I really don't understand Chicago M.'s review. WLAC is very clean and well-maintained. It's also quite large and open, so I don't even know where the "cramped" description is coming from. read more

love this club ! and i love the fact that they are always looking into improving the club even more ! read more

West Loop Athletic Club - the old basketball court is now a new work out space - Gyms Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I have been going to this gym for almost three years in the morning. I love the classes; the instructors are great. With your membership, you can go to the Bucktown, Wicker Park, and Webster locations as well. I am canceling my membership now though because they canceled the child care. Such a bummer for all the moms who came there in the morning. Oh well, great gym other than that. read more

This place is great. They have replaced every piece of equipment in the last couple of months. They are in the process of opening up a huge new weight area with a ton of crossfit type gear included and olympic lifting lanes. The staff is nothing but helpful here. The swimming pool is great and I love that they have a Sauna and Steam Room as well. read more

Why do they call it the WAC when the acronym ought to be WLAC? I suppose WLAC is just to hard to roll off the tongue. It sounds like the sound of someone hacking up phlegm. Fortunately, WLAC is a much better experience than someone hacking up phlegm. It is a friendly, relaxed, low key gym... - It's spacious - Not over-crowded - you can always get a treadmill or an empty shower, for instance. - Fairly clean, most of the time - Lots of towels to use (no weird rules or limits about use) - Personal trainers who aren't too pushy about making you spend more money on programs - people leave you alone. I like this. Not everyone does, of course, and they do have training programs. - TVs on the cardio equipment (occasionally the cable falls out, but it comes back on pretty quickly) - Plenty of free weights and weights machines (2 circuits, quite new machines) - Reasonable instructors. I've had a few duds, but most are great. The variety of classes could be improved, but this gym is not as big as some so I can understand why it is limited. - Nice pool & hot tub - Lovely little yoga/pilates room. Perhaps a little too little, it's about the only area that gets really crowded. - wireless internet, for what it's worth. - Basketball court, which you can just wander in and use whenever you want (ask for a ball at the desk) - A creche, of which I know very little about - A parking lot, also of which I know very little about. I may be one of the few people who walks here in winter - the parking lot is very crowded and no one else seems as covered in snow as i am once i get there. - Showers are hot and have good pressure, & they top up the soap, conditioner, shampoo... The women's changeroom has a leak under the floor so the carpet can be damp and smelly in one corner. I think that to fix this they would have to rip out the showers, so I'm not going to be the one to encourage them. - Nice sauna (just remember to turn it on - those people who complained that the sauna and steam room was cold just had to turn the thing on and wait 5 mins...) - rates? I got a discounted membership fee, which they probably do for everyone $50 - and it's $65 a month. Pretty standard, unless you're going for a no frills place. read more

Friendly, provided us complimentary passes without the high pressure sales pitches! Really nice to have an opportunity to try before you buy! read more

Great facility for those who enjoy extensive weights and machines, yoga, spinning, group classes and basketball. This fall, there will also be an olympic size swimming pool with spa. The locker rooms are club quality and both Mens and Womens feature steam rooms and saunas. A great gym and a step up from my last club, Bally's. Friendly staff and very clean. The place is never crowded and equipment is always available. read more

Although there's a wide variety of classes, I have found very few that make you break a sweat. I love to spin but I hate to say this since the instructors are so friendly - but the classes are not very good if you are already in decent shape.. There's two instructors that I like, but one always has a sub, the other has only one time spot per week. I want to get a workout when I'm there, and probably get a really good one from classes where I feel satisfied 1 once in every 7 days that I go. It reminds me of the YMCA. read more

Decent club, but poor customer service - they were really good about getting back to us when we were thinking about joining but were MIA when we had issues. We cancelled within our 30-day window, narrowly missing the 1-year commitment obligation. read more

The West Loop Athletic Club is a nice change to what is normally a not so pleasant area in the vicinity of Ogden Ave. (More on that later). However, even after working out there for over a year, I never fell in love with the place. Now don't get me wrong, most "chain gyms" lack that personal touch but this one more so than others... The gym itself is two stories. There is a pool, locker rooms w/ showers, and even a basketball court on the ground level of the gym. The second floor is where one can find cardio equipment, individual weights, and machines. The setup on the second floor is interesting to say the least. Upon reaching the top of the stairs, if you veer right, there are cardio machines that overlook Randolph Street (a nice touch). If you go left, you can head to more cardio machines, a light weights/ab section, strength conditioning machines, and heavy free weights. The fact that the additional cardio machines overlook the pool is slightly "peeping tomish" but who am I to judge right? The heavy free weight section does tend to smell like feet though duing the summer so I beg you WLAC, please improve the ventilation of this area. But outside the occasional smell and the "peeping tom" feel of the cardio section, it is not a bad gym. The prices did go up and for that, I wasn't too stoked because I struggled to justify the price when there are so many competitors within a driveable distance. However, most people like me, just opted to go with it due to their proximate location inside the West Loop. One last thing to mention about the location of this place... Don't head west of Ogden Ave. Despite the improvements to the area, it can still be sketchy at night. In fact, I had my window smashed in the first week I moved here (literally steps from the WLAC) so someone could steel what was left in a plastic bag from Target. read more

Decently priced gym for everything it had. I see lots of people complain that its outdated, which it might be, but that didn't bother me. The deal breaker came when they announced the basketball court would be removed effective 10/16. Get ready for a mass exodus WAC. read more

The gym is awesome. I loved it, but after I lost my job, my dues went up as I didn't qualify for the discount anymore. Isn't that sad? I tried to get them to extend the discounted rate given my employment status, but they refused. I had been a member for 2 years. The monthly was $65 which is expensive enough, but it went up to $85. I was shocked they were ready to let me go and lose my business instead of extending the discounted rate. There was no effort or empathy and that really sucks. read more

From the moment I stepped in, I was greeted by friendly staff. They put me in touch with Gigi, one of the membership advisors that works there and she really took care of me. She told me about all the potential discounts available to me and made me aware of an employer discount making this monthly expense a little more manageable. Plus, she gave my friend who is an existing member at $10 referral credit. It's still much more expensive than Gold's Gym in Austin, TX and sadly has less equipment. To Gold's credit, they had more equipment than any other gym I've ever been a member of and lower rates($32/mo) as well. I also really miss the hammer strength plate loaded Iso-lateral high and low row machines they had. Perhaps, West Loop Athletic Club will add them at some point. Nonetheless, the pros far outweigh the cons and West Loop Athletic Club is certainly worth joining. They are the cleanest gym I've been a member of, offer towels and lockers free of charge, have the friendliest staff, have tons of classes, access to multiple gyms throughout the city, and hardly ever have a wait for the equipment you want to use. This makes for a pleasant gym experience where you can get in and do what you need to and leave in a reasonable time. read more

Great gym! There's always machines available and the trainers are great! My only complaint is that parking can sometimes be a hassle, Other than that, great facility! read more

I have used gyms across the country, was a member of Evanston Athletic Club for 2 years and use the Bucktown and Wicker Park athletic clubs regularly. I have only used the West Loop Athletic club a handful of times - for good reason. I have never interacted with a more in-your-face rude staff anywhere! I think the entire management of the gym needs to go. This location is an embarrassment to the pleasant Chicago Athletic Club family! read more

This place is good stuff. I've been going for a few months and am super happy I joined. I was debating between WAC and FFC West Loop. FFC was better for me location wise but WAC was much better in every other aspect. Everyone that works here is super friendly, the place is really clean and the locker rooms are great. They recently renovated the gym so there's a crap ton of cardio equipment and they got rid of the basketball court and turned it in to a new weight lifting area. There are 3 squat racks/deadlift platforms which is great, but the new area is still pretty tight. I workout at 5am and by 6 the gym is pretty packed. 5 am peeps rock though. The price is really affordable too in comparison with FFC and they always have specials going on for no sign-up fee (at least when I signed up about 2 years ago). I think it's $79/month if you pay monthly and $69/month if you sign up for a year membership. There's a good mix of people -not snobby at all and you'll feel comfortable working out! read more

I am appalled--tried to walk in and join! The smell of chlorine and sweat hits you right as you enter the front door as the pool is but just a few yards away. But worse than that the so-called greeting staff was rude and disinterested. They also work right at a club that they have no idea of the monthly dues...I find that strange. Won't answer any questions, you must wait for ONE person who is allowed to show you the club--apparently they can't stick to one story so the front desk people can't tell you what the fees are. Soooo, unless you want to sit and wait for this ONE person who walks you around and sells you, all the while smelling the hideous stench and listening to the nasty desk staff--you can forget it. I think I will!! Do these people have the first clue about what customer service is? read more

I really want to like this place. I come here regularly during lunch. It's a short pink line ride from the loop. I would give it 4 stars if it weren't for the incessant cleaning during lunch. I love clean equipment but I don't appreciate the cleaning around me and the dust it stirs up. My allergies go haywire and I get almost asthma like symptoms. I asked if this was a normal routine of them cleaning during lunch. I got a vague answer. I may have to stop coming here if this continues. read more

We were also members since the very beginning (3 years ago) and used to love it! But they just changed the kid's club rates (as another mom pointed it out) from $39 to $225 a month!! It's ridiculous! So if you have kids you better think it better about joining this gym. I also want to know what happened with Chris, the gym manager. Change the kid's club rates!!! read more

I recently signed up with WAC and am really enjoying it. I love the layout of the machines and weights. Everything makes sense and is very accessible. They have this awesome Precor machine that is like a step machine/elypticle(sp),treadmill all in one. It's crazy. They are offering 3 trainings for $65 for new members so I quickly took advantage of that. So far so good! Jamie is a wonderful trainer, she listened to my goals and is helping me work towards them. I am looking forward to my results. The facility itself is very clean, the womens locker room is spotless and I love how they provide shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion. Surprisingly, not all clubs do this. One thing that I had to take a star away for is the price. MY GOLLY, $85 a month for a 1 year membership. That's pretty expensive and they aren't even open 24 hours. I'll get over it! read more

What a bummer! I have to say I was totally disappointed. I've been so fed up with my current gym, Crunch, that I was anxious to try this one after all the great reviews. The most disappointing thing was that after a long workout, I was totally looking forward to taking a steam and then a sauna. I stepped into the steam and it was cold, and cold water dripped all over me -- gross. It took over 10 minutes for it to steam to the point of relaxation -- who has time for that? The same story with the sauna. The gym had no personality, which made it feel sterile and uninspiring. There was a limited area for stretching, situps, and light free weights. The valet parking was awesome, and so was the fact that every machine had individual cable tvs. read more

Crowded, dirty, stanky. Been a member of the Chicago Athletic Clubs (this includes the WAC) for 4 years, moved to west loop last year and really dislike this gym. LVAC and LPAC are ok, WAC is by far the worst. read more

I really cannot complain too much here as the issues I have are more with members versus staff/facilities. The gym is clean and there are ample exercise machines so I have no complaints there. The front desk staff is always friendly and willing to help as well. My only staff issue is annoying e-mails I receive. I have asked to have these stopped but I still received them, then a staff member passed out my personal information to about 25 other members. When I spoke with the staff member about it, she said it was an accident and shrugged it off. Beyond that one staff member I would say that the only other annoyance is the one or two daily "meat-heads" in the free weights area. I wish there was more CAC staff in the area monitoring the throwing around of weights or the just caveman like tendencies of these guys. For example a man recently dropped his 35lb dumbells on the treadmill because he was "too tired" to bend over the extra 5 inches to the floor. For the amount a membership is here, it is worth it, I just wish the staff was a bit more attentive in the workout area (up front is great though). The biggest positive here is Pamela in memberships, she is nice, friendly and willing to help you out in anyway. I would suggest that potential new members request her by name. read more

As much as I want to love this place, I just can't. I have been a member here for a couple of years, and it was great when I first started. However, starting around January '09, they seem to have had some kind of membership drive, and the place is always packed. The free-weight area is tiny to begin with, so don't even think of being able to use it any time from 4-8. Additionally, I just left there (it's 5:45) and every SINGLE machine was in use. This is not a joke. I understand that gyms get busy at that hour. But this place used to be so great--it's spacious and open, and without a wait, there are few drawbacks. Unfortunately, because they've added so many new members (or for some reason, people just started using their memberships again), the place is virtually intolerable during normal high-volume hours. Find a different gym. read more

I joined WLAC a few mths ago and I love it! I'm a big exercise person so I wanted to join a gym that I was really going to like seeing as I go about 4-5 times a week. The sales person (her name was Laura) showed me and my roommate around the club, and was super friendly and not pushy at all. (Quite a change from EVERY OTHER gym I've been to in Chicago!) She was really personable and knowledgeable about the club too, we def had a lot of questions ha We joined w/ a great price (you get a discount if you join with someone you live with) and we both got personal training sessions (there's a special promo when you get training sessions the same day you join that's AWESOME) it's like 3 hour long sessions for the price of one, i mean . . . Overall the gym is super spacious, clean and not smelly!!! And FINALLY an area to stretch! **Pros** - super friendly staff - very laid back atmosphere (plenty of good looking men, but not the muscle head, grunting kind, it's so refreshing!!) - clean - free parking! (even though the lot's not that big, beggar's can't be choosers I guess, it is free) - plenty of space in between machines, and tv's on the cardio **cons** - small parking lot (again, it's free so whatever I guess) - the music they play is not so great to work out to (bring your ipods) read more

I've worked out at many gyms in my life and while West Loop Athletic Club is big, the gym is mediocre and needs some improvement. First off, it's dated and needs some remodeling work. With all the traffic that they see day in and day out, it's also not the cleanest. The carpet situation doesn't help besides to offer padding. It houses dirt and things we cannot see. The Bucktown gym, which is obvs newer, offers a padding that is not carpet but seems much more sanitary. I'm hoping that West Loop will take a cue from the newer athletic clubs and do some work to make it nicer for the price that members pay. read more

VERY nice facility. Very clean, never TOO busy/crowded, friendly staff. Free parking for members in the lot next door (between the gym and OneSixtyBlue), and parking on street is easy to find most days. read more

Just joined this gym in Feb to get toned up for my wedding in the summer. I like going to the gym in the mornings before work... it's still relatively busy during the early morning hours, so I can't imagine what the evenings after work are like! I have enjoyed the group fitness classes... particularly the spinning classes! My fave instructor for the spinning is Zach. He's all about coordinating the workout with the music so it keeps you distracted from the BURN! I haven't had too much trouble w/ the parking - I know a lot of people talk about that. My biggest qualm with the place is how you can't bring guests without having to pay $25!!! I think that's insane! I mean, you're all excited about your new gym and you want to share it with your friends without the pressure of a sales rep breathing down your neck. I feel like that is the best way to get new referrals. Booo Otherwise, gym is good and the instructors are pretty awesome. They're very friendly and down to Earth. read more

I go there about 4-5 times a week. The place is clean, the staff are friendly, and it's usually not too crowded. People like the steam room, sauna, and pool. I use none of them but they look nice if you're the type that enjoys that sort of thing. Probably not the place for the most serious of lifters, but perfect for more casual gym-goers like me. Minus 1 star (4 star review): A slightly higher cost-to-amenity ratio then I'd expect, but their location works too well for me to look elsewhere. read more

Beautiful facility recently revamped by the LPAC & EAC folks. Haven't tried any classes yet, but if you're in the West Loop a lot and like to work out in a pretty place with all the bells and whistles, check it out. read more

I recently joined this gym and I really like it. It's never too busy and the classes are really great - nice variety too.

I don't know people have ever had it smell bad here or have a wait for equipment. I've experienced neither. Nothing but a courteous staff, clean equipment and locker room, plenty of classes and equipment, and at prime pre-workout times, still can get a bike, a treadmill or an elliptical. Additionally, you don't have to sign up for a pool lane because unless there is a class using all of them, you can take whatever is free. For the price of this gym, it really can't be beat. For a couple, its barely more expensive than Bally. read more

Ok so I still absolutely love this gym but I've been a member for awhile now and I've converted to a night time person because mornings were just killing me lol! I like the gym at night WAY better. There is always equipment free and it's just so nice and relaxing. Now if only I could motivate myself to go daily then it'd be great!! read more

This is a great gym with great amenities. But if you have an issue or need customer service stay far away.The customer service is awful.

Great option in West Loop/West Town/Fulton Market area. Good size pool, a ton of cardio, and great new work out area in the old basketball gym . Wish they had hammer strength equipment like Xsport, and a juice bar. read more

Have to update now that I use the gym in an entirely different way. Take the classes! They are amazing. I've been a member of three gyms in the last 15 years and no gym has more selection and better group instructors. To the person who stated the classes are too easy, I simply don't know how one could have that view. I find them to be very challenging. Especially the Yoga, Pilates, Body Pump and Workout Challenge (boot camp) classes. Also, the staff is great, the place is very clean (seriously, whoever stated otherwise must have obsessive compulsive disorder) and the place is never too crowded. Only drawbacks are the pool is not very accessible due to the swim team using it every night after 5 until 8 and parking can be difficult (even more now that bellyQ has opened). UPDATE: VERY VERY DIFFICULT!! Like, you might have to circle for a while or park blocks away to get into the gym between 5-8pm. But there really is nothing the gym can do about the parking situation. My advice, go in the morning. read more

Pretty clean, nice place, I was a member and only left because my health insurance got me a half-price deal somewhere else. it is expensive here though, and parking can be pretty tough; there are a few street spots in front and a small lot off to the side but both are usually full at peak hours. oh and a minor thing---the drinking water is always warm. asked a few times if they could improve that but they never did. read more

It's clean, never a wait, and a friendly staff. I almost want to give it a bad review to prevent more people from signing up.

I am primarily a swimmer. The pool looks nice and there is a great hot tub right there. The only problem for me is that since I joined (January), I have almost always had to wait for a lane. In addition, they have a Master's class and swimming class and family swim at some primo times--Tues and Thurs from approx. 5 to 8, and Saturday afternoons from about 2 to 5. This is a serious bummer. Plus, when I have been there (prime time right after work), the locker room is crowded [unlike what some other people have said]). It seems about as crowded and busy as an LA Fitness in the South Loop that I went to but it costs $25 more a month! Finally, this place was built with tight space constraints. It's kind of cramped in the locker room and in the shower stalls, same with the dry-heat sauna. Maybe they could have made the parking lot smaller. All that being said, it's an alright club, clean and nice-looking and new. read more

If you want a expensive gym, that is out of date, and has individuals running barefoot on treadmills (not kidding)... this is your place. Management is less then helpful after you sign up. Enter at your own risk! If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. read more