Kickstart your 2026 fitness journey at one of these top gyms in Chicago

2026 is officially here, and with a new year comes new resolutions, new goals and new hurdles to overcome. Some may want to work on their cooking skills, some may want to travel somewhere exotic, and some, after the biggest political news coming out of the first week of the new year, may just want to make it to 2027 in one piece! While Chicagoans may differ in aspirations, one thing that binds many of us together is a desire to improve our physical health.

January has become a traditional time for many to take up fitness endeavors, and the search to find a home gym to start this journey can sometimes be overwhelming in a metropolis as vast and sprawling as Chicago. We at Chicago Star have taken the time to break down some of our favorite gyms across the city in the hopes that it helps readers achieve all their 2026 fitness goals.

 Fitness Formula Club (FFC)

With ten locations across the city, ranging from downtown hubs in Old Town, Lakeview, and Lincoln Park, all the way down to the South Loop and even across to the West and North suburbs, there is a convenient FFC for everyone. Known for having modern equipment, a variety of recreation options, and an extensive menu of classes and personal training options, Fitness Formula Club is a great gym for those looking to begin their fitness journey. 

With a variety of membership plans that allow customers to either access just a facility of their choice or premium packages that gain entrance to any of the locations in their network, FFC offers a little something for everyone, making it one of the most popular exercise destinations in Chicago.

 East Bank

Situated in the heart of downtown with a massive facility stretching two square blocks of prime real estate along the Chicago River, East Bank is the gold standard for luxury fitness clubs in Chicago. The use of the “club” is appropriate here because, on top of their four pools, three tennis courts, indoor driving range, full-sized running track, spa, car wash, and physical therapy center, they also provide top-tier dining options and a pool deck in the warmer months that is known to be one of the hot spots of the summertime. 

Opened in 1980 when holistic fitness clubs of this scale were a novelty, East Bank is one of the longest-running clubs in the city and has been the fitness home for Chicago’s more affluent community, with celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama, and more holding memberships at one time or another. However, all those amenities won't come cheaply as East Bank remains one of the most expensive memberships in the city at $295/month.

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Equinox

A national brand priding itself on upscale, modern facilities and equipment, Equinox is the quintessential gym for the contemporary on-the-go urbanite looking to fit their fitness commitments into a busy schedule. Equinox may be best known for offering unlimited classes to its members that range from yoga and pilates to dance and boxing, a major perk for those who like to mix up their exercise routine throughout the week. 

With five locations spread out across downtown, Equinox provides members convenient access and sits at the medium to high end on the price scale, making the club a good option for the more experienced fitness veteran looking for a like-minded community. 

Lifetime Fitness

The long-standing fitness club giant has grown to an empire with facilities across North America, and for good reason. The gym offers affordable pricing, convenient locations, and a family atmosphere that is welcoming to newcomers looking to take a first step on their fitness journey. With membership options that allow for access to any of their gyms across the country, Lifetime can also be a great choice for those that travel frequently for work or pleasure, providing the comfort of knowing there is always a LifeTime gym not too far away, wherever you are. 

In addition, for basketball players out there, Lifetime is known to offer some of the most competitive games around, with most facilities featuring free-to-use courts.

Midtown Athletic Club (MAC)

One of the more popular options in the Chicago area is the Midtown Athletic Club. An all-in-one fitness gym and country club, MAC offers top-tier athletic equipment and luxury locker rooms equipped with steam rooms and spas, while also promoting itself as a family-friendly facility with engaging activities for all ages. Indoor and outdoor pools provide year-round aquatics, and certain memberships come with two hours of daily child care for those with little ones who are not looking to compromise their fitness goals. 

In addition, the club's sixteen tennis courts, six pickleball courts, and four paddle courts make it the racquet sports hub of the city. The club comes at a pretty penny, but is a great choice for those looking to combine fitness and lifestyle together!