This would be a better than decent gym if not for two big factors: their hours of operation and their staff (sadly). I have waited one full month before finally finishing this review because I was trying to see if my initial impression were in fact valid. Sadly my first impression is still is accurate then as it is now.
Whoever determined the hours for the gym (cardio, weight room & pool) must not actually workout themselves. The hours I think must be for the unemployed and/or students also not working. They have set hours akin to bankers' hours. Nothing past 9:00PM except for the weekend when they're even shorter and open later - Friday til 7PM, Saturday and Sunday til 5:00PM. I hope you don't work in Chicago as you'll never get your membership dollars' worth.
I am not even addressing the fact that their class schedule is also designed for the same target group. When all you have left is the cardio and weight room and you work 12 hours a day with commute, only to be chased out after you're paying good money, is disappointing.
The second even bigger issue is their staff, namely those under the age of 30. Sorry to profile here but I've now witnessed it with at least 5 different people both male and female alike. They're ready to switch off equipment, TVs, etc and chase you at as early as 15minutes before closing. If you close at 8:45PM, then change your hours to 8:45PM. If they are until 9 PM you need to let people leave at 9 PM. It's so sad in a tiny town that this is the best they have to offer. I hate to endorse another gym but you're better off at Planet Fitness on the East Side where the membership can be as little as $10 a month or $20 a month for 1 person + guest 2 they're open 24 hours a day.
I know that they will likely not change their hours as a result of this review but the attitude of the junior staff can be corrected. I really hope the YMCA addresses the issue with their younger staff and constantly chasing people well before closing. read more