My journey with flight fitness is a very lengthy one. I started around 2016 for a couple of years, then took a break and rejoined early 2021. The first go around with this studio was absolutely amazing. Mahjah and Molly were my instructors. They were both amazing teachers. I also had Michelle as an instructor for a period of time and she was great. However, this past year when I rejoined, my experience of the studio was such a negative one that I feel it necessary to make this review public. I cannot say enough negative things about the current state of flight fitness studio and it’s owner, Michelle. Firstly, when starting the studio again in 2021, the first two instructors were severely under qualified to be teaching pole dancing. This is not an attack on the people themselves as they were very nice girls but instead the quality of instruction. Once our cohort starting moving up levels, Michelle was our instructor. Unlike before, she was often times distracted on her phone while warming up or teaching. We also started class several minutes late many times. After consulting with other studios in the area, it’s apparent that the curriculum at Flight intentionally holds its students back. She gate keeps on certain moves and progresses her students super slowly . My theory in this is that it may be another ploy to make more money. Pretty much everything the owner, Michelle does is motivated by trying to suck every last nickel and dime out of her loyal students. This is the Achilles heel of Flight fitness studio. I have been forced to buy items at times and she frequently makes her students do the same. For example, if you (god forbid) forget to bring a towel to wipe down your pole, don’t expect to use paper towel to do it, be expected to cough up $1 (plus tax) and other small commodities like this. Do not expect to get water for free. I was once forced to buy a yoga mat for $16 and could not borrow one after referring a friend to try flight fitness. I literally referred a friend to try a pole intro class which, mind you, gives the studio 1. Money and 2. in this case, a new student. I arrived with the friend, and then was forced to buy a $16 yoga mat or else I was not able to participate in the class. It should also be noted that under ABSOLUTELY NO circumstances can you ever receive a refund. Her obsession with absolutely milking her students of money is obscene. Also, the class makeup policy is particularly bad. It is near impossible trying to set up a makeup class (which she prefers is done via email) because it’s very apparently she cannot keep track of what or who is trying to makeup classes. Basically emailing with her is similar to talking to a brick wall. Often times, expect to not receive a straight answer. In general, there are very particular rules that have to be followed in the studio such as wearing socks (which should never be a requirement while pole dancing), being harassed to “go sign in” in the middle of warm up because the instructor wants it done right then and there. Certain items are expected to be placed in certain storage areas and confiscated when she feels they are not in the right place. The final straw to my experience was when the instructor and owner Michelle promised (verbally) to change our class time to an earlier time slot. She gave us a date at which the time change would start. I asked via email to confirm the date at which we would start our new time slot to which Michelle never replied. When I asked her why she would not confirm via writing she basically denied she said she promised us an earlier time slot. She tried to gaslight me and told me she did not make that promise. She took absolutely zero accountability during this conversation and refused to acknowledge she lied. I did not continue classes after this. I would suggest going elsewhere as it would be filled with less stress and hassle.

I take Silks, Lyra, and conditioning classes here and thoroughly enjoy them all. I found it hard to find a Lyra class near me, but was super excited to have one so close at Flight Fitness that works with my schedule. Also I found that the instructors here are great and eager to help you learn any new techniques as it is within reason and safe.

Flight has been a life saver for me. When I walk in the doors I immediately feel the weight of my day/week lifting from my shoulders. Pole is my healthy stress relief, my amazing work out, my self esteem booster and has truly become my passion. Everyone here has been very accepting, warm and welcoming. The instructors are patient, knowledgeable and even take requests if there is something particular you'd like to learn. My instructor Lori has been my mentor, my cheerleader, my therapist, my friend and has truly driven me to success. I have come so far in my pole journey in a short amount of time. This isn't just a studio I attend, it's my home away from home.

I've been coming to Flight Fitness Studio for over two years now, and I've loved every second of it. The instructors are knowledgeable, personable, and undergo a ton of training in order to prep for teaching. The studio offers a wide variety of classes, ranging from dance-based to strength-based, and it all helps the students prep for more difficult movements later on, and to top it off they are all super fun! FFS is flexible with students, and all around a great place to be. Love this place!

100% recommend FFS! This is a great environment to try learning aerial silks, lyra, or pole! The instructors are easy-going, very experienced, and super supportive. Lorie has helped me progress a ton with lyra, and has always kept our class fun and safe for everyone. She made each student their own Lyra journaling binder with progressions. I have never had an instructor put as much care and consideration into the progress of each individual student. Michelle (the owner), is a super inspiring small business women. She has created a really empowering community. She is a super passionate polerina, and aerialist. She is always asking us about our experiences, such as what class times work better, or if we are comfortable with the height of the hoops. She even plans parties and performances for the students! I believe, it takes some bravery to go try something so intimidating such as pole, aerial silks, or Lyra. However, this is the perfect studio to start because it is such a supportive and body positive environment.

My experience at Flight Firness Studio has been so wonderful that I wanted to take the opportunity to share it with others. The communication regarding class schedules and sign up has been handled with professionalism, consistency, and thoughtful follow- through before and during my class sessions. Though the type of excersise and dance provided by the studio staff, seems that it might not be a fit for older clientele, especially someone with not much experience or in the best shape, the instructors tailored the classes to meet my level and physical needs. Every one of my concerns and questions before and during my class sessions has been answered with encouragement and solutions that made me feel part of the class and gave me the confidence and courage to contine to participate. I live in Palatine and was not aware of this Studio until I did a website search but it was worth the effort and truly a gem I hope others will take advantage of. Thanks to the Flight Fight Fitness instructors for making me feel so welcomed and my excersise/dance experience so meaningful and fun! Marlene Grossman

Flight Fitness Studio is an amazing place to learn and practice pole dancing. Kendra, my instructor is incredibly knowledgeable and skilled and super talented and friendly, and she creates such a supportive and welcoming atmosphere for students of all levels. The studio itself is clean, spacious, and well-equipped, with plenty of poles and other fitness equipment to use during classes. The variety of classes offered is impressive, from beginner-level courses to more advanced workshops and private lessons. What sets Flight Fitness Studio apart is the emphasis on both fitness and fun. Kendra has been so amazing and makes the classes so fun and challenging and will definitely help you build strength and improve your flexibility, but they're also a lot of fun and a great way to meet new people! Overall, I highly recommend Flight Fitness Studio to anyone interested in pole dancing or looking for a fun and effective workout. Kendra is seriously top-notch! the facilities are excellent, and the experience is truly unforgettable ask for Kendra you won’t regret it!

i’ve been taking classes here since Nov. ‘23 and all of the instructors I’ve had classes with are such great teachers. They never push you out of your comfort zone or ask you to learn or do anything you don’t want to. They are extremely patient and will take the time to break a move down completely if it’s not clicking with you. the studio places a big emphasis on strength, safety, and fun!

I signed up for the Intro to aerial silk class via Groupon. My instructor was amazing-she was so encouraging and so nice! She was very accommodating as well- as my schedule was so hectic that day! I was so happy that I was able to do the things I could during the intro day of class! It was really fun, I felt accomplished and felt that I got a good workout in. I'm really considering and hoping to take the 8-week aerial silk class with the same instructor in the future!

A perfect class designed to explore the freedom of movement! The instructor gave creative options to move through choreography as well as positively encouraging and motivating self love through the whole class!