This was one of the worst massage experiences I've had. The entire place was chaotic and anything but relaxing. The therapists were talking to each other at full volume the whole time, even after being asked to be quiet. Staff were arguing with customers at the front desk, people were constantly coming and going, and another customer was playing video games on their phone at full volume. The "reflexology" was just aggressive, fast, painful rubbing with no actual technique. I left sore, stressed, and wondering how this place has such good reviews. I won't be coming back. read more

We reuqested for 4 person service at 4, got told we'd have to wait till 5:30. We called in at 5:30, owner said they thought we said 3 and still refused to give us service. We waited for an hour and a half for nothing. read more

Great massage by Owen! Very experienced--he knew exactly where to focus and worked on the right sore spots. I left feeling so much better. Thank you, Owen! read more

I called the day before for a 10:30 am 60-minute reflexology massage ($40) - no problem. Arrived for my massage and they immediately directed me to a private room next to reception desk. For those who do not know, you remain fully clothed for this massage. Wear comfy clothes where you can roll up the legs - remove shoes and socks, jewelry, and glasses. This massage starts with you on your back with your feet soaking in a tub of comfortably warm water, while the therapist works your face, head, neck, arms, and hands. Next, the therapist dries your feet and massages feet and legs, thoroughly working through all the reflexology points. Then you flip over to lie on your stomach, where therapist continues work on legs and back to finish. The therapist I had knows what he is doing and did fantastic work, checking in with me along the way to make sure I was OK. I was, but am confident he would have made adjustments if I was uncomfortable at any time. I was happy to pay him $20 tip on top of the $40 massage. $60 was still a complete bargain to me for an excellent 60-minute massage. I paid cash. I know they appreciate it. They do take cards. I believe they request cash tip, though. read more

Price has gone up and has changed since I haven't been since 2020 due to the pandemic. Special used to be $30 but is now $40. Special used to include face, shoulder & arm (15 min), foot (30 min), and back (15min). Currently special only includes10 min of back massage and went up to $40. I like that they use a paper over chairs whereas they used to use towels in the past. Service was similar as I remember, but I like my massage pressure hard but wasn't as hard this time. I may explore around before coming back to this place. read more

Relax Center - January 2023 - Massage Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

You have to call first apparently, nowhere did it say by appointment only. Although it appears you can only walk in for a 30 min foot massage. Not easy to communicate with. Good luck. read more

I am in so much pain after getting this massage. My whole body hurts. I don't recommend at all.

Love it here!!! Not the best looking ambiance but the best place to get a real massage!! read more

Very good message and affordable price. They work hard and deserve good tip and good reviews. I read a lot of reviews from other customers, some of them came here so often and satisfied but never gave them a five star review. Until one day they received a not expected or satisfied service and were willing to give them a one star review. That's not fair for the business . Besides knowing what they should enhances, they should also get encouraged with good reviews read more

For only $40 an hour I couldn't have asked for anything better. Michael, I believe his name was, was experienced and took his time giving me an amazing massage. He worked at a steady pace throughout the entire hour and was in no sort of rush unlike many massages I've experienced in Chicago. Definitely one of my top 3 spots now and I'll be visiting very often since the value can't be beat. read more

If you are in the Skokie area and looking for a massage parlor to relieve your stress then this place is for you! It's not a fancy place by any means but they do know what they are doing. I normally request the combination 90 minutes session which is $90 plus tip. They spend 45 min on both sides of your body from head to toe. The massage is performed with your clothes on and all of the massage therapist wears a face mask while the customer is optional. My go to therapists are David, Michael and Jack. There are some English barrier depending on who you get so I suggest you tell the receptionist what you are expecting so they can translate (ex. type of massage, firmness level and area to focus). I only have one suggestion for the owner. Please change the background music instead of playing the same song on repeat mode. Other than this, I will guarantee you will be leaving this place feeling invigorated! read more

SEXUAL HARRASMENT WARNING!!!!: I am sad to be putting this review up as my first visit here was fabulous. I want to clarify that the female massage therapist I was assigned during my initial visit was fantastic. I didn't realize I had so many kinks and tense muscles. I felt completely restored after that visit. Today's visit, however, was horrific. I was assigned a male massage therapist and I was given no checklist of areas I was comfortable or scale of massage depth (e.g., light, medium, firm, deep). The typical back, neck, and arm massage was fine and quite relaxing. However, I have never checked off my glutes as an area and the massage therapist proceeded to groping me, to which I had signaled that was uncomfortable. The man did not seem to understand English. I was halfway through my massage and went on with finishing up the rest of my accupressure massage, which including my legs. Not only did I feel extremely uncomfortable during one aspect of the stretch, but I was not consulted once for feedback and felt violated following at the conclusion of my session. I am leaving this review in hopes that a higher level of professionalism will be observed and that this will not happen again. AFTER REVIEWING PREVIOUS REVIEWS IT APPEARS THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS (SINCE 2013) AND MANAGEMENT DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS EMPLOYEE. read more

Very thorough, combo, hard massage. Owen was such a pro, knew the exact pressure points to target. He was even able to make my back crack not just once, but twice! And that's rare for therapists to be able to be that spot on! Excellent if you like it hard and sometimes painfully pleasurable (in a really good, therapeutic way). read more

Need to uodate the massage table is jurassic (stinky) placing towel over it is not going to cut! And towels needs to change regularly (certain bacteria stays even you wash it a hundred times. There's a timeline. Warts( skin disease) can easily be transmitted... When facing down- it's dusty and stinky... please clean... You guys have the skills, but hygenically so poor... Please upgrade! read more

It doesn't look fancy inside, but this place is great and reasonable. I went there do you have my one hour foot massage, and I am more than satisfied. Massage was done very good, my feet feel perfect, what else do you need? I also almost fell asleep during the massage, but that's no wonder since it was so relaxing. Will definitely come back if I will be in this area! read more

Very good technics, relaxing, and comfort. I got 60 mins feet spa which went through all body with only $30 in a semi-private room. I came here after work out at Yoga studio in morning. As soon as walk in, they will let you write ur name, choose which course you want, and also the intensity of massage. They start with foot bath to warm up your feet. While on foot bath, they put oil on face and neck to massage which I don't mind at all. Their English communication was limited, but ok. The staff was welcoming and I like quiet. I hear Chinese people shouting each other room to room all the time at other massage places, but here was quite with smooth music. I had a total relaxing time. Tips: don't come here with jeans or tight closes. They don't offer clothes to change. read more

Caution: Relaxation will occur here at inexpensive prices! I went here for the 1st time yesterday and had a wonderful 1 hour experience for $29 (yes I tripped and you should too! Don't be cheap) At first I didn't feel relaxed because the storefront door was open and you could hear street noise. However after 10 minutes, any noises were silent in my mind. My masseuse started with my forehead/head area then worked on my shoulders, arms, feet, flipped over then my back and calves. I was really impressed because at first when I called to make a reservation, there was a language barrier problem. If you can move forward with it and get a great message at a wonderful price, come here. Is it the most fanciest of places? No. It is relaxing? Yes as it's dimly lit and the ambiance music supports that feeling. Try it once, come back again! read more

I have come here a handful of times over the past couple of years mainly out of convenience but today was my last time. I went there and the place smelled of cigarettes and microwaved food. When I asked if they could do something about the smell she just brushed it off like nothing. Not only that but I was looking around and the carpet is beyond disgusting. I felt so gross walking on it. The chairs are worn out and they used some sketchy looking towels to use as a blanket. The massage person wore gloves and it felt like Indian burn half the time. I kept saying softer and letting them know it hurt. I still tipped 20% bc I know they are working but they need to improve the cleanliness and refrain from smoking, it really disgusting in there. I've been to many of these foot spas and there are some really clean ones so I don't see how they can excuse the filthy everything! read more

Horrible service. They asked to ton wait 15 minutes for a lady to massage me I waited 20 min then i had to ask when they were coming and the. They send a guy to do for me. So I got up and left. This place is garbage read more

This place is hit or miss. I come here maybe 2 times a month and the value of what you get for the money you spend it great! So far, Frank has been the best masseuse I had here. read more

I went here to relax but only to get ripped off....Leo wasted my time and money...I've been here 15 times and the service just keeps getting worse. read more

Love this place! I have an autoimmune disorder that causes joint pain and that sometimes attacks my Achilles' tendon. This along with sitting 10+ hour days in front of a computer makes for bad times sometimes. I cannot afford $70+ dollars each month for a possibly mediocre massage. Here comes Relax Center. It is not the prettiest place to look at, and the person massaging you may or may not smell of cigarettes. What sets this place apart is that you can get a one hour massage for $30 plus tip. I try to tip generously because I am unsure of what the employees are being compensated. There is a language barrier here because the majority of employees only speak Chinese. The person at the front desk speaks English so she can help with special requests or questions. Massages can be hot or miss depending on your masseuse. I have been to a few foot spas in the area and find this place is less choreographed and is able to work on your trouble spots. I also feel like you get a longer back massage but that could be me. Don't forget to pick up a punchcard on the way out! read more

I have been going to relax center for 3-years now. It is an open air space where you lie down fully clothed for a foot/leg massage and/or acupressure massage. I usually opt for a 60 minute "Combo" so I can enjoy a little of each. Just call the day before or even day of and ask for their availability for a 1 hour appointment. Most rooms can accommodate 2-3 people if you want to go with friends or family. Incredibly sweet staff and I always leave happy and relaxed. read more

Alright, I don't take 5 stars very lightly - 5 stars are against my very nature. There is always room to improve - besides, I like to complain. The Relax Center is the best massage I've had in over a year. 30 bucks for an hour - yep, you read me right, $30. Granted, this was a reflexology massage, sit/lay in a chair, it was still magnificent. The only place I found these types of massages cheaper was in Vietnam. So, if you find yourself in Skokie, on Dempster, with an hour to spend, and 30 bucks to burn, you can't go wrong here. Then, after your massage, head across the street to The Bonefish Grill for some Bang Bang Shrimp and a glass of wine. Cheers ~ Danno read more

I haven't reviewed this place yet? That's surprising because I've been going here since they've opened and I love watching a business grow and evolve... it's like watching a baby grow up! This place has come along well. They couldn't quite get the music right at first and they weren't very busy obviously and the rope lights in the window and the sticker tinted windows might make some people wary about going in but don't let that deter you. I think it's already well visited by everyone in the know but I still can't get enough of this place. I'm a big fan of massages and I've tried a full range of fancy to unfancy massages but you can't beat this Chinese reflexology, legal loophole, place. I say legal loophole because you need a shower facility if you are operating a full body massage joint. This place obviously does not have shower facilities and my favorite part is that you get a warm foot bath and get to keep your clothes on. In true Asian fashion, you're in and you're out, no mussing about! The people are sort of always changing and some other better than others but I think you need to try your luck and see who you get and decide for yourself what style suits you best. Really can't beat the price! It's not the first of its kind to pop up in the Chicagoland area but it's in a great location since it's so much closer to the city. English is limited to non-existent so when you go in there's a form written in Chinese and English for you to choose what massage, how long, and the intensity. Keep and open mind and go with the flow. Tip: Don't wear skinny jeans or any other tight legged pants, you'll want them to have full access to your calves for maximum enjoyment. read more

This place sucks!!!! Make an appointment you still wait for 40 minutes. They have no idea what they are doing at this place. Your massage will suck just like your long wait. Remind me of why I made an appointment again. One more thing all of their "masseuses" have a lingering cough perhaps bird/swine flu that is troubling. You try not to inhale their germs as they hover over you. I was fearful for my health not to mention the unsanitary conditions such as the grimy tables and dirty linen. read more

Sexual harassment warning! My wife was fondled by the guy who directs the staff. He always insists on leaving the front desk and massaging my wife instead of letting one of the female staff do it. I have thought about going over there and handling this myself but we are considering going to Skokie Police instead. We spoke to one of our friends who used to go there as well and she said she stopped going for the same sexually harassing undertones. When we called management, they barely spoke english and offered us a massage. Bottom line is no one cares and something has to be done about this guy. read more

Went to the relax center because I had lower back pain I didn't know what to expect but all was good. I walked in they ask what kind of massage you want then you select on a clip board The person who does the massage comes out and escorted me to a semi private room they lost a point because it was at the front door next to the cashier counter it was noisy I could hear people buying massages and asking questions too I kept my clothes on I wasn't expecting that at the massage school you get undressed but not at the relax center the towels were put on my body and I laid down on my face I had a 60minute massage 30 feet and 30 body it was nice but at times I wanted to yell I guess he went deep when he got to my pain area in my back Afterwards I felt refreshed and happy read more

Great local place in the Skokie area to get a massage that I recommend you check out. As other reviews stated, the language barrier is a mild hurdle but very easy to overcome as the staff is super friendly, welcoming and tentative to customer needs. There will be a sign-in sheet that each customer must complete after you walk in. The sheet is a bit tough to navigate at first but asks what type of massage (feet, full body or neck/face), the length of time for the massage (30, 60, or 90 minutes) and pressure (1-3, 3 being the most pressure). The masseuse that worked with me did a fairly good job ( 4/5 stars) and was tentative to make sure too much pressure wasn't being applied. I went with the full-body massage and she was able to loosen up my back, quads, hams and calves quite a bit. They will focus on all the pressure points on the body so do not be alarmed when the masseuse gets to your "gluteus maximus" and near the crotch area. Everything remains appropriate and professional for the massage based on my experience. If you're looking for strong pressure, mark a 3 on the sign-in sheet as you may need to ask the masseuse to apply a bit more pressure than a 3. The atmosphere is very dark and soothing with multiple massaging tables laid-out. As you would imagine with that layout, customers do remain fully-clothed in the clothes they came-in with, so I would recommend wearing clothes you don't mind getting a bit wrinkled or that don't attract lint (from the sheets on the tables). The place is very clean and well kept. Overall, the Relax Center offers a great experience and the staff knows what they're doing. I can definitely recommend this place to anyone in the area that needs a quick massage at fairly affordable price. I'm looking forward to my next relaxing visit! read more

This place is ahhhh-maaaay-zing!! It's no fancy spa where you de-clothe and get in a robe with your own room, but that's forgiveable. You come here to de-stress and get those kinks out! They really know how to work it out on your shoulders, head and feet. I loooove getting my head massaged! You may even be a little sore after, but it's a hurt so good kinda sore. Here's the deal: you get massaged in one big room with 5 other people and keep your clothes on. Sounds weird, but it totally doesn't matter. They keep it quiet and relaxing and really get the kinks out that you will forget that a complete stranger is next to you. The best part: It's only 30 bucks for an hour! Whaaaat! Yes, please! If you come with a friend, you can request the one room they have that they use for couples. I prefer the main room tho because it's nice and dim. Can't wait to go back! read more

This place is no-frills. Not super luxury, but not bad either. My back was all out of whack, but an hour here fixed that quickly. The guy who massaged my back was really careful to make sure that he wasn't hurting me and that the pressure was good. I think I would definitely go back for a quick, affordable, utilitarian massage. I believe this is the kind of place you should tip well, given the low cost of the service . . . I will note that it smelled kind of strange in the salon--like oils covering up microwaved leftovers. Don't breathe too deep and you should be fine. read more

This is my second time going to this place. I don't give a review the first time in places like this. I went this weekend and once again the person that I had talked and laughed softly off and on the whole hour. It was a different person than my first one that also talked. I think it's the room I was in both times because it's off to the side and the main boss can't see them. Also, when I got home I had the worse pain ever on the side of my neck. I had to use hot compress all night!!!!! It is clear to me the people working there do not have license. read more

I must say - I wasn't expecting much based on other reviews - but this place has been recommended to me by a friend of mine - and it's AWESOME!!! Yes - there are 5 massage beds in the room - but it's done really nicely and does not feel crowded. The nice thing about this - you don't have to take your clothes off and fight with the sheets. I actually felt very comfortable and the massage was AMAZING. I got the 1 hour massage - they started with my face/head/neck/shoulders. Then moved on to my feet, and then (to my surprise) to my back.I felt like it was a little over an hour - but no complaints here. And all that for (wait for it....) - $30!!!! The only downfall - they don't really speak English (but it's not that they really try to - it's a very relaxing atmosphere). I will definitely be back and I highly recommend this place (unless you're used to fancy spas etc - then don't bother). read more

I arrived at 8:35 pm after a long day (and night) of moving. They were so accommodating and I was able to get a 30 minute massage. I frequent a lot of reflexology massage places and Relax Center was on my top 5. Clean, quiet and relaxing environment. Friendly staff and great massage. read more

Relax Center - Good prices - Massage Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

I had a great experience at Relax Center. No problem with English for me, I asked questions and they were able to answer, no problem. Very relaxing, nice massage, super low prices! I think I will get massages instead of manicures from now on, because of my limited budget. The relaxed feeling from the massage lasted more than a day. Very good service. I only gave it four stars because of a slight problem ... cigarette smoke. I saw some of the gentlemen who work there outside on the side of the building smoking when I walked in. No biggie ... my husband used to smoke, I'm flexible. BUT when the massage began, the cigarette smoke smell from the man's hands distracted from the face, head and scalp massage. And smoky smell from his clothes when he leaned over me. Not a problem for the rest of body and foot massage. Can't decide if it's a deal-breaker or not. I think I will go again, and just make sure I get a non-smoker to massage me. Over all great experience, thanks! read more

I have been looking forward to the 10:30am appointment for two this Friday to celebrate my cousin's birthday. I am SIMPLY trying to cancel the appointment and no one is answering the phone. It rings a long time and then asks for my access code, which I do not have. PLEASE cancel the appointment because we are quarantined at home and unable to keep our Friday Appointment. We will reschedule when the pandemic is over. Diane read more

Therapist was very good, however the people were talking to each other while I was getting massaged. Took away from the experience. Also, rooms were not curtained off well too open for my comfort. I've gone to other such places and never had this. With so many of these type of places you can be more selective. read more

I give this place a 3 star because the place seems not too clean and the furniture appears a little outdated. The area feels a little airey or not enough ventilation but too humid. Dont know why? I feel the place is cramped and not enough space. The foot massage is mediocre and prefer the one out in morton grove or the one in portage park area of chicago. I just feel they need to rehab the place. They do have parking which is a plus. But thats it. read more

The best acupressure massage ever! Great people, great value! I am hooked! I have to be impressed in order to write a re view on massage. I am a massage therapist and am super picky where I go. read more

I love, LOVE this place. I've been going for about a year now. The guys are great. Love the foot massage. Minor hiccup last night cuz 3 ladies wanted to gab loudly but I told them about themselves and proceeded to enjoy my massage!!!! I will be back soon. read more