I was super excited about the reviews for this gym. It looks like most people have different experiences than I did. I did a couple months here and had to pay month to month so it was ~$70 a month, though the other plans might be a bit cheaper. The equipment was really old. For that much money (or close to it), you could go to one of the Chicago Athletic Clubs or another gym with better equipment and more space. The old equipment has a couple other consequences. The owner watches everyone like a hawk making sure everyone is gentle with his equipment, which I understand to an extent and while being gentle and controlled is important, with more serious lifters and heavier weights you’re bound to have a weight come down a little harder and don’t deserve to be literally yelled at for it. On a near daily basis, you’ll see the owner move around the room watching people and scolding them for how they treat his weights. I don’t want to hear anything about how it’s more about ‘watching out for the gym-goers and their form’ - it’s an excuse for him to not have to shell out more money on equipment. It might be a good idea for the ownership team to invest in some weights (maybe the rubber coated ones..?) and other equipment that feels higher quality so that they don’t have to scold patrons. Another note - Fox News is on every single night. This feels really gross in a city as progressive as ours and a neighborhood as gay as ours… Overall it’s not the worst experience I’ve ever had. But for the money, you can find better. I’d take your money and support a friendlier place where you aren’t watched like a hawk and flooded with alt-right propaganda each night.

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!

Growing up in a small town this gym took me right back into my element. Everyone is friendly, classic rock is always playing over the radio, the Owner Gerry knows most members by name and always greets you with a warm hello, and although it’s by no means a massive gym, the equipment is more than sufficient to get the job done, and many of the strength machines are higher quality. Additionally many personal trainers call this gym home, are always very friendly and helpful to regular attendees, and offer very competitive rates. The gym has its busy periods (early morning rush between 6-8, after work around 5) but pop in outside of that and you’ll likely find it’s just you and a few trainers with their clients. Which many would find is a huge plus if waiting for equipment is a pet peeve. Lastly parking is rarely ever an issue and in most circumstances free if you know where to look out front, another huge plus if you’re a commuter looking for a place to stop on your way to or from work. If you live in the area I couldn’t recommend it enough, and even if you’re a commuter it’s located close to the Red Line, parking is a breeze, and there’s no frills or hassle with the sign up. At the very least I recommend popping in to check it out and see if it’s the vibe you’re looking for. For a couple hours a week it’s my home away from home and that’s why I give it a 5/5

The owner Gerry is a nice enough guy, but I would highly caution anyone who is serious about working out from signing up here. A few particular reasons in general: - Gym will feel crowded around 15 people - Hours are very limited (close @ 8/9PM) - Owner does not prefer to have people lifting heavy weights...I see him walk around the gym every now and then and ask people to go lighter or be more careful setting down weights. This one is fair on both sides, damage of equipment should not be overlooked, but I’ve seen it many times when the weights were set down with caution and relatively gently, but he is a very high threshold for what is acceptable in his mind - Limited equipment - Owner only lets you carry around water bottle and phone around the gym, bags/extra sweatshirts, etc. not welcome. Would caution for serious gym go-ers.

I went to this gym for almost 12 years (2005 - 2016). Easily the best deal on the north side & probably the entire city. The annual deal is only a fraction of what other memberships cost. And when I joined there weren't any b/s membership fees--which I am sure is still the case. The gym is always clean and the equipment is usually in good, working order. I rarely saw anything that was out of order for more than a day. Jerry, the main owner / operator, knows all his members from day one and makes a special effort to make sure that their workout experience is the best it can be...within reason. He is always open to any requests or suggestions on how to improve the gym. This is a no frills gym that is an excellent deal relative to the price.

I was a member of this gym for a couple years after having memberships at several others in the Lakeview neighborhood. It has everything one could want without the pretension or the loud, annoying muscle-heads. Gerry, the owner, is great to deal with and really cares a lot about the gym and its members. He knows them ALL by name, even after just one meeting. The location is extremely convenient and prices competitive. It's seldom crowded so machines and weights are usually available. Sometimes on weekend mornings I would be the only one! It was fantastic. The only reason I had to leave was because I moved to Mexico City last month. Highly recommended!

This gym is for the person who is serious about working out, whether doing weights or cardio. It has just about every piece of equipment you'd want to use. What pushed this rating to five stars are the people. The owner, Gerry, gets to know all the members and is responsive to our needs. One of the coaches, Ted, is happy to answer your one-off training and nutrition questions even if you are not a client of his. Overall, the members of this gym are a community of good people who care about fitness and support each other in achieving their goals.

Visited the city for a few days and found this gym with 1 day pass for 10$ in cash. Paid 20$ because the worker there did not have change to give back and agreed I’ll be back for another workout. Went back the next day and asked for my 10$ back since I couldn’t workout again, but the worker said he cannot authorize a refund. Waited for the manager and he said he had no change and the network was down and cannot refund my credit card. He did not seem frank. I feel like I was robbed. Would not recommend.

This is an awesome local gym....Gerry is fantastic. This gym is no frills and has everything you need. It's never too crowded and in my three years working out here I don't recall ever having an issue getting on a piece of equipment I wanted to. All the other members were very courteous and everyone just kind of keeps their heads down and gets their workout in. Worst part about moving to the suburbs is that I won't be able to go to Number One Gym anymore.

#1 Gym is a great place to work out. It's very much a community gym with lots of local folks working out. The equipment is great and the space is not crowded. The owner, Gerry, is a great guy and is very involved in making sure the place is clean and taken care of. If you're looking to "be seen", this isn't the place for you. But if you want to work out, not be bothered and go to a no-frills type of gym, this place is for you. I'd highly recommend.

I was a member of Number One Gym for more than 6 years and never gave a second thought to joining another gym. Not only was it always clean and organized, but Gerry got to know each and every member by name and made them feel welcome. He's also quick with tips for new exercises and connections with personal trainers. If you live in Lakeview and are looking for a great place to work out, it's hard to beat Number One Gym.

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!

I lived a half a block away for 4 years, and was proud to be a member of this gym. Gerry is one of the most genuine people I have come across, and he is was as welcoming and friendly as one can be. The gym has everything you could need, and is very rarely too crowded. You'll start to notice a lot of familiar faces, and not get the intimidating feeling of bigger chain gyms. Can't recommend it enough.

Number One Gym is an excellent place to work out. It's not the largest, but the community is fantastic, and the owner Gerry is professional, communicative, and full of helpful advice. The price point is excellent and it has all the equipment you would need to get a great lift. Great bang for your buck and I would recommend this gym to any type of gym goer, beginner to experienced.

I've worked out at a lot of gyms and by far this is one of the best. It's got everything you want in a non-commercial gym: it's clean, it's not packed, the people that workout there are friendly, the price is right, and you really do feel like a member, not a number. The owner, Gerry, is there all the time, knows everyone, and is an awesome guy. Definitely a one of a kind place.

Small gym (more of a store front really), that's more often empty then not. Jerry (?) runs the place and is usually sitting at the front desk. Doesn't have any features of the larger gyms outside of a bathroom. Pros: Cheap, relaxed, empty, good mix of equipment and absolutely no pressure about anything as far as signing up or canceling. Cons: small, no extras, no parking.

You’d be hard pressed to find a better value for your money than you get at Number One. Their machines might be older, but they perform better and give you a better workout than most, if not all, of the newer equipment on the market. Gerry takes great care of the space and so do the members - feels more like a community space than a traditional gym in that sense. 5/5

Number One is a great gym with all of the necessities. Gerry is awesome. He worked with me to arrive at a flexible membership plan that aligned with my travel schedule. He's also super knowledgable and always willing to offer the occasional training advice. I would highly recommend Number One gym to anyone looking for an affordable option that takes no shortcuts.

I've just started going and I got to say that although the equipment is old the reality is the equipment is BETTER than in those fancy gyms someone mentioned in another review. One of the things I love about this gym the cleanliness-the gym is clean. The owner seems to be strict, but hey it's his gym-if you don't like it don't come here.

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.

This gym has everything you need for a good workout and is very convenient since it's right off of the Belmont redline stop. If you're in the area, this is the right place for the right price. Gerry, the owner, is the man and truly cares about maintaining a good workout environment. 10/10 gym for me.

Great neighborhood gym! It’s in the small side but has all equipment you could need. Even during rush periods there would be open machines/spaces. Gerry the owner is very welcoming and friendly which creates a great atmosphere. I was sad to leave this gym when I moved to a new neighborhood.

The owner Gerry is very nice. The gym is a perfect neighborhood gym. Has everything you need on hand to get the job done for a good workout. Gym also has trainers if you need help with your workouts and nutrition. Trainers are independent so you don't have to deal with pushy sales pitches.

Number One Gym is a nice pleasant place to exercise great equipment to meet your workout needs..not to big and not to small just perfect for a reasonable work out time..what are you waiting for come on in and meet everyone with reasonable price annually...$480.00.. I like it.

I was there yesterday, it’s small but it’s amazing! Has everything I need and it’s clean. I loved it soooo much. I’m coming back and bringing my boyfriend. & the owner is such a sweetheart. It’s wayyyyyyyyyyyyy better than Southport fitness, worth the train ride.

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.

#1 is a great local gym. The type of place where the owner knows you by name and says hi to you at the door. On the small side but there's never a problem getting weights or equipment. They have more tools than big box gyms, without all the frills.

Worked out here through three moves around Lakeview. This is where i finally got consistent with diet and training and ended up having the best results I’ve ever had. The owner’s really knowledgable and gave me lots of great advice over the years.

Spent a summer at number one gym because I was in town for an internship. Gym was exactly what I wanted it to be and for a really good price. Owner was very nice and cared about the people who worked out at his gym. Would recommend to anyone.

I had a wonderful experience at Number One Gym! The equipment was always clean and there was rarely wait time to use any machine or weights. The best part by far was the owner, Gerry, who was always there to help and greeted you by name.

Good gym. Great price. Jerry is negotiable and reasonable. Not super fancy but has what you need. Perfect if you just graduated school, live in wrigleyville and need to workout before/after work. Great value and Jerry knows your name.

The owner Gerry is so helpful and kind and laid back! I was so glad to find a gym open when I did and at low capacity so it was like having my own personal equipment when I was there. Nice regulars and great neighborhood.

I was a member of #1 Gym for a year before I moved to a different area. The owner Gerry is very personable and friendly (he knows all the members by name) and I never had trouble waiting on a bench, machine, or treadmill.

Great gym for lifters! Has everything you need and I hardly ever had to wait for a rack/bench even during peak hours. Gerry is super friendly and helpful if you are new to working out. Can’t be beat for the cost.

Great little gym. A bit cramped but has all the equipment. Special mention must be made of the chest press machine, which allows for a really deep stretch. The $10 drop-in fee is great for visitors.

#1 Gym is awesome. The gym is very well organized, management is friendly and it is never too busy. I would highly recommend it to anyone in the area looking for an affordable place to workout.

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.

Walked in to ask about a membership. There was no one at the desk and the worker decided it was more aprioriate to yell across a tiny gym. I could tell it was not the place for me.

By far the best gym in Lakeview. Gerry is a great owner and looks after the gym diligently. It’s very affordable, and has all the amenities needed. Highly recommend joining here!

This is hands down the best neighborhood gym in Chicago. Perfect location, amazing owner and amazing patrons. Would recommend this gym to anyone in the Lakeview area!

Really unfriendly staff there. Do not make you feel welcome at all. Not enough space or equipment. Unprofessional place do not go here. Advise other gyms in the area.

Go to check out other gyms before wasting your money on a tiny gym and a owner who doesn’t want to put in the time to accommodate for his failure to have back ups.

Gerry really cares about his gym, as well as how his members are doing and is always looking to help. If you're in the neighborhood, highly recommend this gym.

This gym has everything you need and at the right price. The owner Gerry is extremely welcoming and knows everyone at the gym. I highly recommend this place.

Small gym. Nothing special ... but you don't need anything special to get in shape. Clean, cheap, friendly. Gerry is a good guy. Great weight set up.

I had an excellent experience with Number One Gym. Gerry is a great guy, and you can tell he cares about both the gym and the members.

Great old school gym, got everything you need. Great people, friendly staff, everything on hand for the perfect workout

Avoid. The owner is a misogynistic person and most likely he has a serious mental disorder.

Great gym in the Lakeview area. Plenty of equipment and a very welcoming owner.

Everything you need. Nice owner. Great for travelers. $20/3 visits.