The correct corporate information for this place (from Illinois Secretary of State website) is: ERWIN'S GYM, BALLROOM & BANQUET CENTER, INC., 2302 W JOHN ST CHAMPAIGN IL 61821-6835. To get a sense of what Refinery is like, check out reviews for his apartment company: https://www.yelp.com/biz/campus-property-management-champaign-9?osq=cpm+apartments&override_cta=Request+information I called 4/16 and spoke to Bailey. I was interested in student plan $40 initiation fee, $35/mo. I visited 4/17 and dealt with the woman at the counter. I repeatedly told her that I wanted the $40/$35 student plan. She handed me a contract for a 12 month plan, which I did not want. After going in circles with her for a bit of time, she took my credit card and fiddled with her computer. Then she handed me paperwork showing completely incorrect charges. I asked her to reverse them and fix the problem. Eventually, she gave up and got her manager, Tony, involved. Tony worked on the computer for a bit and at one point, I had several pending $64 charges on my card. Then he seemed to have the problem under control and he charged my card $40 and $18.72. Since $18.72 is more than 1/2 of $35, that charge didn't make any sense for half a month. I called Tony on 4/17 and told him that I had several authorizations on my card still. I asked if we could just forget it all and cancel the membership and refund everything, including the $40 and $18.72. He said no problem, and I emailed him a copy of the credit card bill showing the current state of it. On 4/18, two charges moved from authorization to posted - $40 and $18.72. I emailed a copy of the statement to Tony and requested that he refund the charges, as we had both agreed. It's now nearly two weeks later and I still have charges on my card. I have filed complaints with BBB and Illinois Attorney General. If they don't come to their senses soon, I'll file a lawsuit in small claims court. Having all these authorizations on my card made it impossible for me to shop for groceries for three days. I wish businesses were much more careful with charges that they post to customer cards. Accidental charges aren't just frustrating to see and resolve, they can have unanticipated consequences for cardholders. For more information on management personnel and their names, check the BBB listing for Refinery. DO NOT PATRONIZE THIS GYM UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE read more

Most negative part is the cancellation policy. My wife cancels a few days into the current month and she owes for that month (which is fine), but for the next month too? Not cool (this after cancelling all Zumba classes with little to no notice). When I handed in my form to cancel at the beginning of 2020, we were still charged for months afterwards. They eventually honored it, but only after having to get on them numerous times. Equipment selection is good, but definitely dated (Mandelbaum from Seinfeld would feel at home). The classes are not given in dedicated rooms, but instead are given upstairs in an area that is alternatively used for events like weddings. It's a little odd. They started getting cheap by not turning on the AC for the wife's zumba class (claiming the AC was broken). I hate franchised gyms like Planet Fitness, so this placed looked promising in comparison. Ultimately, it disappointed. read more

I forgot to review the Refinery when I lived in Champaign - here goes: I lived on the 3rd floor above the Refinery for 2 years. It was. Amazing. Not only is the gym huge for a basement gym, it's never overcrowded, not too many gawkers and plenty of equipment. I could easily deadlift or clean/snatch on the platforms they had there. I was never competing for time. Always clean, nice folks, and super easy to get in and out of the parking lot. read more

Not very impressed with my first visit. I didn't get a tour; the people at the desk seemed very preoccupied with other things; as a result, I never saw the upstairs or any locker room area. I only saw the downstairs where there was a lot of equipment. The lighting was horrid (then again, most gyms have horrid lighting but here it seemed especially dark and dreary, & industrial--not airy and upbeat). I don't remember why but my new iPad didn't work on the treadmill (compatibility issues?) And I agree with someone else here, ratio of men to women seemed high and I felt too many eyes leering and too few friendly smiles. Then again, people at gyms take themselves too seriously in general--always unhappy faces. I guess that's why I don't like going. It doesn't score any points for being clean. Nevertheless, I will try it again b/c I've heard the classes are amazing. And the locker room has a sauna; that's two big reasons to go back! I'll post an update again after I've given it a second chance. read more

Wow! After having been a member of a gym that was across town and 24 hours, I am so happy to not be a part of that anymore. This place is awesome. Staff and the facilities are amazing. I have never felt like as valued and respected as I do now. I am so thrilled to be a part of this community. They are great people and give 150% of what people pay for. I'm hoping I can get my wife and grandsons to come in once in a while. Thank you, your manager Tye is amazing. read more

Best gym in Champaign! I've checked out many other gyms, including the YMCA, and I truly think the refinery does it best. They offer the Les Mills program as well as some other favorites like barre and yoga. The selling point to me are the beautiful rooms in which these classes are held. They double as a wedding venue on the weekends and so you can imagine how nice they are. Lots of natural light and hard wood floors. The gym is always clean and equipment is well maintained. Staff are friendly and personable. Although I've never tried their personal training, I know that's also available for those who are into that. read more

The fitness center located in the buildings basement has full of a mix of weight equiptment. A good place to try if your looking for more a gym offering free weights, racks, machines and a basic cardio area. This is a nice gym. read more

Great gym. Dated equipment. Is underground so it doesn't have the best natural lighting. They play newer music and cater to a younger crowd. The locker rooms smell kind of funky. They have a steam room which is a nice amenity. My favorite piece of equipment is the heavy punching bag! I alternate between that and the treadmills for high intensity cardio! read more

When I graduated from U of I, one of the things I missed the most was Refinery. The class schedule is outstanding and I still haven't found a gym that comes close to matching it. Instructors and staff are so friendly, and anyone can walk into the gym regardless of how often they work out and no one treats them any differently. The equipment is also exceptional and I never found myself waiting to use it. I would deeeeefinitely recommend. read more

I just joined this gym. I was a member in several nice gyms in Chicago and this place keeps up! I was pleasantly surprised by the enormous facility, tons of weight machine, freeweight, stationary and electric stations! Everyone there was really friendly and welcoming. And the staff was great! The locker rooms are clean and have everything. Soap, lotion, q tips. Hair dryers and towels. Steam room and nice showers. I am so happy to have found such a great gym close to home. And can't wait to try the body pump and crx works classes! This place is a hidden gem. read more

I LOVE the fact that its 24/hrs because I am one of those people that love to work out later in the evening. I was surprised to see the variety of equipment they have. It was a sure step up from The Fitness Center. I also love the classes and the fact that you can give free guest passes to friends so you don't ever have to go alone. The prices are more than legit for everything you get back in return. I love this place! read more

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I love my gym, love love love! I also joined soon after it opened, which means I have been a member now for just over two years, and I have loved it universally the whole time. I trained for 2 10K and 3 5k races here, and I also have gone months and months only casually working out. For me, a cross training session doesn't get better than watching West Wing on my own DVD player on my own TV on my own elliptical machine! The locker room and gym space are clean, there are tons of classes, and I think the attitude is very laid back for a private gym. read more

Ive went around and tried many gyms in this town and this gym was the best. It's big, offers classes, a huge variety of cardio machines (so im not fighting someone for it), weights in multiple rooms, etc and the list goes on. I'm very picky when it comes to gyms so i was glad after trying 5 gyms this fit me the best; clean, cool, modern and a lot to offer. Theres also a smoothie bar right in the gym which is cool; esp after becoming dizzy or hypoglycemic after a workout; a life saver! Theres a good family membership deal too! Check it out. Oh and the staff are very nice; they remember you and always willing to help or answer any questions. Lovely! The personal trainers seem to know what theyre doing to; i like it. There are good PT packages too. read more

Super nice gym. Lots of equipment and space although very expensive. I wish they had a deal for bigger families.. like maybe, their 4 person family deal and then a discounted price for additional family members. :| Group fitness classes are excellent and you will burn a lot of calories. Most challenging - Least challenging that I've taken (in terms of being 2 weeks or less used to program) : Body Attack (I didn't make it through this one. LOL) Piyo (I have weak arms) Yoga Cycling Body Jam (cancelled) Power Flow Zumba Oh, and they have great tasty smoothies that a selection of add-ins that are cheaper than Smoothie King. As mentioned in other posts, facility is kept clean and personal tvs on most cardio equipment. read more

I've moved from NC looking for a gym and asked around. took me just a few hours to find out about this little gem tucked away on John Street. I haven't been able to find a competent yoga instructor since my days on the Caribbean island of Antigua, but was quickly and delightfully surprised after having a class with Kristina. she is amazing and is as close to my favorite teacher as I have found, to keep me coming back on a biweekly basis for the 6am class. I have heard many good things of Tony's classes but haven't found the time to attend one of them. the gym is especially a wonderful deal for students as their price is low. It has all the equipment anyone would need to have a great work out, so there is never a waiting period for doing exercises. I suggest talking to Ken, as I have found him to be the easiest to talk to and get along with. he has helped me getting situated with Champaign as well as all questions inside the gym. I highly recommend Refinery for it's abundance of equipment, exceptional classes, and wonderful people. This gym has it ALL !! read more

I joined Refinery shortly after it opened in 2004. I was looking to escape the anorexic sorostitutes smeared with makeup that like to spend hours on the machines at campus gyms (along with their meathead boyfriends who snarl as you approach the free weights). What I found was a super friendly staff, lots of new machines, a very clean facility and a diverse crowd. Awesome! And the majority of the machines have their own personal flat screens with cable and DVD players. That was a major selling point for my lazy ass. I really miss the Refinery. Bally's sucks in comparison. read more

I know this is rated one of the best gyms in Champaign but I was not impressed. The machines are too close together, making the gym feel too crowded and intimidating. The shakes were well advertised, but I never saw anyone get one or any supplies they'd have to make them. The bar area seemed barren, not inviting, or like a place you'd have anything to consume. The squat rack area seemed run down and not great quality machines. I went to a spin class with Dwayne and loved it. It was challenging and he was very motivating and made the class fun. He was energetic and has great taste in music. Overall I'd find a new, more inviting gym. read more

I've really fallen in love with this gym! They have everything you could possibly need and more. Free weights, a plethora of machines, great employees, a smoothie bar, and most importantly, a steam room! Not to mention they have a huge variety of group fitness classes. (And despite the fact that they do get cancelled on occasion, they're pretty intense!) The only downfall is that they are a little pricey, but they were willing to work with us (my S.O. and me) to get us the best deal. And in my opinion, you get your money's worth! read more

I really like the staff. But I wish there was some improvements over the cardio equipment, treadmill that one of the fans doesn't work, squeaky elliptical. Not to mention that by their smartphone connectors I think they are over 5 years old. I've been a member for almost a year, and don't think they will buy new equipment anytime soon. The reason I keep going is that live on the building and I get a discount, otherwise would go to Planet Fitness. I am still to try the classes which everyone seems to love it. read more

Best gym in town! They have everything here and the staff really knows what they are talking about. The smoothie bar is really good too. They have a very nice child care area too. read more

The gym has decent and ample equipment so there's no problems there; however, the equipment is not kept clean. The locker rooms are filthy with constantly wet floors and a bad smell. When we first joined there were some very helpful folks at the front desk; however, they have since left and been replaced with some very disinterested people - the desk area is often unattended. Complaints are redirected to managers who are never on site and don't respond to emails. Beware of hidden fees. read more

I am a new member of the refinery and I really appreciate attending the classes! They are fun with great music and very challenging. The instructors are good at welcoming new members and attendees and helping them not to look too foolish or out of place while learning the new routines. I know I look a mess trying to be coordinated with music but was having a good time while getting a spectacular work out. I am excited to Establish a good routine and find the right classes. read more

I love the Refinery. I started a membership here as soon as I moved to Champaign. They have such a good quantity of equipment including a small area for power lifting activities. My only recommendation would be to let the door to the men's room open sometimes because a the combination of poop and the steam room makes it smell like a stinky sewer. Overall, great gym with friendly staff. I feel sorry for the losers at Planet Fitness that miss out on a great experience at Refinery. read more

This gym is phenomenal. I am visiting home for the holidays, and i am in the Military so I was looking for a gym to stay in shape on leave. My buddy referred me to this place and dang am I glad he did. The cleanliness, assortment of equipment, staff, and ambiance was without equal. If I ever get the chance to get a recruiting job here in the Paign this will be my go to spot for sure. read more

Horrible, horrible phone call just now with Operations Manager "Dan". After calling two times this morning at 7:46am and getting no answer, I tried again at 10:48am and spoke to Dan, who appeared to get defensive after I told him I'd been calling the gym but got no answer. He then commented on my out of town number, accused me of being a telemarketer, and asked why I wanted to know about day passes and gym amenities. After I told him I was in town on travel and looking for a gym, he continued to accuse me of being a telemarketer, and finally reluctantly answered my questions. His treatment made me feel profiled and the encounter, disillusioned, about visiting the gym. I'm glad I called first and will NEVER patronize or recommend. read more

i have to agree w/ one of the reviewers above for the poor service. they keep saying it's the 'best gym' in champaign. and i agree in terms of their equipment. but the staff, itself, is really poorly trained. the morning staff tends to be very friendly--greeting you as you walk in--but the evening staff--you might as well be invisible--she's too busy reading a magazine or zoning out to pay any attention. so "A+" for facilities and "F" for customer service. read more

I really like this gym. They have a lot of cardio equipment downstairs and I have never had to wait for a treadmill, even during the busy seasons (New Years, Spring Break, etc.) Almost all of the cardio equipment has a personal viewing screen which is great to help time fly while you're working out. There are plenty of free weights and weight machines as well. The classes are great. They have the Les Mills series there which is updated frequently and has pretty good music. The cycling classes are fun, some classes fill quickly because the instructors are THAT good (Dwayne, Lindy) Also, they have a Child Activity Center there. I've been taking my child there since she was 4 months old and they take really good care of her. At first I was apprehensive about leaving her there, but whenever I would pick her up she would be in a good mood and all smiles. The staff seems to enjoy taking care of her and the other children as well. read more