Chicago Fitness Center
About
Chicago Fitness Center offers comprehensive martial arts training with a focus on MMA disciplines in a spacious 35,000 square foot facility. The gym features a full-size boxing ring, MMA cage, indoor track, and extensive free weight equipment up to 150 pounds, providing members with everything needed for serious fitness training. A team of experienced instructors includes Shihan Eddie with over 55 years in martial arts, Sensei Jeff who brings a 3rd-degree black belt in Shidokan Karate and military background, and specialized coaches like Sensei Jason for kickboxing and Miguel for Muay Thai. The facility maintains separate areas for martial arts dojo training and group exercise classes, creating dedicated spaces for different workout styles.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently describe Chicago Fitness Center as the best gym in Chicago with incredibly friendly and welcoming staff who make everyone feel at home. They praise the massive 35,000 square foot facility that never feels crowded despite having essentially every piece of equipment needed, including a full-size boxing ring, MMA cage, and free weights up to 150 pounds. Reviewers specifically highlight how instructors and trainers make workouts fun but challenging, with multiple mentions of the clean, well-maintained facilities and competitive pricing. The only minor concern mentioned is a wish for monthly pricing options, though this hasn't prevented enthusiastic recommendations.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Grace DeAngelis
5 years ago
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!
Mikayla Lindsey
5 years ago
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.
Chris Kubanski
7 months ago
Great gym - would highly recommend. Truly feel like Arnold working out here. Plus, it’s at a very competitive price. My only wish is that they would do monthly pricing but nevertheless, still got me roped in.
Rick Okrasinski
5 years ago
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.
Scott Harper
11 months ago
Just wrapped up a killer session at Chicago Fitness Center—this place is the real deal. I hit the weights for about an hour, then crushed a 30-minute HIIT class. The gym's massive—over 35,000 sq. ft.—and never feels crowded. They've got everything: a full-size boxing ring, MMA cage, indoor track, and free weights up to 150 lbs. The staff? Super chill and always keeping the place spotless. If you're serious about fitness and want a no-frills, hard-hitting gym, this is it.
fitness_centerAmenities
Contact
3131 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
groupCoaches & Instructors
Shihan Eddie
Martial Arts Instructor
Over 55 years in Martial Arts
Teaches SHIDOKAN Martial Arts, Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics, Women's Self Defense & Advanced Shido-Integrative Combatives. Combines 33+ years in Law Enforcement with martial arts.
Sensei Angelina
Assistant Instructor
Assistant instructor for the Shido Kids 'Stop the Bully' class. Began martial arts at age two.
Sensei Gabriella
Assistant Instructor
Assistant instructor for the Shido Kids 'Stop the Bully' class. Began martial arts at age two.
Sensei Chris
Personal Trainer / Martial Arts Instructor
NESTA certified Personal Trainer, MMA Strength and Conditioning, Sport Yoga, and Fitness Nutrition coach
Began martial arts at CFC in 1984. Competed nationally and internationally in Shidokan Karate. Personal trainer for over 15 years.
Sensei Jason
Kickboxing Instructor
At CFC since 1991. Shidokan Kickboxing instructor. Also practices yoga, strength training, and Muay Thai.
Sensei Jeff
Martial Arts Instructor
3rd-degree black belt in Shidokan Karate, US Marine Corps Veteran, Chicago Fire Department Captain
With CFC since 1995. Competed internationally in full-contact Karate, Muay Thai, and boxing.
Sensei Marie
Women's Self-Defense Instructor
2nd-degree black belt in Shidokan Karate
Teaches women's self-defense. Earned Shodan in Japan (2003) and Nidan in Chicago (2021). Focuses on empowerment and model safety.
Mondale
Personal Trainer / HIIT Instructor
Holds multiple health and fitness certifications
Trainer at CFC since 1998. Conducts one-on-one training and teaches HIIT classes. Passionate about high-intensity workouts.
Miguel
Muay Thai Instructor
Teaches all-levels Muay Thai Kickboxing classes alongside Senseis Jeff and Jason.