I will start by saying any written words I have about RAWW Barbell will not do it justice. I have been weightlifting for years with different coaches, but the level of expertise that Coach Tim has is unmatched. Tim has a keen eye and a level of detail I have never experienced and his style of coaching is tailored to each of his members. I joined RAWW Barbell in October of last year and since joining I have hit personal records I have never hit in my lifetime. His personality, the gym and recovery room are top notch. Anyone who wants to learn how to be an awesome weightlifter needs to check this place out!

If you want to find out what weightlifting can do for you, come to RAWW Barbell. Olympic Weightlifting Champion coach Tim Rawlings will enrich your life with the best weightlifting practices. He is a fantastic, exceptionally talented coach. In his group classes, he addresses everyone individually {experienced or new}, cueing in on proper techniques, bringing us to lift higher weights beyond our imagination. The atmosphere is friendly. The place has everything to desire, including an Infrared Sauna and a cold water plunge tank. Tim will support and coach you if you are interested in competitions. He teaches all age groups. Come and visit this extraordinary place. You won't regret it!

I trained with Tim for 4.5 years at his OG RAWW Barbell location in Austin, TX. I had basic weightlifting knowledge and technique before I started training under Tim. After just weeks of consistent coaching from Tim, my technique and strength improved dramatically. He has an eye for detail and a way of communicating weightlifting cues that click with the athlete. His respect and passion for the sport is genuine, he is invested in his athletes and truly cares about their progression. His skills set of being able to teach weightlifting as well as perform at high levels himself is a rare find. I continue to train with Tim remotely and am still learning from him. He provides an awesome training environment, has elite level equipment, and has a clean, well organized space. If you’re looking for the best, you’ve found it!

My weightlifting technique improved in 2 months, I achieved PR’s in row in very short time. The best oly weightlifting coach runs this business. I love This community so much. Small group of people lift and coach focusing on every athlete every single time. Nice schedule program in mobile app. The best recovery room in this gym. Sona bath and cold plunge. I use this facility every time after I lift weights. Affordable and decent price all in one package. Best life and best environment I love this gym. People work as a team and highly motivated people lifts here. Every age group like 10yo to 60yo lifts here. The best!!

I have been with Coach Tim officially 1 month at the Raww barbell Club in Nortbrook, Illinois! I have to say being postpartum now 9 months and starting weightlifting again after so long and body changes inside and out. I am confidently getting better technique in my lifts and stronger altogether. I am glad I found Tim on my new chapter and journey in Olympic Weightlifting. This is the place to be!!! #agreeablegray#Timisawesome

When you first enter the gym, the first thing you notice is Tim. He has the face of Tormund Giantsbane (Game of Thrones) and body of a typical strongman, yet when you see him workout he has the mobility of a weightlifter. I originally powerlifted for a few years and wanted to transition to weightlifting. As it is highly recommended to get a coach when starting weightlifting, I was recommended by mutual connection to train under Tim who had recently opened Raww Barbell at the Northbrook, IL location. After a first consulation/visit to Raww Barbell, I could immediately tell that this was someone that would me progress and train properly in weight training. After only a month of training, as all the reviews do say, Tim is a passionate and energetic coach who genuinely seems to care about the his students and does want to build and grow a strong weightlifting community within his gym. Whether you have any experience in any strength based sport or not, I think Tim is a coach that will put in the effort to help you grow.

I had the privilege of training with Tim for about 5 years when he first opened RAWW Barbell in Austin, TX. Tim is a phenomenal weightlifting coach and truly cares about his lifters/members. Not only will you get stronger, but your technique will greatly improve and you will have an absolute blast while training. Regardless of your weightlifting experience, Tim is who you want coaching you so go check him and RAWW Barbell out!

I’ve known Tim for over 10 years now and have trained Olympic Weightlifting with him on/off during that time. Tim creates such a fun and inclusive lifting environment at his gym! He has a way of teaching that makes you feel comfortable regardless of how much lifting experience you do/don’t have. I’m selfishly so glad he’s back in Chicago and can’t wait to train with him at his new location!

At 65 years old I never thought I would regain my muscle. After working out with Tim I have already regained my physique and I feel stronger than ever. Tim constantly reinforces proper technique which makes me feel safe while lifting weights. I used to be nervous to lift weights but now I’m confident and the results are amazing! Lifting weights is the key to great physique, feeling strong, and youthful but it can be intimidating for some. That’s why Tim’s expertise in weightlifting is so important. Highly recommend.

I did Crossfit for several years and decided to take some time off to improve my strength and weightlifting technique. I have been training with Tim for almost three years now and I love it! Tim provides great individualized coaching, and the group training is fun yet pushes you to improve daily. I have been to several different gyms and it’s hard to find a coach, program, and community that meets this criterion. The atmosphere is special, and I feel fortunate to be part of it. If you’re new or an advanced lifter I would highly recommend checking out RAWW Barbell!

Absolutely THE BEST Olympic weightlifting gym in the entire Chicago/ Illinois area. Specifically because 3x national champion Tim Rawlings is constantly watching & guiding his weightlifters toward correct positioning, technique & the speed & strength training necessary. Very orderly organized training facility. If you sign up to train at Raww Barbell you WILL improve greatly under coach Tim's training methods and watchful eye & verbal cues / input.