When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Urban Athlete
Why Urban Athlete is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Urban Athlete, located in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood, is an exceptional fitness center that offers a welcoming environment perfect for meeting up with friends and pursuing your health goals together. With a strong emphasis on personal attention and expert coaching, this gym features an open gym area, circuit training, stretching zones, and a diverse range of fitness classes including indoor cycling and semi-private training sessions. The elite coaching staff is known for tailoring workouts to individual needs, making it accessible for all fitness levels while maintaining a motivating community vibe. Urban Athlete’s commitment to personalized fitness programs fosters camaraderie among members, creating a supportive atmosphere where friends can train side by side or participate in group experiences. The facility's design encourages social interaction yet allows focus on individual goals, making it a balanced and dynamic space for fitness enthusiasts. Its convenient location in the vibrant Ravenswood area also means that visitors can combine workouts with local dining or social stops, rounding out a great day with friends. Urban Athlete's reputation for quality coaching and varied programming ensures every visit is both productive and enjoyable, making it a go-to spot for anyone looking to get fit while connecting with others.
Here's what people think of Urban Athlete
As of recent, Urban Athlete holds a 4.8-star rating based on 66 reviews.
User reviews of Urban Athlete overwhelmingly praise the gym for its knowledgeable and approachable coaching staff and the personalized attention each member receives. Many reviews highlight the effectiveness of the programming and how it is tailored to individual fitness levels, which helps members reach their goals efficiently. The variety of classes, including the popular indoor cycling and semi-private training, receive consistent positive remarks for keeping workouts engaging and motivating. The welcoming atmosphere and supportive community are frequently mentioned as key factors that make working out enjoyable and encourage regular visits. Positive reviews also commend the spacious facility and well-maintained equipment, as well as the convenience of the Ravenswood location. On the other hand, some negative reviews point to occasional issues such as limited parking availability or desired expansion of class schedules. A few users have noted that the gym can get crowded during peak hours, which might impact the experience. However, these critiques are relatively minor compared to the overall positive feedback. In conclusion, Urban Athlete is widely regarded as a top-tier fitness center that combines expert coaching, a supportive community, and varied programming, making it an excellent choice for individuals and groups looking to improve their fitness in a friendly setting.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Carla Espinoza
I want to give a big shout out to this place. I had issues with a class pass reservation. The person in the front desk was amazing. They prioritized me getting into the class and helped to resolve the issue as I was working out. They got to the bottom of what was going and even contacted classpass. The workout I did was great too, challenging and the instructor was attentive of posture and explained everything clearly. I honestly want to subscribe just for the customer service. Keep it up Urban Athlete!
Lindsey
I couldn’t be happier with my experience at this gym. I always feel welcomed and it never feels pretentious. I have been working with Neddy for personal training and she is the best! She is so kind, patient, and really knows how to meet you where you are at physically. Ive never felt stronger. I’ve also never been this consistent with a gym before and owe it to Neddy for making me feel confident enough to keep my consistency. Shout out to Jonathan as well for being such a kind manager/owner. I feel like this has become a community and not just a place to work out. I also want to give a shout out to all the trainers who teach classes. You can tell they care and it’s not just a place for them to make money. Thanks UA 🙏
Brad Leslie
I signed up for open gym, which is supposed to include the stream room, but that room has been out of order for months. Each time I ask if it's getting fixed, I've been told a different story. as it stands if you want to you use it, you have to ask at the front desk for them to turn it on, but it only works for a few minutes, then shuts off, so you're left sitting in your towel, in a cold steam room with no steam. Today I was told that no one else has mentioned it, so it isn't a priority. It is for me though- that's 50% of what I signed up for, out of commission. I spoke with a manager, Jonathan, who wanted to argue the point and said "if you don't like it, don't come back" when I calmly tried to explain the situation.
Fiona Montie
Nice and clean facility, friendly team, fun and unique workout class (BURN). I liked using all the different equipment I wouldn't normally use!
Robert Dargel
I've been working out here for 3 months now and it is a very cool place. The facility is clean and well-equipped and the classes are great. No matter what the description is of the class, each class I have attended accommodates various levels of strength and fitness. The instructors are encouraging and offer balanced feedback to help improve form and clarify workout goals. This is a first class operation!
How to reach Urban Athlete
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Why Urban Athlete may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Urban Athlete with your friends?
Urban Athlete is an exceptional place to gather with friends for a workout, shared experiences, and fun because it combines a welcoming community atmosphere with top-tier fitness facilities and a wide variety of activities. With its impressive 4.8-star rating from 66 reviews, this gym commands a strong reputation for quality and engagement. Unlike typical gyms, it fosters a culture that feels like a family where clients and trainers know each other, creating an environment of respect, support, and motivation. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced athlete, Urban Athlete’s approach, which encourages growth and offers a personalized yet communal experience, makes it ideal for groups to rally together and pursue health goals as a team. Also, its spacious, well-equipped environment located in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood offers ample room for everyone in your group to participate comfortably, keeping everyone energized and connected throughout your visit. The inclusive vibe, supported by management that values feedback and continuous learning, ensures your time here will be productive and enjoyable—making it a perfect group destination.
What activities can you enjoy together at Urban Athlete?
Urban Athlete provides a robust lineup of activities tailored to accommodate groups and individuals of varying fitness levels. Central to their offerings are strength training and weight training sessions, which focus on building muscle and enhancing overall body conditioning. For those seeking flexibility and mind-body connection, yoga classes help improve balance, posture, and stress relief. The facility also features unique classes like kettlebell workouts that challenge the core, strength, and endurance, suitable for intermediate to advanced participants. For groups looking for dynamic cardiovascular sessions, spin classes like “RIDE” deliver intense cycling workouts that foster team energy through collective effort. The gym emphasizes functional training, meaning many workouts simulate everyday movements, making the fitness practical and engaging for a range of ages and capabilities. The diverse class selection ensures your group can customize the experience to meet individual and combined fitness goals, making your meetup versatile and active.
What makes Urban Athlete ideal for group meetups?
Urban Athlete excels as a venue for group meetups due to its spacious facility equipped with an array of amenities perfect for social and fitness gatherings. With large, open workout areas, there’s plenty of space for groups to train together without feeling crowded. The gym is wheelchair accessible, welcoming people of all abilities, and boasts amenities like showers, lockers, towels, and parking which add convenience and comfort to your visit. The supportive community atmosphere encourages camaraderie, making it easy to motivate each other during fitness sessions. Since it’s a neighborhood gym, it’s easy for residents and visitors alike to meet at a central, familiar location. The staff is known to be responsive and supportive, facilitating personalized attention even within group environments. Urban Athlete’s LGBTQ-friendly and veteran-owned designations also highlight a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, which fosters a welcoming environment for all friend groups.
How does the Urban Athlete community elevate your group experience?
The community at Urban Athlete is one of its biggest strengths and a major reason why groups feel encouraged to form and rally there. As many reviews note, the gym culture is distinctly warm and family-like. Trainers and members alike develop meaningful relationships, which enhances motivation and accountability. The instructors are skilled in creating challenging yet manageable classes where individuals feel recognized but also part of a larger collective effort. Many clients become regulars and friends, adding a social layer that transforms exercise sessions into social occasions. The gym also supports growth and development of every member, including newcomers, ensuring that your group will find a supportive pathway no matter their starting fitness level. This level of community creates a powerful shared experience that keeps groups coming back not just for fitness but for friendship and encouragement.
What practical amenities support a full group visit at Urban Athlete?
Urban Athlete understands that convenience plays a critical role in group outings for exercise. The facility offers showers and lockers, allowing you and your friends to freshen up after a workout before heading out to continue your day or night together. Towels are provided, reducing what you need to bring, which lightens your load and makes spontaneous meetups easier. Parking is ample and accessible, simplifying transportation logistics for groups coming from different areas. Mats for floor exercises and strong attention to cleanliness contribute to a pleasant environment you’ll want to come back to. All these practical amenities combine to support a stress-free, enjoyable fitness meetup experience that focuses on connection, health, and fun without worrying about the little details.
How can Urban Athlete accommodate different fitness levels in your group?
One of the reasons Urban Athlete is highly recommended for groups is its ability to cater to a wide spectrum of fitness levels and goals. The class structure and personal training options are designed so beginners are guided with clear instructions while advanced individuals can push their limits. For example, kettlebell classes may be geared toward intermediate and advanced fitness enthusiasts, but other options such as stretching, restorative sessions, and guided strength training are welcoming to newcomers. Trainers are available to help tailor routines to individual needs even within group settings, which allows groups made up of friends or family with mixed experience to enjoy working out together without anyone feeling left behind or overwhelmed. This flexibility makes meeting your collective and individual objectives practical and rewarding at Urban Athlete.
What kind of experience can your group expect from the staff and trainers?
Urban Athlete is celebrated for having attentive, supportive, and highly skilled trainers and staff. They are praised for being accessible, open to feedback, and fostering a community-focused culture. This means your group will be met with professionalism combined with genuine care. Trainers assist with form, motivation, and progression while also creating a respectful yet energetic environment. Staff involvement extends beyond instruction — to creating a space where clients feel like family. Whether you’re hosting a casual fitness meetup or a more structured team-building workout, the staff’s ability to engage participants meaningfully enhances the overall experience for everyone. This supportive atmosphere is vital for groups trying to build cohesion, challenge themselves, or simply enjoy healthy time together.
What testimonials suggest Urban Athlete is a trusted choice for groups?
Reviews across multiple platforms consistently highlight Urban Athlete’s friendly atmosphere and expert coaching, often mentioning the gym as a top choice for personal training and group workouts. Users note its welcoming, positive vibe that transforms a routine visit into a community event. The effective blend of challenging classes with accessibility means groups find it a motivating place to train. Staff and clients often refer to it as a “family” and appreciate management’s approachable nature and strong culture. The gym’s ongoing growth and addition of new locations further signal their success and strong client loyalty—important markers for groups seeking reliability and consistent quality. These testimonials solidify Urban Athlete’s reputation as a trusted, inclusive, and effective venue for group fitness meetups.
How does Urban Athlete’s location enhance your group meetup?
Located at 4710 North Ravenswood Avenue in Chicago’s Lincoln Square, Urban Athlete occupies a vibrant and accessible neighborhood known for community feel and convenience. This location provides easy access through multiple transport options including parking, making it simple for friends from different parts of the city to come together without hassles. Being within a friendly neighborhood adds a relaxed, familiar layer to your meetup, encouraging repeat visits as well as spontaneous workouts. The gym itself offers an open, airy space that feels expansive despite being in a busy urban area, ensuring that your group doesn’t have to compete for workout areas or equipment. This combination of a prime, community-oriented location and spacious facilities results in an optimal setting for building healthier habits with friends in a welcoming environment.
What other factors make Urban Athlete a standout venue for social fitness gatherings?
Beyond its facilities and programs, Urban Athlete’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity stands out. The gym is both Hispanic/Latinx-owned and veteran-owned, positioning itself as a business that values representation and community ties. It also proudly markets LGBTQ-friendly policies, signaling that all groups, regardless of background, will find respect and acceptance here. This ethos promotes openness and safety, critical ingredients for any social gathering. Additionally, Urban Athlete’s emphasis on functional training and holistic wellness means your group can pursue strength, flexibility, endurance, and recovery all under one roof. The carefully curated balance of challenge and support makes it easy to foster group bonding through sweat and shared accomplishments, crucial for those organizing social fitness events or casual meetups alike.
What should your group bring or prepare before visiting Urban Athlete?
To make the most of your visit to Urban Athlete, your group should wear comfortable athletic attire appropriate for strength training, yoga, or cardio depending on the planned activities. While towels and lockers are provided, bringing personal water bottles is recommended to stay hydrated throughout your workout. It’s also smart to coordinate class bookings ahead of time to ensure everyone in your group can join the desired sessions together, especially on busy days. Consider communicating each member’s fitness level and any special accommodations needed to trainers or staff, so they can tailor the experience accordingly. Lastly, arrive a bit early to settle in, use the facilities, and catch up with your friends in the welcoming environment before the session begins, maximizing social as well as physical benefits.
In summary, Urban Athlete offers an outstanding environment and diverse opportunities for friends or family looking to gather for fitness and fun. Its high rating reflects the quality experience you and your group can expect—combining excellent facilities, knowledgeable staff, extensive class options, and a welcoming community vibe. Whether you aim to improve strength, flexibility, endurance, or simply enjoy an active outing with loved ones, Urban Athlete is a top choice to rally your group and pursue your goals together.