Midtown Athletic Club is truly more than just a fitness club--it's a community. From the moment you walk through the doors, you're welcomed by friendly, personable people who genuinely care about getting to know you and supporting your goals. Upon entering, Holly and the front desk team consistently greet you with a smile, and their positivity radiates. The instructors and trainers are exceptional; they bring so much knowledge, energy, encouragement, and personality to everything they do. Whether you're taking your favorite yoga or barre class (thank you Olga and Christine!), working with a trainer (Deanna is the best!), or are simply looking for motivation, there is always someone there to help you feel supported and challenged in the best possible way. People are encouraging, welcoming, and genuinely happy to see one another. And, it starts the minute you schedule your tour of the facility to see what the club has to offer. My husband and I weren't sure we were going to join, but after spending quality time with Gabi, we were sold. She asked thoughtful questions about our fitness journey and goals, while also making us feel like we were talking to a friend we had known for forever. We knew that showing up and staying committed to our fitness journey was something we were actually going to look forward to, and we weren't wrong! In addition to the exceptional staff, Midtown is a beautiful facility with wonderful amenities. Make sure to schedule a massage with Vanina, and take advantage of the resort like feel of the pools, hot tub, sauna and steam room after a long workout. Grab a meal, get work done in the library between classes, or lounge with a drink in your hand- whatever you're feeling, it's an option! Midtown is a wonderful place to pursue your fitness goals, grow stronger, and become part of a community that wants to see you succeed! read more

I've been a member for two years. The front staff, instructors and cleanliness 5 stars. The pool, locker rooms and class schedule drop the overall "luxury gym" experience to a 3 star club. This summer (as compared to summer 2025) the pool has been a park district experience and not "luxury" or "spa like". From Memorial Day to July 30th the water was cloudy (you could barely see the lap lines on the deep end) with green algae growing on the walls. I brought it to management's attention and they assured me it was safe to swim because they did a "chemical shock" at night. Finally they shut it down for a couple days and fixed whatever the problem was. Kids are going to be at the pool in summertime, I get that! But...there are kids running, screaming and crying from 10:00 on throughout the day with pool toys from home strewn about the deck and pool ledge. Outside food is not allowed, but I've seen families bring in literal picnic baskets and no one says a word. Food dropped or left all over and birds swooping in to pick it up. Gross. One time I was swimming laps and tweens hopped into the adult lap lane next to me and started their own private noodle fight. I was getting inadvertently sacked with noodles and leg kicks while I lapped. Lifeguards just sat there. Underage kids are always in the women's locker room. Always. I brought it to management's attention, but there's been no change. I didn't realize a mom and her three kids had walked in and were in the same area as me and when I turned around to get on my suit a ten year old boy's eyes almost popped out of his head. Ughhhhh! The class schedule is great with a ton of variety for all fitness levels, IF you can workout during the mornings (6-noon). If you can only go at night, there's potentially a single class in the afternoon (4:30/5 start time) for moderate athletes. No barre, yoga or Pilates mat offered at that time on any weekday. I have not brought that up with management because all other issues I've brought to their attention were ignored. read more

The water classes at Midtown are wonderful! I love both H20 Hit and Aqua Fusion. Caroline, Mary Beth, Daniella, and Stacy all have different styles. They all bring a lot of energy and I always get a great work out. The ladies are so great about knowing your name and making modifications, if needed. Thanks, ladies! Evelyn is also lovely, but I have only been to her class a couple of times because of my schedule. read more

My wife and I have been members since March and absolutely love the club. Gabi was wonderful to work with and very welcoming during our tour and ever since. Deanna has been awesome to train with and love that I have the service connection with her. read more

I really enjoy this gym. Yes it isn't cheap but I really feel I get what I am paying for. Staff is excellent. I would pay this much money just for access to Bridgette and Katya's boxing classes alone. Not to mention the gorgeous and clean facility, the lovely cafe, the weight room, and all the other classes and amenities. I never once have to fear I'll get ringworm or MRSA here cuz it is CLEAN! I came here from LA Fitness and this place blows it out of the water read more

I'm honestly disappointed with the level of service at this club. The staff attitude is very unpleasant from the kitchen to the front desk. In person they often come across as arrogant and not very welcoming, which is already uncomfortable for members. Today I also tried calling for help with a simple question, and the person on the phone refused to assist me. For a place with membership fees at this level, people expect a much higher standard of service and professionalism. It's frustrating that I can't even cancel my membership right now because it's the beginning of the month and refunds are not offered. Overall, the experience has been very disappointing. read more

After many times of going back and forth on joining, I am so glad that I did. My family and I love this gym! My daughter loves kidtown and I love the variety of things I can do here. There are a lot of classes to choose from, a basketball court, indoor and outdoor tennis/pickleball courts, areas with gym equipment, a cycling room and more. I especially love the PIlates Amped, 312, Zumba, boxing and Endure classes (mix of treadmill and strength exercises). You don't have to reserve a spot in the class in advance and there is no penalty for walking in late. I highly recommend checking out classes taught by Nikki! Kidtown is where kids can play for up to 2 hours every day while the parents get to do whatever they want at the gym. On top of exercising, this includes the ability to do work in the well-designed library, swim in their indoor and outdoor pools, relax in the hot tub, dry or steam sauna and simply being able to shower in peace. The outdoor pools have an area where the depth is 1.5 feet which is perfect for my toddler. I've never had a problem with the staff; all are friendly and helpful. I come here about 5/week. I hope to see you there! read more

Got busted out for wearing socks. Clouds offer what protection? The guy who busted me out was very professional in the way that he did it though. I forgot my shoes and was wearing boots. Nice guy and awesome gym but please relax a little to established members read more

This is proof that people do leave good reviews when deserved and its time I give credit to this place for turning my experience from once difficult into now "Amazing" Have been a longtime member of Midtown, originally in Willowbrook when I was married and live close to the Club. After divorce , I moved to the northburbs with the kids joined Midtown for several months, and ultimately had to move to Wisconisn. In moving I had a lot of trouble exiting the contract, but this was several years ago. When I moved back to Buffalo Grove in 2022 checked out other area fitness clubs, Sky Fitness, LA Fitness, etc... and yes Midtown in Palatine which is a 15 min drive. I was most impressed with Midtown again, the remodel was excellent, the new locker room, new steam room, outdoor pool is huge and amazing, the fitness equipment is new and always available and never overcrowded, the personal trainers are longterm employess of the company, and very professional and experienced as a result, the food in the cafe is affordable and delicious and the gals in the cafe work hard and are good cooks, the new work area with tables with ports for your equipment is set away from the cafe and worlkout area and perfect to work, eat, then head to workout, and it all starts with the entry desk. Nick and the girls upfront are truly amazing, always greeting everyone with a friendly smile upon when entering and exiting the facility, they give you a real sense of belonging..... I'm very happy that I rejoined Midtown, the experience far exceeded my expectations!!! read more

very expensive but it's a really great gym especially if you have kids (my kids love kidtown) and we really like the classes. My big gripe is that they just don't listen to members at all. They turned a very high quality hard wood basketball court into pickleball courts (which should be illegal). You can play pickleball at any gym, park, nursing home in the country so no one is going to pay the monthly membership fee to play pickleball at Midtown. we had a great group of basketball players there (which is really hard to find) and now they'll never return will never return. read more

Its an amazing club - filled with excellent instructors, great equipment, incredible restaurant and everything one could want in order to stay in shape, stay current, and enjoy all the workout possibilities. It has helped me recover from shoulder replacement surgery, knee replacement surgery and just elevates the recovery process. Thanks for your help Team. Marci read more

thoroughly disappointed that they got rid of some very good instructors. Michelle cycle class is one of them. And her Pilates class. Also Terry, her strength classes were phenomenal! It's a shame that the new management has to do this sort of thing. Their classes were always well attended. read more

The machines are fine here. The basketball court is ok. The pool and hot tub are great. The locker rooms are well attended. But the service overall is completely lacking for anything beyond a social club. The front desk and other attendants are polite but filled with apathy for actual customer service. After speaking with one of the GM's it's clear that it's a "top-down" issue. The local RECreation comPLEX is totally comparable in amenities and a steal at $25/$35 per month. The $140 per month savings over Midtown Palatine can literally pay for my own hot tub. Literally. Granted if I had my own hot tub it wouldn't be filled with scummy foam from the folks whom fail to shower before they get in the pool and I further wouldn't have to suffer the male Karen's conversations about what they think the problem with black people really is... I also wouldn't constantly find empty beer bottles in the spa and shower. Most of the people are nice. But that's pretty much everywhere. I thought here with the premium price I would get a better level of service. read more

I came in to check out the gym. I had the pushiest sales rep who kept asking and asking for a sale after I decided not to move forward. I have an extenuating circumstance that I had already explained to him. The gym still ended up charging my card when I already told the rep 3 days prior to cancel me out before the trial period ended. Do not recommend. read more

Good club to be a member at. Front desk girls are friendly. Cafe is great. Brandon in membership is fantastic at his job. Coach Mike in tennis. All around. read more

*Terrible *Customer service / MEMBERSHIP DEPT. horrible SERVICE WHAT A JOKE! Guy in membership needs a to be pushing a broom!! **TOTALLY DIFFERENT attitude AND customer service with LIFETIME ...15 mins down the road!! ** AND FOR ME I DONT CARE ABOUT TENNIS! LIFETIME** LIFETIME CHASE THE GENERAL MGR AT PALATINE DOESNT answer his calls! at 219. 00 per month - not a chance! Had to call midtown Bannockburn 847-945-1818 to file the complaint! I'll drive the 15 mins for Lifetime Lake Zurich they have great hours!!!!! read more

Recent website re-do, intentionally made unusable if you aren't a member. You have to call the the front desk to register for classes. And when you call them, they don't know how to enroll for classes. Very much intentional run around!! If they think this is a business strategy to get people to sign up for membership, nothing more needs to be said about their business! Terrible! Going to the park district.. read more

I recently rejoined Midtown and I'm so glad I did. I have never taken a boxing class but went to Michele O's Sunday morning class. It was the best time I've had exercising in a LONG time. She is one of the most encouraging instructors and really cared that I felt comfortable trying something new. She took the extra time after class to go over movements that would help me do well in the class. I'm so glad I've tried this and that she was the instructor that I went to, I will be attending more with her! I highly recommend any class she teaches. read more

I am a member at Midtown Palatine and it with sadness that I have to give this crappy review. We members are beyond frustrated with the ineptitude of the Palatine remodel as well as the level of service in a club that is promoted and charged as having "luxury amenities and cohesive community" - Let it be known that is NOT our experience and hasn't been since this remodel started. First of all, the construction workers should be parking as close to Hicks Road as possible, away from the doors and member vehicles, period. Second, why have the construction workers been sharing our club restrooms throughout this renovation? For commercial projects port-a-potties are the norm. It's been disgusting and these first two items are fixable today. Third, most of the club that has been touched by this remodel remains unsightly and incomplete, definitely not feeling luxurious. Fourth, the temporary entryway smells, no reeks of, mold. the rugs and sign with a weight holding the door open present trip hazards for the elderly and handicapped members. Fifth, there is limited space in our cafe yet at any given time someone with a Midtown uniform is set up and working like it's their office. Maybe when the project is complete, this would be appropriate, but not in what is billed a "luxury" experience. Six, back to the parking lot, the dumpster has been left in a spot that consumes 4 parking spots and is an eyesore. Most retail or commercial business build some sort of temporary barrier, usually covered in photos of the finished project saying sorry for the inconvenience, we're making improvements for you the member etc. to conceal all that ugliness. Every time anyone comes to the club we have to pass this mess. Again, this does not feel luxurious. The former handicapped spots are still marked as handicapped so they are unusable for regular members but they are too far away for handicapped individuals. Yesterday the power went out in the tennis area affecting CITA matches. Nobody from club management or member services addressed the issue. The club director basically hid in the back. Members who had courts reserved were not called to let them know they would not be able to get on their courts. The phones and call center either don't work or work so inefficiently that nobody can get through or takes forever and whoever picks up is clueless. One member literally was arguing with call center over what time it was because they are east coast apparently. We as guests of this "luxury" club are not valued. I am not sure how much longer this remodel is going on, but the problems are bigger than that. Management at Palatine does not know how to provide a "luxury" experience. They are incapable and not motivated to do so. Corporate cannot project manage their way out of a paper bag let alone achieve the end goal of a 'luxury' environment. Believe me I am not the only member who is distressed and discouraged by the hapless handling of this never-ending remodel. read more

if I could give 0 stars I would. The place is garbage staff service is ass. Soon you'll find out why it's even worse.

Terrible, I wanted to go to a nearby place with my son to play and they rejected me. It's a club, so nobody else can play here. Bummer

Signed up for the twelve 30 minute session fitness bundle with Tim M. I highly recommend it. This is In addition to my lap swimming. It's making g a big difference in my heart rate, stamina and core strength. Love Midtown. I think it's one of Palatine's best kept secrets. read more

They do not cancel your membership even after calling multiple times, having to come back multiple times because the one person that handles accounts only works a couple hours a week and you never know when that is. They will also close sections without notifying you. Avoid at all costs. Not worth it in the slightest. read more

Was a member for a few years . Rates for membership are crazy. Not worth it. Just reminds me of a place where white privileged women go to hang out. I believe they are at 142.00 a month now . Plus initiation fees of 150.00 read more

We love this gym been members for 2 years its clean has great variety of weight machines. Only thing is it seems classes are arranged around stay at home moms. I wish the club offered more early morning and evening classes for those who work. The bathrooms are very clean and I do enjoy not having to bring my own towels or lock! We love this gym. read more

Midtown Athletic Club - Gyms Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

it's really good! it has a sauna, gym, inside and outside pool, tennis courts, and other stuff

Due to covid many services are not available and many restrictions put in place we asked to be reimbursed because the dues are expensive ($300+) so they cancelled our membership. After more than 15 years going there this is the worst management we have seen, it is no longer the local friendly club. read more

I am a current member and want to quit. Overpriced. Woman's steam room repeatedly out of service with no alert at front desk or in locker room that its not working. Management is weak and not customer centric. The fitness class instructor strikes me as not listening to clients at all. I've never seen a survey from their management on what classes people want nor asking for feedback about the club. I wanted a personal trainer and the man they told me to call never even returned my call. I called the club manager to discuss my concerns and he promised to call me back and he didnt. I had to call him back. Just a joke. Once I sign up with a new club I will send a nice message to the owners telling them to get new management in Palatine. We're talking arrogant jellyfish characters who are used to paying a lot of lip service. read more

I've visited all the Gyms in Palatine and this one is by far the best. And you'll definitely pay for it, as its over $100 a month for a 1-person membership. But sometimes spending a lot more means you get a lot more, and its true. There are many perks, such as mordern locker rooms with complimentary towers and toiletries, seperate steam rooms for males and females, and full-featured showers with a color scheme that makes you feel like you're visiting a spa. The machines are modern, well maintained, and those made for cardio are each equipped with TVs. There is a full variety of weight machines, benches, and free weights; more than I've seen in other gyms. The best part is that there are so many machines that you never have to wait. As far as I know, this is the only club in the area that has both indoor and outdoor tennis courts, as well as indoor and outdoor pools. The outdoor pool is completely new and built on the edge of the forest preserve so its a very tranquil enviornment. I've never taken one of their classes but they come complimetary with membership, and there are a large variety of them. Their staff is also top-notch. They have been very friendly to me and are always walking the floor to help. Very informative with exercise information. The only downside is that given the price, the average age of the people going there must be 45+ (minus those on a family plan), and I feel like shit because everyone in the gym has a much more expensive car than me. Overall though, this gym seems worth the extra price. read more

I just joined the club and I am donating $155 monthly individual membership without being able to use the club (they also lock you into a 1-year contract). There are 0 virtual or on-site yoga classes (please compare to other similarly priced gyms with the same Covid restrictions in place, e.g. http://www.lakeshoresf.com/lincoln-park/fitness/group-fitness/). Even before Covid restrictions, their "mind and body" studio offered just a couple of "mind"-related classes a week, most classes were just regular fitness classes. I also tried to use the yoga studio by myself but they set the temperature to 60s or 70F at best, so the studio is unusable for yoga purposes. They also have tons of outdoor space they can creatively utilize for winter classes during Covid, but I guess if there is no will, there is no way... They have been also trying to "figure out" a family swimming pool schedule for several months now, and the pool is still not utilized (it is technically open, but I have never seen anyone use it, and it is closed for families). Their website and online "scheduling" functionality is very subpar as well. I am glad to see other 1-star reviews with people sharing the same experience. Though, seems like the management doesn't seem to care much. read more

I absolutely love midtown. The equipment is always the highest end. The staff all know your name and are extremely helpful. The facility is beautiful and well kept. Best of all is the gorgeous outdoor pool. It's like being in vacation while at home. read more

Midtown has the best staff of any gym I have ever been to or been a member of. Sarah and Elliot have gone above and beyond to ensure my experience with Midtown is superb. The gym offers a variety of classes that will quick your butt or help you relax. The instructors are cautious of each individual persons needs which is great when you're unsure of what's going on or what the proper form for a specific pose, or workout, may be. Their equipment is well-kept and modern. The locker room and bathrooms have anything you could possibly need, and more! More than anything, I really want to express my gratitude toward the staff members at Midtown. If you're looking to be treated as an exclusive member of a health club, no gym does a better job. read more

I've been a member of this club for about 15 years. In the last year or so they've really been working on improving the club with upgrades to the locker rooms, new furniture in the cafe and outdoor pool, new classes and equipment and I really appreciate all they've done especially considering they haven't done much for many years while increasing our dues every year. That said, the main thing I do at the club are cycle classes. All of the instructors are amazing and really put a lot of effort into the music they select and the class format. However all of that has been ruined by the new layout for the room. They installed a humongous video screen in the more narrow cycle room. It's just too big and bright for the room layout. Think of it like working out in the very front row of a movie theatre. To make it even worse, they play nonsensical videos that have nothing to do with the class format at all and induce nausea and headaches. If that's not bad enough they moved the instructor way way off to the side so you have to turn your head in a very uncomfortable position to see what the instructor is doing, I've attached a photo so you can see how far to the right they have the instructors.It's just stupid and probably dangerous exercising like this for any period of time. It appears this new layout is dictated by corporate who never realized that the layout of the room was not conducive to their plan. But hey it sure is on brand for their attempt to mimic Soul Cycle. read more

Midtown Athletic Club - See if you can find the instructor - Gyms Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

When I think of gym, I think of a sweaty, salty place where sneakers squeak on dulled basketball court floors to a backbeat of testosterone buzz. This fitness getaway is not this at all. In fact, it is more like a spa getaway than anything. (This is not to say that only lightweights, soccer moms, and doctor-instructed old people come here, mind you.) I also like that it's never really crowded except on Saturday and Sunday morning. Other fitness places that I have joined in the past have always forced me into those uncomfortable machine-stalking situations. You know, when you have to circle a sweaty member until they peel themselves off that one piece of machinery that everyone seems to chase after. I also lke this place because: The staff is consistently nice. The environment is open, airy, fresh, and perhaps most important, impeccably clean. The machines are always modern (save for a few tired ones and there). The grounds are always tidy. And the things to do are plentiful! To wit: tennis courts (indoor) tennis courst (outdoor) plus CLAY courts (Rafal Nadal, wanna play?) Olympic swimming pool Indoor swimming pool sun deck baskball courts raquet ball courts Etc! I'd have to really squint to find something wrong with this place. And even if I did, I think the only thing I'd find would be a stray piece of lint on the perfectly polished marble locker-room floors. read more

Went to my regular 7:45 spin class this morning one of three I do each week. Our regular instructor was replaced by a substitute. Between the hearing damaging techno house music, blinding flashing psychedelic massive screen and the instructor who was dressed by Dr Seuss had to get up and leave the class. Worst class ever! read more

I'd give this place 1 star if it weren't for the awesome tennis staff. If I could separately rate them, they'd easily get 5 stars. Anyway, this gym is way overpriced considering what else is in the area. I came here strictly for tennis and never used the actual gym part. Other gyms in the area allow you to participate in the tennis activities as a nonmember and you pay a slightly higher fee for a class. Here, I was paying $100 a month for the membership and buying cardio tennis packages (60 and 90 minutes). All together, this came out to just over $3000 a year to play tennis a few times a month. When I quit the gym after my 12 months was up, I suggested the nonmember pricing and never heard back from a manager. I continued getting emails and phone calls to join again. Finally, one of the managers called me about a month ago and I told him the only way I'd come back would be if they could initiate the nonmember option as I already started playing at another gym with this option. He told me he'd call back the next day. A week went by and I never heard back. I finally called back on my own and he came up with some terrible excuse about why he hadn't called. If it weren't for the tennis staff (Mike, Kristina, Jenny, Todd) this place would be a total disaster. read more

Terrible experience. We didn't become members, and mostly but the experience we had coming to see the club was awful. I have lived in multiple countries/continents, and have joined gyms in all of those places. I've never had such a bad experience visiting a club I was interested in joining. First, the attendants at the welcome desk were rude, and then the membership coordinator who we had to speak to was quite pompous. He made it seem like we would be forced to come drink and socialize, and that you have to come regularly to work out. if you don't participate, they call you and ask for explanations and reasons why you haven't been coming to the club. He was also trying to push us to join the club by telling us we were out of shape, and that we really needed to start exercising as soon as possible. We are not super fit, but not out of shape by any means either; I.e both less than 20% BF. We work out, play tennis regularly and are young. Since we didn't have too much time on the particular day, we wanted to know the price of the membership before seeing the club. The salesman forced us to sit down and started interviewing us (which was very uncomfortable and took super long). We eventually managed to leave, even though it was pretty hard to end the Interview. He had poor social skills, and was overwhelmingly pushy. This experience left us with a pretty bad taste and seemed pretty surreal. It might be for some, but I wouldn't recommend this place place. Strange vibes. read more

Very unprofessional Management. The facility is great. But the people who run it are very negative, toxic, and awful. It's very unfortunate because it is a beautiful facility. The group fitness instructors are pretty good. The people at the front desk, the personal trainers, and most of the members are very nice. But the terrible management permeates through the whole experience, and ruins what would otherwise be a fantastic club. I have been a long time gym member of other clubs, and always had really great experiences and interactions with everyone at other clubs. I would definitely NOT recommend Midtown. read more

I was a member here for 20 years. I moved out the Palatine area. I really miss it here and have yet to find a club that feels like home to me again. I miss the amenities and group exercise classes. The only thing I didn't like about the club the last few years I was a member was the addition of personal training area that was rarely used (at least when I was there) and it used to be a more private area for exercising available for all members. There wasn't as much room for stretching and often people were sort of getting on the walking/running track, including children. I loved the community there and machines were always working and the club was spotless. If I ever move back, I will certainly join again. read more

Midtown Athletic Club is the place to work out. Personally, the most important things to me in a health club (it's not a gym) is that it's CLEAN and not very crowded. I never have to wait for machines and never have to worry about getting weights dropped on me by a body builder. It is worth every penny. Plus a big perk is being able to drink a beer at the outdoor pool during a hot day. read more