I was super excited about the reviews for this gym. It looks like most people have different experiences than I did. I did a couple months here and had to pay month to month so it was ~$70 a month, though the other plans might be a bit cheaper. The equipment was really old. For that much money (or close to it), you could go to one of the Chicago Athletic Clubs or another gym with better equipment and more space. The old equipment has a couple other consequences. The owner watches everyone like a hawk making sure everyone is gentle with his equipment, which I understand to an extent and while being gentle and controlled is important, with more serious lifters and heavier weights you’re bound to have a weight come down a little harder and don’t deserve to be literally yelled at for it. On a near daily basis, you’ll see the owner move around the room watching people and scolding them for how they treat his weights. I don’t want to hear anything about how it’s more about ‘watching out for the gym-goers and their form’ - it’s an excuse for him to not have to shell out more money on equipment. It might be a good idea for the ownership team to invest in some weights (maybe the rubber coated ones..?) and other equipment that feels higher quality so that they don’t have to scold patrons. Another note - Fox News is on every single night. This feels really gross in a city as progressive as ours and a neighborhood as gay as ours… Overall it’s not the worst experience I’ve ever had. But for the money, you can find better. I’d take your money and support a friendlier place where you aren’t watched like a hawk and flooded with alt-right propaganda each night.

Visited the city for a few days and found this gym with 1 day pass for 10$ in cash. Paid 20$ because the worker there did not have change to give back and agreed I’ll be back for another workout. Went back the next day and asked for my 10$ back since I couldn’t workout again, but the worker said he cannot authorize a refund. Waited for the manager and he said he had no change and the network was down and cannot refund my credit card. He did not seem frank. I feel like I was robbed. Would not recommend.

I've just started going and I got to say that although the equipment is old the reality is the equipment is BETTER than in those fancy gyms someone mentioned in another review. One of the things I love about this gym the cleanliness-the gym is clean. The owner seems to be strict, but hey it's his gym-if you don't like it don't come here.

Great little gym. A bit cramped but has all the equipment. Special mention must be made of the chest press machine, which allows for a really deep stretch. The $10 drop-in fee is great for visitors.

As weird as it may sound, Number One Gym is one of the best things that happened to me after moving to Chicago. I first moved to the city living on the corner of Sheffield and Belmont. I did plenty of research on gyms in the area and not only was Number One Gym very convenient for me, but it had great reviews and seemed like a great place for my fitness journey. The first experience I ever had there was with Gerry, who is as nice as they come. He remembers every single member by name and is more than happy to have a conversation with you before/after your workout. He makes you feel so welcome and is very "low pressure" when discussing memberships. Needless to say, I signed up and loved everything that came my way. Not only does the gym have everything you need from a workout standpoint, but Gerry and all of his members are so welcoming and friendly that it makes it a great place to workout for everyone. I was very fortunate to not only gain a ton of strength and knowledge on fitness and weight lifting, but I also made some lifelong friends at Number One Gym. I moved around the city to locations that made the gym less and less convenient throughout my remaining years in Chicago. Leaving the gym had never crossed my mind. I was beyond fortunate to be a part of this community and ironically is one of the tougher things to leave in Chicago. I recommend Number One Gym to anyone in any area of Chicago as the price will be right, the members will be welcoming and Gerry is a great guy! Happy lifting, Number One!

Really unfriendly staff there. Do not make you feel welcome at all. Not enough space or equipment. Unprofessional place do not go here. Advise other gyms in the area.

Love this spot. Great gym with a neighbourhood charm. Gerry is a legend. Looked after me during my three months in the city.

Number One Gym is an excellent place to work out. It's not the largest, but the community is fantastic, and the owner Gerry is professional, communicative, and full of helpful advice. The price point is excellent and it has all the equipment you would need to get a great lift. Great bang for your buck and I would recommend this gym to any type of gym goer, beginner to experienced.

Walked in to ask about a membership. There was no one at the desk and the worker decided it was more aprioriate to yell across a tiny gym. I could tell it was not the place for me.

I have been working out in this gym for about two years and I have no complaints or regrets so far. The staff is very respectful and nice. The members are very considerate and we all together keep the gym organized and clean mostly at all times.

#1 Gym is a great place to work out. It's very much a community gym with lots of local folks working out. The equipment is great and the space is not crowded. The owner, Gerry, is a great guy and is very involved in making sure the place is clean and taken care of. If you're looking to "be seen", this isn't the place for you. But if you want to work out, not be bothered and go to a no-frills type of gym, this place is for you. I'd highly recommend.

Worked out here through three moves around Lakeview. This is where i finally got consistent with diet and training and ended up having the best results I’ve ever had. The owner’s really knowledgable and gave me lots of great advice over the years.

Number One Gym is a nice pleasant place to exercise great equipment to meet your workout needs..not to big and not to small just perfect for a reasonable work out time..what are you waiting for come on in and meet everyone with reasonable price annually...$480.00.. I like it.

There is a fantastic vibe and energy at the Number One Gym. The front desk people greet you with a smile and know your name as you sign in. The trainers are professional, outstanding and encouraging.

Great old school gym, got everything you need. Great people, friendly staff, everything on hand for the perfect workout

Absolutely excellent all-around family owned gym. Very clean, tons of great equipment and something for everyone.

Absolutely excellent all-around family owned gym. Very clean, tons of great equipment and something for everyone.

Excellent neighborhoood gym that feels like home. Moving out of the neighborhood and very sad to be leaving the #1 Gym. Gerry and staff are great and helpful. Couldn’t recommend it more.

Walked into this gym without ever belonging to a gym in my life. The mentality here is to get your workouts done. This was the perfect atmosphere to start and continue a work out routine. I would recommend this gym to anyone in the Wrigley/Lakeview area.

This gym is incredible. They have a fantastic facility, top-of-the-line equipment, and a fantastic working environment. Good service from friendly staff, as well as a super clean and comfortable gym for all! It comes highly recommended!

I had a really wonderful experience with Number One Gym. Everything from the services offered to the friendly staff were top notch. I really can't think of a single thing I would change about the place. If I hadn't moved down south, I would've continued my fitness journey with their facility. I would highly recommend to anyone in the area.

#1 Gym is awesome. The gym is very well organized, management is friendly and it is never too busy. I would highly recommend it to anyone in the area looking for an affordable place to workout.

Was a member for a little over a year and was very sad to leave. Number One Gym is incredibly affordable with just about every piece of equipment you could want. Moreover I loved the community. Everyone, especially Jerry, is welcoming and friendly.

Great gym , clean and very friendly staff. Jerry , the owner provides great service to his customers !

Great gym in the Lakeview area. Plenty of equipment and a very welcoming owner.

You’d be hard pressed to find a better value for your money than you get at Number One. Their machines might be older, but they perform better and give you a better workout than most, if not all, of the newer equipment on the market. Gerry takes great care of the space and so do the members - feels more like a community space than a traditional gym in that sense. 5/5