Without a doubt the best gym I've been to in Chicago and I've lived here for 11 years. Lawrence (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. read more

This is the spot. If you want a powerlifting gym in Chicago, this is the spot, look no further. 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? read more

Easily the best gym I've been to in Chicago! All the equipment you could possibly need and amazing/friendly staff. 10/10 would recommend.

Was in town for work. Owner set me up with a day pass over the phone. Awesome gym! Highly recommend

Chris Goyco kicked my butt into getting back into shape. I was an out of shape 40 year old who had not worked out in five years. He got me going on a track to a healthier, new, more fit me. This isn't just a body building gym; they cater to a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and fitness levels, thankfully. While there, some of the current clients said hello, and were very welcoming to me. I always feel like a fish out of water at the gym, not knowing how to do anything, but Chris was patient and helped every step of the way. My package was about $90/hour for training, but it's worth it for me to get back on track. read more

I was visiting Chicago and trained at Rockwell Barbell for two days. I messaged the gym's Instagram and Lawrence was responsive and coordinated a time for my to come by. Lawrence was really great and inviting and you could tell that he has put a lot of work into building an organized and optimized gym for training. There were plenty of power bars, deadlift bars, and specialty bars. There were also plenty of space in the second room for you to lift and not feel claustrophobic. Overall I would definitely lift here if I were to come back or move here! The shirts are also pretty killer. read more

RWBB is an awesome community spot. They've got tons of accessory equipment to rig onto barbells and land mines. It's powerlifting focused but there's a platform for olympic lifting work. If you're a serious body builder looking for a lot of specific machines this might not be the best main gym for you- but for functional fitness, oly lifting, and powerlifting there is plenty of room. The main olympic platform gets taken quickly but I've never had to wait too long to use anything. read more

This is a great gym. Has all the equipment you need including multiple squat racks and an Olympic lifting platform. A few machines but mostly a great neighborhood barbell club - as the name would suggest. People there are unassuming, friendly and inclusive. The kind of neighborhood gym where you can leave your ego at the door and just come as you are. Ive been doing personal training with Lawrence (the owner) and in a few short weeks he's made incredible changes to my form, strength and balance. He's a squat magician - my squat went from uneven, shaky and above parallel to solid, even and full range of motion. Lawrence has an instinct for how to ensure people are building weight and making progress safely, which I really appreciate. He notices tiny things about form that others might not see, and those improvements and corrections add up over time to great lifts. Lawrence is always prepared with a great plan going into our sessions to make sure I'm progressing and I really feel like he's in my corner and invested in my progress - working with him is the best investment I've made in my fitness. read more

Rockwell Barbell is a gym that I as an older (50+) woman of Indian origins loves to go to--the gym accepts me as an individual who is working hard at her own goals and the whole environment supports me. Everyone is focused on working out--no one can waste time while there --on the cell phone or just shooting the breeze. Kudos to Lawrence and Matt to maintain and sustain this amazing atmosphere! I have been a regular from the very beginning and miss it in these COVID days. I have worked with Lawrence for a very long time and have seen so many dimensions of him as a trainer and as a person. He has been a constant support in our (my husband I) journey to be stronger and fitter. Over the years (6-7 years) Lawrence has guided us in nutrition planning, buying equipment for home, listened to us as we have grown older and our bodies have changed, encouraged us when we were off our track, and he has never let me feel alone in my journey. He is always willing to add and modify our workouts to keep them interesting and aligned to our goals. With my husband being a high risk person for COVID, Lawrence has been training us remote for the past 10 months. I consulted with him on what gear and equipment I need to buy, and we have great workout twice a week since March of 2020. Over the years the level of dedication and investment in our wellbeing that Lawrence has demonstrated is outstanding. I see other people working out at the Gym behind Lawrence when we have our remote sessions and I can see that they are comfortable and safe working out there--I envy them. I wait impatiently for my and husband and I to get vaccinated, and look forward to going back to the Rockwell Barbell! Anyone serious about working out to be fitter and stronger--Rockwell Barbell is the place for you! read more

My favorite gym to visit when I'm in Chicago! Super friendly folks, serious lifters, and an encouraging and competitive atmosphere. Twice I've had 1:1 powerlifting sessions with Matt, and twice I've gotten better feedback than 8 months training at golds gym... :) read more

I used to train at this gym and even dipped my toe into the powerlifting pool for a minute. The gym itself is a standard weightlifting gym with all the right equipment to get in a great workout. I used to train with Christy and she helped me meet all of my goals. I honestly would've stuck it out had she not moved, because the gym and people are friendly, respectful, and definitely supportive. If I do ever decide to go back to PL, I'll definitely hit up one of the trainers here. read more

Been here for about 1.5yrs. This place is family. Pure therapy for whatever you're dealing with. Enter with open mind about improving your strength and leave stronger in body and mind. read more

If I worked out here regularly I'd never ever need preworkout. Metal music on the speakers, great quality specialty bars and squat racks aplenty. If you wanna get strong and don't wanna be trained by some bullshit trainer at your generic commercial gym then you should definitely be training here. read more

Powerlifters Paradise. If you like lifting heavy weight around like minded people there's no other choice in Chicago. Visiting from out of town and was worried that I would have to train at a commercial gym that I'd have to modify my workouts to fit. Instead I was lucky enough to find this place which has all the bars, equipment, and accessories you could dream of with a super friendly staff (even let me borrow their wrist wraps!). I was really impressed with the size of the facility and how easy it was to get to, anytime i'm back in Chicago I know I have a place to go for all my gym needs. read more

As anyone who goes here knows, you can't say enough good things about Lawrence Scott and Rockwell Barbell. He really is redefining power lifting with his exacting approaches to form and recovery. He has made such an impact on my health and wellbeing. He takes physical therapy to the next level. I'm not only progressing in my strength in the gym, my time with Lawrence has had a profound impact on my Peleton rides. I keep beating my old PRs each week and I attribute those gains directly to the work we do together and the schedule he built. I highly recommend Rockwell Barbell! read more

Lawrence Scott is amazing. He run's a no judgement facility, and everyone I encountered while working out was nothing more than pleasant, happy to see you, or help. He is really great as a personal trainer for many reason's. Why I adore him so much is because he really pushed me during our entire session's. I LOATHE working out...truly hate it. However, he made each visit fun, enjoyable, and he became my friend throughout the process. I love him, and you will too...trust me! Also, to note...he helps with diet advice, and is very flexible with scheduling. read more

Love the atmosphere and the trainers! Definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a gym to feel comfortable working out at. The people there are nice, and welcoming. Equipment is all in good condition and the place is really clean. They have everything I need to complete my workouts. Definitely better than xsport and having to wait for the use of a machine. Music is a plus, I get an adrenaline rush walking in there, making me want to get some gainz like might mouse! Lol read more

I have been training at Rockwell since it opened, and have never felt better about my body. Matt Blankenberger and Lawrence Scott are incredible, and know how to train hard. Wherever you are into power lifting or just getting into shape, Rockwell is a motivating place to work out. read more

I am so, so honored not only to say that the owner of the gym is my friend but also an amazing trainer. I have been training with Lawrence for almost three years! He has transformed my life, not only physically, but mentally as well. He takes training extremely serious, and will encourage you to be the best version of yourself. If you're into more of the fluffy type of gym, this probably is not the place for you. If you want to really train hard, transform your health, and meet some really fantastic people along the way I highly recommend inquiring which trainers are available to take on new clients. read more

Best gym in Chicago. If you're into powerlifting or looking for a personal trainer this is the spot. No frills no bs barbell club. Best trainers in the game with a community atmosphere. read more

This place's atmosphere is a great mix of serious training and welcoming attitude. There's a better variety of equipment for weight training here than at a basic gym (kettlebells, sled, chains, ropes, etc.), but despite that intensity, everyone is really friendly. Rae is an amazing trainer who has helped me to improve quickly with my squats and deadlifts. She still has not incorporated the sword on the wall into our sessions, but maybe I'm not at that expert level yet. I would recommend Rockwell Barbell to anyone looking to improve their fitness level beyond running on a treadmill. Ask to get signed up with Rae! read more