When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Lakeshore Sport & Fitness
Why Lakeshore Sport & Fitness is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Lakeshore Sport & Fitness stands out as a vibrant and welcoming sports and fitness club with two convenient Chicago locations, including the Illinois Center in the East Loop and the Lincoln Park facility. With club facilities open early until late every day of the week, it accommodates various schedules, enabling friends and fitness enthusiasts to meet up, exercise, and enjoy wellness activities together. The Illinois Center branch offers a comprehensive range of amenities designed to foster a healthier, happier, and more balanced lifestyle. Highlights include discounted parking options nearby for member convenience and a variety of exercise equipment, personal training programs, yoga classes, and sports leagues that encourage group participation. Additionally, the club’s engaging events and community-oriented atmosphere make it a social hub where friends can connect beyond workouts. Its central urban locations also facilitate easy access for Chicago residents and workers, creating a perfect blend of professional fitness resources and a dynamic social environment to meet and bond with friends.
Here's what people think of Lakeshore Sport & Fitness
As of recent, Lakeshore Sport & Fitness holds a 3.8-star rating based on 93 reviews.
Customer reviews aggregate to a 3.8-star rating based on 93 reviews, reflecting a mixed but generally positive member experience. Positive feedback commonly praises the club’s friendly staff, comfortable and well-maintained facilities, and the variety of programs offered, including wellness classes and organized sports activities. Members have highlighted the social and networking opportunities as a significant benefit while appreciating the convenient location and accessible hours of operation. On the other hand, some negative reviews point to occasional management and communication issues, with certain users finding inconsistencies in service or frustration with policies such as fees for uniforms and personal training discounts. Employee testimonials range from appreciation for the team environment and work opportunities to concerns about professional management and compensation levels. Overall, while some operational challenges are noted, the consensus indicates Lakeshore Sport & Fitness is a generally enjoyable place for members to engage in fitness and social activities, making it a popular choice for those seeking both health benefits and community connections in Chicago.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Natalie Frakes
I absolutely love Lakeshore! I’m so glad I found this spot. PLEASE ignore the low ratings from some people. Folks don’t l understand what it takes to run an enormous club like this while also keeping the prices competitive. I’m sorry … but NOT sorry. With such amazing deals (ie monthly membership price + all that’s included) you are NOT going to find anything better. Go to Midtown and then complain about how much you’re paying there (at least $200 more) and how crowded it is or any other complain. I’ve been there, experienced it. Over it. Let me explain more … 🎾🏓 TENNIS and racquet sports are at the forefront of this spot. They have amazing courts, great/talented coaches, and tons of opportunities to play. Classes, drop-ins, private lessons, mixers, teams… seriously everything! Huge shout out to Coaches Brian, Pedro, and Kristina! — 🏋🏽♂️🤸🏾♀️ GYM facilities are great. There are multiple floors of equipment and tons of hidden rooms with MORE equipment. Oftentimes, they’re empty! Any gym in Chicago is going to be crowded during peak times (7-9a and 5-7p). They also offer amazing classes, a wide array of them, that are INCLUDED! — 🚿🧹🧼 This is one of the CLEANEST gyms I’ve ever been to. The locker room staff is amazing and every time I’m there, they’re constantly cleaning. Also, the locker room itself has a hot tub, sauna, and steam room. All within the privacy of the locker room. The adult locker rooms also never have kids in them which is a plus. There’s a separate one on the 4th floor for families. — 🍽️🍷 HARVEST is the rooftop restaurant and I’ve had a couple of meals there. They put on some excellent themed dinners, like the 4th of July BBQ which is very affordable! They also have a great menu and carry some good wines and beers. Their cafe on the 2nd floor also has yummy snacks and smoothies and protein shakes that are easy on the go. Happy to be part of the LSF community. Great vibes and has helped keep me active — I go here and enjoy it so much that I’ve successfully lost 15 pounds! Back to my normal self.
Cheryl Wong
I came here for the rooftop restaurant Harvest. I had low expectations for the food. Everything we had was really good. The truffle fries were crispy, pancakes were good, the salmon bowl and burrata salad were perfect for a hot day. The salmon was perfectly cooked. The view on the rooftop is lovely and the service was great. Definitely don't miss out on the rooftop restaurant/bar.
Genuine Reviews
Search through the ONE STAR reviews first for an accurate description of what goes on in these facilities before making any decisions. To confirm the disappointing portion of my subscription was the fact they are extremely rude and unwilling to make small exceptions and/or accommodations for situations people are going through outside of the facility to the point where it feels very much obvious that they do not wish to help nor lose money in any way shape or form. It is no surprise they struggle to even keep barely a 4 star review. Midtown athletic club may be more expensive but their attentiveness to their members and applied customer service is why you pay more. Not just for an even better facility.
Jackie Acker Garland (Chicago Photo Mom)
I just finished my two week trial membership and here's what I like about my individual plus kids membership: *FREE 2 hour childcare *Variety of classes - Pilates Mat with Zineb and Fuerzo Kickboxing with Marcelo have been my favorites! *Special programming! Kids are in a free weekly dance class and they had a reptile show where we could touch the animals. Negatives: *Parking is a challenge despite them having two parking lots. I had to park on Fullerton this morning around 9AM. *Family pool access is limited on weekends as 3/4 of pool is used for lessons in the morning. Definitely worth the investment for the childcare alone!
Kim S
A huge thank you to everyone at Lakeshore Gym in Lincoln Park! My family and I have absolutely loved being part of the community — we’ll miss it dearly (and so will our muscles, though they might pretend otherwise). It’s been a joy getting to know so many of you working there and thank you for all your help. A special shout-out to the incredible childcare dream team: Bryan, Chidinma, Veronica, Yaya, Chris, and Sarah — you are all legends. My kids adored you, and frankly, so did I. You kept them safe, happy, and entertained... and gave me the gift of a peaceful workout. True superheroes. To the amazing housekeeping staff — your warm welcomes made my mornings brighter. Thank you Lorena, your lovely sister Maria, Sara, and the kind lady who always greeted me around 9:15am outside near the entrance , during the weekdays (I'm so sorry your name escapes me, but your smile never did!). And of course, a very big thank you to the fabulous Annie at reception — guardian of the lollipops and keeper of the not-so-secret drawer. My kids may never forgive me for taking them away from your candy stash. With gratitude and love from all of us!
How to reach Lakeshore Sport & Fitness
None
Website: None
Why Lakeshore Sport & Fitness may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Lakeshore Sport & Fitness with your friends? Because it offers more than just a workout; it’s a vibrant, dynamic hub that makes gathering with your friends or family both fun and healthy. Whether you want to catch up over a yoga session, challenge each other in a basketball game, or enjoy a refreshing swim together, Lakeshore Sport & Fitness at Illinois Center provides the perfect setting. The club combines luxury amenities with varied activities designed to keep everyone engaged and motivated. It’s spacious, welcoming, and equipped with everything from rooftop pools to climbing walls and golf simulators, giving your group countless options for an active hangout. Plus, the energetic community atmosphere, social programs, and themed fitness events make meeting here about more than fitness—it’s also about building connections and making memories. Lakeshore’s expert instructors and quality facilities ensure that whether you’re casual exercisers or serious athletes, your time together is both enjoyable and rewarding. Rallying here means your group experience evolves beyond the usual coffee outing, promoting wellness while having a blast.
What activities are available at Lakeshore Sport & Fitness for group meetups? Lakeshore offers a wealth of engaging pursuits that cater to diverse interests and fitness levels. First, their fitness classes are a major draw, including high-energy options like HIIT, group cycling, and Pilates, as well as calming yoga sessions in dedicated studios. These group classes are perfect if your friends want to work out side-by-side or try something new together. The large weight room and cardio equipment area provide space for independent training yet still in a communal environment where friends can encourage one another. For sports lovers, the club features a premium basketball court and squash courts, ideal for friendly competitions or skill-building. Notably, the indoor climbing wall is the tallest in North America, offering an exciting and physically demanding activity for groups seeking adventure. Swimming enthusiasts can take advantage of both an eight-lane indoor pool for laps and a rooftop outdoor pool with stunning city views—perfect for cooling down or socializing poolside. Additional options include a boxing studio, running track, and golf simulator, rounding out a flexible lineup of activities that can accommodate any group’s preferences.
Why is Lakeshore Sport & Fitness the perfect place for a group meetup? The facility’s size—spanning 120,000 square feet—and comprehensive amenities allow groups to split up to enjoy different activities but still stay close enough to interact and regroup. The clubhouse-style atmosphere goes beyond a typical gym experience by offering social programming such as member mixers and themed events designed to foster community and connection among members. This social angle means your meetup can seamlessly shift from fitness to fun, enhancing the group’s overall experience. The locker rooms are luxurious and spacious, with steam rooms, saunas, and whirlpools, providing a relaxing retreat after workouts, which is ideal for friends to unwind and share quality time. Located conveniently next to the Aon Center in downtown Chicago with parking options nearby, it’s easy for groups coming from different parts of the city to arrive without hassle. For families or groups with kids, the club includes complimentary childcare, playrooms, and kids’ sports lessons—so parents can enjoy their workout while children are engaged and supervised. All these thoughtful details make Lakeshore Sport & Fitness an outstanding venue to meet, connect, and enrich your relationships while staying active.
What types of fitness classes can groups enjoy together at Lakeshore Sport & Fitness? One of the club’s defining features is its range of expertly led group fitness classes tailored to every interest and intensity level. Popular classes include yoga, which can be both rejuvenating and social, perfect for groups wanting a peaceful way to connect. There are also high-energy group cycling sessions that offer an adrenaline rush and plenty of group motivation. Pilates and functional training classes support strength, flexibility, and injury prevention, appealing to those who want a balanced workout. Because these classes happen daily with expert instructors who customize the experience, your group can pick classes that fit everyone’s needs and fitness goals. The shared group environment promotes accountability and camaraderie, helping friends push themselves while having fun together. Even individuals new to fitness find these classes accessible and welcoming, making them a great way for your group to start or deepen a wellness journey collectively.
How do the sports facilities enhance group fun and fitness at Lakeshore Sport & Fitness? Beyond the typical gym offerings, Lakeshore’s sports amenities elevate the social and competitive aspects of a group meetup. The state-of-the-art basketball court is perfect for casual games or more organized matches, engaging your group in teamwork and friendly rivalry. Squash courts provide a fast-paced, skillful option for those looking for a different racquet sport experience. The indoor climbing wall stands out as a unique feature—the tallest in North America—that challenges your group to encourage and support each other while trying an exciting and physically intensive activity that few other clubs boast. Additionally, the golf simulator allows groups to enjoy virtual rounds of golf regardless of the weather, combining competition with fun in a relaxed setting. All these facilities foster interaction, shared goals, and memories, making sports at Lakeshore both a health boost and a social highlight.
Why are the pools at Lakeshore Sport & Fitness ideal for a group meetup? The club’s dual pool offering maximizes options for swimmers and those wanting to relax. The indoor 8-lane pool is excellent for fitness-focused groups who want to swim laps or engage in aquatic workouts year-round. It provides a large, temperature-controlled environment conducive to both training and social swims. The rooftop outdoor pool is particularly appealing for those who want to socialize while enjoying panoramic views of the Chicago skyline. This outdoor space is a rare gem in the city, providing a refreshing, scenic spot to gather after a workout or simply to relax and chat in a luxurious setting. The combination of indoor and outdoor pools makes Lakeshore an attractive destination regardless of season or preferences, ideal for groups seeking variety in their meetups.
What makes the social environment and additional amenities at Lakeshore Sport & Fitness stand out for groups? More than just a fitness center, Lakeshore cultivates a welcoming, club-like atmosphere that encourages social interaction and a sense of belonging. Regular member mixers, themed events, and community-focused programming give groups opportunities to meet new people and deepen existing friendships. The luxurious locker rooms with amenities like steam and sauna create comfortable spaces for groups to relax and linger post-exercise. Executive and VIP locker facilities offer privacy and convenience, adding a touch of prestige to your visit. Family memberships and childcare ensure that even those with kids can participate fully without worry. All these elements combine to make Lakeshore Sport & Fitness a versatile venue where groups can enjoy health, wellness, and quality time together, making each visit an enriching social experience.
How accessible is Lakeshore Sport & Fitness for groups in Chicago? Located at 211 N. Stetson Ave in the Illinois Center, Lakeshore Sport & Fitness is situated conveniently in downtown Chicago’s East Loop, adjacent to the Aon Center and accessible by pedestrian pathways. This central location means it’s easy to reach via multiple transportation options, including public transit and car. Parking is available through the Park Millennium Garage nearby, with passes purchasable at the club’s front desk, plus metered street parking on surrounding streets. The club’s extended weekday hours (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and weekend availability allow groups to meet at flexible times, fitting various schedules. This accessibility ensures that no matter where your friends or family are coming from, getting together here is hassle-free and convenient.
What membership benefits enhance the group experience at Lakeshore Sport & Fitness? Membership at Lakeshore Sport & Fitness unlocks access to all fitness classes, pools, sports facilities, and special events, ensuring your group can try anything and everything on offer without restrictions. Personal training and small group training sessions with experienced coaches provide additional support for groups aiming to improve skills or achieve specific fitness goals together. The inclusive family memberships include childcare and kids’ programming, supporting group meetups that include parents or children. Members also enjoy priority access to locker rooms with luxury amenities, adding comfort and convenience. These benefits create an environment that supports health, camaraderie, and relaxation, making membership a valuable investment for groups who want to rally regularly in a stimulating and supportive setting.