★ 5

A very cool place to enjoy exercising and get motivated. The staff is extremely nice and friendly. It's a great environment to work out for the downtown crowd. The only issue I had faced is they close early on Saturdays and completely on Sundays but that's due to the Mart's security restrictions. Highly recommend overall!

Source: Google

★ 5

Unbelievable experience
Strongly recommend 👌

Source: Google

★ 1

Good gym, until I tried to cancel. I called, asked the front desk in person and sent an email and my card was still charged.
When I called to dispute they were not understanding of the situation, they tried to guilt me into letting them keep my last payment saying times were hard because of COVID.

Source: Google

★ 5

Kirsten Wei is an excellent personal trainer. A knowledgeable professional who's energetic, positive, and motivating. She's dedicated to the success of her clients. Her guidance helped me completely rebuild my form for back squats. I've increased my working weight by 80 lbs. in the last three months WITH ZERO BACK PAIN. She also helped me work through chronic shoulder pain while lifting from 10 years in the Army. Due to her coaching I've been able to break through plateaus on all my upper body lifts and continue to increase strength to levels I've never reached before... COMPLETELY PAIN FREE. An excellent trainer that has left an lasting impact on my fitness pursuits. Thanks Kirsten!

Source: Google

★ 5

Kirsten Wei is an amazing personal trainer at RNG. Her expertise in fitness and nutrition has helped me reach my fitness goals in just a few months. I have seen great results in my strength and overall fitness, and I feel so much better in my body. Kirsten has been really great at helping me to improve my form with my moves, which has made a huge difference in my workout routines. She is always encouraging and supportive, and I feel so lucky to have her as my trainer. I highly recommend Kirsten to anyone looking to improve their fitness and reach their goals.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Have had a great time going to this gym so far. I trained with Kirsten and had an amazing time - she really knows what she's doing and was really great.

Source: Google

★ 5

Well I have had awesome time at River North Gym I been here for 12 years you should stop by and check out the place it's a very cool gym

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 5

Great selection and good service

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Lots of equipment to choose from. Great atmosphere and friendly staff

Source: Google

★ 5

If your hotel gym sucks and you need a temporary place, come here.

Source: Google

★ 5

The staff is welcoming. The gym has good equipment and a bunch of class options. I like this flexibility.

Source: Google

★ 5

I wish this was my gym all year round!! The owner is VERY knowledgeable when it comes to fitness AND supplements, which is rare. He has every fitness accessory you can imagine.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I have trained with Andrew for about 6 months. All positive things to say about Andrew. In summary, I’ve seen aggressive improvements in my overall health and strength. Few additional comments:

-Andrew is great with keeping a routine & communication with his customers. Andrew is generally engaging and pleasant to be around.
-Andrew knows so much about nutrition, setting achievable goals, and helpful tips for a structured diet.
-Andrew provides proper workout structure, and proper form guidance. Ask any question and expect a detailed answer and tips on how to improve. Specifically, I had an issue where my groin was hurting during a squat routine. Andrew recommended additional exercises which resolved the issue.

Source: Google

★ 5

Five star gym all because of the sweet lady named Joyce! ♥️ Amazing customer service, keeps the space very clean, and has a warm smile to welcome you in!

Source: Google

★ 5

Awesome place and staff.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been a member of River North Gym in the Merchandise Mart since 2018, and I got to tell you, reader of this review, that it’s one of the best gyms I’ve been a member of. It might seem strange that the Merchandise Mart has such a great gym, but let me do a quick warmup of all the great things about River North Gym:

- The staff: everyone at this gym is phenomenal, period. Anne, Alissa, Emily, Gina, Joyce, Taylor, Andrew, Natalia, Nick, Nico, and of course Bernie are the usuals when I come in, and each of them are always so happy to be there, chat with you, keep the gym looking and feeling clean. The staff is also always open to hearing suggestions from the members to continue to improve things. They’re all about creating a welcoming community inside the gym which makes it even more enjoyable to come in and put in some work.

- The equipment: there are a lot of barbells and squat racks as well as a few power racks, alongside a huge selection of dumbbells, kettlebells, cardio equipment, cable machines and various other machines to get everything you need done. There’s even a sled, nay, two sleds! All the equipment is clean and well kept, and members of the gym typically clean, rerack and put equipment back the way they found it so it’s easy to find what you need and get going.

- The space: while it may not be the biggest gym by square foot, the gym’s interior inside the Merchandise Mart is so well optimized between spaces for classes, spaces for machines, and spaces for free weights, including full locker rooms with showers. Don’t forget about the great views looking north out into the city either.

- The classes and training: the gym hosts a wide range of classes from yoga and barre to strength and endurance HIIT classes to boxing most recently. The personal trainers at the gym are phenomenal as well. I work with Andrew and his attention to detail, expertise, and mentorship have helped me make significant improvements in my strength and abilities. There are even fun gym wide challenges to take part in every so often!

- The community: the people at the gym are a big part of the experience too, and River North Gym fosters a good community with events, challenges, classes, and staff engagement. Everyone at the gym is friendly, takes care of the equipment, and will typically be happy to hop in to give you a spot on a tough set too.

If you’re thinking about continuing a fitness journey, or starting a new one, River North Gym is 100% a great place for you to check out. You’ll feel at home thanks to the welcoming staff and great community, you’ll be excited to use a wide array of equipment in a great space, and you may even be enticed to take part in a class or some personal training. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Source: Google

★ 5

Best gym in Chicago! Ask for Natalia, she’ll get you right.

Source: Google

★ 5

This gym is incredible. They have absolutely everything you need! And the staff is awesome.

Source: Google

★ 5

RNG is a wonderful gym on the 9th floor of the Merchandise Mart that I've been going to for over a year. It's a large lifting/cardio/classes gym where you can buy a reasonably priced monthly membership and workout at your own pace. You're not forced into personal training, cross-fit, or expensive class packages (though they do have personal trainers and free classes). Sadly, these types of gyms are very rare in River North. A huge amount of gym floor-space with all the equipment you could need without feeling cluttered or crowded. It has 7 squat racks! The staff are friendly and chill, and the other members are nice normal people. I haven't run into any d-bags yet. There are free weekly classes included with membership. The membership prices are high for a gym in general but good for the neighborhood. They put their membership prices on their website. Overall I’ve been very satisfied with my experience here.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym. I have been a member since they opened in the Mart. Nice facilities and great trainers.

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been a member for almost 3 years now. The staff are excellent and the facilities are maintained to the highest quality.
I've been visiting regularly throughout the covid period and the staff have done an excellent job of maintaining the gym as a clean and safe space to work out.

Great gym, great people! Highly recommend

Source: Google

★ 5

It's pricier than most, but the quality of the staff, amenities, resources, and (for me) the location all vastly outweigh the increase cost. Any other gym that offers anything similar is gonna be maybe 15-20 bucks less per month than this gym. I think it's worth it.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’m visiting from out of state and I couldn’t be happier with RNG. From the moment I arrived I felt right at home. Ann checked me in and got me familiar with all the amenities of the facility. Everything was so clean and well maintained. There was a variety of exercise equipment and plenty of space. When I travel back to Chicago again I know where I’m getting my workout in everyday - The Commuters Realtor

Source: Google

★ 5

Member since 2019. Great gym. Good people. Always ample equipment in the morning, never need to wait for a rack.

Source: Google

★ 3

An average gym let down by limited cardio classes (only 7 or 8 similar classes per week, no cycling), older equipment (cardio, kettlebells), short hours and has recently started to let some female instructors work out without masks, which appears to violate Chicago's Phase IV guidance. You never see staff cleaning equipment in the evenings, but on the bright side, it's rarely crowded and is conveniently located.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

This business deserved a 5-star review for the way they've handled COVID19. Clean facilities, great communication, and diligent monitoring to be sure that members are safe while using their gym. I transferred here from EBC and couldn't be happier with my decision.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been working out at River North Gym for three years. The gym is very well stocked for every type of workout. In the beginning of 2020 I started to train with Andrew; his workout plans and guidance have allowed me to improve my lifting and put a focus on health eating. Teaming with Andrew was the next step that I needed to improve. If looking for gym with big heart and no ego look no further.

Source: Google

★ 5

Long time member of the gym. Extremely clean and the staff is always polite and welcoming. Trained with Ash Dunwell for 6 sessions recently. He's very knowledgeable and provided me with a custom training schedule as well as nutritional information. Each session was tougher than the last! Highly recommend him as a personal trainer.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

Employees never clean or reset any of the equipment. Showers are gross.

Source: Google

★ 1

30 day notice for cancellations? You’re effectively forced to pay for an extra month after you cancel; incredibly poor business practice. Will not be coming back.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great facilities and a great staff. Hardly ever have to wait for equipment, even during peak periods. Are they the only affordable gym that has figured out the correct ratio of cardio and weight training equipment? It very well could be the case. I've been a member for 5 months and it has been a blast.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym! I highly recommend the personal trainer program (if Andrew has an open slot, you'll want to take that ASAP).

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

The staff was amazing, friendly and helpful!! The gym itself was very easy to navigate and had all the equipment I need for one awesome workout. Definitely will be back next Time I’m in town

Source: Google

★ 5

nice and easy parking good people around , clean place

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Will definitely be back every time I visit Chicago. Staff was very kind and professional, Jason York is the man and helped get me all set up, he was very helpful. Great facility with a plethora of equipment, free weight, racks and machines, they event have a trap bar. They have a great turfed area, perfect for everything from warming up to pushing sleds. Everything clean and organized and the locker rooms were nice.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Great equipment and customer service! Friendly staff. I always feel relaxed here.

Source: Google

★ 5

If you work/live near the Mart, getting a membership to this gym is a no brainer. The staff is excellent. They facilities and machines are great. If you like sqaut racks like I do - you'll be impressed with the amount they have in their relatively small space. Prices are reasonable. While I never explored any myself - they also offer free group classes which people seem to like. Thank you for being an honest business, you're providing a great service to the public.

Source: Google

★ 4

Nice gym & convenient for us. Not a fancy gym but has what you need. I would give it 5 stars but... 1) The bathrooms are outdated. 2) The front staff - some of them start unplugging treadmills and turning TVs off 20 min before closing time. Which is so annoying... Please do not cut short my workout.. I deserve it after a long work day... 3) Not open Sundays; and closes early on Saturday.
Otherwise it is decent and affordable. Almost empty after 6:30pm weekdays.

Source: Google

★ 1

The River North Gym continues to charge me after I cancelled my membership. There were no documents signed by me stating any contract length or cancellation policy. I went in to cancel my membership, they stated I would no longer be charged and that it was cancelled. They continue to charge me and I continue to have to fight it.

Source: Google

★ 5

This is a great gym with friendly and supportive staff. They have a variety of solid equipment with 3 times more squat racks than the 3 story CAC I’ve been to in the past. I’ve been doing personal training for about a year and half with Andrew and couldn’t be happier with my progress. I’m 5’11 and went from 155 pounds of skin and bones to 190 pounds lean muscle. Recently Andrew encouraged me to compete in a local powerlifting lifting meet which has been a blast to train for (but not easy). Weight lifting is no longer just exercise to me but is now a sport I love. Thanks RNG!

Source: Google

★ 5

Genuine, caring, helpful, clean, personable; These are just a few of the words I use to explain the gym I go to and the staff that work there. I have been a member at River North Gym for two years with no problems or complaints.
Personally, I look for a gym where the machines are always working, the place is clean without weights everywhere, free group classes, towels (to lazy to bring my own), and a staff who will not mind if I ask them how to "dead-lift" properly. I can be kind of picky, and I definitely know what I want, but River North Gym gives me all of this. Your not going to find a large pool, a 50 ft. rock-wall, or even massage therapists in the locker rooms (great idea if your considering it), but you will find a place to get your workout in and a friendly staff to help you along the way. Props to Joyce for being the baddest of them all!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I really liked this gym. The fitness classes were the best! Werq with Heidi and Zumba with Yara were legendary.

Source: Google

★ 5

Consistently positive over the two months I've been going so far. Trainers are fantastic, the atmosphere is positive, the equipment is new, plentiful, and in great shape, and the desk and cleaning staff are very on top of things and are some of the nicest people you'll meet.

Source: Google

★ 5

Love this gym and everyone in it! Great experience meeting the staff and an incredibly convenient place to work out.

Source: Google

★ 5

Love RNG at Merchandise Mart. They are courteous and really try to work with your budget to get you into the gym. The gym is one of the cleanest I've experienced in my "work-out life." My only complaint - wish they had more lunchtime cardio classes. But their space is limited so I get it. Glad I found this spot.

Source: Google

★ 5

5-year member. Excellent mix of equipment for any type of workout or class. Reasonable crowds, so you can always find space for the machine or routine you want. Continuous upgrades over the last 5 years. Most important -- great staff, from the cleaning crew to the trainers and owner. Joyce, who helps keeps the gym clean, exemplifies the personal encouragement and motivation that makes RNG great.

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been going to this gym for 4 years and I love it. This past year, I've been doing PT with self-proclaimed but actually legit “Master Trainer” Jordan and I'm seeing some great results! I'm in the best shape of my life and couldn't be happier.

Source: Google

★ 2

Great gym for women. I felt comfortable working out there. Problems with accounting, including being the one business that can’t tell if the card on file is expired. And then they kept automatically charging monthly memberships and no one knew how to stop it. Gym itself is good, but management made it easy to leave.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love the energy & positive atmosphere of RNG the most! However, I love the engagement between RNG (trainers/ employees) and the Members to help them gain success! Great Job TEAM! - BRI

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Friendly staff, clean environment, and overall a very positive experience every time.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Best Gym in the city!!! You will find there the best community to workout with and motivate you. I immediately felt I belonged there... And if you're looking for a trainer, you'll meet at RNG the right one to push you way pass your goals and make you love the pain!!! Mine was Emily, an amazing coach who adapted to me, worked on my weaknesses, made me a way healthier person and enabled me to squat a human being... For the heck of it!!! Thanks Em, Thx RNG, soooo excited for the fun to come and for the new location!!!

Source: Google

★ 1

Horrible gym. Staff and owner have no clue about fitness and the owner is extremely rude to customers.

Source: Google

★ 5

The training staff is the best around, and the gym itself is a great space with a wide selection and a fantastic location.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym with good vibes! They recently updated their gym as well to make it more spacious. If you're looking for a great personal trainer, I would HIGHLY recommend you ask for Jordan Prewitt.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I'm here everyday. Staff are friendly and responsive. Classes and training sessions are high quality. Great price for downtown!

Source: Google

★ 5

Update, 2 years on: This is not a gym that likes to settle. Like a gym goer, it's constantly improving. There's now HIIT small group classes, 5 squat racks (when I joined, there were two), a small selection of weekend group classes, additional cardio equipment, and more. Still friendly, still super clean, still an excellent gym.

Great gym. Hesitant to leave a good review, because one of the things I love is its lack of crowds. A decent array of fitness classes come with membership, there's a great selection of fitness equipment, everything is really clean, the staff is friendly, and the price is good for the location.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 4

I get a great deal here becasuse I work in the Mart. But regardless, it's a really cool gym. The staff make it. I'd recomend it if you work in the Mart of nearby

Source: Google

★ 5

This gym's staff is highly educated, and customer friendly. The general facility, amenities and machines are always clean and in great condition. I am consistently impressed with the trainers' knowledge and expertise and management's customer service.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google