When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Ultimate Ninjas Chicago
Why Ultimate Ninjas Chicago is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Ultimate Ninjas Chicago is a vibrant and engaging ninja obstacle gym inspired by the popular TV show American Ninja Warrior. It offers a variety of obstacle courses designed for kids and adults of all skill levels, making it an ideal place to meet up with friends and family for active fun. The facility features challenges such as agility courses, swinging ropes, monkey bars, quintuple steps, and warped walls, encouraging participants to test their strength, balance, and endurance. Beyond open gym sessions, Ultimate Ninjas provides specialized kids' obstacle course training classes, birthday parties, private events, and corporate team-building activities, ensuring there's something exciting for everyone. Their adult fitness program, ultiFIT, blends High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) with obstacle course exercises, appealing to fitness enthusiasts seeking dynamic workouts. Managed by professional ninjas who have competed on the American Ninja Warrior show, the gym combines expert coaching with a welcoming atmosphere. Recognized by USA Today as one of the top ninja gyms in the United States, Ultimate Ninjas Chicago is not just a gym but a community hub where people can bond through physical challenge and teamwork.
Here's what people think of Ultimate Ninjas Chicago
As of recent, Ultimate Ninjas Chicago holds a 4.5-star rating based on 100 reviews.
Users consistently praise Ultimate Ninjas Chicago for its clean, well-maintained facility and the quality of its obstacle courses. Positive reviews highlight the friendly and responsive staff, particularly appreciating how communication prior to events is clear and informative. Many reviewers enjoyed the variety of obstacles suitable for different ages and skill levels, making it perfect for family outings or group activities. The gym's focus on safety, including COVID-19 protocols during the pandemic, was also well-received. According to some guests, the adult-focused ultiFIT program is an excellent way to combine fitness with fun challenges. However, a few criticisms exist, mainly regarding the organization's live stream of events, where technical glitches and some unprofessional handling of the camera were noted. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall experience remains strong with users expressing enthusiasm to return and recommending the venue for celebrations and fitness. In conclusion, the reviews reflect a generally positive reputation for Ultimate Ninjas Chicago as a fun, challenging, and community-oriented ninja gym with some room for improvement in event broadcasting.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Parker Uber
JD’s NOT A NINJA 🥷🚫 Everyone’s a Ninja at Ultimate Ninjas Chicago except JD who couldn’t make it. JD is one of our good buddy’s who always bluffs us saying he’s gonna come join in the fun but always has something come up by the time for whatever we’re doing. Tonight it was a “rash” that was bothering him. Well JD, I’ve had a “rash” for a year and you don’t see me totally flaking on our outings. Well, this time we decided to do something. We made a ton of videos showing JD just how much fun we had. I hope you enjoy just half as much as we did because you enjoyed the full amount you might pass out! THANKS 👨🔧
Carolina
I was curious about Ultimate Ninjas for a while and decided to participate in their open gym options. I was pleasantly surprised with the facility. It has various permanent obstacle courses, as well as rotating courses to help you improve balance, strength,and mobility. The staff is amiable and in particular Coach Leo who demonstrates how to complete the obstacles and strategies to assist in your development. Ultimate Ninjas has a welcoming environment for all and I look forward to my return!
Mary A
I had my son’s 4th birthday party here. CHAOTIC is what myself and other guests described this party as. We had a group of 20 kids plus their parents. I was told we would have 40 mins to set the room up before the kids came in. No, we didn’t even get 10 mins. Our kids were told to come up earlier than their time. They sent our kids up before the pizza got there. So we had 20 kids plus parents in the upstairs room. There was no space to move, it was hot! I believe that room was way past capacity. The kids are sitting there with no food and nothing to do. Finally a manager apologized and said the pizza was running late and the kids were sent up earlier than they should have, so I can have the kids go back down to play until the pizza got there, the kids went down for 10-15 mins, then were rushed up back as soon as the pizza arrived. Now for the helpers. We had 2 teenagers. They were not helpful at all for the set up. My nanny and I were putting out the juice boxes, setting up the room, everything. Guests were asking for napkins, plates, cups. I had to run down to ask for candles/lighter/cake cutter.. (everything that should have been set up prior). Finally when the pizza came, we had 3 different toppings. The helpers were not asking kids what they wanted, they were just passing whatever box was on top. It felt rushed, hot and just chaos. I did not get to play with my baby on his bday for more than 5 mins, which was the saddest part. At the end of the party, a manager apologized for the way the party was handled. And while an apology is nice, it doesn’t negate the experience. I would never throw another party here, I would not recommend this location to anyone.
Bex Finken
COACH GABE IS AWESOME! We signed up our two living room stuntmen for weekly lessons. They’re *super* active toddlers, and we felt they need a structured outlet. They had a spotty start, and we thought maybe this was not for them. Coach Gabe reassured us that herding cats mode is not unusual in the beginning, especially with the 3-5 year-olds. He and the staff have been patient, and encouraging with them. I totally admit our boys are intermediate/expert level toddlers 😂 Today they had a great day! They (mostly) followed directions, and participated in the class. This is a true testament to Coach Gabe, and his skillful instruction.
Annie Calhoun
Kurt and team were awesome. Strong communication and helped provide many structured games for my kiddo who broke his arm a week before his birthday party. Thank you!!!
How to reach Ultimate Ninjas Chicago
None
Website: None
Why Ultimate Ninjas Chicago may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Ultimate Ninjas Chicago with your friends?
Gathering with friends is all about shared experiences that invigorate bonds, inspire fun, and create lasting memories, and Ultimate Ninjas Chicago offers just that in spades. This gym stands out because it transforms the ordinary meetup into an adventure-filled, fitness-driven obstacle challenge inspired by the hit show American Ninja Warrior. Whether you’re seeking a place to unwind with energetic activities or wanting to push your limits in a supportive environment, this venue serves as the perfect rally point. The atmosphere combines high-energy fitness with playful competition, appealing to all ages and skill levels, making it a destination that accommodates diverse groups seamlessly. The inclusive community vibe, managed by professional Ninja Warriors, ensures that your friends and family feel welcomed, motivated, and safe while tackling world-class obstacle courses. Plus, with a strong 4.5-star rating based on 100 reviews, Ultimate Ninjas clearly resonates with its visitors, offering a trustworthy and well-loved destination for group meetups where teamwork and fun go hand in hand.
What activities are available at Ultimate Ninjas Chicago?
Ultimate Ninjas Chicago offers a wide variety of obstacle-based activities designed to cater to both children and adults, making it an exceptionally versatile venue for group events. The gym features classic American Ninja Warrior-inspired obstacles such as swinging ropes, monkey bars, quintuple steps, warped walls, and other agility courses that test strength, balance, and coordination. These courses are structured to accommodate all skill levels, ensuring everyone in your group — from novices to experienced fitness enthusiasts — can participate and enjoy. Beyond just the standard open gym sessions where you can freely tackle the courses, Ultimate Ninjas also provides specialized kids’ obstacle course training classes, enabling younger participants to build their skills with expert guidance. For those wanting a more fitness-focused approach, the ultiFIT program offers adult classes incorporating High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) combined with the obstacle elements for a challenging and engaging workout experience. This variety ensures that your group can pick activities that fit their energy and skill level perfectly, creating a customized and collaborative meetup experience.
Why is Ultimate Ninjas Chicago perfect for group meetups?
Ultimate Ninjas Chicago excels as a meetup spot because it blends exhilarating physical activity with social interaction in a safe and professionally managed environment. The facility caters specifically to events like birthday parties, corporate team-building exercises, and private group gatherings, which highlights their expertise in hosting groups efficiently. The presence of professional Ninja Warrior competitors as managers and trainers adds a layer of authenticity, expertise, and motivation for attendees aspiring to improve or simply enjoy the challenge. The space itself is designed to accommodate various group sizes comfortably, fostering camaraderie through friendly competition and team-based challenges on the obstacle courses. These elements cultivate a sense of collective achievement and encourage participants to cheer each other on, strengthening connections among friends or colleagues. What’s more, Ultimate Ninjas offers logistical flexibility with event packages tailored to your group’s needs, making it easy to plan a hassle-free, memorable gathering focused on fun, fitness, and friendship.
How does Ultimate Ninjas Chicago inspire confidence and community?
One key factor that makes Ultimate Ninjas Chicago an outstanding venue for your social gatherings is its focus on building confidence alongside community spirit. Managed by Jesse Labreck, a recognized American Ninja Warrior and founder Jeff Piejak’s vision, the gym goes beyond physical training by embedding encouragement and education within its programs. The supportive culture nurtures participants, especially kids, fostering not only physical ability but mental resilience and self-esteem. When friends or families come together at Ultimate Ninjas, they are stepping into a community that values perseverance, personal growth, and collective support. The coaches and staff create an environment that welcomes various fitness levels without intimidation, turning challenges into celebrations. This nurturing approach strengthens the social fabric of your meetup, making it a positive, uplifting experience where everyone feels motivated to try their best and enjoy every moment.
What makes the facilities and staff at Ultimate Ninjas Chicago stand out?
The professionalism and expertise behind Ultimate Ninjas Chicago significantly elevate the overall experience for groups. The facilities are equipped with top-tier ninja obstacle equipment reflecting the design and intensity seen on American Ninja Warrior, ensuring authenticity and excitement. Importantly, the gym is staffed by "Pro Ninjas"—individuals who have competed at national levels—offering expert supervision, personalized coaching, and inspiration. This rare blend of world-class equipment with seasoned professionals means participants gain not only a challenging workout but also access to insider tips and motivational encouragement. The staff’s commitment to safety, including extensive knowledge of training techniques and injury prevention, creates a secure atmosphere, allowing groups to push their limits without undue worry. This level of professionalism ensures your meetup is not just fun but also efficient, engaging, and respectful of everyone’s wellbeing.
How can Ultimate Ninjas Chicago accommodate different types of meetups?
Ultimate Ninjas Chicago’s versatility makes it a prime location regardless of the occasion or group profile. Whether you are planning a children’s birthday party filled with fun and skill-building activities or organizing a corporate event focused on team-building and leadership development through physical challenges, the venue adapts seamlessly. Their package options allow customization from simple open gym reservations to fully programmed events with instructors and tailored obstacle challenges. Ultimate Ninjas also offers private event rentals, giving your group exclusivity to enjoy the facility without distractions. Moreover, the gym’s dual focus on kids and adult programs ensures that mixed-age groups can all engage in suitable activities simultaneously, eliminating the challenge of finding an activity that satisfies everyone. Combined with flexible scheduling and ample space, the gym supports casual social gatherings and more formalized fitness celebrations equally well.
What are other reasons to choose Ultimate Ninjas Chicago for your meetup?
Beyond the obstacle courses and expert staff, Ultimate Ninjas Chicago offers additional benefits that make it an excellent choice for gathering friends and family. Its location at 2915 W Montrose Ave in Chicago is convenient and accessible, allowing easy arrival and departure for groups coming from various parts of the city. The gym’s high rating of 4.5 stars, supported by 100 positive reviews, reflects consistent customer satisfaction in terms of atmosphere, cleanliness, staff friendliness, and program quality. Furthermore, Ultimate Ninjas fosters a unique atmosphere where fitness meets entertainment, encouraging laughter, camaraderie, and genuine fun instead of a sterile workout environment. This balance appeals to diverse groups, enhancing inclusivity and engagement. Finally, the emphasis on progressive skill development ensures that repeat visits remain exciting and rewarding, making it more than just a one-time meetup spot but a potential hub for ongoing social and fitness connections.
In sum, Ultimate Ninjas Chicago offers a dynamic, versatile, and community-driven environment perfect for hosting energetic and memorable meetups. Its unique blend of obstacle-based fitness, expert guidance, and engaging social atmosphere makes it an outstanding destination where friends and families can challenge themselves, celebrate accomplishments, and enjoy time together in a way few places can match. Whether aiming to bond over playful competition or seeking a meaningful fitness outing, Ultimate Ninjas stands ready to deliver an experience that leaves everyone eager for the next visit.