I was a member of Number One Gym for about a year and I have no regrets. Gerry, the owner, is a fantastic guy, and always greeted me by name. He even gave me some help when I had questions about my workout routine. The gym was never too busy and I was always able to use the weights/equipment when I needed to. If you're looking for a down-to-earth place to get your workout in, I highly recommend this place. read more

I typically go to a private gym, but I was short on time so I came to Number One Gym after finding out they offer day passes for $10 (which is significantly cheaper than other gyms). The owner and staff are all really nice and welcoming and showed me where everything was. They have all the equipment you need for a quick and efficient workout- not the best place for deadlifts since they don't have platforms. Equipment is all very clean and the gym is well maintained. read more

Was visiting nearby and this gym allowed me to get some day passes for a reasonable price. It's small, but they've got a LOT packed in, from cardio equipment to free weights to weight machines. VERY clean and organized. The equipment is all in very good condition! Staff is friendly and helpful. LOVE this place! read more

Best gym ever. I'm from NYC and travel to Lakeview often since my daughter lives here too. Always great to see Jerry and the Gym. It's the best. When I'm in chicago it's the only gym in my book. read more

I was a member of #1 Gym for 6 months and absolutely loved my time here. I'm very sad I didn't find it immediately when I moved to Lakeview. Located in the heart of Lakeview at Sheffield & Belmont, the proximity couldn't be beat. Gerry, the owner, is extremely friendly and will help you find a deal that suits your needs. He also knows just about everyone's name which is super cool and gives the gym such a home-y feel. Although it isn't the largest gym, I never encountered any issues getting on equipment and finding what I needed. I enjoy lifting in the morning (between 6AM-9AM Mon-Fri) and there were usually only 3-6 people working out at the same time as me, with a max of maybe 11 which still left ample room and machines open. read more

Great, no frills gym. It has everything you need for a good workout, the price is great, and the owners and staff are kind and make sure to keep the place clean. read more

Jerry runs a great local gym - never too crowded and has all of the machines and floor space to get a good workout in. If you are looking for a gym that is affordable, welcoming, and clean, this is the spot! read more

Lived in Chicago for 2 years, and one of the only things I truly miss (along with deep dish pizza) is Number One Gym. Very fair price, almost never have to wait for a bench or treadmill, plus plenty of free weights and machines alike. Gerry is a good guy who has no problem making accommodations for the members. If you live in Lakeview and need a place to work out before/after school or work, this is the place to go! read more

2ish weeks before COVID closing I sign up, don't get a chance to go. 3 months of COIVD imposed closure strikes then as the world starts to reopen I get an email saying that my 3 moth membership has expired and I can renew at a "discount". Dude I lost 2+ months - I get closing wasn't your fault, and it wasn't mind either, but the tone of his email was def not a "lets meet in the middle". Nope my wasted 2+ months had expired, and he was offering a "discount" if I gave him more money. Yeah no. read more

As weird as it may sound, Number One Gym is one of the best things that happened to me after moving to Chicago. I first moved to the city living on the corner of Sheffield and Belmont. I did plenty of research on gyms in the area and not only was Number One Gym very convenient for me, but it had great reviews and seemed like a great place for my fitness journey. The first experience I ever had there was with Gerry, who is as nice as they come. He remembers every single member by name and is more than happy to have a conversation with you before/after your workout. He makes you feel so welcome and is very "low pressure" when discussing memberships. Needless to say, I signed up and loved everything that came my way. Not only does the gym have everything you need from a workout standpoint, but Gerry and all of his members are so welcoming and friendly that it makes it a great place to workout for everyone. I was very fortunate to not only gain a ton of strength and knowledge on fitness and weight lifting, but I also made some lifelong friends at Number One Gym. I moved around the city to locations that made the gym less and less convenient throughout my remaining years in Chicago. Leaving the gym had never crossed my mind. I was beyond fortunate to be a part of this community and ironically is one of the tougher things to leave in Chicago. I recommend Number One Gym to anyone in any area of Chicago as the price will be right, the members will be welcoming and Gerry is a great guy! Happy lifting, Number One! read more

Jerry runs the gym well and is a sweet guy, offered me an extra gym day! It's a local gym and has all the basics to get to get a good workout! read more

Wonderful gym that has good equipment and all the amenities you need for a workout. The prices are fair and Gerry does a nice job of finding you a membership that fits your needs. No need to have concerns about crowding (pre COVID), as people were generally good about sharing equipment and space. Great neighborhood gym. read more

I was a member for 2 years and was always happy to spend time there! Only had to cancel my membership because I left the neighborhood, but if I lived any closer I'd have definitely kept it going. It's a good space with all the machines and weights you would ever need, and in a good location within the neighborhood. I highly recommend it. read more

This gym is a really great neighborhood spot for people who are just looking for the fundamentals of a great workout. Everyone who works out there is very laid back so there's no "pressure" like you might experience at another gym. As a bonus, Gerry, the owner, is the greatest guy. He credited my membership one month when I was injured and couldn't make it in and when I ultimately had to cancel my membership (moved out of the area) he just charge me for the final month rather than the full fee. Seriously cannot recommend this place enough for anyone looking for a chill and close to home workout! read more

This facility is a bit of a time capsule. All of the equipment seems like it's from the 80s-90s (including the music). The owner, who was there on a Sunday, was even reading a paper newspaper. I imagine the membership price is pretty competitive for the area considering how old the equipment is. There is a bar rack that I wanted to use for squats, however the rusted/rickety nature of it made me uncomfortable. Proceeded to use a smith like machine that was so wobbly and unstable that I did not complete my full reps for fear of it toppling over. I opted for the machines and quickly got lectured about slamming the weights. I continued my workout being cautious of not dropping the weight, but towards the end I accidentally did it a second time. He immediately ran up and accosted me saying I am "going around slamming all of his equipment." He claimed that I need to learn the proper range of motion and lift his machines without headphones, which is probably valid and I felt horrible. I got the feeling he probably cannot afford to update/repair his equipment, which after COVID is probably even more true. I have some experience in the gym and I have never experienced one where the owner is a helicopter parent. I understand where he is coming from, this gym is clearly his baby and heavy lifting that possibly damages his equipment is expensive. I would recommend this facility if you are looking for a local, affordable no frills place to use treadmills or possibly some light dumbbell use. I visited due to an agreement with a local hotel however, due to my experience, I did not feel comfortable to return again. read more

Awesome gym with friendly people and the owner is really personable and welcoming. Plenty of space and has all the equipment I could imagine someone needing. read more

Walked into this gym without ever belonging to a gym in my life. The mentality here is to get your workouts done. This was the perfect atmosphere to start and continue a work out routine. I would recommend this gym to anyone in the Wrigley/Lakeview area. read more

Great gym, whether you are a beginner or have been training for some time. There is plenty of squat racks and benches to use. If cardio is more important then this gym is right for you. There are several stationary bikes, treadmills and elliptical machines for you. The amount of dumbbells is sufficient for many people to use.The owner, Gerry, keeps his gym clean and organized. He allowed me to try the gym before I decided to commit to a plan. He also gave me several exercise and diet tips which helped me become a more educated exerciser. There are also personal trainers available. This is a neighborhood gym but a great one at that. Try it out and see for yourself on how this will be your new favorite gym. read more

I had the pleasure of being a member of Number One Gym for about a year and a half when I lived in Lakeview and it as absolutely awesome! The only reason I am no longer a member, is because I moved to the Loop, but if I would have stayed in the area, I never would have left! While there are a ton of equipment and machines to help you achieve your fitness goals, it's the environment that truly makes Number One Gym a great place - it feels like home! The membership prices are also discounted, and easily affordable. Gerry, the owner, is a GREAT guy, who takes the time to get to know every member of the gym on a personal level - you really feel like he is your friend, which is awesome. There are also a ton of really dedicated trainers who are there and ready to help, so it makes working out way less intimidating for those who may have been intimidated by gyms like myself. I am truly bummed that I no longer am a member of Number One Gym, and would recommend it to whomever asked. THE BEST GYM AROUND! read more

I was a member at Number One for 8 months while I was marathon training as I just needed a place to lift weights once a week, cross-train, and occasionally stretch. Number One Gym is a great affordable option in Lakeview! The place is small, but the layout is pretty good so it doesn't get overly cramped. The gym has all of the necessary gym equipment so you don't have to wait too often. The gym doesn't get overly crowded during peak times, the hours are good, and the location is great. Personal trainers are offered and you bring your own lock to place your belongings in a locker. Gerry, the owner, is a very nice guy and knows everyone by their name. The prices are very affordable and there are no initiation fees. Number One Gym feels like "Average Joes" from Dodgeball, which I like and it does it's job. One suggestion I have is to provide cloth towels to wipe down equipment and to save equipment when you're in between sets (Unless I missed that they were provided). If you need a gym to lift weights or do some cardio at an affordable price then this is the place for you! read more

Excellent neighborhood gym! Been a member for around 3+ years. Membership is super affordable and the gym has almost all the major equipments. The owner, Gerry, is super personable and knows everyone by name, which makes it feel like home and a safe environment! He's a big fan of puppies/dogs, so I'm sure he would love to see your pup if you bring them in. Also there are a few trainers who train their clients here and who are super helpful if anyone is looking read more

If you were to take a neighborhood bar and transform it into a gym, you'd end up with something like this place. In fact, given the small dimensions, it very well could have been a neighborhood bar at some point at some point. This gym is for people who live within a 5-10 minute walk. It's fairly minimal, and a lot of the equipment is dated. If you like to work with a dozen Nautilus machines every time you go, they might not have everything you want. Then again, if you need a machine to work on your abs, you probably aren't too interested in getting a six-pack. Put your back on the ground and just sit up, you primadonna. It is the lack of flash, though, that makes this place appealing. Most people who live in this neighborhood could afford a much snazzier gym, but they're not here to tan, stand around chatting, or go for the fabled gym pick-up (note to all gym pickup artists: you're more likely to see a unicorn galloping down Belmont than you are to get a number on the treadmill). Just as the neighborhood sots gather at the corner bar to get righteously plowed, these people are all business when it comes to working out. Perhaps best of all: it never gets overly crowded, even during peak hours, and the aggressive sales pitch is simply unknown here. Now they just need to get a real name for the place. read more

I've only been a member of this gym since early February '07, but so far I really enjoy the atmosphere and general no-frills feel of the place. Just so there's no confusion, this place is small and compact, with no classes, no yoga, and no Olympic pool. Try the Lakeview Multiplex or some other monstrosity if you need to attend several spin classes a week, or do Bikram yoga. #1 Gym is, simply put, an old fashioned kind of place where busy people who don't want to schill out an arm and a leg can go and get solid cardiovascular work done on machines, work your abs, and lift weights. There are ample treadmills, a handful of stairclimbers, eliptical machines, stationary bikes, and reclining bikes. I've never had to wait for a machine, but perhaps in the morning and after work there could be a wait for some of the more popular ones. The weight machine and free weight selection is plentiful, and again I don't think I've ever had to wait to use anything. The space is a little tight, so sometimes I find myself awkwardly trying to pass around someone on my way across the room, or to the water fountain, but I haven't yet seen anyone interfere with somebody's lifting, which would be the real deal-breaker for me. The on-site owner, Jerry, is very personable and is a certified personal trainer, so if you have any questions he is always there (after 12pm-close) and happy to assist. It's sometimes embarrassing to say that you don't know how to use a certain machine, or how to perform a specific lift maneuver, but Jerry never patronizes. I believe there is another owner, also named Jerry to save confusion, who is there in the morning, but I can't speak to his credentials. If you're there in the middle of the day, the place is virtually empty, so for those with odd schedules, this is certainly the place for you. I love it when I feel like I have my own personal gym in there. There are also plenty of lockers, but you have to provide your own lock. The place is so small and comfortable feeling I really don't see a reason for a lock anyway. There are two unisex bathrooms, and in one there is a scale and a shower if you need to use it. Most gyms require that you sign a full-year contract, but at #1 they seem to get it that some people aren't going to stick around for that long, or, God forbid, want to try out a place for a couple months, not just one "trial" week, and see how it feels. So they offer a 3-month and 6-month package here as well as the full-year, at a little bit extra cost, respectively. To me, this was also a deal-sealer, as I didn't want to commit to a full year without seeing if I would use the place on a frequent basis. Overall, I'd say this is the perfect gym for someone who doesn't need all the bells and whistles that come with the bigger places, and who also wants to save some money, since the larger places can cost almost twice or more than this gym. I only put four stars because objectively speaking, I know this place isn't for everybody, but I love it! read more

Was a member for a little over a year and was very sad to leave. Number One Gym is incredibly affordable with just about every piece of equipment you could want. Moreover I loved the community. Everyone, especially Jerry, is welcoming and friendly. read more

Excellent neighborhoood gym that feels like home. Moving out of the neighborhood and very sad to be leaving the #1 Gym. Gerry and staff are great and helpful. Couldn't recommend it more. read more

Pros: Lowest price in the neighborhood, Friendly owner. No sales pressure. Cons: Dusty, Dirty, and poorly maintained facility. Mostly older-generation cardio equipment and weight machines. Too many machines in a small space=very difficult to walk around. No towels provided. Bathroom and lockers are not inviting. Needs new carpet and walls repainted. Summary: If you just want to lift weights and do cardio and have only $40-50 range to spend, then this is your gym. It's for those on a tight budget. If you want something better than this, expect to pay $60 or higher. read more

I find it difficult to review a gym because I've liked every gym I've given myself a chance to get used to. For me, it's all about familiarity and feeling like I know what I'm doing in a gym. If I'm not familiar with a gym, then I feel like everyone else there knows and I don't belong. It's like being at a middle school party all over again. That said, I recommend Number One Gym if you want something totally low-key. I always get an elliptical or treadmill, I'm able to cycle in around people using the weights, the owners are really nice guys, and the place is completely affordable (HINT: bargain with them). Don't let the size scare you away. The only times this place is too busy for me are weekdays between say 5 and 7 pm. Otherwise, it's all yours. Also, both owners are named Jerry and I have this weird fantasy that the third person working there is named Geraldo. I've never brought myself to ask him "Is your name Geraldo?". That would be an awkward conversation... read more

Number 1 Gym is the Average Joe's in a city full of Globo-Gyms. There's no cutting edge equipment, TV's on every cardio machine, or ridiculously high membership fees. There's heavy things to lift up, and that's all I really need. The place is never really that busy. Even at peak hours (around dinner time) I'm always able to get all my lifts in without having to wait around for other members. Jerry, the guy who runs the place, actually takes interest in the members, and is always available for advice or just to shoot the shit. The layout of the gym is a bit cramped in some places, but it's not really that big of an issue. The equipment is definitely a bit old, but no complaints here. I disagree that it is dirty or unsafe. Just keep correct form and don't over do it and you'll be fine. First review! 4 stars. read more

This gym is as straightforward as you can get. Their signup process is the most painless that you will come across from a gym. When you come in, you will most likely be dealing directly with the owner. He'll point out the equipment and offer a competitive price and let you decide; there are no sales pitches, pressure, or attempts to push you into classes or personal training. The gym is fully stocked with free weights, machines, treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, etc. It is most crowded around 5-7pm but waiting for equipment is not an issue. The etiquette is excellent here as everyone puts their weights back when they are done so the place is always clean and no one makes an excessive amount of noise. Highly recommend. read more

How many of you go to a gym and the OWNER is working and the OWNER remembers your name? Yea, didn't think so. Well, I had not experienced this before I went to #1 Gym. It's true, the gym is 'no-frills'. But, in my experience, the frills are what usually attracts the less-than-serious gym purveyors. The prices cannot be beat. The biggest drawback? The terrible hours on Sunday. They close at 3:00 p.m. I mean, are not a lot of people 'Weekend Warriors' that only have the option of working out on Saturday and Sunday? If you want a cheap place to go lift weights or run on the treadmill and nothing else, well then this is YOUR place. read more

I cannot say enough good things about this gym. I have been a member now for nearly four months and could not be happier. I bought a condo on the same block and was delighted to see that there was a gym a few doors down. I am getting married in 7 months and wanted to get into shape. Plus, working out helps my migraines, so it's win win. When I work out, I don't want to worry about how I look. I am a sweaty disaster (yes, yes I am). I want to kick my ass for an hour and then move on with my day. My typical workout is to do the elliptical and then weight machines or dumbbells. This gym has just that. It's no frills. You come in, do what you need to do and leave. At my previous gym, the music played so loud that I couldn't hear my headphones at max volume. Here, it's not intrusive at all. There's music and television, but if you want to ignore it, you can. That means a lot to me. I want to privately rock out to Britney and Gaga and get my sweat on. A few weeks after joining, Gerry (the owner) approached me and introduced himself. He wanted to welcome me to the gym and see if there was anything that I needed. He even knew my name. Ever since then, he waves when I see him (on the street, in the gym, etc). It's nice to be recognized and acknowledged. I feel like this gym is such a great part of my neighborhood. It's the opposite of obnoxious, and you get the freedom (and left alone!) to do whatever you want. And did I mention that the price is completely reasonable? I see myself as a life member, and would recommend this gym to anyone. Keep up the awesome work!!! read more

Very big fan of this gym. Good old school feel. All the equipment you need, including two squat racks, three benches and all the dumbbells. Also, a good amount of treadmills and other cardio equipment. Very clean gym as well. The owner, Gerry, is awesome and very helpful getting your membership started. I've been there for six months and will definitely keep my membership going. If you need a good smaller neighborhood gym where you feel comfortable, this is the place for you. read more

This is the most unpretentious gym I've ever been to - everyone is clearly there to work out and not for a social setting. I didn't see a single person on their phone. I went in today for a free trial and am definitely getting a membership. While the gym is small, they maximize the space well with every machine you could want for an old-fashioned-get-your-ass-in-shape workout. You have to walk between machines to maneuver to different areas, but I didn't mind. It wasn't crowded when I was there (Saturday late morning around 11am), and everyone seemed between 23-30 years old. Gerry, the owner, was very friendly and accommodating. He showed me around the gym, gave me the wifi password, and talked me through several membership packages and pricing options. There is a weekend package available for people who travel every week. I was very impressed with the value Number One gym provides to its members. I might even look into a personal trainer here - there was an intense small group (2-3 guys) bootcamp going on and they were getting their ass kicked. read more

I was a member of Number One Gym for 15 months while I lived in Lakeview and had an awesome experience, simple as that. Affordable, good workout options, convenient location, and very friendly people. Highly recommended! read more

Simple gym that has everything I need. I do mostly free weights, and the occasional machine. For the size of this gym, the amount of weights he fits is remarkable. It may feel a little claustrophobic with the benches​, racks, etc all very close to each other. But this also means there is usually no wait. Only 2 squat racks, but still usually not a wait. I also have never seen a wait for cardio equipment. Great price, much cheaper than most city gyms. I live a 1 minute walk away, so the convenience combined with the price make it the perfect gym for me. read more

Excellent gym. The gym is clean and well-stocked with weights, machines, and cardio equipment. There are lockers and two individual bathrooms (one with a shower), but no pool or towel service here. It's not a huge place, but if you don't go at peak hours, you'll have it nearly to yourself. Everyone who goes there is kind and respectful, cleans up after themselves, and is cool about sharing equipment and working in. Even when I was the only woman in the weights section, I never felt uncomfortable or out of place. And Gerry is awesome - friendly, no-pressure, and responsive. He greeted me by name every time I saw him, and was happy to chat (but he doesn't push you to if you are focused on your workout). I've never worked with the trainers there, but the regular ones seem like great guys (and have occasionally - non-intrusively - offered me some tips as well). This is a simple, clean, friendly gym, at a good price - if you're in the neighborhood, I highly recommend it. read more

I looked around at several gyms in the neighborhood, and this is the gym I went for. I was living there temporarily, and Gerry, the owner, gave me a good price for the exact length of time I needed. As far as equipment, the gym had everything I needed: squat racks, benches (flat, incline and decline), seats for presses, cable machines, dumbbells, Smith machine, dip bar, and a lat pulldown machine. This is not a complete list of everything there, but the most important equipment that I wanted. Olympic lifts and deadlifts are all allowed. There appeared to be a decent amount and variety of cardio machines, but I did not use them. Gerry is the nicest guy and will know you by name very quickly. Very manageable even at its busiest. It's a smaller building, but it doesn't take long to adapt to it. For someone with similar needs, I could not recommend this place enough. read more

Nice owners, always free machines and basics for cardio/ weights + low price = wonderful value. No "real" showers, a tiny locker room, and no classes = you get what you pay for. However, that being said, their opening hours are long (except Sundays... why do they close at 3 pm? Argh!)... they bargain with you if you are a poor grad student to-be like myself. read more

There is some strange comfort in going to a gym where the TVs are not flat screens, but are older CRT's. Reminds you that finding comfort and luxury is not the point of going to the gym. It's to sweat and persevere through the lifting of heavy objects. As others have said, a no frills, no bullsh!zzle gym. And the equipment here is of fantastic quality. The owner, Gerry, definitely knows his stuff. Ivanko weight plates, which are the best of the best, none of that uncalibrated, inconsistent-weighing CAP barbell stuff. There are two squat racks, and usually at least one is open. Now, some qualms -- like most good things in big cities, the gym is very densely packed with stuff. Navigating around with a barbell can get fairly tough, and become a workout in and of itself. There is no room for a platform, so it isn't really possible to really practice Olympic-style weight-lifting here. You're probably going to have to do the hang version of stuff. This is a pity, as the Ivanko bumper plates look mighty appealing for some bouncing. Nonetheless, most people aren't interested in Olympic lifting, so this is a minor qualm. Bottom-line, if you are in Lakeview, consider supporting this gym. Gerry maintains a quality, non-corporate facility. read more

The ideal "just the basics" gym: not the most modern equipment, but very well-maintained. Space is small, but always immaculately clean. Very affordable monthly rate, and no sign-up fee. But the gem of this gym - ha! - is the proprietor, an avuncular, assiduously friendly man named Gerry, who's equally passionate about fitness and his customers. He's reason enough to sign up for a membership. I can't recommend the place highly enough. It's everything I want in a gym. read more