Bucktown Athletic Club

Beware of their shady billing practices. Extremely disappointed with this club. In September I was sent an email indicating that my membership was completed and had since gotten emails asking me to renew that membership.
On top of that, the club has sent me emails stating that I owe them for the two months since they sent me the email telling me of completion. Two months owed after they notified me on more than one occasion, by writing and in speaking with them by phone, that my membership had ended in September.
Now they’re saying the letter that I received stating my membership was complete was not an «official confirmation,» and that the past two months when I could have been utilizing the club and didn’t after receiving this letter is still owed in full to them.
Basically they’re trying to collect for two months since they sent me the email telling me my membership was complete.
Meanwhile the condition of the facility during my membership was a construction zone. It’s a shame this club is so poorly managed. The neighborhood really could use a classier club that cares about its members more.
This is the worst experience I’ve ever had with a fitness club.

I moved to the area about 4 months ago and was looking for a gym when the weather started to cool off. Most of what I heard was that gyms in this area were all way over-​crowded or extremely expensive. I drove past BAC one day and was impressed by the building so I decided to give it a look. Membership advisor was very helpful and showed me around. I liked the facilities and the reviews on Unilocal were great so I decided to sign up. $ 69 a month isn’t cheap but isn’t a deal breaker. I belonged to a nice gym in the suburbs that was upscale and just as pricey and can honestly say that BAC is better and less crowded. Two months in and I’m still shocked at how un-​crowded the gym is on any day. I’ve never had an issue getting a machine I’ve wanted and the staff has always been accommodating. Almost all classes are free which is a huge plus and every one that I’ve tried has been challenging. If you’re looking for a gym in the area, I highly recommend BAC!

This review is about my pre-​membership experience, not BAC’s facility (which appears to be very nice). The first snowstorm of the year hit today, which motivated me to go find a local gym. I had a one-​week student pass to BAC and had heard good things, so decided to start there.
The website lists conditions for guest passes (24 hour notice, have to meet with membership advisor, etc.) so I called ahead to make sure I could use it on the spot. I was told there were no conditions for my pass– just a photo ID, two minutes to complete a form and I would be ready to go. Perfect. I grabbed my stuff, ran a mile in the snow and arrived about 45 minutes before closing time.
The man at the front desk looked at my pass and informed me that unfortunately I had to meet with a membership advisor, that they were all gone for the day and that I would have to come back tomorrow. I informed him that when I had called before coming, his colleague (who I presume was the woman sitting next to him) had told me otherwise. He and she gave each other blank stares, she said she did not speak to anyone. I pulled out my phone: was their number 312−850−9490? Yes, and he apologized that someone had misinformed me. At this point I was disappointed but offered up a solution– could I just get a workout in and come back tomorrow morning to meet with an advisor? He said I was welcome to work out for the next 45 minutes– for a daily fee of $ 25. Wow.
I tried one more time– I ran there in bad weather, my whole reason for calling was to avoid this issue, BAC was the one that got their facts mixed up– he was polite but wouldn’t budge. $ 25 or come back tomorrow.
Customer service is about the little things. A first impression goes a long way. Even if they had offered a quick tour, I would have felt better. But essentially nothing was done. I was seriously considering joining BAC but will likely skip my one week trial and find another gym. As a final note, I stopped by a nearby gym on the way home. The guy at the desk welcomed me in, gave me a tour and told me my first workout was on him. I won’t name the gym (this is not a promo for them), but that is what it means to put the customer first.

Been going here a couple of months and I’m very happy. Always clean, plenty of towels. What is most important to me is that it’s never packed. It gets busy, but you never feel crowded. Thank you guys for a great location.

The gym was renovated and another floor was added to the facility. BAC is no longer small and/​or lacking equipment. No longer a member as I have moved, but would love to have a gym of this quality/​price in the South Loop.

I was debating between BAC and Cheetah Gym because of their proximity to the blue line, but ended up joining BAC. Cheetah Gym was about $ 58 per month if you commit to one year and they waive the initiation fee. BAC is $ 69 per month, they were waiving the initiation fee at the time I signed up, and if you sign up on your first visit, they give you a free month (comes out to $ 63/​month for the year), which is what sold me. I also have access to the Wicker Park location for as long as I’m a member and all the Chicago Athletic Clubs on Thursdays. They offered me a «3 day return policy» when I signed up as well, which gave me 3 days to change my mind for a full refund/​cancellation.
The facility is brand new, and therefore all the equipment is as well. There’s way more than enough cardio equipment (plus, they all have TVs on them) and about one of everything in the weight room. The weight room isn’t exceptional and it can get a bit crowded while the cardio room never does. I haven’t taken any of the classes yet but plan to soon! Spin, yoga, and much more are included with membership.
The locker room and showers are beautiful. You don’t need a lock and there are hair/​skin products, towels, plastic bags, etc. Showers are never crowded.
They’re currently doing construction, but I don’t find it bothersome, and I think they’re putting in a sauna/​steam room, which would probably bump it up to 5 stars for me :)

Been a member for almost a year now and really enjoy all the classes. Pretty sad Mandee left-​she was amazing! Love the HIIT class on Tuesday nights! The gym is clean and since the renovations has a lot of room. I would just like to see later spin/​muscle classes. They only have boxing/​yoga at night– which are fun just like to mix up my workout.

Ive done all access at CAC gyms for years, this one is hands down my favorite. It’s not as crowded as most of their other locations, easily accessible (right off Damen blue line), and really is the best one in terms of lifting. Whenever I get to the second floor all I ever think is «we have so much extra space for ACTIVITIES!» There’s no pool or jacuzzi here, but I hear they have plans to install saunas if you’re into that. Also tons of good post-​workout eats in the area.

great variety of classes with a ton of different times for each class. Their spinning even has lights that go along to the music. Each cardio machine has its own TV and I’ve never seen a broken cardio machine.

I have been going here for a few months now and love it. BAC is always clean, never over crowded, and the desk staff is very friendly. Although, the BEST part about the gym, is Jessie! Hands down the best personal trainer I have ever had. I bought a 3pack from the gym and got lucky when they paired me with Jessie. She listened to my goals carefully, and inspired me to push myself beyond them. Not only did she give me a great work out during our sessions but she showed me a lot of exercises I can do at the gym by myself. One of my favorite things about Jessie is that even though our sessions are over, she still treats me like I am still one of her clients. Every time I see her in the gym she checks up on me and makes sure I am doing well and motivates me to push toward my goals. As soon as I am able I plan on signing up for more sessions with her, and I would encourage anyone looking for a non-​intimidating, friendly trainer, to do the same!
Thank you BAC!

I’ve been a member of this gym since the day it opened almost a year ago. Since the expansion, the yoga studio is better, there are more weight machines/​free weights, TRX bands, an absurd amount of treadmills, etc. Love the new stretch area. I will tell you my favorite classes you must try at least once before you’re hooked. Yoga Sculpt on Wednesdays with David will kick your ass back into shape. Spinning with Mandee is motivating to say the least, Body Pump on Thursdays with Jason will get your arms in prime condition, and if you can, hit up a TRX class-​I loved it. The trainers are fantastic and super nice. Shout out to Leo! He works you hard while the routines stay fresh and fun. This place is worth every penny. Can’t wait for that sauna!

This is my favorite gym I’ve ever belonged to, out of probably 4 – 6 across the country. The staff is polite, class instructors are above average (some are VERY good), and the facilities are top notch. Little things like keypad lockers (so you don’t have to fish the rusty MasterLock out of your bag) and really nice shampoo/​body wash in the showers go a long way.
The only reason they don’t get 5 is the price. I got in on one of their promotional specials, and it’s still reasonable by Chicago standards, but plan for $ 70 – 85 per month.
Pro tip: if you can get the membership to visit West Loop (WAC) as well, do it. They have a really nice pool and basketball court.

I love BAC!
I’ve been a member of CAC for going on two years now, and I really like all the clubs. But I was thrilled when BAC opened up. It is on my walk home from the L (so I have zero excuses to not go) and the facility itself is just really nice. It recently expanded too, which has opened things up more.
The workout areas, studios, and locker rooms are well-​maintained and kept clean. And they have a lot of machines, which is great. I mostly stick to the treadmills, ellipticals, and AMTs when I go to the gym, and I have never had to wait — yay! Also love their front desk staff, classes, and instructors (this goes for all the clubs) — especially Pilates Mat and Spinning. They definitely keep all the classes challenging, too.
A membership is a little on the pricey side, but I think it’s worth it. It makes it a little bit easier to go to the gym if you actually LIKE the gym. :)

My satisfaction with the club plummeted over the last few months as it became increasingly, and infuriatingly, overcrowded. But the addition of a third floor last week, including the accompanying expansion of its weight and cardio areas, should go a long way toward addressing my concerns. It’s back to being a nice gym that’s worth the price. They still need to deal with the undersized men’s locker room, but that’s reportedly on the way.

A long-​overdue review for my favorite gym.
I recently moved to Los Angeles and am just now realizing how lucky I was to have been a member of EAC and then BAC.
The facilities are spacious and offer plenty of machines. Each machine has cable TV (I cannot find that here in LA!) and a great view of the neighborhood out of the windows.
I loved attending the live DJ spin, body pump, body combat and yoga classes.
The front desk staff was always kind and it was not a problem to cancel my membership when I moved (it was a sad day, though!).
It is just steps from the Damen blue line stop which is helpful on your way to or from the office.

I love the CAC! I’ve been coming to this club lately because it’s more conveniently located to my home. The fitness classes are fantastic (Bodypump! Spinning!!) and the equipment is in brand new condition.
All club access is the way to go– you’ll be able to access all CACs for a nominal fee that pays for itself in convenience and preventing burnout!

I joined this gym a couple months ago because of the location and I had been to the lakeview athletic club. While they don’t have a rock climbing wall, Rodrigo makes up for it as a personal trainer. He kicks my butt but I always walk out feeling great. The ONLY thing LAC has above BAC is the showers.
Anyways… Go see Rodrigo

CAC has granted current members of any of their clubs all access to BAC (a promo that has been running since April), any day of the week with no time restriction.
As my gym is smaller and tends to get crowded, I was pleasantly surprised by the spaciousness, smaller crowds (better yet, a handful of regulars), and the abundance of new equipment.
The only thing that I would change, would be to add a few more mirrors (probably on the columns between the windows) in front of the free weights.

I’ve been a member here since the week it opened and it’s probably the best gym I’ve ever belonged to. Now granted a big reason for this is it’s always empty, and I’m sure the longer it’s open the more people that will join and the more crowded it will get. But even then this place will still be great. Very clean, very modern, amazing locker rooms, and plenty of machines and weights. Really happy thus far with the BAC.
¹⁰⁵⁄₃₆₅

I am a member of West Loop Athletic club and can come here for free. I am basing this review on my experience there.
Both the location and layout of this gym are perfect. I really like the windows on the second floor that face the Blue Line. The second floor is also really spacious and has a nice open feel to it. The amenities are in line with the other Chicago Athletic Clubs (nice towels, free shampoo/​body wash, etc). There are plenty of workout stations (squat racks, fly machines, etc). So far I haven’t seen anyone doing curls at the squat rack so at least this gym has that going for it (unfortunately at West Loop this is the most popular spot to do curls???).
I am disappointed in the lack of steam room, whirlpool, or sauna. The gym experience just doesn’t feel complete without one. I understand West Loop has the space for all those but it would have been nice to have at least one of them to differentiate BAC from Wicker Park Athletic club. Some of the equipment felt cheap, particularly the pylo boxes and the barbells, but I think I am just being picky.
Bucktown Athletic Club isn’t a bad gym, but it isn’t a great one either. I’ll definitely come here to get a quick workout in every once and awhile, but it won’t be a destination for me. Plus parking will likely be atrocious.