Equinox Loop will always hold a special place in my heart because it's where my journey with the…read morebrand began. I grew up in the Chicago suburbs, and after graduating from college, my first city apartment was in Wicker Park. In 2007, I was working a couple of blocks away at One North Wacker and joined this club through a corporate discount. Looking back, it was one of the most consequential memberships I've ever purchased. At the time, I was trying to figure out adulthood. Like many young professionals, I was learning how to balance work, health, ambition, and independence. Equinox became part of that education. I started modestly: a few studio cycling classes, 20 minutes on the treadmill, some stretching afterward, and the occasional steam room session. What began as a simple attempt to stay in shape became a lifelong practice, one that ultimately led to thousands of workouts, countless classes, and challenges that would have seemed unimaginable to the person who first walked through those doors. The timing was significant too. I joined as the global financial crisis was unfolding around us. I was young enough to be somewhat insulated from its full impact, but old enough to sense that the world was changing in ways I didn't yet understand. Many people around me were experiencing layoffs, uncertainty, and losses that would reshape their lives. Looking back, I think Equinox became a refuge during that period. While the world outside often felt unsettled, this was a place built around routine, discipline, and self-improvement. That stability was more valuable than I understood at the time. The club itself embodied everything that drew me to Equinox. It was clean, polished, and unmistakably urban. Chicago has always had great fitness options, but Equinox felt different. It was smaller, more design-conscious, and more connected to a broader world beyond Chicago. In a city that can sometimes be skeptical of ideas and brands that arrive from elsewhere, Equinox brought a more cosmopolitan perspective to the fitness scene. I thought that was a positive thing then, and I still do. One of my favorite memories of this club has nothing to do with a workout. I'd finish exercising, spend time in the steam room, and then step outside into a Chicago winter evening. Snow would be falling. Steam would rise from my head into the cold air. The city would feel sharp, quiet, and alive all at once. For a few moments, everything seemed perfectly calibrated. I've experienced that feeling in other cities over the years, and it's still one of my favorite sensations in the world. It's the closest thing I've found to stepping out of a ski lodge and into the mountains. This was never one of Equinox's largest clubs, but that was part of its charm. I still remember the small retail area near the entrance, the salad bar, the old gray "Member" T-shirts, and buying my first pair of Balega socks, a South African running brand I've continued to support over the years. I also appreciated that this location had both a sauna and a steam room, a combination that's uncommon across the Equinox portfolio today. Over the years, I spent time at the original Chicago-area clubs as well, including 900 North Michigan, Lincoln Park, and Highland Park, near where I grew up. Since then, Highland Park has closed, and Equinox has expanded in the city with new locations in Fulton Market and Lincoln Common. Each club reflected a different chapter of the brand's evolution in Chicago. But Loop was my original Equinox. Whether it was the first club Equinox opened in Chicago or not, it was the first one I joined and the one that started my relationship with the brand. As the pace of my life accelerated, that consistency became even more valuable. I moved between cities, changed jobs, traveled constantly, and experienced all the unpredictability that comes with adulthood. Through it all, Equinox remained a reliable point of return. No matter where I was, I knew what awaited me: a clean locker room, a familiar steam room, quality equipment, and a space designed to help people reset. That may sound like a small thing, but it isn't. When your life becomes increasingly mobile and fragmented, familiar places take on greater meaning. Equinox became a kind of home base for me. It was where I went to clear my head, regain my footing, and pull myself back together before moving on to whatever came next. I've now visited more than 20 Equinox locations across the country. Returning here years later felt less like visiting a gym and more like revisiting the starting point of a much longer story. A great gym helps you build strength. The best ones become part of the architecture of your life. For me, Equinox Loop did exactly that.

Gym photos look like any other gym. 3.6 stars for a place that should only be 5 stars?? This…read more"premium" and expensive experience doesn't seem so premium. Better off at LA Fitness across the loop for less than half the price

Amazing class ! I usually stick to Pilates or weights but I wanted a change of pace and this gave…read moreit to me ! I was sweating from head to toe. If you've never taken a yoga class I'd recommend bringing a big towel and a face towel to wipe down with (they also provide them )! My instructor Jaime C was very friendly, helpful, and was more than willing to help me fix any movements I was struggling with. I loved every second of this class and would do it all over again !

Great 45min C2 class, it and out easy to find with a friendly staff. Highly recommend especially if…read moreyou are traveling.

Easy to find and good place for a quick workout during your "work lunch hour"…read more They have annual memberships and month to month memberships ( no contracts) available depending on what you have setup with your company. They have trainers on site, cardio equipment that includes: treadmills,upright and recumbent bikes, precor ellipticals and AMTs. A complete line of strength and free weight equipment is available as well as cable motion machines, variable resistance, dumbbells, smith machine etc..

One of my top choices for working out in the city. Always giving me the challenge I need while…read morecreating an environment that is enthusiastic and motivational to ensure everyone at any level remains engaged. If you're up to feeling the burn and looking hot, this is the place to work on your fitness.

Reliable, super hard workout. Has me sweating and shaking every time. Two to three times per week…read moreis enough for me.

I tried SoulCycle after years of Peloton, which is still my main mode of exercise (it's a pretty…read moreshort commute to the basement, after all). It was an interesting experience - I walked in and was "greeted" by deafeningly loud music, just in the check-in area! It wasn't that busy, but the staff took awhile to acknowledge people. Still, things looked up, and I give them credit for turning the music down out of their own volition. My friend (who has reviewed this same location on here!) arrived, and we braved the human crush that flowed out of the previous class. Finally, after dodging people who were fans of standing in the middle of where people were walking, it was time for class. By the way, I asked if there's wifi, and I was told no. I then mentioned seeing a network (since I looked by then), and the guy mentioned something about it being only for "the back area," likely for staff only. That's fine, but would a public network kill them? It's 2026, and it's pretty weird and inconvenient to not offer this. I also find "weird and inconvenient" how the shower cubicles don't lock! The class itself was the standout, and it's why, even with some criticisms, it's still not 3 stars. I was surprised with how much they pack you in like sardines, and the people helping set up bikes were no-nonsense yet helpful. It was also quite hot, so whatever AC and fan combo they had, it wasn't too powerful, and it didn't really get toward the back. I was also not used to how far down they put the handlebars, but most people are! The instructor we had was Nas, and she was wonderful. Not unlike Peloton instructors, she is positive and encouraging, but not in a way that feels forced or cliche. She talked a bit about her own anniversary of moving to Chicago, which was fun to hear about. I couldn't believe a 45 minute ride flew by as quickly as it did, but that's a credit to her motivational techniques and sense of fun. I wish that was reflected elsewhere in the studio, but perhaps someday.

Took Molly's Beyoncé vs. Destiny Child Thursday class, AMAZING! This was my first time at this…read morelocation and I enjoyed it. It was clean, organized, and the staff were very helpful in assisting us with checking in and setting up. Molly's playlist alone will have me coming back, I had to ask her for the link after class. She was so upbeat, her intervals were very beginner friendly but also offered more intense options, and just made the class feel so welcoming and fun!!!

I absolutely love Studio Three! The coaches are knowledgeable, motivating, and make every class…read morefeel welcoming no matter your fitness level. The workouts are challenging but fun, and I always leave feeling stronger and energized. I love Maddie S! The studio is clean, the atmosphere is great, and the staff is always friendly. If you're looking for a place that offers amazing workouts and a supportive community, I highly recommend Studio Three!

Great classes and super clean studio!! Love the variety!! All the instructors are great!!read more

I've tried quite a few gyms and studios around Chicago, and LA Fitness is a solid go-to gym, given…read morethe low price (if you have health insurance thru Aetna, BCBS etc you likely get it for less than $50 a month). I wouldn't ever pay more than $75 for this gym though. They have all the weights and machines you'd likely need, and the sauna was working well! The weights do get out placed often, and no one really wipes down anything, so sometimes it feels a bit dirty in there but no big deal. The weightlifting floor doesn't have great natural lighting- very dimly lit if that's your vibe. Still decent overall! Staff seem cool too.

What more do you want from a gym?…read more Plenty of the best equipment options plenty of space so nobody is bumping elbows clean facilities Best of all the place was empty Wednesday at 8 o'clock in the morning.

I decided to join Mode because I was tired of big box gyms and wanted a boutique experienxe. I took…read moreadvantage of my complimentary fitness assessment included with my membership and was paired with Trever. I was so impressed with his level of knowledge and approachable demeanor - especially since I was never the gym type I decided to continue my fitness journey with him. He's really fantastic! The other trainers at Mode are knowledgeable, helpful and take the time to assist their colleagues-ensuring their client has a great training session. They are always ready to offer guidance, answer questions, and provide personalized workout plans. I appreciate their expertise and the fact that they genuinely care about helping me achieve my fitness goals. I feel very welcomed here. I highly recommend Mode to anyone looking for a excellent gym experience. The friendly staff, clean equipment, and motivating atmosphere make it a great place to work towards your fitness goals. I am thrilled to be a member and look forward to continuing my fitness journey here and reaching my goal.

It will always surprise me when small gyms put people with low social skills and patience to work…read morewith the people coming in and out of the gym. Guy that worked with me had an attitude and was impatient. And yeah, $40 for a day pass is rough.... And what's up with the stick up the *ss when it comes to verifying residence lol even though I live in the loop, this whole experience was such a turn off.

I was visiting Chicago and attended a Saturday morning class. We had seen the studio the day…read morebefore, and it took me a minute to find the entrance to the second floor location (backside of the building through a revolving door into the lobby, up the stairs and down a long hall). There is a buzzer for the SA to let you into the studio. Once inside, it is a very nice studio. They have the new Y-bells and lots of heavy weight options. The coach was fantastic - shoutout to Leroy! They also offer a free towel service and there are lockers where you can enter your own code. This is considered a premier location so they charged an additional $10 fee. Given the location & towels (which I did not use because I brought my own), I can understand it. What I did not understand is the additional fee for much older treadmills. The studio is still using the very old treadmills that my studio replaced ~18+ months ago. With upgraded treadmills, this would be a 5 star studio!

Most times when I'm in another city, I make it a point to visit an OTF studio! I enjoy seeing how…read moreother studios operate and their class/coach flow. This location was walkable from my hotel and I enjoyed the experience.

Plenty of equipment and I've never had to wait for anything. Great place for a no nonsense workout…read more Nice variety of people working out there. The "spa" experience is more like going to an abandoned mall that has massage chairs you have to use quarters for. Skip it and stick to the workouts. Some of the front desk workers are so disinterested in being there and they can be rude.

This is average size. Also, they have a spa with massage chairs, hydro massage, tanning, total body…read moreenhancement and other services. PS. Each location is different. IE. if you have a membership at one location is not transferable to the other locations because the company is a franchise, I didn't know that.