The Absolute Best Cheap Gyms in Chicago [Updated 2024]

From my extensive exploration of the Windy City's fitness landscape, I've reviewed a diverse array of twelve affordable gym options, each offering unique features and amenities.

Finding a great gym doesn't have to break the bank, and I believe everyone deserves access to quality fitness facilities without financial strain.

Whether you're a beginner looking to kickstart your fitness journey or a seasoned athlete wanting to save some money, there's a budget-friendly gym out there for you.

Join me as I share my top picks, highlighting what's special about each location and what you can expect for your hard-earned dollars.

River North Gym At The Mart

Highlights
Large lifting and cardio spaces
Friendly and helpful staff
Free weekly classes included
Reasonably priced membership
Abundant gym equipment

River North Gym At The Mart is a hidden gem in the bustling heart of Chicago, and let me tell you, I'm absolutely smitten! From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was greeted by an incredibly friendly staff, eager to assist you with a smile. The gym boasts a spacious layout, filled with abundant equipment—think everything from hefty weights to cardio machines just begging to be used.

What truly sets this place apart are the free weekly classes included with the membership. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a curious newbie, there's something for everyone, and I found it refreshing to see such an inclusive environment. The energy here is infectious!

Now, I get it—even great gyms come with a price tag, but River North Gym delivers incredible value for its reasonably priced membership. You can work out without breaking the bank! Plus, with large lifting and cardio spaces, there’s never a struggle to find your favorite spot.

In short, if you’re on the hunt for an affordable gym that doesn’t compromise on quality, River North Gym At The Mart should be at the top of your list. Get ready to lift your spirits—and weights!

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Anytime Fitness

Highlights
Convenient location
Clean and well-maintained
Ample space for workouts
Helpful and friendly staff
Easy cancellation process

Anytime Fitness is a delightful find in the bustling landscape of Chicago’s fitness scene. Nestled in a convenient location, this gym makes it easy to squeeze in a workout before heading to your next adventure. Upon entering, I was immediately struck by how clean and well-maintained everything was. You can tell the staff takes pride in their space, creating an inviting atmosphere for all.

As I explored the gym, I appreciated the ample space for workouts. It didn’t feel cramped, allowing me to move freely between machines and weights. Speaking of staff, they made my visit all the more enjoyable! The helpful and friendly staff were always on hand, ready to assist with questions or provide tips for those new to fitness. Their enthusiasm is genuinely infectious, and it helped me feel at home.

For those concerned about commitment, you'll love the easy cancellation process. It's refreshing to find a gym that prioritizes convenience and customer satisfaction without the usual hassle. Overall, Anytime Fitness embodies the essence of an affordable yet quality gym—making it a top choice for anyone in search of budget-friendly fitness in the Windy City!

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Fitness 19

Highlights
Affordable
Well-equipped
Friendly staff
Free training
Yoga studio

Firstly, I must say that this gym is truly affordable and worth every penny. It has all the necessary equipment you need to get your sweat on, from weights to cardio machines, you name it! The staff members were incredibly friendly and made me feel welcome from the moment I walked in.

What stood out to me was their free training sessions offered by knowledgeable trainers who helped me tailor my workout routine to meet my fitness goals. They provide a yoga studio as well for those who are looking for a more zen approach to their workouts.

The gym itself was clean and well-maintained, which is always important when you're working up a sweat. The only downside was that it can get quite crowded during peak hours, but that's just a testament to how great this gym is!

Overall, Fitness 19 exceeded my expectations with its affordability, well-equipped facilities, friendly staff, and additional perks like free training and yoga studio. If you're looking for an affordable yet quality gym experience in Chicago, then Fitness 19 should definitely be on your list!

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P.volve Chicago

Highlights
Beautiful and well-equipped studio
Excellent and motivating teacher
High energy workout classes
Spacious and clean locker room
Incredible design of workout studio

Firstly, let me say that the studio is simply gorgeous. The design of the workout area was exquisite and it had a unique vibe that made me feel like a fitness model. I was impressed by how well-equipped the gym was despite being affordable.

The instructor was amazing! They were very knowledgeable and motivating throughout the class. They kept pushing me to do my best, which helped me complete some challenging exercises with ease. I loved how they paid attention to everyone's form and made sure we were doing each exercise correctly.

The high energy workout class put me in a good mood for the rest of the day. It was intense but enjoyable at the same time, which is rare for a workout class if you ask me.

One of my favorite highlights of P.volve Chicago was their spacious and clean locker room. The locker room had ample space for changing clothes and storing gym bags while keeping everything organized.

Overall, P.volve Chicago exceeded my expectations as one of the best cheap gyms in Chicago. If you're looking for a fun and challenging workout experience with an excellent teacher, then this is definitely the place for you!

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Wicker Park Fitness

Highlights
No-nonsense gym
24 hour access
Plenty of space

First impressions are crucial and I was impressed by the no-nonsense atmosphere of this gym. The equipment is well-maintained and there is plenty of space to workout without feeling cramped. As a night owl, I appreciate that they offer 24 hour access so I can get my sweat on whenever it suits me.

One thing that really stood out to me was the lack of distracting amenities like TVs or fancy smoothie bars. This isn't a place for socializing or lounging around; it's a place to get down to business and work on your fitness goals.

Despite its affordable price tag, Wicker Park Fitness doesn't skimp on quality. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly which made me feel comfortable and motivated during my visit.

Overall, Wicker Park Fitness is an excellent option for anyone looking for a cheap gym that doesn't sacrifice quality. It's perfect for those who want to focus solely on their workout without any distractions or frills. If you're ready to put in the work, this gym provides all the tools you need to reach your fitness goals.

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Quads Gym

Highlights
Friendly staff
Abundant equipment
Strong gym culture
History of great lifters

First and foremost, the staff at Quads Gym is incredibly friendly. They're always willing to help you out with anything you need, from setting up equipment to offering advice on your workouts.

The gym is well-equipped with an abundance of machines and weights, so you'll never have to wait long for a piece of equipment. The culture in the gym is also strong, with many dedicated lifters who are passionate about their fitness journeys.

What sets Quads Gym apart from other cheap gyms in Chicago is its history of great lifters. This gym has been around for decades and has produced some impressive athletes who have competed at the highest levels.

Although the gym may not be as flashy as some other fitness centers in the city, it's definitely worth checking out if you're looking for a place to get serious about your fitness goals without breaking the bank.

Overall, I had a great experience at Quads Gym and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a welcoming atmosphere with access to quality equipment.

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Snap Fitness Chicago (South Loop)

Highlights
Large and well-equipped gym
Professional and friendly staff
Immaculate, always clean

As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by their professional and friendly staff, who gave me a quick tour of the gym. The first thing that caught my eye was the astounding amount of equipment they had available. From free weights to resistance machines and cardio equipment, this gym has everything you need for a full-body workout.

One thing that really impressed me was how immaculate the gym always is. No matter what time of day I went, it was always clean and tidy, which showed me how much the staff cares about maintaining a great environment for their members.

The best part? Despite all its amazing features and cleanliness, Snap Fitness Chicago (South Loop) is one of the most affordable gyms in Chicago! So if you're on a tight budget but still want access to top-notch facilities, this is definitely the place for you.

Overall, I had a fantastic experience at Snap Fitness Chicago (South Loop), and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a large and well-equipped gym with an outstanding staff. Don't hesitate to check it out - your wallet and your body will thank you!

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TRAIN MOMENT (West Loop)

Highlights
Addictive community gym
Welcoming and supportive
Professional coaches

First of all, I must say that this gym is not just a place to work out, it's an addictive community. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the friendly staff and members who were more than happy to welcome me. The atmosphere was very welcoming and supportive, which is hard to find in many gyms these days.

The gym is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment that caters to all fitness levels. The machines are well-maintained and clean, which is always a plus in my book. What I loved most about TRAIN MOMENT was their professional coaches who were always available to help you with your workout routines. They provided great tips on how to use the equipment properly and offered personalized training programs.

Another thing that stood out for me was the variety of classes they offer. From yoga to boxing, there's something for everyone here. And let's not forget about the affordable prices – this gym offers great value for your money!

Overall, my experience at TRAIN MOMENT (West Loop) was fantastic! It's definitely one of the best cheap gyms in Chicago because of its addictive community, welcoming atmosphere, professional coaches, and affordable prices. If you're looking for a gym that feels like home away from home, then this is the place for you!

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FFC Gold Coast

Highlights
Well-equipped
Friendly staff
Great facilities
Variety of classes
Welcoming atmosphere

First and foremost, I was blown away by the well-equipped facilities at FFC Gold Coast. It's like a playground for fitness enthusiasts! From weight machines to cardio equipment, they have it all. The gym floor is spacious and well-ventilated, so you won't feel like a sardine in a can.

Another highlight of FFC Gold Coast is the friendly staff. They were happy to help me with any questions I had and made me feel welcome from the moment I walked through the door. Their energy is contagious, which really helped me push through my workout.

I also appreciated the variety of classes offered at this gym. From yoga to spin classes, there's something for everyone. The instructors are knowledgeable and motivating, making each class a fun experience.

The facilities themselves are top-notch too. The locker rooms are clean and modern with plenty of space to change and shower after your workout. Plus, there's even a sauna- perfect for those who want to relax after an intense workout session.

Overall, I highly recommend FFC Gold Coast as one of the best cheap gyms in Chicago. It has everything you need to stay fit and healthy in a welcoming atmosphere that makes going to the gym less of a chore and more of an enjoyable experience!

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Orangetheory Fitness

Highlights
Efficient and well-designed classes
Clean gym and equipment
Friendly and supportive staff
App for easy class reservation/cancellation
Encouragement during every workout

First off, I was impressed by how efficient and well-designed the classes were. Each class is only an hour long, but you get a full body workout that leaves you drenched in sweat. The instructors are knowledgeable and guide you through the exercises with ease.

The gym itself is spotless with clean equipment and facilities. You won't have to worry about catching any germs here! Plus, the staff are incredibly friendly and supportive. They make sure everyone feels welcome and comfortable.

One of my favorite things about Orangetheory Fitness is their app for easy class reservation/cancellation. No need to call ahead or show up early to reserve your spot. Just book it on the app and you're good to go! And if something comes up, cancelling is just as easy.

But what really sets Orangetheory Fitness apart from other gyms is their encouragement during every workout. You can expect high-fives, cheers, and even personalized shoutouts from the instructors during class. It's like having your own personal cheer squad!

Overall, I highly recommend giving Orangetheory Fitness a try if you're looking for a cheap gym in Chicago that doesn't skimp on quality or motivation. With its efficient classes, clean facilities, friendly staff, easy-to-use app, and constant encouragement, you won't be disappointed!

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Lance's Gym

Highlights
Friendly owner
Inclusive
Knowledgeable
Local gym

First off, I must say that the owner is one of the friendliest gym owners I've ever met. He greeted me with a smile and showed me around the gym, making me feel right at home. The atmosphere was inclusive, and I felt like I belonged there, which is not always the case in some gyms.

The staff was knowledgeable about fitness and provided helpful tips on how to get the most out of my workout. They were also available to answer any questions I had about equipment or exercise routines.

As a local gym, Lance's Gym has a real community feel. It's not one of those big chain gyms where you feel like just another number in their system. Instead, it's a place where everyone knows each other by name and supports one another in their fitness journeys.

Overall, I highly recommend Lance's Gym for anyone looking for an affordable gym option in Chicago. Not only is it cheap, but it's also friendly, inclusive, knowledgeable and has that small-town charm that you won't find at bigger gyms.

Mode Gym

Highlights
Amazing trainers
Friendly front desk staff
Clean and new equipment
Welcoming community/family vibe

First off, the trainers at Mode Gym are amazing! They know their stuff and push you to your limits while still being supportive. I never felt like just another number in their eyes.

The front desk staff were also a highlight for me. They were so friendly and welcoming every time I walked through the door. It's always nice to be greeted with a smile when you're about to work up a sweat.

Speaking of working up a sweat, the equipment at Mode Gym is clean and new, which is always a plus in my book. I didn't have to worry about any funky smells or broken machines.

Lastly, the community/family vibe at Mode Gym was undeniable. Everyone was so welcoming and encouraging during my workouts. It made me feel like I belonged there instead of feeling intimidated like I do at some gyms.

Overall, if you're looking for an affordable gym that has amazing trainers, friendly staff, clean equipment, and a welcoming community/family vibe then Mode Gym is definitely worth checking out!