FFC Old Town image

FFC Old Town

Gym Fitness center Pilates studio Swimming pool Weightlifting area

😠 I went in for my first workout last night and immediately cut my workout short and cancelled my membership. I found the staff to be unfriendly and unwelcoming- I felt like my presence was a burden. The gym itself seemed cramped and outdated. I don’t even know what the amenities are because no one wo... People often mention staff, time, machines, crowded, area, equipment, workout, great, clean, membership,


Address

1235 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60610, United States

Website

ffc.com

Contact

+1 312-640-1235

Rating on Google Maps

4.20 (59 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 7 am to 7 pm
  • Monday: (Washington's Birthday), 5 am to 10 pm, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: 5 am to 10 pm
  • Wednesday: 5 am to 10 pm
  • Thursday: 5 am to 10 pm
  • Friday: 5 am to 8 pm
  • Saturday: 7 am to 7 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: staff (19) time (14) machines (11) crowded (11) area (10) equipment (10) workout (9) great (9) clean (9) membership (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Brenna S. 2 years ago on Google
    I went in for my first workout last night and immediately cut my workout short and cancelled my membership. I found the staff to be unfriendly and unwelcoming- I felt like my presence was a burden. The gym itself seemed cramped and outdated. I don’t even know what the amenities are because no one would show me around. The price is insanely high- it seems to be more expensive than other gyms in the neighborhood, but not any better. It’s not worth the price. I walked out and got a membership with a different gym in the area and I felt a sense of relief. I’m never going near an FFC again if I can help it.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mitchell B. 4 months ago on Google • 59 reviews
    The staff at Old Town FFC is great and the services offered are top-notch! This is a very well run establishment that has all the equipment you need. Very clean and well laid out. Depending on the time of day, you may have to wait if you have a specific routine, but you won't wait long. Everyone is friendly!

  • 1/5 Star F. 1 year ago on Google • 15 reviews
    I could give negative stars I could! This location “FFC OLD TOWN” is unwelcoming, classiest, and thirsty for a membership. For me to be a black women and be asked about my place of employment and which neighborhood I live in to join your gym is unruly and classiest. What does my place of employment and neighborhood have to do with coming in to try a gym to see if I want to have a membership or not? When a white man came in less to 5 mins after my friend and I did, you were welcoming and did not ask him about place of employment nor where he lived. Also, your front desk person who was there on Thursday December 29th at 5:25pm. Was not welcoming and caught a attitude with me and my friend all because we called hours prior to have a try the gym for free and join a class for free before we decide if this is the gym for us. (They also called us to make sure we were still on the way. In addition, the male manager told us that the workout class was still available that day and in fact it was canceled once we arrived there). Overall, Do not go here if you are a black person because you will not feel welcome and treated like you can not afford to pay for a membership! Go to XSport or Rise Nation or any other gym instead at least they have better customer service and welcoming environment!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 wup d. 7 months ago on Google • 46 reviews
    EXPENSIVE, but it is worth every penny. The whole place is always immaculately clean, the personal training is top notch, the showerheads are huge and way overhead, there are hair dryers, there's a sauna, what more can you ask for? Also, I never have to bring headphones because I can trust they'll play artists such as Talking Heads, Nine Inch Nails, Technotronic, and Peter Gabriel.

  • 1/5 Robert H F. 1 year ago on Google • 23 reviews
    Join at your own risk.I joined for a daily routine cardio and was relentlessly forced to make my first free "fitness session" that I definitely didn't want because I had just been discharged from physical therapy and was still in a fragile state, that one session ruined all previous physical therapy and left me unable to walk right,when I cancelled the membership and told them why they still tried to salvage my membership. Very unprofessional all around.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Ken Y. 1 year ago on Google • 21 reviews
    I have been a member at FFC Old Town for about 5 months. I go probably 4-5X/week. I chose this gym because of its convenience, being across the street from my apartment makes it worth the high monthly price to me. I would only recommend this gym if you live within only a couple minute walk and the monthly value of convenience of going to a close gym is worth the high price it costs to be a member of FFC. The Good: It has all the basic machines, weights, and power racks that I need. I don’t go during peak times but I have NEVER had to wait for a squat rack and it is usually not crowded. The locker room is very nice and the staff are all very nice and helpful. The Bad: Extremely high priced gym. At $109/mo this gym is more than twice the price of competitor gyms. Also with a regularly $250 initiation fee this is among the highest initiation fees I have ever see. Also don’t forget the yearly maintenance fee. You only get 2 guest passes per month while many competitor gyms have no limit on the number of guest passes (planet fitness and LA Fitness for example). The pool is not included in the monthly price. Also the gym is extremely hot as compared to competitor gyms. Excessive heat was written about extensively in a different person’s 1-star review, the gym is over 70F inside and I sweat profusely during workouts, however if I do the same workout at a competitor gym (using one of my friend’s unlimited guest passes) I don’t even break a sweat because the gym is at an appropriate temperature for those doing strenuous work.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bob H. 3 years ago on Google
    This is an awesome place! Staff is incredible and the space itself is always well kept. It rarely gets crowded and there's everything you could look for in a gym. Their response to opening during COVID has been impressive to say the least. They have made every necessary arrangement in terms of social distancing, wearing masks and sanitizing all equipment. The staff and members go the extra mile to make sure everyone feels comfortable. No reason not to join this gym in the neighborhood -- keep it up!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Alena S. 1 year ago on Google
    I have been a member for a while ! Been pro athlete for a while and this is a first time I have been struggling and stressing due to humidity and temperature inside of the gym! Its temperature is always set at 72 -73, with all new air filters it feels definitely like 75, it’s should be set at lest to 68 , people walking around soaked sweaty, it’s too humid inside and Air should be always flowing in a crowded gyms , especially with new filters, because gym itself dusty ,nose get stuffed as a result *poor performance, aggravated state of mind , longer breaks! Almost collapsed few times doing heavy deadlifts, for a moment due to being so hotand humid couldnt see it all went blank dark ,just to compare went to Xsport $20 per month always nice an cool! I have asked front desk and management, they only change temperature for a day , next day same thing , few of my friends have been constantly asking to turn it down as well ,I’m mean common its $120 per person gym with all the extra fees , and nobody even cares to set the temperature to 68, so people enjoy their workouts ,thanks for helping I’m out !
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark M. 1 year ago on Google • 30 reviews
    Nice FFC gym location. It's got the essentials to build all areas of the body. I'm not sure if there are private rooms for classes or lessons. Nice tall ceiling above the astroturf and treadmill area. The free weight area is spacious. Free ear cleaners in bathroom. T.v.'s. Nice lockers that are easy to use. Not crowded most of the time. Overall solid experience.

  • 1/5 Pearl Squid (. 6 months ago on Google • 22 reviews
    The manager Alex Hernandez is such a greedy and dishonest person. She may seem nice in the beginning, but actually just tries to take every single penny from you. The amount she promised to credit to my account for the following month was actually being halved. And the remaind half of the credit, she bought herself and this place a 0 star honest review. Be aware.

  • 1/5 Shetera T. 4 months ago on Google • 4 reviews
    Today I called to speak with Dwight Braholt (General Manager) and he hung up on me. I was calling due to the fact that some reviews stated that pricing was high and clients could be offered more perks. Very unprofessional, good luck to anyone trying to have a conversation about improving services for the benefits of former and future memberships.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Kate R. 9 years ago on Google
    This place was a dream when I first joined. The staff is friendly, the locker rooms were clean and the gym was never crowded! I only can go to the gym after work around 5:30-6, and while it is a great thing for FFC, they must have doubled or tripled membership and the gym got really crowded at peak hours. It's a shame because they really were a great gym, but I'm an inpatient person and I don't like waiting for a machine :-( It seems like a good gym for the climbing wall or classes but the weight area and cardio machines were always crowded!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Russ J. 10 years ago on Google
    For one of the 24 hour locations, this is a good spot for a workout - but the Lincoln Park and Gold Coast locations are far better, if you can make it there early in the day.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Andrea M. 10 years ago on Google
    The front desk staff is always cheerful and happy to see you come ( and go ) with goodbyes and well wishes. Locker room is clean and towels are available. Never had an issue with equipment availability Assets: Rock Climbing wall and heavy bag mat area Classes: some odd times but cover the necessities in the early morning and late evening. Instructors: Motivating, friendly and knowledgeable.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brooke B. 6 years ago on Google
    Best gym in ALL of Chicago. My fiance and I call it the Cheers of gyms. The staff is super kind, the regulars are friendly and the machines are never 'out of service' like ever other gym seems to be. It's always clean and not crowded. Perfect for the real gym-goer.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Saumil P. 4 years ago on Google
    Great staff, great trainers, well maintained equipment
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniela C. 10 months ago on Google • 7 reviews
    I've been going to the FFC- Old Town location for a couple months now and I think it has everything you need to get an efficient work out in! I also enjoy how clean it is and how updated the cardio machines are (stair stepper, treadmills, etc). I can't say this enough: it's CLEAN. You can also see how much the manager cares about the location and there is staff consistently cleaning machines with a good attitude. I think the locker rooms have everything that you need, I especially enjoy the eucalyptus towels, the sauna, and the lock is attached to the locker! I think this is a great option for people who live near it!

  • 5/5 Marco L. 2 years ago on Google
    It isan excellent health club

  • 5/5 Elizabeth I. 3 years ago on Google
    While the facility and employees are nice, the star of the show, for me, is the GM Julia E. Groves. She always goes above and beyond to ensure that I have the best personalized member experience possible. Julia always makes the time to help with anything I need, all while managing all of the other members and employees. With all of the competition in Chicago, I stayed with FFC because of Julia and her staff. Thanks Julia

  • 5/5 Robert O. 3 years ago on Google
    They have the best coaches and people there that motivate and push you to be better everyday! 10/10 would recommend!

  • 5/5 Hunter M. 3 years ago on Google
    The best place for an incredible all body workout. The staff is so friendly and the coaches are encouraging.

  • 5/5 Joe D. 3 years ago on Google
    Clean, felt safe here. Felt good to workout again

  • 5/5 Betty V. 4 years ago on Google
    It's a fun, energetic environment where you set personal goals for yourself while also being challenged by your coaches and peers. It's amazing.

  • 5/5 David B. 4 years ago on Google
    Great trainers and equipment selection. Peak hours can get very crowded, but otherwise a great gym.

  • 5/5 Michael P. 5 years ago on Google
    This place is the best!! The staff are some of the nicest people I have ever met. It truly made going to the gym less painful every time I walked in. The place is always clean and they have great equipment too. I highly recommend if you live in the neighborhood.

  • 5/5 Napoleon S. 3 years ago on Google
    Gym population is low, staff is taking precautions to keep facility clean, germ and covid free👍🏼

  • 1/5 Aviran 1 year ago on Google
    This gym is outdated, dirty, and the manager Dwight is profoundly arrogant and emotionally hollow. During their half baked remodel they put the men and women's locker rooms in the same room. This gym is not worth the price or the time. I hope this review spares others my awful experience.

  • 5/5 Mark C. 4 years ago on Google
    The best place for an incredible all body workout. The staff is so friendly and the coaches are encouraging.

  • 5/5 Abdulkadir 6 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) fdfd (Original) fdfd

  • 5/5 Khoa N. 2 years ago on Google
    The staff are friendly, and my questions are taken care of quickly. The facilities are kept nice and clean.

  • 3/5 Rakesh G. 12 years ago on Google
    Went for the climbing wall. It was small compared to the other ones in the area. Only 6 or 8 ropes. Expensive to climb. Almost $30 to test to belay. Not cheaper if you bring your own equipment.

  • 5/5 Kennet L. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place, awesome facilities, Friendly staff

  • 4/5 Timo B. 10 years ago on Google
    The gym has everything you need! The rock climbing wall is what makes this place stand out

  • 4/5 Sergio A. 10 years ago on Google
    I was a member during the two months I lived there in Chicago. The only thing they'd need is a swiming pool. Joe was the best indoor cycling trainer we've ever had. Cool Joe!

  • 5/5 Shaley S. 4 years ago on Google
    rock climbing is outstanding

  • 5/5 Jawad M. 3 years ago on Google
    I really enjoy this gym for a multitude of reasons including the cleanliness, upbeat environment, and the amount of gym goers at a single time. The machines are fantastic and are available most of the time. The staff are great and we all know each other on a first name basis which provides a community feel. They have been super cautious during the pandemic. As a doctor, I have no concern whatsoever.

  • 3/5 Jamie L. 9 years ago on Google
    The gym is ok, noting to fancy but I took a rock climbing introduction class and I was surprised at how much fin it was.. I learned a lot and now I have a new hobby

  • 5/5 D M. 7 years ago on Google
    Great staff. Never too busy. Definitely a smaller boutique gym feel.

  • 5/5 khanh t. 5 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) fff (Original) fff

  • 5/5 Jason F. 6 years ago on Google
    Clean, well maintained, so many options for exercise, and the staff are amazing and welcoming. I appreciate this place besides just working out here. A new cross fit area has been installed and is open to everyone regardless of what you are doing that day. There's more than enough equipment here for everyone weather it be all the squat racks and/or benches or machines and treadmills.

  • 5/5 Andrew C. 1 year ago on Google • 2 reviews
    I was a member here for 7 years and some change. I left because I moved. This gym is on the smaller side but not too small either. I loved that this gym was within walking distance for me. I think this is part of what made me keep coming back over and over. FFC has other locations in the city. One of their locations is FFC Gold Coast. It is a 5-10 minute walk from the Old Town location. Last time I checked, the Gold Coast location is slightly more expensive than Old Town. I think both locations have their advantages and disadvantages. While Gold Coast has a better selection/quantity of machines, what is nice about Old Town is that it feels less crowded to me. Weekends are the best time to go because you get almost the whole gym to yourself. I felt this was especially the case with Old Town despite the gym being smaller. You should check out both locations to see which one is a better fit for you. The only time this gym felt too crowded was if I went there on a Monday or Tuesday night during January-February. Otherwise, I was always able to adjust my workout plan slightly and eventually get on every machine I wanted to even on a Monday night. Temperature wise, this gym felt fine to me. Never too hot or too cold unless I just finished running. But it is sort of expected that one would feel hot after running! The locker room is great. I love that you can set a code and don't need a padlock. The lockers have sufficient storage space. And the locker room looks amazing now after the recent renovations. I witnessed this gym going through many renovations. The main lifting area used to be 3 separate areas/rooms, one of which was a racquetball court. There used to be a climbing wall but that got replaced with a whole new area full of equipment/machines. Many of the cardio machines were completely replaced 1-2 years ago. The fitness turf is new. The locker rooms went through some renovations in the last year I was there as well. However, the monthly fees and the yearly maintenance fee increased over time. I felt 75% OK with this given all of the renovations the gym was going through. It really is a night and day difference what the gym looks like now vs. what it used to look like. I would've been 100% OK with this if they added even more weight lifting equipment/machines. Beware of possible further fee increases. Yes, it is expensive and there are cheaper gyms in the immediate area. However, I feel that you get the best bang for your buck here for cardio, lifting, and other amenities. I think this gym is a fit for a wide variety of goals as long as you live or work close to it. I highly recommend joining a gym that you can walk to. That way, it isn't a hassle for you to go there every time. I don't know if I would've kept going here if the gym wasn't so close to me. One thing I forgot to mention is that it is right next to the Clark/Division red line El stop which is nice if you need that. I enjoyed this gym. I spent a lot of time here and miss it!


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