Without a doubt the best gym I've been to in Chicago and I've lived here for 11 years. Lawrence…read more(the owner) is a super cool dude, has almost all of the equipment you'd ever need. Sad to say I had to leave because I live just outside the city now but if I ever find something remotely close to Rockwell I will be ecstatic. 100% recommend.

This is the spot. If you want a powerlifting gym in Chicago, this is the spot, look no further…read more They have the equipment, the trainers, the right attitude and heavy blaring music to get you focused on moving that bar. You will want to lift more weight the moment you step foot into this gym. Don't be intimidated by the tattoos or piles of weight. You will learn how to lift properly, you will make gains, and you will be challenged. Thats why you are reading about Rockwell right?

Well, it's been a bit over 2 months since I started coming here and I am kicking myself that I…read moredidn't start sooner. Ugh!!! LOL!! The classes, the people, the trainers... the atmosphere in general is exactly what I needed to move my fitness journey into the right direction. I had been working out at home for a little while on a consistent basis but I seriously wasn't seeing results - and it was bumming me out. But within a month of starting here, not only did I see a change in both my body fat and the inches going down, but I also saw a change in my frame of mind. The coaches here don't let you give up on yourself but you don't want to let them down. You see how much the trainers care and want you to succeed in your fitness journey. I have been pushed to limits that I never though possible and know that I am capable of so much more - with time. There aren't only classes but this is a full Crossfit gym as well... and the Crossfit classes that I have seen (I haven't taken any, yet!) they are pretty intense and work every muscle you have and those that you didn't even know you had! LOL!! So... if you are looking for a place that will push your limits and help you achieve those goals that you have been wanting, the staff here will not let you down!

I love this spot! It's a clean, inviting space, and everyone here is great to work with. Dennis,…read moreMadeline, Katie, Joe, and Jess make the experience fun, and are very knowledgeable about fitness. If you're looking for a gym with a bunch of machines....this ain't it. Go to Xsport for that BS. This place is all about functional fitness with actual weights. I've been training with Dennis for a couple of years now, and I can see and feel the results. They also offer a variety of classes throughout the day, so you can choose your own adventure. Check this spot out!

After being out of the gym for over a year, I happened upon Above the Bar on Instagram and joining…read morethe community Alex has created has been amazing. He and the other trainers at ATB are knowledgeable, friendly, and care about everyone that walks through that door. Working with the trainers and other members of ATB has not only helped me grow physically but as a person overall. If you're looking for an awesome community that fosters growth in every possible way, look no further! Above the Bar is also the most LGBTQ+ friendly place I've had the pleasure of working out in, and is accepting of everyone regardless of age, gender, sexuality, size, gym experience, etc.

I love Above the Bar so much that I had to continue my membership in the form of online training…read moreeven when moving out to the suburbs. The trainers know their stuff, make sure you feel confident through the exercises, and become friends. 10/10 recommend.

I have been on PT with Kris and strongly recommend him. I am new to crossfit and am an engineer so…read morethe moves, the purpose of each move, the flow, the order are all important to me and to be motivated I need someone with enough knowledge to answer all my questions. With about 20+ years experience in crossfit and similar sports, Kris has been a great coach for me so far (my third month on PT). It is hard, but I can feel the improvements and growth in my body. Even people around me have started to notice the change in my body. Way to go Kris and MR! The gym is clean, everyone cleans up after their workout. The noise from the train is a little annoying, but after few session, it goes to background and you get used to it (unless you work outdoor). The music is nice, gym is big enough and well equipped with a ton of moves (It is Movement Republic!). Sara and Kris are very nice, great athletes themselves and both professionals. It is rare to find a professional athlete that also coaches and is the gym owner. I am very satisfied and impressed by their management and work. During summer, there is weekly free Sunday activity at the beach for members which is very fun, but it is a real workout as well!!! All and all, I strongly suggest it for all levels (entry like me, mid or pro levels- I am not a mid or pro though, so my opinion may be biased!). One thing I am sure of, you will sweat and you will have fun

Edited for clarity: Would not recommend. Unprofessional and non-communicative…read more I joined Movement Republic right before the gym moved locations. No one told me about the move before I signed a year-long contract. I attended a class or two and the coach didn't make an announcement about the move before class. I live about 3 blocks away from the original location. The new location is 1.8 miles from me. That's a big difference, especially when my work schedule changes on short notice. I only made it to one class after the location change. If I had known about the move I would never have joined in the first place. I then emailed Sarah, the owner, about letting me out of my contract and never heard back.

Very welcoming community and knowledgeable coaches. Everyone wants you to do better and have fun…read more(safely). Outside of an awesome workout, there are tons of events both at and outside of the gym. People volunteer together, celebrate each other, and celebrate fitness! I really enjoy their programming and how spacious the gym is. The facility is clean and they have a large variety of CrossFit equipment. OH! And the cutest dogs

Big shout out to Adam and Lauro for helping me hit my goals! Love this gym and the community it's…read morebuilding

This is an amazing place. The slogan is "more than a gym," and it has certainly become so for me…read more I've gotten much stronger and learned new skills I never thought I'd be able to do (pull-ups, rope climbs, hand stands, etc.), but the best part has been the community. Since I usually go to the same classes each week, I've made good friends and feel part of a community. All the coaches know me, my goals, my obstacles, and what's an appropriate level of challenge for me. They're great about scaling to an option that fits you and your goals, specifically. It doesn't matter your age or fitness level -- everyone is so supportive, encouraging, and inclusive. The workouts are hard, but everyone is there to do hard things together, and in the end, we all feel amazing.

What a place! I started going to Defined to work with a personal trainer, Sarah, through the Lunge…read moreLadies and I have never been happier with a fitness program. The energy and inclusiveness is unmatched. I have always felt welcome from the first day I came into Defined. They will work you hard, but everyone is so nice and friendly. I would highly recommend to anyone interested in CrossFit-type workouts and learning how to lift properly.

Classes are definitely attainable for all fitness levels so no problem for Jimi. Barely broke a…read moresweat during my workout due to my supreme conditioning. Instructor kept suggesting to take water breaks aka "drink the koolaid" but Jimi isn't falling for that one. I've been in a cult before and was lucky to escape with my life. Question. If one sets a personal best on hang cleans but it isn't captured on Instagram, did it really happen? The answer is no. For any cross fitting to be valid, it must be posted on social media. That's CrossFit 101 folks. 5 stars

I've been a member since 2019. I love my workouts, and everyone who works at CTF is encouraging,…read moreapproachable and helpful. I appreciate the environment they create for us. AND the fitness coaches are not drill sergeants - they help us modify exercises as needed, especially when we are dealing with a physical/health issue.

I joined PXM a few months ago and it is hands down the best gym I've ever been to. Each class I…read morelearn something new about myself and my capabilities. It's mostly Crossfit-adjacent group classes, but they also offer olympic lifting, personal training, weekend community workouts (a Saturday morning class with Coach Chris is fantastic way to kickoff your weekend / cap off your week), and other small group sessions. I was admittedly worried about going to a Crossfit type gym, they come with a certain reputation, but I look forward to going to the gym frequently and consistently. The culture at the gym is really fantastic, my classmates (and coaches) are encouraging and helpful, and everyone wants to help you do your best given your abilities. It's impossible not to make friends at PXM. Additionally, I came to the gym with a lingering "knee" issue, but with a combination of physical therapy and a lot of individualized attention from the coaches, I'm feeling the best I've felt in years. Senad, one of the owners was extremely helpful at encouraging me to continue to move throughout my recovery. With a lot of support, I was able to continue moving throughout my recovery and I think this helped accelerate my overall recovery timeline. Coach Leah and Coach Matt we really helpful (and incredibly patient with the million questions I asked) in helping me find movements that were supportive and didn't cause pain while still working towards the goal of a specific class. All the coaches are really great at modifying workouts to ensure you are working towards the prescribed movements without risking injury. Most classes offer two tracks, each with modifications, that are designed for folks who either want to do more traditional Crossfit movements and another for folks who are seeking more traditional fitness movements or are working towards being able to do the Crossfit movements. The gym has a general wellness focus, so you can also sign up for nutrition counseling, meal prep kits, massage, etc. I recently signed up for nutrition coaching with Melissa, and I'm learning a lot everyday about what my body needs to fuel itself. If you are looking for a welcoming, inclusive, and fun place to workout, I can't recommend PXM enough.

This gym is great. Welcoming, fun, and very helpful. I can't currently afford the cost, but the…read moreprice is worth the offerings. Great workouts, good equipment, helpful staff and thorough lessons. It doesn't matter your demographics, size or fitness level, they are welcoming to everyone, and as a fat person, I appreciate that there aren't mirrors in the workout area. It's about the workouts, not vanity or body-shaming. Senad, the owner, is very sweet, and has really built a nice gym.