When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Kick@55 Fitness
Why Kick@55 Fitness is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Kick@55 Fitness is a premier fitness studio located in the vibrant River North neighborhood of Chicago, renowned for its intense and dynamic High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) bootcamp classes. Founded in 2012 by Rebecca Gahan, who transitioned from IT sales to a fitness entrepreneur, Kick@55 offers a transformative exercise experience catering to all fitness levels. The studio’s signature 55-minute workouts are designed to be challenging yet adaptable, with certified instructors customizing routines to meet individual needs, including modifications for injuries or beginners. The classes blend a variety of equipment such as kettlebells, dumbbells, sleds, and battle ropes to keep workouts fresh and engaging. Beyond physical training, Kick@55 fosters a strong community atmosphere, with personalized engagement from the staff, personal emails, recognition programs, and social events like happy hours. This combination of high-energy workouts and community support makes Kick@55 an excellent place to meet up with friends and stay motivated on your fitness journey. Furthermore, Kick@55 embraces technology by offering online workout sessions through their private Instagram and YouTube channels, allowing members to maintain their fitness regimen from home or on the go. Whether aiming to lose weight, build strength, or simply enjoy a rigorous, fun workout, Kick@55 stands out as a cornerstone of Chicago’s fitness scene.
Here's what people think of Kick@55 Fitness
As of recent, Kick@55 Fitness holds a 5-star rating based on 24 reviews.
User reviews overwhelmingly praise Kick@55 Fitness for its authentic, no-frills, and highly effective approach to fitness. Members consistently highlight the intensity of the workouts, describing them as real, army-style sessions that push participants to their limits with exercises like burpees, jump squats, and weighted squats. The daily changing routines and the energized environment keep workouts exciting and different every time. Positive feedback often focuses on the personalized attention from the passionate instructors, especially founder Rebecca Gahan, who is noted for her genuine care and close connections with clients, helping foster a welcoming community feel. Many users appreciate the studio's flexibility in accommodating various fitness levels and injuries, allowing anyone to benefit. The social aspect of Kick@55 also receives recognition, with events and personal engagement enhancing camaraderie among members. On the downside, some reviews mention the demanding nature of the workouts as a challenge, which may not be suitable for individuals seeking gentler exercise options. Additionally, while the studio excels in in-person training, some users expressed a desire for more diverse online content beyond the current offerings. Overall, Kick@55 Fitness receives stellar reviews for its effective high-intensity programs, supportive community, and dedicated staff, making it a top choice for serious fitness enthusiasts in Chicago.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Ariana Brosco Coletti
I've been going to Kick@55 for almost 6 years now and I am still in love with their bootcamp classes! I started at kick when I moved to the city and was excited to join a gym that was a true community. I met so many wonderful people at Kick and look forward to taking classes with friends. My husband joined prior to our wedding in 2016 and is still an active member too. The classes are tough but there are modifications for all levels. I was able to workout my entire pregnancy and attribute that to my quick post partum recovery. The online streaming was awesome when everything was closed and now they have a variety of outdoor and indoor (socially distanced) classes available. I feel safe with all of their cleaning and COVID protocols and couldn't recommend them more!
Jordan Edwards
Kick@55 got my husband and I in shape before our wedding, and has continued to be one of my favorite places to workout in Chicago! Kick@55 offers HIIT classes taught by amazing instructors and has most recently added virtual content to their repertoire, which is a lifesaver during the shelter in place in Chicago! I can honestly say that I have never been able to burn as many calories as I have in the classes I attend- it never disappoints. In addition to their amazing, challenging classes, Kick@55 offers nutrition counseling, which has transformed my performance and helped me lose weight and feel the best I've ever felt! I definitely recommend checking them out! You will not regret it : )
Nicole Sullivan
Love love love Kick@55! I’ve been going there for 1.5years and I was worried about how I was going to keep working out during quarantine. They recently started streaming all their classes which has been an absolute lifesaver/mood booster. It’s so challenging even at home! I find the instructors super fun and motivating - they make sure you don’t quit. In the studio, my favorite is bike and burn, which they also stream. There’s nothing like Kick it’s the best! (Coming from a picky fitness junkie lol)
Megan Tang
I LOVE this place! I actually took my first class with coworkers, and loved the workout so much that I decided to join as a full-time member shortly after. I remember I couldn't walk for a whole week after my first class, and that's exactly the type of workout I want. The instructors are all super upbeat and friendly, they watch your form closely - which is very important, and play really great music that gets you pumped up all through the workout. Now that we are mandated to shelter-in-place, Kick@55 quickly revamped their business and are now live-streaming all of their HIIT classes on Instagram (DM @kickat55), and all of their workouts can be done with or without weights. Thank goodness, because I didn't know what I was going to do without being able to get a hard workout in while staying at home! Thank you so much Kick@55 for all you do and letting us continue to stay in shape :) Can't wait to see you all again in-person!
Kim Szokol
Kick is the absolute best! I've been going for 2+ years and can't imagine my life without it. It's truly more than just a gym, which has become evident during this "stay at home" order. I've been watching the Instagram live workouts everyday and they are AMAZING - Just as good as being there. Definitely check them out on Instagram @Kick@55 and DM them to check out the incredible HIT classes. It will keep you sane during this time!
How to reach Kick@55 Fitness
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Why Kick@55 Fitness may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Kick@55 Fitness with your friends? With a perfect 5.0 rating from 24 reviews, Kick@55 Fitness offers more than just a workout — it provides a high-energy community experience that makes gathering with friends truly rewarding. Located conveniently in River North, Chicago, this boutique studio specializes in challenging, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts that push you past your limits in a motivating group environment. When you bring your friends here, you’re not just signing up for individual exercise; you’re entering a space where encouragement and camaraderie elevate everyone’s performance. The studio's welcoming vibe, combined with fierce but friendly competition, makes it ideal for groups who want to get fit while having fun together. The modern, spacious two-studio setup offers plenty of room for everyone, and with multiple class times and expert instructors, coordinating a group meetup is seamless. Bonus amenities like healthy chef-prepared meals on site, showers, and ample locker space add to the convenience, making Kick@55 a one-stop destination to spend active, quality time with friends and family while sweating it out hard.
What types of activities and classes does Kick@55 Fitness offer, and why are they perfect for group meetups?
Kick@55 Fitness centers around 55-minute high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes that combine cardio bursts with strength-building circuits designed to shock your body into burning fat and building lean muscle. Each class is different, ensuring variety and challenge every time. The workouts include a dynamic mix of functional fitness elements such as boxing, dance-inspired cardio, burpees, TRX suspension training, squat jumps, Pilates-based movements, plyometrics, jump rope, resistance bands, tire flipping with sledgehammers, and kettlebells. This broad range means there’s something exciting for every fitness interest, and doing it alongside friends adds a motivating group dynamic. Instructors push everyone to their limits but also boost team spirit through friendly competition and mutual support. Whether your group wants a full-body workout or classes targeting upper body, lower body, or core, Kick@55 has options tailored to varied goals and fitness levels. The encouraging, army-style workouts create a shared sense of accomplishment that bonds participants and fuels group energy throughout and beyond class.
How does Kick@55’s environment and facilities enhance a group fitness experience?
Kick@55 Fitness boasts a state-of-the-art facility with brand new equipment across two spacious studios, allowing multiple classes to run concurrently without crowding. This setup is ideal for groups because it offers flexibility in class scheduling so you can pick times that work best for your group’s collective availability. Locker rooms with showers and ample locker space make it convenient to freshen up on-site, perfect for friends who might be heading to other activities afterward. Healthy, chef-prepared meals available in the studio add a social and nutritional dimension, encouraging groups to refuel together post-workout. The studio is positioned in the heart of River North, making it easily accessible and a great urban meetup spot. The clean, motivating ambiance and the focus on serious, no-frills fitness appeal to groups looking for a real, transformational workout experience they can share. The combination of passionate trainers, an inspiring crowd, and modern facilities makes Kick@55 not just a gym but a fitness community that welcomes groups and supports their collective journey.
What makes Kick@55 Fitness stand out compared to other boutique fitness studios for group gatherings?
While boutique fitness studios like Flywheel or SoulCycle attract individuals for fun workouts, Kick@55 Fitness excels in delivering an intense, army-style workout that challenges both mind and body in a group-focused atmosphere. The emphasis on interval training with heavy bodyweight exercises and functional fitness tools makes classes particularly effective at producing visible results — often burning between 500-700 calories per session. Importantly, that intensity is balanced with the energy and support of group dynamics, which makes rallying with friends highly motivating and keeps turnout high among social groups. Each class is unique, preventing boredom and ensuring everyone in the group experiences a fresh challenge regularly. The instructors are praised for pushing participants kindly but firmly, helping each person to tap into their full potential. For groups serious about improving fitness together, Kick@55 offers a rare blend of hardcore workout effectiveness and community support that leads to sustained commitment and fun.
Why is Kick@55 Fitness an excellent choice for events like friend meetups, team fitness challenges, or family fitness days?
Kick@55 Fitness provides an ideal setting for social fitness events by offering structured, high-energy workouts that engage all members regardless of individual skill levels. Because classes are always led by expert trainers who can modify exercises, even those new to intense fitness can safely join, making it accessible for diverse groups of friends or families. The class variety and open schedule means you can tailor your meetup to focus on different fitness goals together or try multiple classes over time for sustained engagement. The motivating atmosphere ignites a competitive yet supportive spirit perfect for friendly challenges or team-based workouts. Its central location and modern amenities ease logistics, helping groups come together with minimal hassle and maximum impact. Moreover, the social component is enhanced by available healthy meals and fresh facilities, encouraging groups to not just work out but also relax and reconnect afterward in one vibrant location. If you want your group fitness experience to be about more than just exercise — about building shared resilience, fun, and memories — Kick@55 is the place.
How do the reviews and community feedback reflect the appeal of Kick@55 Fitness for group fitness enthusiasts?
Kick@55’s perfect 5.0 rating reflects widespread appreciation for its high-intensity programming and community vibe. Reviewers often highlight how workouts are serious and demanding yet exciting, making them highly addictive once you join. Multiple testimonies stress the positive group dynamics fostered by instructors and peers who push each other toward challenging goals. Users rave about the inclusivity—how friends and teams can support one another regardless of fitness background. The variety of classes and efficient scheduling have been praised for allowing friends to coordinate and commit together easily. The studio has rapidly grown from humble beginnings shared with other fitness classes to a dedicated space, a sign of strong community demand. All these factors create an environment where group fitness enthusiasts feel inspired, comfortable, and motivated — making it a top choice in Chicago’s competitive boutique fitness scene.
In summary, Kick@55 Fitness presents an ideal blend of intense HIIT workouts, expert coaching, modern facilities, and a motivating group atmosphere that transforms group meetups into empowering, health-focused social experiences. Its unbeatable rating and dynamic class offerings make it the go-to spot for friends, families, and teams looking to rally, train, and thrive together.