Lake View YMCA

I’ve been a member at the ymca for 3 years. Place is pretty awkwardly set up but they made the most of what they have. The staff is generally not very friendly but some go out of their way to make you feel welcome. I won’t be changing gyms for a long time. Mostly due to the fact that it’s 26 dollars a month if you are under 26 and 95% of the time you don’t need to wait for a machine

This gym gets 5 stars for service. The people who work here are beyond friendly, helpful, and all-​around pleasant.
The facility itself gets 5 stars for just how much it offers: gymnasium, weight room, treadmill room, miscellaneous cardio room, fitness classes, pool. Probably more. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s a labyrinth. David Bowie will straight up snatch your baby brother and the next thing you know: goblins everywhere. It can be overwhelming at first, but the staff is so helpful and more than happy to guide you around. I do like that the rooms are separated based on interest.
Membership is straightforward, no contract, $ 51/​month for adults (with a $ 51 joining fee that can often be circumnavigated).
I’m giving the equipment 3 stars. While I was excited to see the Precor AMT — my favorite elliptical because it’s the only one that doesn’t make me feel like a hamster on a wheel — I was disappointed to find it in moderate disrepair. Nothing a little grease and tightening up couldn’t fix, I’d imagine, but I found this to be the case with each of the of the machines I used. Just lots of creaks and squeaks. But if you’re listening to a Diplo-​produced Beyonce track, you can’t hear a thing.
I hung out in the sauna, too, which was small but sufficient. The locker room is a little «vintage» looking, but try not to be a princess about it, okay?

Great YMCA!!! Staff is very friendly and the Spin classes are intense!!! Using the Away program, I visit this YMCA about twice a year. My home YMCA is in Marin County California. I always look forward to my Lakeview Y experience.

In early March, I registered my son for the upcoming summer camp. Due to a change in unforeseen circumstances, I am forced cancel my son’s summer camp registration.
I emailed the camp associate and the Director to explain my situation and even offered to pay a 10% penalty of the $ 475 registration fee to withdraw my son from the summer camp sessions. The Director responded there was nothing she could to do help and REPEATEDLY kept asking me which session I was going to drop. Her attitude was rude and unprofessional.
I’ve contacted the VP of Operations and she said she would start the refund process. One week later, I received a phone call from the Director who agreed to refund the registration fee only AFTER the class registration was full. I recently checked the website and the 7 summer camp sessions I registered for were full. I emailed her to let her know about the class status and she wrote back saying that in order for me to get a refund, there must be someone on the waiting list. She did not PREVIOUSLY mention this refund requirement. I find this response VERY misleading!
This is disappointing, unacceptable and unreasonable! I do not have the access to the YMCA’s data system, so I have no way of verifying if there is a waiting list or not. I feel as if they want to keep my registration money and have no intention of giving me a refund.
Please be aware of the YMCA’s pricing for their summer camp registration fee. Some is $ 15 and the Lake View is $ 50 per week. I am not sure what the difference is but I always thought the YMCA was a non-​profit organization. The whole thing seems very FISHY to me!
Parents, please go look for another location or facility for your children’s camp. This one is BAD all around!

I have been a member of this YMCA for probably 5 years or more. I use it because it is convenient between work and home. I actually pretty much hate it!!! They increase their rates, but services don’t change. The men’s locker room is fairly basic. At least four to five times a month, there is a terrible urine smell or something in the shower area. Gross. The whole place is not very clean! For the past few months, there have been bugs (cockroaches maybe?) in the men’s sauna. I have complained about this to multiple personnel multiple times but they still run around in there on and off. It is disgusting. I have also witnessed men hacking up and spitting out where other men later sit in the sauna. When I confronted the person in the sauna who did this, I was ethnically aggressed and I am not sure whatever was done about this. I did complain officially! The internet/​tv services on the various workout machines have not worked properly for years. Some channels do not show up at all. Others come in and out. Again, I have complained about this about 4 or 5 times, but it does not help. CNN does not show up half of the time or comes in so fuzzy you cannot watch it. I am still going because it is convenient for me, but I don’t understand how a place can be so unresponsive!

When I first moved to Chicago, I picked a tiny gym over this Y because it had much better reviews. And what a mistake that was!
Some of the old reviews for this place talk about how dirty is, but since then, they’ve remodeled a great deal. I never feel like the place is dirty. They maintain equipment and I rarely see anything out of service. Even in January after work, I was almost always able to get some type of machine – and a locker in the locker room. The facility is spacious, and there is even a pool! If that’s your thing. Not my thing. The vast majority of the staff are friendly, and those that aren’t are just more gruff than rude.
The prices are comparable to other area gyms, but without a pesky contract. I wish I could go back in time and tell myself instead of the cramped gym I settled for instead. Two years after switching, I do not regret it.

Switched to this Y from the Rogers Park location, and we’re so happy with it. The swimming program, instructors, and swimming director are all wonderful. The front desk people are always very pleasant and helpful. We’ll definitely make this our «home» Y.

I can’t say enough about the Y! The staff are so friendly. Kids maze is wonderful. Lifesaver in winter time with two young kids. We’ve done kids swimming here and tumbling class. I love the yoga classes and cardio fit. Pool can be a bit cold, family changing area excellent. Ladies locker room needs updating

During the winter months, I like to sign my toddler up for a few indoor activities to avoid cabin fever. I decided to try out Lakeview YMCA for a change of pace, but have taken classes at Little Gym, Goldfish Swim School, Musical Magic, Chicago Park District, etc.
I signed her up for a sports class and art at the Y. While we had no issues with the sports class, we had a few issues with the art class. I understand this could be more of a reflection on the instructor of that class, however, it did show an overall lack of organization and professionalism from the organization as a whole. For this reason, I will probably not enroll in any other classes there.
The first incident occurred when the instructor failed to show up for the 10:00 AM class. All the kids with their caregivers sat waiting in the room without any information from the Y staff. Finally at 10:33 AM, my nanny texted me to say that the instructor didn’t show up, so I called the front desk to inquire. The person at the front desk was unaware of any issues until her colleague confirmed the instructor was a «no-​show» and we’d be getting a refund for the class.
Later I thought — what if this was a drop off class and children were left unattended because no one was aware of an issue? I understand people get stuck in traffic, get sick, etc. but have a better handle on your facility and promptly communicate any issues to the participants. Oh and that refund turned out to be a voucher to be used on another class, which is highly unlikely now.
The second incident occurred when our nanny was a few minutes late to one of the last classes only to arrive to an empty room. Her tardiness was an exception, not the norm. My two year old was just a little more difficult to get bundled up and out the door that day. But apparently no one else showed up for the class that day, so the instructor assumed after 5 minutes no one was coming and left. He then sees her and disappears to get supplies. However, there was some sort of miscommunication between him and our nanny as she thought class was cancelled again ended up leaving confused and frustrated.
I later spoke to the instructor on the phone about this incident and acknowledged that there might have been a mutual misunderstanding for the second incident. However I think he missed the point to some of my feedback. Rather than blaming my nanny for being a couple minutes late for this incident, especially considering his blatant no-​show just two weeks prior, he should have acknowledged his own room for improvement. Like his lack of preparedness for a class. I asked him was it commonplace not to have the room set for a scheduled class at the start of each class? The class was only 30 minutes, so are the first 5 plus minutes wasted getting supplies?
Finally, our nanny likes send me pictures and videos throughout the day. In each video of this class, the instructor seemed more engaged with the adults than the children. Not suggesting there was anything inappropriate — he just seemed to lack the passion for children I tend to see from other instructors teaching classes at the other venues mentioned above.
Plus, it’s not even a good value when you break it down for cost per minute. That 30 minute art class ended up costing us $ 22 per class, while many of their competitors offer 45 minute classes for $ 20 a class.
Bottom line is there are a lot of other places in Lakeview/​Roscoe Village which offer fun classes for toddlers that have shown a ton more competency, organization, professionalism and passion than the Lakeview YMCA.

Nothing fancy but they keep everything clean and well-​maintained. This Y offers great classes (my favorites are spin & body pump) and offer a lot of machines for both cardio and strength training. Well worth it for the price! I’ve been a member here for just over a year.

I’ve been working out here for almost five months now and it is been the best gym experience I’ve ever had.
Before I get in too deep I need to say this: I don’t know who this «Esedria S.» Person is, and I think they might just have been sent from the competition to leave a nonsensical bad review, because each and every one of the three workout rooms has at least two stations with tissue-​style sanitary wipe dispensing and a built-​in trash can. If you don’t believe me, check the place out yourself. Shame, Esedria, shame!
The staff is friendly and helpful-​they clearly like their jobs-they’re appropriately conversational and informative.
The equipment is always clean and accessible. It’s only rarely that I’ll have to request to work in between sets with another patron.
That brings me to the patrons. Everyone here seems to be at ease and polite. Sure there are muscular peeps, (I’m trying to get there myself) but I’d never call them meatheads.
The combination of well-​maintained equipment, sanitation, and friendliness makes for a great workout experience every time.
Never again Xsport!

I have been a member here since about November of last year. I shopped around a lot for a gym before deciding on the Y and I could not be happier with my final choice. The facilities are clean and well-​maintained. The locker room space (at least for women) has a ton of space and plenty of lockers, both half and full size. This was a huge selling factor to me because I come after work, meaning I have a ton of stuff that needs to be stashed away during my workout. Street parking is free on the west side of Marshfield always, and is pay on the east until 6 pm on weekdays. (Not sure about weekends, though I know Sundays are free). Also, there is a parking lot that members can buy tokens to park in. Tokens are 10 for $ 5, I believe. It can get pretty full pretty quickly in the winter time, but it’s not usually a huge problem.
The amount of equipment is also a huge plus. I think I’ve had to wait for a machine once, and that was after work, during one of the first weeks of January. Even then, I didn’t wait long. Usually, even around 6, I can have my pick of the cardio equipment.
I’m also always impressed by the responsiveness of the staff to member needs. If equipment is broken or just doesn’t seem to be working out, they are very quick to fix or replace it.
The people who go to this gym are also another reason that I’m giving 5 stars. This is a place for EVERYBODY. There are people who are serious athletes, people who are just beginning a work out régime for the first time in their lives, and everyone in between. The atmosphere is very welcoming. The staff is also wonderful. They get to know you by name and are always helpful and friendly.
Finally, the classes. There is a variety of classes that are offered. Spin happens every day with various instructors. Yoga, Zumba, and others go on in the big studio upstairs. My favorite class is cardio sculpt with Steve on Thursdays at 6… I try to never miss it. There are a couple of classes that cost extra, but everything I’ve been to or listed is included with your membership. And they will tell you on the schedule if it is a class that you need to pay extra for.
Overall, I think the membership fee is fair, and the services and facilities you get in exchange are wonderful. I highly recommend the Lake View Y!
*since writing this review, Steve’s Thursday night class has been moved to Friday nights at 6 pm. I still don’t miss it.

I came here a few days ago to check this place out! I came in asked for a guest past and was taken care of immediately. The lady that helped me out was very nice and took care of me pretty quickly. The gym here is very clean and lots of options. I did notice there were a lot of treadmills out of order here though! They also have a child service center while you work out they watch your kids! Also have nice locker rooms with a pool. I didn’t get to check the pool out though due to construction going on until after labor day! Overall a good experience!

First gym that I joined in chicago after checking out many others. It’s the perfect intersection of substance and value. Ample, CLEAN facilities and they even have a pool.
Pros: very friendly and helpful staff, clean facilities, literally have almost anything you could want.
Cons: layout is slightly awkward (nbd) can get a little crowded after 5 during the week but that’s to be expected.
Overall super satisfied with the place. It’s filled with normal people that go to a gym as opposed to gym people (you know the type)

Contrary to my experience with Xsport — YMCA is wonderful! I took advantage of their promo where you try the gym on a Saturday in July and then if you join your joiners fee is waived. The gym was clean, the staff was helpful, and the price was unbeatable.
Better yet, signing up for a membership was easy, painless, and instant. Where at Xsport there was a ridiculous process and I felt completely cheated, YMCA was straightforward and reasonable.
I’ve only been a member a few days and I can tell you that if you’re looking for a gym in the neighborhood this is your best option and you will be satisfied!

Just checked this gym
Out after living here for 9years! Great– clean– nice staff and I took the BEST spin class with Tiffany as the instructor! I usually don’t like spin classes but I will be going back bc this was so fun and went by fast even tho I was getting my butt kicked.

I’ve been a member for about 3 or 4 years and consistently going (at least) twice a week for the last 1.5 years.
I am HUGE fan of their childcare and group fitness classes:
I have been taking my 1.5 year old daughter to the ‘Mazing Kids Center since she was about 12 weeks old and we are very pleased with the facility; the staff are friendly, the toys look dynamic (I have never been IN the play area; kids/​staff only) and I rarely have to be pulled away from my workout to tend to her (I think it has happened twice).
As far as the fitness classes go, Mondale’s «Ultimate Power» circuit training class on Tuesdays (lower body) & Thursdays (upper body) is AMAZING. It is a very challenging but so, so very rewarding: it has made me strong and given marvelous muscle-​definition to my middle-​aged body. Mondale always mixes up the routine week-​to-​week so we never get bored and he plays the best mix of music to keep the class pumping. If you have the stamina, his «Absolute Abs» class immediately follows and each session is just as varied and well-​taught.
I also love Mari’s Hatha Yoga on Fridays. Her thick accent doesn’t give any hints as to where she is from or where she trained but she is VERY well-​versed in the proper Sanskrit names for each pose which alludes to her master practitioner status. Overall a lovely, calm class with plenty of variety for more challenging modifications.

Baby Swim Classes — three stars is too many; two, too few.
We have taken two six-​week-​long swimming classes with our now ten-​month-​old twins. The quality of the class is hit or miss, primarily because you cannot select a class based upon which teacher it has. Some of the teachers are enthusiastic and fun. The ones we had last session (on Thursday evenings) put even the kids to sleep, which is impressive at this age. They sang all the songs at about three quarters speed and just generally seem bored to death. As a result, it was boring for everyone. We are not signed up for the current session because we can’t figure out how to avoid the boring teachers.

Yes it is not the nicest gym in Chicago, and no there isn’t a pool on the roof with a view, but it is budget friendly, and in my neighborhood. Staff is generally nice, and very helpful.
I lift, cycle, and take a few other classes, and I have to give a shout out to Bernadette. I have used three other instructors and none of the others compare, at least in my opinion. She pushes the students to be better, and my stamina and body has drastically changed in the last four months. I am male, I’ve lost 23 lbs, and I now weigh 151 lbs and can fit in size 31″ jeans. It was all about the diet, and the Y. I have also been taking cycling long enough to see that she constantly changes up the routines. I guess I just like her energy and you’d have to take a class to see what I’m talking about. BIG thank you to Bernadette and the Y.

I started coming here because the McCormick Tribune YMCA doesn’t have a pool and this place does. The workout areas are really nice and clean, but it’s lacking in some of the more basic equipment. I’m not even asking for a thing to do GHD sit ups on, or a rope to climb. I’ll even let slide the lack of a dedicated area to perform Olympic lifts (the McCormick Tribune YMCA doesn’t have any of these either). However, the Lakeview YMCA doesn’t even have a dip station or back extension bench, and those are pretty standard.
The pool is nice but small. It’s only 20 yards instead of the typical 25 yards or meters, and it’s only four lanes wide, with three of them closed off 80% of the time for swim lessons and such. Not ideal, but the YMCA is in a great location and at least there is a pool, so it works okay.
Staff and people who come here are all very friendly and helpful. I’ve been lost inside here a few times (the place is really big and winding. There are a lot of stairs and landings and doors and it can be kinda confusing the first few times you’re here) and they always point me in the right direction.