This place is for workout enthusiasts who means business. You won't find a lot of fancy bells and whistles but you will find a very comfortable non intimidating atmosphere to get your workouts in. If you walk by be sure to go in because there is a lower lever which is 3 times bigger than upstairs. There's a track, boxing ring, MMA Octagon, spin room and much more down there. This place is a hidden gem.

You'll never want to leave this gym

I love this gym! The staff is so friendly and welcoming. The facilities are well-kept and stocked. The gym has essentially every piece of equipment you would ever need for a great workout.

This is the best gym in Chicago.

I drove from Cincinnati Ohio to train there for a few days. The Shidokan karate program turns out elite level fighters. I got to train with Japanese Pancrase and UFC veteran Shonie Carter.

Hands down the greatest gym I have ever been to. I shopped around at several gyms when I moved to the city and am so happy I decided on CFC. It is huge with plenty of equipment for any type of workout. It never gets too crowded and the people that do workout here are terrific. It's not the most beautiful gym at first site, but I have come to love the old school look and authentic atmosphere. I already dread the day when I eventually move out of the area or city and have to leave CFC behind.

Probably the best gym I've been a member of. Tons of space and every kind of training available; space for lifting, cardio, mma/martial arts training, crossfit, aerobics room, kettlebells, a running track, and more. It's for those serious about getting in and out with no issue; space is always available. It's got an awesome, old school, Westside Barbell/80's Bobdybuilders vibe which makes it even better. The trainers there seem to be very intentional about helping their clients, and seem to be very knowledgeable. Not just a hidden gem like others have stated, but for the price and 24/7 availability it's a complete steal. I love driving by the packed, sparkling, bougie Xsport and pulling into CFC so I can go get after it without complications, waiting, pressure...and get a way better workout. It's not Equinox or the other bougie high-end gyms, but that's what makes this place great. You won't find another place like this in Chicago

Best gym Ive been to in Chicago in all respects. Old school, no frills, but has everything, plus friendly staff.

CFC is legendary. All of their trainers are incredible. The owner, Eddie Y., is a modern day folk hero. CFC is the absolute best.

If you’re interested in both martial arts and weight training, then this is arguably the best gym in the city. I used to always have to pay for two gym memberships: One for boxing/MMA and one for weight training. But Chicago Fitness Center has it all! Other things I like: Very kind staff and owner, plenty of space to work out, wide variety of equipment to try new things, and they keep it clean!

This is a great gym! Whether you’re looking for martial arts, functional fitness, or simply strength training CFC has the best to offer. The instructors and trainers are the best around and always make the workouts fun but by no means easy. I don’t live in the city any longer but I still train here because you can’t beat it.

CFC is the single best gym in Chicago! Working out here is for people who are serious about getting their bodies tuned. From my experience you get more than you pay for. I highly encourage everyone to take martial arts classes here, because its taken very seriously. I also believe that this gym was one of the first MMA "style" gyms before MMA was cool. Many accomplished fighters in Chicago train/trained here. I live in AZ now and miss CFC more than just about anything in the Chicagoland area.

A friend recommended this place to me and although I’ve visited just twice for the classes, the atmosphere is very welcoming and classes are one of the best in Chicago. I’m a complete newbie to martial arts and every time I join the class, they are very welcoming and I’ve noticed that every one gets personal attention. Definitely one of the better gyms in the city!

No frills but all the equipment you need for a serious workout. Great hours and helpful staff. Clean enough, being a bit of an older facility.

old school "Pumping Iron" gym Arnold would be proud.

Wonderful place

Great gym.

Shidokan is like a family. Outside from germany is this location our second home. we enjoy everytime the ambiente.

I've been a member of Chicago Fitness Center for over 30 years. I started as a young martial arts student and took advantage of all the amenities and offerings over the years. The instruction, equipment and atmosphere are 2nd to none. Its hard to find gyms like this anymore and that is one of the main reasons that I never left. Check it out for martial arts, mma, self defense, strength training, group classes, personal training, etc. I've done it all and promise that it won't disappoint.

This is a phenomenal place to workout. Great trainers and staff. Also if your looking for a place to train Martial arts/ Combatives / defense. There are instructor's here with decade's of experience in sportsr, real life combative and self-defense.

I’ve been to a lot of different gyms and this is hands down my favorite of all time. Chill staff and it has everything you need for a serious workout. Price is definitely a plus too.

Hands down, no contest - the best gym in the city. Hard to tell from the entryway, but it is massive and never crowed. Plenty of free weights/machines, Indoor track, full size boxing ring, MMA cage and dojo. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Chicago Fitness Center to anyone.

All the weights you need without fighting crowds

All staff members are very friendly and considerate. The numbering system for the equipment in class makes things pleasant and easy to follow.

Great facility with top instructors and equipment. My #1 recommendation in Chicago. Second to none for all your fitness and martial arts needs.

Been coming for 3 years now and we love the place. It is filled with good people and quality coaches. Kickboxing classes are challenging but a great workout (and even better skill to have). The gym is not overcrowded like many others in the area and this is my favorite part.

Love this place. Plenty of equipment and space. Every other good review is spot on.

Great facility. Great instruction. Great value. I wouldn’t train anywhere else.

This place is great me and my sister go there to do karate (shedokan) and to work out and it’s bine great ever since I got there

Martial arts, strength and conditioning,The best gym period!

Love the service and cleanliness .Plus the staff is wonderful.

I love it! The staff is super friendly and accommodating.

Awesome gym, very clean, great people, great workers and a decent location.

Very clean, great energy in there, very positive attitudes from staff, And great music!

Very good gym, equipment, awesome staff. Pricing is affordable.

The staff is friendly and professional. The equipment is clean and new.

It has everything i need for a beginner like me. nice place to go to for a starter.

Excellent MMA instructions for kids, teens, and adults. For $35 a month kids can take 12 classes per month, adults up to 20. Staff is excellent for kids and teens. Very patient, and the training is based on real world scenarios. Many of the insrructors are law enforcement, providing real world experience. This is a no shame gym, if you're looking to get i to shape, they work with you. We really like the staff at CFC.

It’s been 7-8 years but I sure miss this time and place in life. Lots of great workouts, strategy sessions, and self investment. Strong supporters for our uniformed brave men and women. A real gym with very classy folks.

The staff team is very friendly and always encourages me to "keep up the good work", inspiring me to come for another visit! Great equipment!

Great place , great people, great clientele

This is the best gym in Chicago, hands down. It’s full of character, welcoming, and a community feeling where people care and know your name. All the weights and equipment one needs and the entire staff is incredibly friendly and helpful.

Old school no frills gym. Lots of equipment, rarely super packed and super friendly staff!

Dope facility with friendly members and experienced instructors. Shout out to my senseis! OSU 👊🏼

Great coaches! Great parking lot. We have been going for a year and we love it! Studio right by the post office is very convenient.

Been a member for a couple months now. Staff are nice, the gym has a lot of different kinds of equipment, and for the price seems like a nice gym.

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

Great dojo and gym to workout at! One of the best facilities in Chicago!

This groundbreaking gym has it all, including a running track, cardio machines, free weights, weight machines, personal trainers, and a plethora of martial arts classes.The owner’s vision, unique when he started the gym, has now been widely embraced in martial arts circles: that martial artists can and should strive to become stronger through weight training. It is not only an outstanding gym for any martial artist, however, but also for those with no interest in martial arts who simply want to be fit.

This gym is the best in Chicago! Classes are so fun and the staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming. I felt right at home from the moment I stepped in. Clean facility, lots of great equipment-- I cannot recommend Chicago Fitness Center enough!

I am not being paid to write this review- Simply the best gym in Chicago. The equipment and floor space is huge, I never have to wait to use any equipment. The classes offered make for a fun cardio work out while also learning technique and skill in MMA. Staff is super friendly and helpful. If you are looking for a solid, affordable gym, look no further than here.