Chicago is adding a new member to its workout scene as popular New York City-based social fitness gym, Club Athletic, prepares to open its first two locations in the city.
Created in 2020, Club Athletic is a fast-growing player in the competitive fitness club industry thanks to a unique team-based approach to fitness that plays heavily on community and accountability.
The Club’s concept uses a “squad” model wherein each member who signs up for the gym joins a squad of around 20 like-minded individuals. Each group meets two to three times per week for workouts and is led by a dedicated coach who remains with the team throughout their journey. The idea aims to improve habits, ensuring a stable, supportive community that makes training a routine and helps people achieve their health and wellness goals.
The concept has been widely successful in New York, with the Club growing to more than 2000 members across seven different locations, according to FittInsider.
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The two locations coming to Chicago will be Lake Street Athletic, located at 1035 West Lake Street in the West Loop, and Old Town Athletic at 1350 North Wells Street in Old Town. More locations are expected to arise both in Chicago and other metropolitan hubs as the company continues to expand its concept nationwide. Both locations are expected to open in the August 2026 timeframe.
Prior to launch, Club Athletic is hosting a pop-up workout series throughout the summer to help build anticipation for the debut and begin to build the communities and social relationships at the heart of the club’s model.
The gym offers a variety of different classes with sessions ranging from Strength and Toning to Mobility and Run Club. The organization states they are open to individuals across all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced. The dedicated coach for each team allows for an instructor who can get to learn each member’s strengths and weaknesses and helps tailor sessions that work for the whole group.
The gym does say on their website that they allow for drop-in classes for those looking to stay active even when their squad is not scheduled. The company also says make-up classes are available when individuals are unable to attend a weekly team class.
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A standard membership is expected to cost around $260 per month, which includes two guaranteed sessions a week, a dedicated fitness coach, a weekend run club, and community social events.
However, to kick off their arrival in Chicago, Club Athletic is running a special promotion to become a “Founding” member of one of the two new locations. Individuals interested can apply to be one of the first 100 clients at each gym with the package offered at a reduced monthly fee of only $234 per month. The deal also includes priority access to drop-in classes, three free drop-in classes throughout the first month of membership and limited edition Club Athletic apparel.
For more information on Club Athletic, visit the organization’s website.