When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
UIC Sports & Fitness Center
Why UIC Sports & Fitness Center is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The UIC Sports & Fitness Center is a premier recreational destination located on the west campus of the University of Illinois Chicago, right in the heart of the Illinois Medical District. As a vibrant hub for physical activity and social interaction, it offers a welcoming environment ideal for meeting up with friends and engaging in diverse fitness activities. The facility features a comprehensive range of amenities, including a large swimming pool with flexible hours, modern fitness equipment, and spaces designed for both individual workouts and group exercises. Additionally, the center is undergoing renovations to introduce the Student Health and Wellbeing Suite, an innovative space dedicated to integrating physical fitness, mental health support, and relaxation. Highlights include massage and zero-gravity chairs for relaxation, an updated massage room with therapy services, and new counseling office spaces to enhance mental health accessibility. The center also hosts the FitWell Center, offering fitness testing, personal training, massage therapy, and various group classes to accommodate all levels of fitness enthusiasts. Whether you want to swim, work out, join group sessions, or simply relax, the UIC Sports & Fitness Center provides a supportive and dynamic atmosphere that makes it a fantastic spot to connect with friends and prioritize wellness.
Here's what people think of UIC Sports & Fitness Center
As of recent, UIC Sports & Fitness Center holds a 4.5-star rating based on 272 reviews.
User reviews of the UIC Sports & Fitness Center generally reflect a positive experience, culminating in a strong rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 272 reviewers. Many visitors praise the center for its cleanliness and the friendliness of its staff, which creates an inviting atmosphere for users. The variety and quality of facilities, including the pool, fitness equipment, and wellness services, are frequently highlighted as standout features. Positive feedback often mentions the helpfulness of the staff and the convenience of having both fitness and mental health resources available in one location, especially with recent and ongoing renovations improving these services further. However, some negative reviews point out occasional issues such as crowded spaces during peak hours and limited parking options nearby, which may inconvenience visitors. A few users also reported that certain facilities or hours can vary, which requires checking current schedules. Overall, the reviews reflect a well-maintained, user-focused center that offers comprehensive fitness and wellbeing options. The positives far outweigh the negatives, confirming the UIC Sports & Fitness Center as a respected and valued recreational facility.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Stacky Line
DON’T COME HERE if you’re coming for the dance rooms. Staff told me I had to rent and pay for the room every time, even as a student who comes alone. What’s the point of paying for a >$50 membership if I can’t use the only facility I paid for? Makes no sense to me. I bought the membership ONLY for the dance room and to be told this news is extremely upsetting. I’ve been here multiple times by myself now and I’ve never heard of this. Asked front desk for clarification and they said I have to pay student org rental price for the rooms? Which doesn’t make sense because I am not a student org. He said he will talk to the managers about it but I would recommend to go to SCE on UIC’s East Campus for dance rooms. Their dance rooms are open to membership holders if there are no events going on. Will not be returning again.
Alice Mendoza
UIC Sports & Fitness Center is hands down one of the best gyms I’ve ever used. It’s got everything you could ask for: top-tier equipment, a running track, racquetball courts, and even a pool. I’ve been using it for a few months now, and it's been well worth the membership fee (around $25/month for students). The staff is super chill, and the space is always clean and not overcrowded. I can get in a solid workout without feeling like I’m fighting for machines. If you’re a UIC student or faculty member, this gym is a total win.
Krzysztof Garbarz
If you are looking for a local gym with pool keep looking. It was closed a significant part of last year for staffing issues. It has been closed for the last 4 weeks for maintenance of a filtration system and announced to be opened today, December 16th. I was told this morning it is still closed and scheduled to open on December 26th, a day the SFC is closed. It’s a very unreliable fitness center.
Jason Shi
As a UIC student, I come to the gym six times a week, and I’ve met many people here who, like me, love going to the gym. Overall, we like this gym, especially with all the recent equipment upgrades. However, I have a few suggestions to make the gym even better: 1. Increase the number of incline benches: Right now, the gym only has one incline bench, and people often have to wait a long time to use it. 2. Add more cable machines and reduce the unnecessary cardio equipment: For some reason, a few of the cable machines are always broken, and during busy times, people usually have to wait. But there are way too many cardio machines in this gym!
Pat Granada
Great facility. Tons of machines, swimming pool and sauna. Racket ball court, basketball court, ping Pong room and they have special 360 functional workout room. They have several workout dance yoga cycling rooms too. This blow away many of the chain gyms
How to reach UIC Sports & Fitness Center
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Why UIC Sports & Fitness Center may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at UIC Sports & Fitness Center with your friends?
If you and your friends are seeking a vibrant, dynamic, and welcoming place to gather for fitness, fun, and relaxation, the UIC Sports & Fitness Center is an excellent choice. With a strong rating of 4.5 from over 270 reviews, it stands out as a preferred destination for groups looking to connect over healthy activities. The facility offers an expansive and diverse environment equipped to cater to various tastes and fitness levels, making it ideal for a group meetup. Whether your circle enjoys competitive sports, swimming, group training, relaxation, or wellness sessions, this center provides the perfect blend of energy and comfort. Its strategic location in the Illinois Medical District and adjacency to the UIC Student Center West makes it easily accessible. Moreover, the hours are accommodating, staying open late into the evening most weekdays and weekends—a crucial feature for groups with busy schedules. Above all, its inclusive atmosphere encourages not just physical activity but social engagement, fostering bonds through shared experiences in a supportive community setting.
What activities does UIC Sports & Fitness Center offer for groups?
The UIC Sports & Fitness Center caters to a host of activities suitable for groups of friends or family meetups, ensuring that all participants can find something that suits their interests and fitness levels. The center boasts six 25-meter lap swim lanes, with pool hours structured to maximize access throughout the day and weekend. This makes it perfect for groups wanting to swim laps together or simply enjoy some recreational swimming and water-based relaxation around the co-ed sauna, steam room, and spa areas on the pool deck. Those who seek dry land options will appreciate the comprehensive fitness facilities including a variety of group fitness programs hosted by the FitWell Center, which includes free drop-in classes, premium fitness sessions, and even F45 Training, designed to foster a community-driven workout atmosphere. Additionally, the FitWell Center provides personal training services and fitness testing, allowing groups to set and track shared goals under expert guidance. The facility’s ongoing renovation to include the Student Health and Wellbeing Suite—opening soon with massage zero-gravity chairs and counseling services—further enhances relaxation and mental wellness options for group visits.
Why is UIC Sports & Fitness Center perfect for group meetups?
The UIC Sports & Fitness Center’s appeal as a group gathering spot stems from its extensive amenities and flexible environment that accommodate varied interests and fitness goals. Importantly, the Center supports group socialization by offering spaces that allow for shared experiences, such as group fitness classes and swim sessions that naturally encourage camaraderie and interaction. The facility’s large operating hours, including early mornings and late evenings, make it highly convenient for groups with different daily commitments. Guests can also join through guest passes or daily passes, making it simple for non-members within your group to participate, fostering inclusivity. The center's location on the university’s west campus in the Illinois Medical District places it near dining and other social venues, making it easy to extend meetups beyond just physical activity. These thoughtful touches, combined with amenities like co-ed saunas and steam rooms, provide opportunities for both active engagement and relaxed socializing after workouts or swims.
What makes the pool facilities at UIC Sports & Fitness Center stand out?
Among its many attractions, the pool facilities at the UIC Sports & Fitness Center are particularly impressive and a magnet for groups looking for aquatic fun or fitness. The facility features six spacious 25-meter lap lanes often reserved for lap swimming but available for group recreational use during certain times. Its fully accessible and ADA compliant design ensures everyone in your group can enjoy the water safely and comfortably. Beyond lap swimming, the pool deck is equipped with co-ed sauna and steam rooms, two bubble benches, a relaxing spa area, and a lazy river nearby at the Student Recreation Facility (a complementary venue), creating an aquatic oasis for unwinding together. The 11-foot deep end adds variety for more adventurous swimmers or water games with friends. Also, the pool’s structured schedule optimizes swim times to avoid overcrowding, thereby enhancing the experience for group visits. This balance between rigorous swimming options and leisure amenities creates a versatile aquatic environment suited for fitness enthusiasts and casual swimmers alike.
What group fitness and wellness options enhance the experience at UIC Sports & Fitness Center?
The FitWell Center within the UIC Sports & Fitness Center elevates the group meetup experience by offering a broad spectrum of fitness and wellness services tailored to group engagement and individual wellness goals. Certified personal trainers are available to guide your group through personalized workouts, adding value and motivation especially for those looking to improve skills or try new fitness styles. Fitness testing services—such as metabolic rate assessments, VO2 max testing, and underwater weighing—provide measurable progress insights, which can be a fun and competitive element for groups seeking to challenge one another. The center also runs group fitness classes that are free to drop in, which range from beginner to advanced levels and include diverse formats like strength, cardio, and flexibility training. Group classes create a motivating atmosphere that promotes social bonding while improving fitness. Beyond physical fitness, the soon-to-open Student Health and Wellbeing Suite will incorporate mental health resources and relaxation spaces like massage therapy and zero-gravity chairs, making it a comprehensive wellness hub for your group’s body and mind.
How accessible and convenient is UIC Sports & Fitness Center for visitors and groups?
Accessibility and convenience are critical factors, and the UIC Sports & Fitness Center excels in both, making it a seamless choice for friend and family gatherings. Located centrally on the west campus next to the UIC Student Center West, it is easy to reach by public transportation or car within Chicago’s Illinois Medical District. The facility offers generous operating hours from early morning to late evening weekdays and weekends, ensuring your group can find a time that fits everyone’s schedule. Visitor policies are designed to accommodate guests smoothly: UIC students and members can sponsor guests for the day with a simple waiver and fee, while non-members may purchase daily entrance passes, making it hassle-free to include friends outside the university community. This flexibility encourages larger meetups and inclusivity. Additionally, multiple amenities such as locker rooms, showers, and on-site staff support contribute to a well-rounded and stress-free visit. The balance of accessibility, welcoming guest policies, and comprehensive facilities creates an inviting environment perfect for hosting memorable group experiences.
What additional amenities support relaxation and wellbeing at the UIC Sports & Fitness Center?
The UIC Sports & Fitness Center is not just about vigorous activity but also includes several amenities designed to promote relaxation and overall wellbeing, essential for a well-rounded group meetup. The presence of co-ed sauna and steam rooms on the pool deck offers a tranquil space after workouts or swim sessions, perfect for rejuvenating tired muscles and socializing in a calm environment. The soon-to-open Student Health and Wellbeing Suite will add massage therapy with options ranging from drop-in zero-gravity chair experiences to appointment-based full-body massages tailored to individual needs. This suite also hosts counseling center spaces, making mental health resources imminently accessible, encouraging a holistic approach to health. These features ensure that visitors can address both physical strain and mental stress in one location. Together, these wellness services complement the active facilities, creating a balanced atmosphere where friends or family groups can connect, relax, and recharge together. This unique integration of fitness and relaxation makes the Center more than just a workout space—it’s a hub for wellbeing.
How does the atmosphere at UIC Sports & Fitness Center encourage social connection?
The atmosphere at the UIC Sports & Fitness Center is lively and communal, designed to foster social connection alongside personal fitness. The availability of group fitness classes, open swim times, and shared wellness resources gives plenty of natural opportunities for friends and family to interact, encourage each other, and celebrate achievements. The center’s open design and diverse activities create a welcoming environment that supports all fitness levels and encourages newcomers to join comfortably. The integration of relaxation areas such as saunas and massage zones further enhances the social vibe by offering spaces to chat and unwind in a peaceful setting after exercise sessions. The facility’s culture, backed by its highly rated reviews, highlights friendliness and supportive staff, which adds to an inviting experience. This collective and positive environment transforms individual workouts or activity sessions into shared group moments, ideal for forging deeper bonds during meetups.
Why choose UIC Sports & Fitness Center over other fitness venues for your group?
Choosing the UIC Sports & Fitness Center for your next gathering provides clear advantages that set it apart from typical fitness venues. Its comprehensive combination of swimming, fitness, wellness, and relaxation facilities accommodate all ages, skill levels, and interests within your group. Long operating hours, central location, and flexible guest policies make access and planning straightforward. Its evolving offerings, such as the new Student Health and Wellbeing Suite, show a commitment to meeting modern wellness demands that go beyond exercise to mental health and recovery. The strong community vibe supported by group classes and expert staff promotes motivation and fun in a safe environment. Collectively, these features create a unique destination where fitness meets friendship and health is supported holistically. For groups wanting a space to rally that inspires activity, inclusivity, and bonded memories, the UIC Sports & Fitness Center is a compelling choice.