I think the wieght room at this particular Y is better than other Y's in the city I've been to - it's bigger, has more equipment, and there's a good atmosphere there. The staff has also always been helpful. That being said - the cardio room is often above 80 degrees and sweltering. It's hard to get past 1 mile much less 3 on a treadmill. The place could also use some more equipment so you don't have to wait 30 minutes for a machine only to be cut in front of by someone who just walked into the room and doesn't seem to want to follow any kind of common courtesy. read more

Great gym, never packed or messy. I like the yoga and pilates classes & enjoyed the open gym adult volleyball last summer!

I came by with another super hot yelper to help her with her work outs, (like she needed them). Now, I will admit I was sneaked in... so shhhh...The place is pretty nice, clean and full of super friendly and energetic staff members. I'm not super crazy about the layout, but I think they did a fair job with the space they were given. Cardo is in one room, some machines are in another and downstairs you have by the racquetball court the weight room. There is even a small boxing area, though I would always bring your own gloves. Even if they had them there, no one likes a sweaty and nasty ol' used boxing gloves. The equipment isn't the newest, but it will get the job done. They also have an area for children to be watched while you use the club, which for busy moms or dads can be a blessing. Not a bad spot if you are looking for a basic gym or fitness center. read more

Pilates, Yoga, Zumba, Hydrofit, and Boot Camp. All my favorite ways to torture myself in one clean, pleasant, conveniently near the public trans building. The teachers are all type A personalities with great ways of motivating you when you feel like if you do one more bicycle you will black out. I'm there at least 6 times a week and always leave feeling like I deserve a burger. Mmmmm burgers. read more

I've been going to this Y for a couple years and it's made some great improvements as of late - a huge remodel on the first floor. They have everything you need for a good workout. Plenty of treadmills, stationary bikes, elliptical trainers, and a full set of weight machines. The Chicago Bears used to train here in the basement. There is Bears paraphernalia galore all throughout the "Bear's Den" weight room. The Y has a large basketball court with a narrow track on the second floor surrounding the court. There is a smaller court, a pool, a large room for group fitness classes like Step, Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, etc. They have a pretty big kids daycare area. All the staff here is super friendly. I only pay about $35 per month, which is a great value. You can use your Y membership card at other YMCAs and to get discounts at places like the Golden Nugget Pancake House. read more

I was a member of this YMCA for about 6 years and just canceled my membership. In that time, the membership fee kept creeping up until it reached $50/month, but the Y did eventually get some new equipment and did a little remodel to their cardio room. The long and short of it: it's just a place to work out. The cardio machines often don't work correctly (especially things like heart rate monitors and headphone jacks) and the people there are an odd mix of neighborhood normals and rent-a-room weirdos. I decided to cancel my membership when I found a new gym to use that's much cheaper. But right now I am completely frustrated with this YMCA and here's why I'm only giving them 1 star: 1. I called them to cancel my membership and was told I needed to send an email, which I did. Several days later the email bounced back. 2. I called again and was given a different email address. Same thing: it bounced back a few days later as undelivered. 3. I called a 3rd time and received yet another email address. In all 3 emails and all 3 phone calls, I explained that I wanted my membership to be canceled by the end of the month and did not wish to be charged for the following month. Lo and behold, after 3 calls and 3 emails, those motherfuckers still couldn't get their shit together in time and I was debited the $50 monthly membership fee for the following month. 4. It has now been another month since all that, and I am STILL waiting to be refunded my $50. I have sent repeated emails and have always received a mildly friendly response, but I do not think that anyone there is really trying very hard to fix their mistakes. They have claimed twice now that they mailed me a refund check. I have yet to receive anything from them. They're either lying or completely incompetent. So.... watch out. These people are really shitty at customer service. Most everyone I've dealt with has been friendly in person and on the phone and they compose cordial emails, but they either don't give a shit or are completely clueless. How hard is it to cancel someones membership??? And why is it so fucking difficult to issue a refund check or just credit my account when they screwed up? Steer clear. Use the new XSport Fitness further west on Irving. read more

I feel bad writing a rough review on this facility because honestly it's not bad for the price you pay. However, other Y's are much better. The Irving Park Y has all that you need but can be very crowded at peak times, especially in the cardio room and it's always freakin hot in there! I don't believe they have AC. In addition they allow members to purchase permaneny lockers which is great if you have one. The rest of us are hunting down a locker for three hours before we even get to workout. The facilty is clean but because people live in the building I could always smell smoke which turned me off. Overall this place is OK, they try. But if you're looking for something a little more upscale I wouldn't recommend this one. read more

I am in love with the Irving Park YMCA! Not only do I feel comfortable there, but I feel at home! It's always clean, the equipment is in good shape, and the parking lot makes it super convenient. Plus, I feel like paying my membership dues to the Y is helping the entire community, it's not just for me and my family. My membership also got me a discount at one of their Wisconsin family camps which I am now a HUGE fan of also! Run, don't walk, and join the IP YMCA! read more

Seriously?! Customer service does not exist.. When I asked a question I was told to read the sign posted on the door! So disappointed

Just finished our sons summer camp yesterday. The counselors...pardon me, ROLE MODELS, did an amazing job. Alli, and Mike are the 2 in charge and are amazing. The run a tight ship there too. I would absolutely suggest this YMCA to friends. read more

We love the Y, maybe because we didn't think we were joining an expensive, adults-only health club. Our family comes here for swim class (the kids), to use the cardio room (mom) and to use the weight room (dad). The locker rooms are clean and spacious, the childcare center is nice and reasonably priced, and.....it's the Y. Maybe I had low expectations, but I wasn't expecting gleaming, brand-new equipment as far as the eye can see and an Olympic sized pool, you know? read more

A complete remodel was done on their cardio and weight room. I just went back and I was astonished! It is beautiful and there is tons of equipment now. If you've been before 2012, you have to come back and try it now. read more

The YMCA on Irving park has just done a transformation of the weight and cardio rooms and they are fantastic!!! I enjoyed it before but now it's even better. I also love the spin classes and the instructors. The music is great to spin too and the Wednesday night class with Steve is awesome! read more

Brand new equipment in '12 so this place is far better than Bally's/LA Fitness.

On one hand, this gym just updated its equipment. There are individual TVs on the cardio machines, good weights, different rooms for stretching, lifting, cardio. It's inexpensive, there's a child care center, and different programs to choose from. On the other, this is one gym that also smells oddly of smoke, since it is also a residential home for many men. And you won't find the trendy classes, eager customer service, and other perks of more expensive gyms. read more

I'm not exactly what one would call athletic - pretty much hate working out, but I've started the stronglifts 5X5 workout and wanted to use the weightroom in the Y. As a rookie lifter - found it clean, easy to move around, and a friendly group to work out around. Good mix of experienced, beginner, really in shape, really out of shape (me) , seniors and youth, men and women. Sounds crowded, but this is really my experience over different hours on different days. Good value, too. Hard to beat! read more

If anyone is looking for a great trainer and fun workout experience just ask for steve. He teaches spin classes and really knows how to motivate and encourage. He also gives private lessons. Check him out, I highly recommend it. read more

This gym is small and always crowded; there is usually a line to use the equipment. In addition, the equipment is outdated and the gym is not the cleanest. read more

Overall great facility, would have given it a 5, but can't overlook how dirty and unsanitary the men's locker room is, I come out of there itching read more

I like this gym. Its not that expensive (esp. with a family membership) and it has the main machines and resources required of a gym (pool, weight room, cardio room, basketball court, sauna, steam room, etc.) Most of the staff are super nice and helpful. The classes let members do pilates, yoga and other stuff free, and also includes other classes (that have are more specialized ) at an additional cost. There are flaws (like a small pool and occasionally weird hours for open pool) but overall, I've had a good experience with it. I think the place is a good, inexpensive option for people who want a place to work out and stay active. read more

We belong to Lakeview Y but often use this facility instead (a benefit of Y membership is that they are good at most Chicagoland Y's). It's worth the drive to use the Adult men's locker room, which has a great steam room, is clean and spacious. The cardio-aeobic room is small and a bit crowded, but overall things are well cared for and the staff is friendly. They also have a good place to drop off the kids (Mazing Kids Center), so we make it a family event on Saturday mornings. It also has that neighborhood feeling with the same people coming every day, year after year. read more

There is NOTHING I can complain about when it comes to this summer camp! My kids like it, it is affordable, and the fact that the hours include before and after care is amazing. Location, budget, and supervision are all top shelf! read more

3.5 Stars. So here goes my 1st review on yelp. the likes- easy parking lot, newer cardio equipment, pool, basketball court, racquetball court, sauna and rarely any meat heads. The dislikes: the weight room is a dungeon in the basement. It would be nice if the weight room were upstairs. Lastly, a little more time carved out for adult lap swim. All in all well worth the membership dues. read more

Clean facility, Friendly staff, Good equipment, all for a GOOD price. You dont need Ballys, Cheetah Gym, World Gym or any fancy-shmancy gym to workout unless youre one of those High-Maintenance or vain human beings who judges places by their looks and their name. Tip: ask the front desk about their peak hours and avoid coming at those times if you dont like waiting to use an equipment. read more

Don't get overly excited people it's still a YMCA! They finally decided to do an upgrade after decades of neglect. ( And that was done a few years back )! When enough people decided to wisen up and leave that's when the decision was made to make some improvements. I put up with this non sense for years before deciding to go to the Leaning Tower Y in Niles. Now there's a Y that has always provided there members with a clean, well equipped facility. Thus proving all YMCA's are not alike! I don't know who actually makes the big decisions on upgrades or purchasing at the Irving location but they should consider hiring a consultant. (Although there recent efforts are to be applauded). I will say this that with all the other low cost options available in the area the Irving park Y would not be my first choice. You folks need to convince me that your hearts in the right place, before I would recommend your Y to anyone. read more

This review is based solely upon my son's private swim lessons with Gwen. He is 4 yrs old and has special needs and we've tried a number of different swim lessons with him over the past couple years. He loves swimming but he was also very reluctant to try new things or swim without his flotation device. Gwen had him doing new things in the water without his floatation device from the first lesson on. She has a really fun demeanor with my son, and for the first time, he looks forward to his swim lessons because he has such a great time. She brings out the best in his abilities which is a real gift. I haven't used any other facilities at this Y but everything is clean and everyone is very nice. read more

Tuesday and Thursday adult water class (arthritis) done away with and they just lost another good water instructor. Don't think this Y is being managed as well as it was in the past. Front desk people have no info or give you the wrong info and website schedules/info are not kept up. Sorry to see this happen. read more

So far so good. I have been a member for about a month and no complaints thus far. I can always find a machine, the desk personnel are really friendly and it is decently affordable for the city. I have yet to take a class, which are free- simply baffling coming from a city where this is unheard of, but I am hopeful they will be well worth it. I would recommend the Y for families as well- they have child care on site which if I had kids would be a big plus. read more

This Y has gone through a transformation over the last few years, all for the better. It's clean, friendly and offers a variety of options to suit you and your family's workout needs. I do most of the free classes that are included in your membership. All the spin classes are led by exceptional instructors and are offered at a variety of times throughout the week. The Pilates and Zumba classes are really good as well. I've been a to a few Ys, but I keep coming back to this one because of the great classes and excellent staff. (And the swim instruction is exceptional as well.) read more

I like going to the Y....it's no hassle. I can just go in and do my workout and get the hell out. It's kinda pricey for what you get, my husband and I have a family membership and we pay like $67 a month. Guess it would be worth it if my hubby went! I have yet to try the swim classes w/my daughter, but intend on doing more swim stuff now that I'm preggo. I can't fathom swimming in the subzero temps that Chicago has been in for a few weeks now. I used to like to do the sculpting class w/Donna but never made it to many classes. When I do bring my daughter, all the girls know her by name and when she's not w/me they ask how she's doing. The KidCare is ok, I usually only go when Ms. Kitty is there. For some reason my daughter really takes to her, probably because she actualy plays with her or reads to her to distract her so I can get away. One downside is that the staff can bring their kids, and some of them are stuck in there all day, and don't exactly behave themselves. I was there once and a staff members kid bit or scratched one of the other kids...and then the dad came in and took the kid to the other room and spanked him. He's like 3, I'm sure that helped...ya right. read more

Awesome SUMMER CAMP for kids. If you are looking for a summer camp, this is the place. The program is well organized by friendly staff who are awesome. My five-year old was in the Explorers Camp and loved swimming twice a week and weekly field trips. The hours are perfect for working parents - 7 AM to 6 PM. My son made friends, learned new things, and was busy with fun activities all summer. The staff truly care about the campers and go the extra mile to make sure they are safe and have fun every day. This is the best value and experience in the city for summer camp. Highly recommend. read more

It took a lot of patience to enroll my step-son in the swim team there...why? No one had a clue what they were doing! seriously. And after paying $150 for a month ( 1 season ) I asked if my step son could practice using the pool. No! They said he had to be a member! wha??? So I spoke with someone else...they said, ok. But for $5 each use. I agreed. I've gone in a few times and seeing how unorganized and busy the desk personnel were, I waked right in and he practiced. No one askd anything. I also saw others do the same. Once I was asked if we were members and I explained the situation... a different desk person said , " we don't do $5 per visits, but I'll let you in this time, but it's the last time." huh????? The pool is quite small old and the place is , in my opinion, a bit creepy and yes, smelly..ie; stale cigarette smell and other funk... No one really seems to know what they're doing over there. Extremely bad managed! After June..we're done!!! Off to Chicago Park District swim teams. They're cheaper and seemingly , better organized. read more

I've been a member of this Y for many years now. Recent renovations seem to have help with the appearance and seems to offer a more comfortable waiting area. My kids have taken swimming classes and they have enjoyed them and learned a lot. Unfortunately we also invested a lot of money and time in martial art classes a few years ago and because of poor management decisions the program was dismantled leaving a lot of families, like mine, out in the cold without a possibility of completing the program (obtaining black belt). That was a huge blow. They lost many families. We don't go back ourselves that often. The staff is generally nice and very helpful. The main reason I'm giving them 3 stars is because they don't have that many options of programs for kids, and even less options for teenagers. A recent visit to the swimming pool also discouraged us even more. The chlorine in the pool was so strong that my son's eyes were burning almost immediately after getting there. I think that supporting this non-for profit is important and that is the main reason why have not left. Yoga and other classes for adults are worth checking out. read more

Thanks for nothing YMCA Irving Park. I was a member since 2007. I went there because of the location and price but I believe you get what you pay for. I had moved to another state off and on again for the past couple of years and other locations are a lot cleaner and have much better customer service/equipment. I since let my membership lapse for a year and went back today. The front desk was crazy busy as it always is and when she wanted to charge me a registration fee again, I just gave back my id and said no way. The women's locker room is so outdated the only reason I liked going there was the steam room and the water pressure was excellant. But considering the rudness of the front desk, coupled with the insane amount of people that populate the place, I would rather pay 20 dollars more and go to a place where i can find peace of mind rather then lose it. read more

I took a swim class here and the instructor was great. However, the staff is so unorganized and rude. I will not be joining as a member. I will go somewhere else. read more

DO NOT get a membership here if you would like to get in the basketball courts during the summer. There is always an excuse for them to kick you out the gym even if the schedule says open gym. The workers don't really know what's going on either. I called the Y and asked when the gym will be open and they responded by saying "probably not until 8:30 tonight". I took the risk and drove there to see that the gym opened up a little before 6 and stayed open until they closed. In my opinion the workers are lazy and not many know what's going on. Throughout the whole facility there is probably one or two workers that know what is going on and it is not the front desk workers. During the winter it was also a struggle to get into the large gym. The sheets with the gym schedule showed the gym open all day but once you were there, someone would come and ask you to leave for soccer in the long gym. I wouldn't be as annoyed if there was a large group of kids in the gym doing soccer but there was only about two kids for the 2-3 hours. Never have I seen more than 4 kids in the gym participating in soccer. Once you were kicked out of the large, there were multiple people forced into the small gym with no other gym to go to. I've seen as many as 15-20 people in the small gym waiting around because there wasn't enough space for basketball. I would not recommend a membership here if you are looking to play basketball in the gyms instead of staying at home and doing nothing. read more

i really like the theme of this ymca's weight room and i like the old school equiptment and for those who talk shit about the old equiptment . this is the kind of stuff the best body builders use and alot of athelets still use it too. although they do need new dumbells and a heavy bag or thai bag basicly this is a new age people are more into mma then boxing so get a bag we can kick. and add some mma bout pics next to those boxing pics. read more

This YMCA is dirty. I feel like (with the exception of the locker rooms) it's rarely cleaned. It's also incredibly stuffy in the summer. I don't understand why they don't have fans in the room where they hold spinning classes. It's almost unbearable. On the positive side it's close to the el and the staff and instructors are very friendly. read more

Definitely excellent options for all forms of exercise. Newer elliptical machines keep me from getting bored. The sense of community conveyed by staff is so refreshing and heartwarming. Also, what a great way to support services to those less advantaged while doing something good for yourself! Love the free weight room and the Pilates classes! And if you ever require a personal trainer I highly recommend Brian. read more

I been coming to this Y for over 2 years now and its a habit now. I enjoy working out every morning there since it isn't crowded and I can really get a good work out in. read more