View Full Version : Gym Tour Chicago
I'm on vacation next week, so I decided to do a mini Gym tour of Chicago Land.
Here is what I have planned so far. If you have any more suggestions feel free to post them and I might try and find a way to work them in.
10/5/2015 5:00:00 PM Legs @ Monster Garage Gym $10 3782 Hawthorn Court, Waukegan, IL 60087 http://www.monstergaragegym.com/
10/6/2015 2:00:00 PM Chest @ B&W Gym $10 5920 N Ridge ave Chicago IL, 60660 http://bwgym.info/
10/7/2015 4:00:00 PM Deadlifts @ Lance's Gym $10 1200 West 35th St Chicago IL, 60609 http://www.lancesfitnessgym.com/index.html
10/8/2015 4:00:00 PM Shoulders @ Handle Bars Gym $0 4881 S Archer Ave, Chicago IL 60632 http://handlebarsgym.com/
I am flexible on schedule if anyone would like to meet up at any of the locations to check them out with me.
IDK if you'll have time, but I visited Quads when I was in Chicago, enjoyed it there.... http://www.quadsgym.com/
IDK if you'll have time, but I visited Quads when I was in Chicago, enjoyed it there.... http://www.quadsgym.com/
I thought about Quads but didn't quite make the cut when making the short list. But will probably still go there sometime.
Slight update, Swamping out B&W for Jakked.
10/5/2015 5:00:00 PM - Legs @ Monster Garage Gym
10/6/2015 2:00:00 PM - Chest @Jakked
10/7/2015 4:00:00 PM - Deadlifts @ Lance's Gym
10/8/2015 4:00:00 PM - Shoulders @ Handle Bars Gym
naturalguy
10-02-15, 1:47 pm
Some really good gyms out there. We hit a bunch of them on our Mid West Universal road trip, some vids here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CardOJIJRwU
You could always come watch me try not to embarrass myself at WUAP Worlds in East Peoria on 10/9. Ernie Lilliebridge Jr and Sr competed in Nationals last year at the same location. They'll probably be back again.
Some really good gyms out there. We hit a bunch of them on our Mid West Universal road trip, some vids here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CardOJIJRwU
Thanks for the link, checking out the vids now!
You could always come watch me try not to embarrass myself at WUAP Worlds in East Peoria on 10/9. Ernie Lilliebridge Jr and Sr competed in Nationals last year at the same location. They'll probably be back again.
I think a few of the guys I met at Monster Garage Gym today are also going to compete there. Might have to try and make it.
Ended up going to Monster Garage Gym today instead of Monday since today is typically the squat day.What a great gym and bunch of guys. So welcoming and encouraging. The group that stops everything to cheer you on and set new PRs.
Hitting a 455lb Squat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnmJdJXBjco
A view of the gym. Super nice equipment from EliteFTS
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/VgdDRLI3GTFsnfA-fjNCAZMQw3jthByHrl8PsekkVo4X1GX17_Sg2urEErW2-dYxInCHhw=w1256-h1209
Joined them for a post workout "recovery" beer or 3.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/09M-SIJcexdTsM9vwxJ_OFHI560onO0q03g9MVzCy-NQ0RQ-v3jJnccQ32WszihFKGpmHQ=w1256-h1209
This was the first gym on my list and it was a blast. Sucks that it's an hour away but a great gym to kick things off.
Phil800101
10-04-15, 12:20 am
The guys at MGG are one of the nicest and most genuine group of lifters I've ever met. Really supportive atmosphere with no bullshit there.
How is the new location? Old place was awesome but cramped.
The guys at MGG are one of the nicest and most genuine group of lifters I've ever met. Really supportive atmosphere with no bullshit there.
How is the new location? Old place was awesome but cramped.
100% agreed. Never was at the old location but this place seems to have plenty of room.
I think a few of the guys I met at Monster Garage Gym today are also going to compete there. Might have to try and make it.
Be good to meet you. Hope you can make it! Nice PR on the squat by the way!
Today's visit was to Lance's Gym. Did bench today and worked up to a 265b PR! Best of all I was able to meet Ed Coan! I didn't even realize it was him at first but they kinda messed with me a little until I figured it out :) But was all in good fun, again everyone is insanely nice. Got some great bench tips from Ed and another lifter. Lance himself is also a great guy and overall a awesome experience.
Smaller gym for sure but had everything you need and had a nice powerlifting vibe to it.
Today I went to Jakked Gym to do deadlifts. Pulled 545b which is a new PR for me (PR for every lift this week!) so it was great to finally pull that and squat heavy after working through SI issues.
As for the gym itself I was a little disappointed. They had a nice collection of bars and equipment but was very empty. Granted I went in the morning in the middle of the week but didn't have the same vibe as Lance's or MGG. Everyone just kinda did their own thing.
The kicker for me was when I was pulling 495 I locked out and a dog came running up on the platform :/ So I it was at least a manageable weight so I didn't drop it but could of ended badly for the pup. Was a bit pissed off after that.
But overall a really great week. Will be hitting up a new gym tomorrow or Friday to finish up with shoulders.