My boyfriend and I started using Urban Athlete back in March, when they were in their old location. We fell in love with them then, and we're still in love with them! The new location is beautiful and all of the trainers are fantastic, hardcore, and attentive. I love the variety in classes and the fact that the same routines aren't repeated. I can take the same class 2 days in a row and it's a whole different routine, which definitely helps to keep me motivated. I also love that they offer clean eating classes. I've been a member at other gyms in the area and nothing compares to what Urban Athlete has to offer. I can't say enough good things about them! read more

This is my gym... do i own it? No. But it is the only place i have found on my fitness journey that i am proud to be affiliated with. I have no qualms nor do I hold back when asked what gym I go to. It is a question that I love to answer because it gives me the opportunity to describe above all the people (yeah staff), the culture, the environment, the facilities, and my results. So lets do just that here. The people: Starting with AJ. Man oh man, this guy is crazy awesome. He has pushed me beyond what I thought I could do, he has supported me when I wanted to give up, he has moved schedules around in order to make time/staff available for me. It is so great to walk in, be called by your name and know that the person saying hi is someone that knows where you have been! Then there is Nelle - AMAZING! So tough yet so smart. Grant (my personal trainer), disciplined, determined and committed to get you results. He is knowledgeable, sharp, challenging in his routines. Jaime - true definition of joyful and fun all while making you sweat. Jack - innovative in his training, you never do the same exercise twice. Greg - I've only worked out a couple of times with and he is sweet-looking but means nothing but business, so results driven. There are other trainers that I have not had much of a chance to train with, but classes are so well attended, you bet they have to be good! The culture at UA is very clear... we are here to work out! None of this standing around posing and looking "cute". Come in, work hard, give it your all, leave exhausted, enjoy the results. At the same time so much support. I can ask any trainer a question and they will always respond. I have never seen a trainer on their cell phone while training a client (you know you have seen this happen all too often at other gyms). The only time they use their phones is to adjust the music. Yeah they care about what music you are listening to while in a group class. They have the power to change it. No drama, no pretentiousness, no bs... that's UA. The environment - There is a sense of community here, although you may not know the person next to you, we know we are there to get our sweat on. So the environment to me is not stressed... its the best way i can describe. Dont get it twisted, its not a "day at the spa" but it is not stressed. The facilities - I was a member at the old location, and man oh man, they made the best use of every single inch of that space. The new space boasts of additional space which allows for more equipment, it offers more amenities and is spotless clean! My results - Several years back i suffered from chronic migraines and was 40lbs heavier. Always feeling sluggish and tired. I decided that i would not go down like that and got off my butt and started on this journey of being healthier. Shed the weight, started to eat much better and work out regularly. Running has been an issue for me but to-date i have ran over ten 5ks and looking to do my first 10k in 2016. Migraines are gone, much more energetic. I have received so much support and guidance from the crew at Urban Athlete, not sure i could have done this without them. read more

I can't say enough good things about Urban Athlete. Been going 8 months, which is amazing but it could only happen here. I really hesitated joining a gym because I didn't want to feel like "not one of the cool kids," intimidated by the machines and the super-fit young people who already know how to do all those complicated, super-fit things. The atmosphere at UA is so welcoming and non-judgmental, and I have felt nothing but support. The classes are always different so they keep me interested. The space is well designed and spotless. The staff is upbeat, empathetic and extremely knowledgeable. Just plain nice people. Trainers Jamison and Jack are my heroes and I can't thank them enough. But I'll try. THANKS, guys! read more

As a former employee the standards of this gym is amazing. They do whatever they can to accommodate the clients that go there. With the virus it is commendable of them to continue to provide exercises and workouts for their members. This is a great example of them going above and beyond to help their members and UA family. I hope that when things get better people will flock to this gym because of their service and dedication to their members. read more

Thank you UA! As a long-time member I valued and understood the early timing in your decision to close the gym ahead of the mandate. I understand that this is an extremely hard time for small businesses, and I will continue to support you through this pandemic. The wonderful community that you have created is not to be taken for granted, as it's amazing! I have accepted your generosity and truly appreciate your pro-activeness and creativeness with the ideas of loaning out (free!) your gym equipment to me and other class members so we could continue to work out in our homes AND your daily YouTube work out videos that we can follow along with the UA personal trainers. These are life changing during this time! Again, thanks for everything, including your always welcoming front desk and outstanding cleaning staff that I appreciate so much. I wish everyone to stay safe and healthy! read more

I have been a member of Urban Athlete since I first moved to Ravenswood in October. My cousin/roommate is also a member and we frequent the gym after work and occasionally before work. I am a competitive athlete and my cousin Ryan is simply trying to be more fit. The facility is a great fit for both of us. The staff is spectacular. We don't have tags with barcodes on them which enumerate us as recurring revenue for our gym. Every member of the staff knows Ryan and I by name and greet us with a smile and salutation every time we walk in the door. The community is small and tight knit. Everyone supports each other's goals and wants to learn from each other. Ryan and I train independently but have sought advice from Urban Athlete's trainers on more than one occasion. Our questions were handled thoughtful, accurately and politely. As someone who has been around fitness for most of my life I recognize that the trainers care less about having their clients leave the gym exhausted and in pain but rather focus on the quality of their clients' movement. They train their clients to be functional and fit. The trainers have the knowledge and the soft tissue certifications to help repair broken motor patterns. The facilities themselves are not massive. They reflect the community. They are tight knit, and intimate. That's not to say they aren't adequate. They have a wide array of equipment to accommodate anything from simple resistance training to advanced metabolic conditioning. I strongly recommend this gym to anyone seeking to build a lasting relationship with fitness. Urban Athlete has the people and the resources to make any level athlete successful. Cheers, Dustin read more

Urban Athlete is an incredible place. The staff makes everyone comfortable and is very motivating. The classes are varied, fun and challenging. I wish I hadn't needed to move away, because if I could have stayed there for a year or more I'm sure I would've had some great success toward my fitness goals. Can't recommend enough. read more

Joining urban athlete was one of my best decisions! I wish I had done it earlier. From July to February I had a membership at a competitor down the road and went maybe 10 times total. I've gone to UA 6 times in a little over a week! Everyone is so nice and helpful. I love the variety of classes and how the trainers will help you at your different skill levels. The facility is very clean. After a hard workout class they give you these cool down towels that smell amazing. I will keep coming here until I have to move out of the area! read more

When I moved to Chicago from San Francisco, I was looking for a type of gym that I couldn't quite put my finger on. I am not a naturally athletic person. I need a nurturing environment that will simultaneously kick my ___, and like a lot of people, I get bored easily but crave routine. I first came to Urban Athlete in August (then at their old location) and I was so impressed by both the people who worked there and the people who were members, both of whom were relaxed, but clearly dedicated to the gym. Now that they're at their new location, the facilities reflect the quality of the trainers and the programs: it's a gorgeous space with awesome and diverse equipment unique to the Urban Athlete experience (and the bathrooms are DOPE). Autumn, who works at the front desk, is always smiling and remembered my name after the first time I gave it to her. I love the classes here. Even if you take the same classes over and over, you will never have the same combination of exercises. As to be expected, each trainer has a unique approach to the same curriculum. When I need a good workout but am feeling stressed, I like Jamie's CSC class. She is extremely laid back and often incorporates yoga movements. When I'm hungover on Saturday morning and just need some Blink-182 in my life, I take Jamison's higher energy class. And if these variations aren't enough, don't worry: there's about a million choices of classes to take that are constantly changing and being added onto. I continually come to this gym and feel challenged but not overwhelmed or overexerted by their programs. AJ and Nelle are clearly all about their clients, and isn't that what a gym should be? Most importantly, Urban Athlete isn't an intimidating environment for being fit or being in shape, it's about personal wellness, and that philosophy is part of everything they do. This place is the real deal. read more

I have been going to Urban Athlete for just over a year now and like it more and more all the time. I currently have and have had memberships in many of the area larger gyms and joined UA looking for smaller classes with more emphasis on weight training and learning proper form for maximum benefit. UA has not only lived up to what I was hoping it would be, but has exceeded my expectations. In the year I have been with UA, I have not had the exact same class twice. The classes will challenge you, make you sweat, and make you stronger. The trainers will be tough, knowledgeable, fun, and engaging and the classes will be small enough that the trainers can pay attention to you. Personally, I have had two running injuries over the past year and the trainers took the time to find out what the injuries were and helped me to continue to work out and stay fit and active while healing. UA is a smart business that is growing in a smart way-the new space (which is so nice!), adding new classes and trainers, but never losing the small business/gym feel. You will see AJ and Nelle on site, training or leading classes. I have taken classes with most of the trainers-AJ, Nelle, Jack, Greg, Grant, Jamison, and Emily-each one has their own style and all will make you work hard-which is exactly what I was looking for. The trainers get to know your name or your face and all are so welcoming. I also love the small gym/community feel from my fellow gym-goers, everyone is nice and friendly and supports each other while we sweat through a workout. I honestly can't say enough good things about this gym, what I have gained from it, and how much I love being part of the UA community! read more

I love Urban Athlete and highly recommend it to anyone looking to get fit. They offer a variety of killer workouts at a great new space! The staff is knowledgeable and welcoming! read more

I joined Urban Athlete in the beginning of January 2018 and I do not regret my decision. In fact, it has improved my life style and the how I feel physically and mentally. I joined UA after 6 months postpartum and being diagnosed with diastasis recti that was three finger widths apart. Not only was my core weak after having a baby, but it start negatively affecting the rest of my body like my back and posture. I found UA on Yelp and decided to check it out. I had never in my life joined a gym before and I knew I wanted a place that was not intimidating and would work on my specific issue. To my surprise, they had a personal trainer, Michael Pileczka, that specializes in pre/postnatal exercises. I signed up that day! Michael Pileczka eased me into doing exercises that were tolerable and safe for me to do with my diagnosis. Since most of the exercises were new to me, he made sure to review what we did at the gym by writing things down and giving me goals and homework while I was at home. Mike is very knowledgeable and great at what he does. He was able to help me correct my diastasis recti in less than a month. I saw results immediately and felt more like myself in just a few weeks. Just a few months working with Mike, I had realized that I fit into my old pre-pregnancy clothes better than before I had a baby. If you are an expecting mother or someone who just had a baby I strongly recommend reaching out to Mike for personal training. The variety of classes are great, there is something for everyone. All the instructors are very understanding and helpful when it comes to modifying exercises to tailor to the individual. My experience has exceeded my expectation. I even persuaded a friend to try it out with me and she ended up getting a membership too. I'm in the best shape I've ever been and I actually like working out now - I have Urban Athlete and Michael Pileczka to thank for it! read more

UA is the best- from the programing, to the trainers, to the facility itself, everything is top-notch. But this review is specifically for Mike Pileczka and the prenatal personal training he provides. I started weekly personal training sessions with Mike a few weeks into the second trimester of my second pregnancy. My goal at the outset was to maintain my fitness level as much as possible while keeping everything safe as I progress through my pregnancy. I worked out all throughout my first pregnancy (while at a different gym), but felt that I ended up really holding myself back unnecessarily because of all the misinformation out there about what is/isn't safe. I was hoping to avoid that this time around, which is why I sought out Mike's services. I just can't say enough good things about Mike and his approach to training. First of all, he knows his stuff. He has specific training in working with pregnant women, so I'm confident in following his advice. Beyond that, I really feel as though he has tailored this program specifically for me- he checks in with me at the beginning of each session to see how I'm feeling (as well as throughout our sessions) and then adjusts the planned workouts accordingly. Some days this means we push it harder, other days we pull back a bit. Not only are our individual sessions great, but working with Mike has given me the confidence to continue taking regular classes by making modifications where necessary. I am currently 35+ weeks along and while I can't work out with quite the intensity I did pre-pregnancy, I'm still getting around 4 really good workouts/ week. As a bonus, Mike and I are already talking about my postnatal training and what we'll do to get me back on track after this baby arrives. Bottom line- I highly recommend UA and Mike Pileczka in particular to any other pregnant ladies who are looking to maintain their fitness levels while having an active, healthy pregnancy. read more

I am in love with this gym. After belonging to big box gyms my whole life, I decided to give Urban Athlete a try. I am so glad I did! I actually went to the gym 4-6 times a week because I enjoyed it so much. And, I could definitely see the results! The facility is brand new and beautiful. You can choose from individual or group training sessions, classes, or independent workouts. I've mostly taken advantage of the classes, which are small and feel more like a group personal training session than the exercise classes I was used to at the big gyms. The classes are taught by the personal trainers and, because they are small, the trainers can give us individual attention on form and tips to work around injuries. There are tons of classes to choose from and the trainers mix up the exercises every time so it doesn't get boring. And, the workouts are really challenging! The staff and owner are all extremely friendly and helpful. And, the gym donates to good causes in exchange for check-ins. What's not to like? I would highly recommend this place to anyone! read more

I've been looking for a new gym/studio with a good variety of group exercises (especially spin and boot camp type of workouts) and found Urban Athlete on Yelp. I was happy to find they had a great variety of group fitness classes then did my 1 week free trial. I was impressed with the Ripped Ride and Urban Energy classes. Ripped Ride gets your heart pumping on the indoor bike for about 15-20 min then you hop off and go to the weight room to do weights, TRX, etc. So innovative! Urban Energy entails 6-7 stations and you partner up to do quick sets and active recovery exercises - wow you will get a good workout with this one! Chris was/is the instructor for both classes and he is well-organized and really watches everyone's form and safety. I also love the flexibility of the membership - I travel frequently for work and they have flexible packages. I'll be back! Try this place out! read more

Been having great success with my workouts at UA. The staff has been very helpful by providing me tips to improve my form and help me take my workouts to the next level. I'm lifting more and getting bigger. I really enjoy my workouts. They also have a great service that is helping me with a knee injury which is healing nicely. read more

This is the best gym I've ever belonged to! The classes are challenging and the trainers are informed and motivating. I'd been going to UA for over two years when I got pregnant. I was able to keep doing regular classes until about halfway through my second trimester, when I realized I needed more modification and individual help to keep working out. I worked with one of the top trainers there, Michael Pileczka, to create pregnancy-friendly workouts that would carry me through the second and third trimesters. I cannot recommend Mike enough as a personal trainer, pregnant or not! I had known Mike for awhile as a great class instructor, and he's an even better personal trainer. He created detailed, varied workouts to keep me motivated and engaged at the gym, and worked around specific pregnancy issues I was having late in my third trimester (pelvic pain, etc). He worked with me to create a bi-weekly personal training session plan so that I could workout with him every two weeks, and gave me specific workouts to do during the weeks between our sessions. He pushed me during my workouts and tailored every move to where I was at each week of pregnancy, taking extra care to provide the accountability and emotional support that are so key to regular training plans. And we weren't doing "easy" workouts, Mike had me swinging axes, slamming tires and ropes, pushing sleds, and lifting heavy weights in a safe way - all workouts I loved when I wasn't pregnant and wanted to keep doing throughout pregnancy. Mike is really well-educated on what is and isn't safe to do during all stages of pregnancy, and I always felt comfortable and supported when working out with him. Thanks to Mike Pileczka, I was able to workout 4x a week throughout my entire pregnancy, and even made it to the gym for a workout the day I went into labor (two days after my due date!) Working out with Mike helped me have a safe and healthy pregnancy and labor/delivery! read more

My girlfriend and I moved to Ravenswood recently from another neighborhood and we're lucky to find we lived close to a wonderful and relatively new gym Urban Athlete. It features quality equipment, clean facilities, and an extremely friendly and helpful staff. It's a functional fitness haven, which for me personally is a much welcomed change to big box gyms with machines (and people) everywhere. It's not the largest gym in the world but they utilize their space for classes and personal training efficiently and despite its smaller size I have never experienced over crowding. We will be moving out of Chicago soon and unfortunately there are no UA locations where we are headed. That's really the reason for this review. My girlfriend and I wanted to make sure Urban Athlete got the props they deserve. Though our time as a member was short lived, it really is an awesome place and one couldn't ask for a more welcoming environment. We only hope our new city will have a facility and staff that will rival the one of Urban Athlete Ravenswood. read more

I am just completing my third week at Urban Athlete and there are no words that accurately describe how outstanding this gym is! The quality of the staff here is unsurpassed. Knowledgeable, courteous and inspiring! I am doing the team training package and I ADORE how flexible membership is! The facilities are designed beautifully and are impeccably clean. I am coming off a long illness and the advice and guidance I have received here is priceless- my physical therapist is exiting me early thanks to the AMAZING trainers at Urban Athlete! I am sold on Urban Athlete and will be coming here from now on! read more

I've been going to this gym for several years now and I'm finally getting around to writing a review. A few years back I was involved in a car accident and broke my shoulders. Physical Therapy did wonders, but I came to the point where I got too strong and my therapist said I should get a personal trainer to take me to the next level. That's when I came across Urban Athlete and I'm not regretting it one bit. In the beginning they had some turnover with their trainers, which made it hard, because I had to explain everything all over again. But then I ended up with Nelle and my life has changed since then. To this day I'm still having issues with my injury, but Nelle exactly knows where she can push me harder and where we need to be careful. Her understanding of muscles and joints is quite impressive. But if you think she's just focusing on my shoulder - wrong! She really trains my entire body and kicks my butt wherever and whenever I need it. After being there for 2 years, I can honestly say that I am in the best shape I've ever been (and I'm in my late 30s), thanks to Urban Athlete. This is a small gym with lots of personal attention. It's absolutely non-pretentious, the classes are fun, the new interior is beautiful and the trainers are really good! read more

I've been a member of UA for 8 months now and love it. It's the 1st gym I actually continuously used for this long. Also the 1st gym where I started to see physical results! The staff are great and pay a lot of attention to you in the classes. Correcting posture, offering modifiers if you can't do certain exercises, and answering any questions you may have. It's a small gym with a big heart! I recently moved inconveniently far, but I'm still a member and make it in when I can. A great variety of classes as well. read more

I've been working out for over 10 years but after joining Urban Athlete I'm in the best shape I've ever been. The classes offer a lot of variety and the trainers are great at keeping everyone motivated. I truly enjoy spending time in this gym and would recommend UA to anyone, beginner or experienced. read more

I joined UA about a year ago when I moved into the neighborhood. I'm not a fan of the standard gym because I simply get effing bored! Plus who likes running on a treadmill with a big arse TV in front of their face...go run outside, people! Any who, I had to freeze my membership very soon after I became a member last year due to injury (didn't even get to try a class!). I recently unfroze my membership this week and let me tell you...such a great experience coming to Urban! The workouts are intense (I may or may not have vomited during a workout), classes vary (so much to choose from...they even have a run club in the summer), the times of their classes are great (5am-8pm)...making it easy to workout before or after work, and the staff is just lovely! Everyone is very helpful and always smiling. The other great perk - free coffee in the morning (and it's delicious if I might add)! Urban provides their morning workout warriors with free delicious, aromatic coffee. And finally, the thing that really won me over is the fact that Urban Athlete created a t-shirt dedicated to the Orlando victims of Pulse Nightclub. They are a bit pricey but about 50% of the proceeds are being donated to help the victims and families of the tragedy. I look forward to continuing my health journey with UA and please send good vibes my way so I don't get injured again:) read more

Best place ever! I think that the work outs are super motivating. I have built muscles like a superman. This place had got me going and going and going! Five stars***** read more

I was a bit hesitant about Urban Athlete initially because I thought, based on the equipment you see when you walk in, that it might be a CrossFit gym (not to knock CrossFit, but it's not for me). I joined because I was looking for something different than your average gym, something more targeted and inspired. This is it. I rarely look forward to workouts, viewing them as more of an obligation than an opportunity, but I can't get enough of the CSC (cardio, strength, core) exercises at UA. I always leave completely exhausted but feeling strengthened and happy - which is exactly what you want out of a workout, right? These instructors know what they're doing. The workouts are pretty fast (most classes are 45 minutes) but you are *working* the whole time - the music is great and you move between cardio and strength intervals in a way that maximizes your output and keeps you from getting bored (the workouts vary from class to class). The instructors pay close attention to your form and offer helpful modifications (I can't do a push up without my knees to save my life). I also appreciate the diversity of class composition in terms of ability and the sense of community (on Thanksgiving, UA did a "Turkey Burn" bootcamp that required partner workouts, something I would've shied away from before but felt totally comfortable and had fun doing at UA - it's such a welcoming environment). I do wish there were more classes that skewed towards cardio rather than weights, but that's a pretty small qualm. UA will get you excited to exercise. read more