I was excited to drop in to River North CrossFit while at a conference. They are in a prime location near many hotels and I was excited to bring my CrossFit journey to a city I had lived in for years. The facilities here are great. They have a lot of space to spread out and shower cubicles with lockers, and even some towels you can use as well. For a drop-in and someone on business, this was the perfect scenario. The 6am WOD we did was good and they publish it on their website a week in advance, which I appreciate. It was definitely a lot involved that most of us did not finish within the hour, so most people seemed to leave right after the workout and skipped the strength section altogether. Our warm-up was fairly simple of just using the foam roller, so I recommend doing your own to get ready for the workout. Drop-in was more on the expensive side. At $35 for a single day and $50 with a tee-shirt (which I opted since I forgot to pack a workout shirt), I definitely can't recommend it for complete beginners. The coach also never introduced themselves to me before we began but I felt he did a fine job leading the class. Based on this impression, dropping in is fine if you are an intermediate-advanced Crossfitter, but I wouldn't recommend it for newcomers due to the limited coaching. read more

CrossFit river north has been a staple in my routine since moving to the neighborhood. The programming at this facility is among the most challenging I have yet to experience at my various CrossFit memberships over the years and has therefore allowed me to achieve my peak fitness (when my schedule allows for consistency). This facility has a great community of members of all skill levels. I would highly recommend dropping in and joining CrossFit River North (so long as you are ok with the condition of the floors). It is a great place to take your fitness journey to the highest possible level and even make some friends along the way! read more

Floors are all broken, older guy (Adam) is very creepy to all of the women. Way better CrossFit gyms right around the corner!

Owner very welcoming and the space is large. True to CrossFit culture the members are welcoming and friendly. The workout was challenging, scalable and challenging. Happy I went. read more

Being new to CrossFit I was a little intimidated coming here and looking like Steve Urkel trying to move around some weights. Thankfully, the trainers Alex and Kevin are super nice and helpful with making me feel comfortable during class. They pay attention to make sure that you are doing things correctly no matter the class size which is great. The gym is a decent size, with the equipment being in good shape. They are a bit expensive but figured I should stop spending so much money at Chipotle and hammer down on my fitness goals. Would recommend. read more

Had the pleasure of dropping in here the other day. The owner was welcoming, the equipment was first class, and the place was a lot cleaner then some CrossFit boxes I have seen. There was a first time drop in fee of $25 which I thought was a little steep, although you could instead buy a t-shirt, which I did. I was redoing 13.2, and heard a few people cheer me on, which was nice given that I hadn't met a one of them. You have got to love the CrossFit community. Afterward they had a public computer which I used to log into the main site and log my score. That was a nice little touch. Besides the t-shirts, they sell a lot of other things (CrossFit shoes, jump ropes, hoodies, protein supplements, health snack food). I have no idea how the prices compare to on-line shopping, but being able to try things on or feel them is always a nice touch, especially if you are new to CrossFit. I didn't shower or change there, but the locker room looked clean. I don't really have anything negative to say. My minor criticisms would be 1) the layout was a little tight given the rectangular shape of the space, 2) with the large windows opening onto the street I felt a bit like a fish in a tank and 3) parking in the area is expensive and tough to find. If I lived in the area I'd certainly be happy to have this box nearby, although from what I hear it is not inexpensive; welcome to River North! read more

Great box! One out of the three that I visited while in Chicago, the first one I actually went to! Coach Rob was great and knowledgeable, helpful in providing feedback on technique while we were working on snatches. Members were friendly and chill. Again, why I love dropping in different boxes! The only thing that made this a 4 star review is that it is on the pricey side for a drop in rate even with a tank, $40 - but great place regardless! Plenty of space which is great! Thanks for the love River North Cross fit! read more

See all

i haven't been there in months, but will be back in another month or to. It is a great box. The trainers and owners are very involved and have everyone's best interest at heart. They are patient but push you and want you to do well. The clientele is serious but friendly, encouraging, and warm. The place is clean and easily accessible. Before joining, I checked out three or four boxes, this is by far the most expensive, but worth it...you get what you pay for. If you're looking for a place to join, this is hands down the best place, hands down. You won't be sorry. read more

Love it! Very easy for drop-in. Alex was great and very welcoming coach. Owner Adam is very responsive to questions. Really enjoyed my session! Highly recommend it! I will definitely visit River North CF next time I'm in town. read more

Looking for a great community in a gym with a super creepy, socially inept owner? Are you a female? Looking to be harassed? Congrats!!! You've found the right place! In the bustling river north community this is one of the only crossfit boxes in the area. This gym will charge an arm and a leg for a drop-in, tshirt, membership, packet of protein, you name it! You're guaranteed to be ripped off. As an ex-member, I chose to take my money elsewhere simply because of one owner, adam kress, who made insanely creepy, sexual comments to a friend of mine, IN TEXT. Brilliant. Don't you worry, the proof still exists. Oh, let's not forget that the community and coaches are all wonderful people, but this gym can't seem to hold onto any of them. Firing many of the best coaches in town, without warning or reason. Seriously, if you're looking to experience any of the above and give money to a company that only cares about the bottom line, then come on in! If not, you are better off finding a distant box to drop into...or any old gym. Don't waste your time, money or energy here. read more

Ok but a dead end opportunity in terms of continually advancing your performance as a Crossfitter.

places like this is why crossfit gets a bad rap. I trained at another box and moved to Chicago for work. My old box prided itself on community, safety, respect for the neighbors and all the pluses of the sport. not River North - as I'm walking to the box to check it out, you see runners taking over the sidewalks to run laps around the city block, almost tripping grandma with her walker. the only thing these self-absorbed crossfitters care about is themselves. i looked in and saw some horrific form on Olympic lifts. but hey - when you get hurt, there's a physical therapy clinic right next door. good for business. Great for business. i introduced myself to one of the coaches and he was a complete tool and wouldn't give me his name. whatever - lots of other great places to train in the area. read more

I don't even know where to begin with this review. I've been a member at RNCF for about 8 months now and I can honestly say it's changed my life. I've always been big into working out and it's always been a part of my day, but I had no idea what a good workout was until I joined here. It kicks my butt every single day and I always look forward to coming. The coaches are amazing. They are so helpful and make everything fun. I honestly feel like I have a personal trainer because you get a lot of individual attention and feedback. The crossfit community is out of this world. I go every morning before work at 5am. I've made some of the greatest friends here and everyone is so encouraging. The class schedule is convenient for everyone. And the workouts keep you on your toes - it's always different and always kicks your butt but makes you feel so good. I cannot say enough good things about RNCF. read more

Haha, I wonder where Tim from the first review works. This place kicks my a$$ every day, and I love it. RNCF and the staff are awesome. My wife and I tried out the free first week and have been going ever since. There's a class on the hour every hour, which couldn't be more convenient.....you just need to show up a few minutes before a class and the warmup starts right on the hour. I've heard some places make you sign up for a specific class the day before, which I definitely would not like. But the best thing is that the trainers will scale the workout according to your individual experience/fitness level. Since I'm new to cross fit and not exactly in tip top shape(yet), there are quite a few moves and exercises that I can't do 30+ reps of(yet). When that's the case, they'll give me an alternative that I can do, but will still push my limits. read more

There are a lot of rude, full of themselves, boxes out there. I travel a lot and I run into the BroDog or bitchy boxes, where no matter what level you are at, they are better then you. This isn't one of them. They were welcoming, clear about the work out, made a point to correct and help form, and spoke of safety first, form, then speed. It was a great way to stay on track with my routine while out of town. Specifically enjoyed working with their coach, Andy I believe his name is. He was just great, educated, helpful and encouraging. Thanks for a great experience, and if you are ever in NYC, head over to Brick, and ask for Matthew. Your drop in is on me! read more

I was stuck in Chicago for work recently (not a bad place to get stuck) and needed to keep the crossfit routine going and found RNCF. They are relatively new, but don't let that dissuade you at all. They have a great space (having seen many new crossfit locations, this is really nice and well laid out) and classes on the hour - every hour. SO convenient (and helps keep classes small)! I worked out there twice and each time had the luxury of working out with Andy. He is easy going, but makes sure to push you hard, help with form, and make sure you're giving your all. Katie, who owns the joint was also incredibly hospitable and welcoming to a wandering cross-fitter. So if you want a great workout, want more individualized attention at a great location with an awesome schedule - you have found your new box! RNCF - thanks for letting me crash last week! read more

Can't say enough about CrossFit and specifically River North CrossFit. Once you start CrossFit work outs you will never want to go back to the old gym. The workouts are fast and intense and work your whole body. Strength, endurance, etc... Katie & Andy at RNCF are pretty much the gold standard as far as CF coaches go. I have had the opportunity to visit many different Crossfit locations both in Chicago and throughout the U.S. during work travels. No one has the great programing, individual attention, and amazing sense of community the RNCF has created. read more

I just got done with class and it is amazing! I'm so impressed with the trainers and how fun the atmosphere is. I have never been to a crossfit before and I'm now addicted to it. Katie, the trainer takes the time to show the different work outs and is not only nice and friendly, but she motivates you to push yourself. This gym just opened so the first week is free, you would only be losing out if you didn't try a FREE week and experience it yourself. I would be amazed if someone didn't like this gym. Everyone after classes is sweaty but we are all smiling and feeling good about the amazing work out we just had! read more

I have been really wanting to get back into shape and a few of my friends are in Cross fit programs around the city. After speaking to my friends, it inspired me to check out the closet Cross fit in my area. (River North Cross Fit) I emailed them on Sunday and got a timely response back from their team. I was able to create a log in and schedule my free drop in class and conversed with Emily via email back and forth. When I entered the facility, I was quickly greeted by Joelean (sp?) She was super nice, got my information and asked me some great questions about myself and how I found out about cross fit. I can't stress how encouraging she was about trying cross fit since it was my 1st class ever. I am not the most in shape person and I've let myself go after a rugby injury in 2012. The classmates, weren't the nicest per say, but they weren't mean. Everything in cross fit is timed and I think they were all focused on what work outs needed to be done and little socializing occurred. My instructor was Ben! He's a goofy, fun and interactive coach. When we started working out, we came over to give me direction and correct my formation. A few of the work outs had to be modified but hey, I gave it my best. He was a really nice guy and provided me encouragement. He even gave me a compliment on my mobility :) After the work out, I felt amazing and can't wait to go to another cross fit session. Joelean even found me to follow up on my feedback about the class. I want to check out some other locations and then make a commitment. RNCF is expensive but it's always good to explore your options. As I learn more about cross fit, I can definitely see myself participating in this type of lifestyle. Today I walked to the office proudly and felt good about my accomplishments from this morning. Thanks RNCF! read more

Is Tim writing a review of River North Crossfit or an ad for Atlas? My experience with RNCF could not be more positive. As an ex-college football player seeking a challenge, I had to look no further then RNCF. The trainers Andy and Katie strike the perfect balance of being friendly and non-meatsticky and putting a firm foot in my hindquarters to get me going. Though I have trained for years, the experience here has been HUMBLING. And, as previously noted, the WODs (workouts of the day) are tailored to each athlete, so you're pushed at just the right level. For someone who has unpredictable work hours, the flexibility of classes (which start at the top of every hour) is a huge blessing. Good people, good workouts, and a top notch facility. RNCF definitely has made me a believer. read more

Just finished a great drop in class here. Brian the instructor was extremely knowledgeable and laid back. He helped me get through my first cross fit class and I'll definitely be joining the gym. Seems like a great place for beginners and veterans. read more

Crossfit River North is full of the fun, fit, & nice people. The trainers are patient and really know what they are doing. Really professional place as well. --Top notch-- read more

In town for business and went for a drop in WOD....I read reviews about it being a "competitor's" atmosphere which worried me a little. I can't RX every workout at my home box, but told myself everything is scalable---that is what makes it crossfit. So I headed out and took the short walk there to the 6am class. The class was full, maybe 20 of us, but that made it energetic and fun. It was a good challenging wod where we moved weight. The drop in fee isn't cheap. It's one of the most I've paid when traveling. I can only assume that has to do with the area of Chicago that it's in. It was $40 for a drop in and t-shirt. The shirts are good quality and will get worn, for sure. I opted not to go today for an additional $25, since the WOD (which is posted on Facebook the night prior) was more of movements that could be done in my hotel gym. Thanks River North Crossfit for the hospitality. read more

I travel a lot for work and this box is very accommodating for drop-in's. With their blessing, I was able to stick to my current programming :) The facility is great: towel service, showers & uber coupons. read more

River North CrossFit is a great gym. I've been a member for about two years and their training never ceases to impress me (and make me sweat!). The coaches Andy, Alex, Jenny, David and Leiff are all great and make sure to make new members feel at home. They focus on form and ensure workouts are scaled to each person's abilities. If you need help with nutrition Jenny is an awesome resource for tips and tricks and can provide nutrition coaching with custom macro guides. The gym also has great meet up activities as well as challenges you can partake in. Overall, RNCF is an awesome gym with a great community to work out with. Prices are steep but worth it. Plenty of equipment and space mean you never run out of options. Classes are plentiful, almost every hour and are on time. Beginners and advanced CrossFitters alike, I highly recommend RNCF. read more

Really nice Crossfit box. Good facility, good equipment and good coaches. I dropped in the other day for a workout, which cost me $25, but I got a t-shirt with the cost. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was for the cost and the no-shirters. This is by far the most expensive crossfit box in the city (that I know of). I guess maybe that's just indicative of the clientele that they have. And the other thing is that at least half the guys in my class stripped off their shirts mid \workout, and sweat was on everything. And I didn't see anyone cleaning anything afterward. Thanks again. read more

Been meaning to write this for some time now and when I drove past it this morning it reminded of the worst crossfit experience ever. This place needs to really rething how they operate and I hope they have changed management. About a month ago i went in here with a friend to workout because she swore by it. I played football in college and was trained by some of the most elite strength coaches. These "COACHES" here couldnt even be water boys. The knowledge they had I learned in HS and is not even up to date with what is being taught. At the end they asked how I felt and let them know the truth. They didnt like that but I didnt care. The Foundry in Printer's Row is a legit place for how to run a crossfit gym. Overall the place is clean from what I seen and in an ideal location. But not a place I can workout on a daily basis. read more

Unwelcoming, rude, and expensive drop-in fee. If you're in that area I would recommend the other crossfit boxes. They have several in that area that maintain the crossfit culture. read more

I've been a CrossFitter since Jan 1st, 2012. I fell in love with the programming; a perfect hybrid of metabolic conditioning (cardio/plyo/bodyweight movement), weights (deadlifts and bench press) and specific skill work (handstand push-ups, kettlebells, and jump rope). I've never felt more 'alive!' after a WOD (Workout Of Day) until I entered a box (the name for a CrossFit 'gym'). I can attest, as a fellow group fitness instructor with a strong following here in Chicago (yoga; CorePowerYoga), River North CrossFit delivers. What do they deliver? Methodical programming which appeals to the strong and diverse range of conditioned clients (and those in between) who enter their box each day. That's no easy task, and Andy Houin continues to challenge the box with his well thought out WOD's each week. The stellar coaching staff consists of men and women dedicated to individuals seeking a higher quality of life including Colin Manning, Brigham Abbott, Adam Kress, Matt Torres, David Braman, Luke Holmes and Alex Coopman to name a few. What does River North Crossfit possess that other boxes don't? The strongest base of seasoned and newbie CrossFitters who all share the same common goal: to live outside the comfort zone and challenge themselves each day - one WOD at a time. We are Chicago's premiere downtown CrossFit community of men and women seeking a higher quality of life through physical health and community. As I say to all my Yogi's who come to my class each week, let's get to work! Come join me and see for yourself what it's all about in Chicago's only premiere downtown CrossFit facility. #UpShow read more

I've been a member at RNCF since 2013. I've been a member at 3 other Crossfit gyms (2 other gyms in Chicago) - this one is by far the best. The workouts each day make sense (unlike other gyms I've experienced, the programming isn't confusing, it isn't overly taxing on your grip or too cardio heavy, no movements or workouts that are dangerous, and it's never boring) and the place just consistently has a great vibe. Classes are always on the hour every hour so you don't have to worry about remembering when class offerings are each day - it can more easily become part of your routine. The space is great (big, open, equipment that works, great location). What this place nails is consistency - many people write reviews based on drop-ins which is fine but after knowing this place for 3-4 times per week for over five years, I can confidently tell you that this is likely the best Crossfit gym in the city. I have nothing negative to say about it. It's awesome - try it. Max Goodman read more

I've been coming to RNCF for years now and while I've always enjoyed and benefitted exponentially from my membership, nothing compared to my experience during my pregnancy and the amazing coaching I received. I come midday (11-1), so the classes are always a comfortable size and my coach, Colin, was 100% committed to watching, guiding, and monitoring my heart rate and breathing. I can't tell you how many times I would go to return to my bar mid wod only to have him straddling it or sitting on the weights to force me to rest and control my heart rate (it was so frustrating! lol). Needless to say, being able to come in more frequently and having even more strength and stamina while pregnant, I ironically got into the best shape of my life, woding up until the day before I gave birth (I was a week late!). Fast forward to almost 6 months postpartum where I've been able to come in at least 5 days a week, bringing my son with me most times, and having everyone be so welcoming to a baby being there (sleeping most times with his headphones on). Coach Colin (and Coach Luke, a newer and equally awesome addition) has been detrimental in my recovery and healing of my body, and well as setting new PRs in almost every move since baby was born. I've popped into many CF gyms across the country (I fly for a living), and while RNCF is a bit pricier than others (location), it's the only one I've been to that offered showers in the ladies room (big deal if you have to head to work). The space is large, you can hang out in the back and do your own wod if you want, and the coaches are always receptive to any questions and goals you have set. They offer classes nearly every hour throughout the day, with the exception of a couple, which I have not come across at other gyms (again, I'm strictly a midday person, attempts to maintain that on the road is nearly impossible). Needless to say, I have a lot of gratitude and love for the coaches and for RNCF. I highly recommend! read more

I dropped in for a Sunday morning wod. The staff was very accommodating, the coach treated me like a regular, and the group of athletes was competitive and friendly. I'd recommend training here any time you're in Chicago! read more

Dropped in for a couple days. Very friendly and really set it up nicely for those of us in and out of town on business. Great instructors and friendly members. read more

River North CrossFit- thank you for being the most amazing, welcoming, and convenient crossfit gym I have ever visited! I crossfit religiously at home but travel a ton for work and it's always a task trying to find a gym that will fit my budget and schedule. RNCF satisfied both of those issues with flying colors. The on the hour classes beginning at 5am allowed me to make the WOD no matter how crazy my meeting schedule was and I purchased a week pass for only $60!! On top of it all the snack selection was top notch- I lived off a combination of Primal Pacs and granola purchased from RNCF and Protein Bar (which was only a few blocks away.) Finall the trainers were phenominal and my "classmates" were welcoming and supportive. No matter how hungover, sore or grumpy I may have been, I had people pushing me all the way to the finish. Thank you River North CrossFit for an amazing wek of WODs. Can't wait for my next business trip to Chicago! read more

Can't say enough of about CrossFit. This place literally changed my viewpoint on exercise and working out. Do you think you know how to work out? Do you think your current workout burns and challenges? Then you haven't tried CrossFit. I have begun to connect with a new community through CrossFit, a group of people who care about their workouts and staying fit and never, ever saying that you are going to give up or be second best. CrossFit isn't just a gym. It is a way of life. read more

I was looking to drop in while in Chicago for the weekend. $30 is expensive for an hour class, no thanks ! I was expecting about $20.

I've been coming to River North CrossFit for close to 4 years now. It's the best gym I've been to, and not just in Chicago. Great coaching and programming, very friendly staff and owners, extensive hours, large with lots of well maintained or new equipment, and very friendly and welcoming community. Highly recommend! read more

Not only are they bad tenants (noisy and unresponsive to complaints lodged by residents of their building against their business), but they endanger the safety of people walking on the sidewalk. There are regularly gym members racing on the sidewalk, often carrying heavy and dangerous weights, and they seem oblivious to people using the public sidewalk to get where they are going. Apparently, they don't have room for real cardio fitness equipment, and instead use a heavily trafficked pedestrian sidewalk, putting citizens at risk, almost systematically. I wouldn't give my money to them for any reason. Period. read more

River North Crossfit has made a real difference in my life. Prior to RNCF I hadn't worked out in over five years. I struggled to find the energy to take care of my two kids (5 & 2 yrs), my husband and my full-time job. Almost a year later and I am a different person. I have a ton of energy. I eat differently. I had to buy a new wardrobe. I receive compliments constantly. The coaches at RNCF tailor the workout to your level. They motivate you, challenge you and celebrate with you when you achieve a new personal record. The other members are extremely friendly. I have made several friends and now I have tried to welcome others just as I was welcomed a year ago. It might sound fake, but it isn't. This gym will change your life. read more

This is my favorite place in town to work out! Adam and all the coaches are super sweet, helpful and always on top of it. I would highly recommend this gym! read more