LVAC was an easy call. (About half the price, much better energy and clientele. FCC is over a mile closer to me, but I still picked LVAC.). Take advantage of the 1-time joining offer of 3 personal trainer sessions very cheap. (They offered to anyone for a short window 9 months later.) read more

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"Central air conditioning" should probably be removed from the amenities list because it's broken more often than it works. Today it was 69° outside, yet 83° on the third floor and probably near 90° on the fourth. For the price of this membership, consistent AC and basic communication shouldn't be too much to ask. There are rarely updates, notices, or even apologies when it happens. If you enjoy workouts that feel like a sauna session and leaving the gym looking like you fell into a pool, this place may be the gym for you. read more

Horrible pilate classes. You never know what the class is going to consist of. I went to one class the other day and we stood up on our feet and did 20 minutes of lifting weights . Most classes you spend a lot of time with weights....that is not classic pilates. If they would just label the class fusion....then you would know what you're walking into. The whole thing is if you want to work with weights go to a weight class. Another time I asked an instructor about the class she was going to teach and she said she likes using weights because her arms need the work. Could not believe what I heard. I have complained but it goes no where. read more

Not a safe gym! Especially the men's locker rooms (steam room and sauna). Staff were not helpful.

Tighter guest policies and the elimination of the app rewards program have led to a decrease in the rating of this gym. Although the facilities and classes are good, the new regulation of only allowing guests to get the passes (only first-time visitors in the region) has left the membership value of the previous members with the points-based rewards quite low. read more

This gym is honestly frustrating if you care about getting an efficient, quality workout in. It feels like members are an afterthought. There's basically only one of most machines, so no matter what time you go, you end up waiting around. Even during non-peak hours, equipment is constantly occupied because the gym doesn't have enough variety or quantity. During busy times, the wait becomes ridiculous, especially if you have responsibilities outside the gym and can't spend hours there. The problem gets even worse because the gym doesn't enforce any rules around cellphone use on equipment. People sit on machines scrolling through their phones while others wait, and staff does not care. What makes it more annoying is how much space is wasted. There are large empty areas throughout the gym, plus a rock climbing wall that is completely unused -- I haven't seen anyone on it since joining in December 2024. That space could easily be used for additional equipment that members actually need. On top of that, most of the front desk staff come across as unfriendly and disengaged. Half the time they don't even look up from their phones when people walk in or leave. For the price, this place just doesn't deliver. If you're going to deal with overcrowding, poor service, and long waits, you might as well save yourself $50-60 a month and join Planet Fitness instead. read more

This is, by far, the worst gym in Chicago. Their hours are so incredibly limited that it's difficult to use the gym. Why?? Also It's very, very poorly maintained. Members constantly complain to the staff and they don't do anything to address concerns. This place is absolutely terrible. Don't join. read more

Out of all the athletic club gyms that I have visited, I would have to say this one is my least favorite. Don't get me wrong the front desk is always welcoming but the layout sends me. There are a total of 4 floors that are all equally crowded but then again I've usually come around noon. The yoga classes are phenomenal. Lauren Twombly is the absolute best, and with the scenic views of the studio especially when the sun hits just right it is truly an experience. I wish the jacuzzi was just a little bigger as it can tend to get crowded but I always enjoy myself. I have the student pass for $65 a month with access to all locations before 4pm, and with my seasonal depression this has saved me!!!! I'm a bit confused on why the rock climbing is closed and why I was yelled at when attempting to explore this new hobby. Also no parking! read more

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Their intake yeam ghosted me last week. I got confirmation emails. Several in fact. I showed up for my appt on time and there was no one there to assist. I never even got a follow-up read more

The place has nice amenities and location. As for the staff, not so much. Some of the front desk employees aren't very friendly both over the phone and in person. If you don't like working in customer service, find somewhere else to go! read more

Be wary of their cancellation policy, which is terrible. When I cancelled (6 months ago), I was told over the phone that it was cancelled, but when checking my credit card statement, they were still debiting my CC, because they ALSO require written notice (which was never explained at the time of cancelling). And they will not refund the $500 back to me. read more

Honestly had gone downhill this year. New crowd after XSport closed really killed it. There's not enough machines, it stays dirty, people wearing shoes and their dirty clothes in the steam room with headphones and phones blaring. You would expect improvements with the I flux of memberships but you'd be better off going to planet fitness read more

UPDATE The trainers need to learn proper spacing. Having a female positioned so she is staring at my crotch when I'm trying to workout is insanely triggering and makes me so uncomfortable. The trainer repositioned her for one set and I thought "Oh! It's nice to see consideration for other members trying to workout with the only spot open as an option." AND THEN SHE REPOSITIONED HER BACK TO THE ORIGINAL SPOT!! All while having this person take up over 6 ft of space in an area that is overstuffed since spatial awareness doesn't appear to be a concept they can grasp. A member with a trainer's workout and time are NOT more important than other members who do not have a trainer. So unprofessional and deeply concerning. Wtf Horrible. Equipment from early 2000. Overcrowded. Rude staff and trainers. One has been overheard loudly expressing their very conservative views in a historically LGBT+ area and gym. No updates. Just awful. Would be great if another company came in and setup a gym in this area. It would kill as most people only come here because it's the only option. How do you not have a shoulder press machine? The gym appears to have been setup to try and become a personal trainer focused/group class gym. read more

As far as gyms go, it's fine. It has all the basic equipment you're looking for. There are three main issues that I have with the gym: 1. The hours at the gym are very short. They close at 9PM most nights (or earlier), but they start banging on trash cans (figuratively) chasing you out about 30 minutes before that. So everyone has to work out between 5:30 and 8:30 and you'll often see people wandering around looking for available equipment because everything is being used. If they stayed open until 10 or 11, it would be a much better experience overall. 2. It's small and crowded. You'll never get a cable machine and you'll frequently find that the most common sizes of weights are never available. And, for every person exercising, there's another person taking up a machine but just socializing or on their phone. It makes it very hard to plan out a workout in advance. You're at the mercy of what's available. 3. Minor facilities issues. The cardio room is on the 4th floor which is full of windows that get afternoon sun and the air conditioning doesn't really work on that floor. So, it frequently gets above 80º in the summer which makes that room almost unusable. And, the showers and steam room are kinda dingy and need to be redone. Overall, it's a good gym but its hours and size make it inconvenient. read more

I visited this club a half hour ago today December 30 at around 8:25 am. I asked if I could see someone in Sales the lady at front desk said they're not there till nine. I asked if I could just be shown around so I could look at so we don't waste each other's time she you have to buy a guest pass to do that it's $30. I said to see club I'm not gonna work out I want to I see it not to waste each other's time she said no it's $30. These people need to realise the only reason that they're there is because we are there and when we're not there there's no reason for that staff to go to work. Carefully read all the reviews online. You'll be sure and not go to this club ever again and I certainly will never recommend it. read more

I visited June 14th with my daughter who is a member. Both front desk employees rudely stopped us and pushed a waiver towards me to fill out. No problem w/ filling out a waiver as I was interested in touring the facilities. She also informed my daughter she would have to use a guest pass for me to look at the facility. I kindly declined. Not interested in joining facility w/ rude front desk employees. No excuse for curt behavior period. read more

Like many others, originally joined the gym to "get into shape" 9 months before my wedding. Super easy process to get signed up, opportunity for month to month or an annual fee which was a $10 monthly difference. Not sure if that still holds a post covid but nevertheless. My now husband and I came to the gym to use their indoor and outdoor pools, group classes, and cardio equipment. All in all, pretty average gym. They offer spinning, Zumba, les mills classes, boxing, yoga, etc. these classes are pretty full most times but they offer quite a few throughout the day. Since covid, the app has been a nice enhancement to get signed up and hold you accountable. Cardio equipment is new enough and abundant. Machines and free weights are also new and abundant. There isn't a lot of free space to stretch or use hand weights unless there isn't a class going on, then that studio is available. We even would go later in the Evening to practice our dancing in the studios! Since covid, they are taking good precautions, sending out surveys and implementing changes based on feedback. They stopped charging when the gym wasn't allowed to be open as well. I think it's a pretty good gym albeit super crazy after the new year. Should be interesting to see how things change post covid. read more

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Love everything about Lakeview Athletic club. Especially morning classes. They lift up my mood. :) read more

The AC never works on the upper floor (mainly 3rd). The associates at the front desk deny the problem as they sit in the working AC on the 1st floor. Today it was 86 degrees on the 3rd floor and that is not uncommon even when it's hot out. read more

I was there this morning December 30 around 8:25 am. I asked if I could please speak to somebody in sales they said they don't arrive until nine. I could make an appointment. I said could someone show me around now as to not waste each other's time later. I said I don't wanna work out she said it will be a $30 fee. You'll have to buy a guest pass I said I'm just looking around she said it's $30. I would never recommend this Gym to any person. If you read the reviews on any of the sites online you will see as well. They could care less about their clients and the community. I would recommend them to look in the mirror and realise the only reason that they are there is because we are there and if we don't visit, there's no reason for them to go to work. David Jenson's read more

Joined Lakeview athletic club mainly because I'm a swimmer and I needed an indoor pool to swim in during the winter. I enjoyed their amenities but I feel like there are a few things that I disliked about this gym that made me reconsider my membership. 1. The complimentary soap and shampoo smelled nauseating and so I had to bring in my own 2. The weights area seemed chaotic and unorganized 3. The staff members were not as accommodating as I hoped (my AirPods accidentally fell in between the stairs and they asked me to come back in a few days for a repair man to come when it was not necessary since it was retrieved easily) their attitude towards me felt as if I was a major inconvenience to them when I tried to be as polite as possible. 4. Cancelling my gym membership was very inconvenient because the application process took two weeks and they had to charge me an extra month still (even when I cancelled before the next pay cycle) which is straight up robbery. I will say that the sauna is nice and that they have a lot of activities and amenities available for members to utilize. The pool was relaxing (and so was the hot tub) I wish I could've made it during the summer when they had the rooftop open! With the membership I was also granted access to their sister clubs at different locations in Chicago. This gym isn't the best but isn't the worst either, I don't like to rate businesses at 3 stars but I have to be completely transparent since people are investing a pretty good penny for a gym membership at Lakeview athletic club. Cheers! read more

Excellent gym great facilities pool included, large selection of classes fun and expert instructors !

Can confirm that the AC on the 3rd floor still continues to not work - been months of an 80+ degree temp. Canceled membership and went somewhere else after months of no action from management. Very frustrating. read more

Ive been a member since 2019. The equipment is in fairly good condition, the staff are friendly, and it offers a wide variety of classes. cons: If you want to workout on a Monday, be prepared to wait as there isn't enough equipment for the # of members typically. Also, yesterday, my dad was visiting and has always been curious what my gym looked like, so I asked the front desk if I could walk him around, and I was told no and the only way to do would be to buy a $15 daily pass. I think a member should be free to give someone a tour (especially how rare that would ever happen) because if anything it would lead to potential new members. read more

only 3 stars because womens locker room showers are poorly cleaned and there is mold all over as of november 2024

Membership advisor Nate Hartges coerced me into signing memebership agreements without showing me what I was signing.

Out of all the CAC locations, Lakeview has by FAR the nicest showers, steam rooms, and saunas. Especially the showers. You feel as though you're taking a shower in a penthouse suite! Honestly there are times when I simply go in after work just to take a long, hot shower. In addition, the 4th floor has an incredible set of treadmills and ellipticals facing open windows overlooking Halstead Street. The pool and hot tubs are great as well (although personally I prefer the ones at Lincoln Park), and the studios for yoga, Pilates, and spinning are all the usual standard for CAC. ** Comparatively, the workout area is quite small, and feels a bit cramped. It's often crowded as well, and equipment can be scarce. (Hence the -1 Star) If you're coming to pump iron, consider a different location (if you're a membership allows you to visit different gyms) read more

Lakeview Athletic Club - Gyms Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It's a shame because this gym has the potential to be great but it falls far short. Problem one is the staff. They are quite frankly standoffish at best and surly as worst. I recently had one staff member chase me around the shower and peer into my shower stall with me naked (yes really) because it was close to closing time and he apparently really wanted to go home. The second issue is hours. The gym closes at 9pm on weekdays which is not standard practice for a big city gym. Every other gym in Lakeview pretty much is 24 hours or open until at least 10pm on weekdays. This gym shortened its hours during Covid and never went back to reasonable hours. The facilities could truly be great with the two pools, etc., but unfortunately the short hours and frequently unpleasant staff make this gym subpar. read more

Huge selection of classes included with membership. I go to both this location and Lincoln Park location. Excellent Instructors that give modifications for all levels. Easy to take classes back to back. The team is constantly cleaning and adding fresh towels. The locker rooms have small plastic bags if gear gets too wet. All studios have ear plugs for sensitive ears like mine. Mobile app super easy to book classes within 24 hours. True sense of community. Rooftop pool in summer is one of the best kept secrets in the neighborhood. This gym is the best value in the city. I have been an active member for two years. Chicago Athletic Clubs changed my life for the better. read more

I absolutely love the Lakeview location! I obtained my gym membership two years ago. I immediately fell in love with this gym. It is really huge, they have indoor and outdoor pools, a lot of classes on the schedule to choose from. The membership I have gives me access to all locations and everything they offer. The instructors are great and some classes are getting super crowded. The AC is a big issue in the summer though. It doesn't really cool the rooms and working out gets challenging. The membership policies seem very clear. Two months ago I had to freeze my membership for one month due to a surgery. Everything went very smooth. The freezing process was explained to me very clearly.There were no issues whatsoever. I wish I lived closer so I can go mainly to this location but at this point the Lincoln Park and the Wicker Park gyms are more convenient for me when it comes to distance. I recommend this gym to everyone who is a gym enthusiastic and likes to stay active. read more

I love this gym! I recently walked threw the gym after they opened for the first time after quarantine to see how things have changed, and they certainly have. People are always wearing a mask even during a workout and a class! The gym has adjusted group classes to only ten members per class and mask required! Classes are still excellent but accommodate the new lifestyle off wearing a mask! Locker are spacious and air purifers are all over including the locker rooms. Machines or work out equipment are spread out for social distancing. All and all this is a great clean fitness club anyone of my all time favorites! I'm glad they are open. read more

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I never would have imagined that I could be this enthusiastic about a gym. I have been a member of LVAC since my move to Chicago, and I have probably spent more time here than any other specific place in Chicago except for my office and my apartment. They have basically everything I could want. A large number of well-maintained cardio machines; a big room of free weights that is never empty, but usually not too jammed; good internet and a nice, sun-filled lobby to do a little work before and after a workout; and they connected me with an excellent personal trainer, Mark Perales. I'm no expert in gym cultures, but LVAC seems to be very low drama, with lots of people just here to exercise without getting in one another's way (and yet tolerant of the inexperienced). Sure, over the years I've been a member I have had occasional gripes -- the weekend and holiday hours can be a little short; I'd like more caffeinated options in the vending machines; and I've never fully accepted the new turf in the weight room -- but I have these gripes in a familiar, memberly way. This is the first time I've been such a frequent gym visitor as to even have strong views about some of these things. And that is perhaps the ultimate mark of how important LVAC is to my life. read more

Amazing gym, with lots of equipment and space. I love that they offer a variety of classes!

I visited here with a friend a few weeks ago. I was very impressed from the moment I walked in. The lobby is very beautiful and welcoming, and the front desk staff give off a calm vibe. We first went to the women's locker room to get ready for swimming. The locker room is very clean and a big plus side for me is that you dont need to bring your own lock! Each locker has a lock that you choose your code when you get there and set it yourself. Genius! The pool was pretty quiet on a Monday afternoon and we shared one lane. There were maybe three other people swimming at the same time as us. Everything looked really clean and the hot tub was great. The best part of the locker room was the shower. There is shampoo, conditioner and body soap and a beautiful waterfall shower. There are always tons of white fluffy towels and they did not feel like they had been used a million times. I was very pleased with my experience and if it were closer to my home I would definitely be a member. read more

We are in the HEAT of summer. Fix your AC. A gym should be COOL...not hot and muggy. Equipment is good. But working out with little to zero air conditioning is NOT what i signed up for. read more

I, soon will be renewing my membership for the third year at the Lakeview Athletic Club. Below are some assessments of Chicago Athletic Club's LVAC health club. Greeted by a well mannered/ friendly staff, very modern and open waiting areas. The cleaning staff is often cleaning the public areas, cleaning the workout machines, free weights and making sure the towels and the other amenities such as shampoo, conditioner and body wash are always stocked. They need a big need a big shot out for keeping this club well maintained. Locker room: lockers (with built in locks) are available and cleaned. Weight room: Well light room with all of the free weights and equipment you may need. Machine room: Great size of room with plenty of stretching areas without interrupting other members. The area is very well planned out with the appreciate machines grouped together for a great workout. If a machine is out of order, which is rare, it generally fixed within a day or two depending on the situation. Cardio area: Phenomenal!! There are plenty of various cardio equipment such as rowing machines, cycles, Stairmasters, elliptical. I have never had to wait for a machine. I avoid the prime time (5pm - 7pm). Pool area: very well lit and clean. I have attended several water workouts. WOW... great workout. The pool and hot tub have always been at the appropriate temperature... for my taste. Throughout the facility, there are plenty of wipes cloths and towel stations. Goal for the third year is attend some of the classes and try the rock climbing wall. Again, the above have been my experience and observations. Overall, I have been very happy and satisfied with Chicago Athletic Club organization. It is also great that you can check out other facilities (depending on membership plan). Check with the membership staff for the best plan/rate for you. You get what you pay for. read more

Had to take away a star bc they seem to be getting a bit stingy. They used to have an app that rewarded you with points that could be redeemed for prizes - including guest passes, which I think normally cost $15. They deleted that portion of the app, but let users keep their guest passes. I brought a guest recently, and was told that I'm no longer allowed to bring guests who have been to the gym before. It's only for local, first time guests. The facilities and classes are still great, but really don't like this new rule/enforcement of an old rule. ‍ read more

Most of my previous review/thoughts still hold, but given that we're still in a pandemic reality an update seems called for... Unfortunately, I'd say the gym is doing WORSE when it comes to enforcing ANY policies. Sure, no one ever enforced the posted cell phone policy (re: using only in the lobby), the posted slam-ball policy (re: using only in the stairwell), or the equipment usage/cleaning policies to name a few, but there was a hot minute when staff would occasionally check to see that COVID-related policies were being adhered to (and that minute has seemingly come and gone). Just today I witnessed a guy changing his clothes--maskless--in the 3rd floor workout area. I would normally call someone out for such ridiculous and disrespectful behavior--even though he was a good 25+ feet away from me, but just wasn't in the 'cross the gym and confront someone' headspace today (and somehow no one else was either, even though a good few peeps were much closer to him...). Were he closer to me I wouldn't have hesitated regardless of my mood. Quite a few times in the past weeks peeps have been talking on their phones w/o masks, a good many STILL don't know how to choose/wear a mask (e.g. nose out, mask folded or secured to sit just below their lower lip, poorly fitting, etc), and grabbing a gulp of water has evolved into "now I can breathe maskless for a minute" for some. These are all things the gym's staff should be noticing and curtailing, but no obvious effort is being made (all the while the gym is aggressively courting new members). Heck, the glaring mask fit/positioning issues should be caught at the front desk...and I've provided feedback regarding all or related examples of the above multiple times...but little changes. I DO comprehend that the gym is understaffing to save some $, but the resultant shortfalls--if only when it comes to effectively communicating safety-specific direction, clarity, and oversight to create a safer environment--are inexcusable. There was also a time when cleaning staff were present and in high gear, but now we're relegated to a random bucket of wipes, a bunch of washcloths accompanied by cross-contaminated/leaky spray bottles, and mostly uncleaned and sporadically filled hand sanitizer dispensers. And what the heck's going on with the mostly absent music these days?! And that phone on the 3rd floor that doesn't ring to the front desk? And that trainers aren't empowered or held responsible to at very least politely correct policy-breaking behaviors and/or to report them in real time?? I could go on, but I'm already writing a novel...so... I also understand that most--if not all--of us are seriously exhausted and/or over pandemic-related restrictions. Also that many STILL somehow underestimate the seriousness of COVID (and at the same time remain ignorant of the myriad, long term, detrimental health-diminishing impacts that even the asymptomatic will experience). Nonetheless, none of these things is a good excuse for any of us to overlook any of the guidelines that have been put in place to ensure our and others' safety. Doubly sure it SUCKS to confront ignorant others when the gym is glaringly ignoring that responsibility, but it's in all of our best interests to help others help themselves (and us!) so we can all benefit from a safer exercise space. BOTTOM LINE: COVID-specific policies and procedures (among others) should be effectively and repeatedly communicated and enforced, and LVAC is doing neither. This gym talks a good game, but then drops the ball when it comes to following through--to the detriment of everyone. read more

I joined this gym in 2022, and it's the nicest gym I've ever joined. The women's locker room is so nice, and the lockers have built in locks so you don't have to worry about bringing your own lock. There is tons of space to work out, so I rarely feel squished or that I'm surrounded by other people. They have a ton of cardio machines. They have tons of weights and mats to use. I love going to Zumba classes when I can. It is a little pricey per month but they make it worth it! read more

For what you pay, you get a fairly good deal. The staff is friendly. The pool and surrounding gym is clean. My wife and I have never had a complaint about this place. read more