Starting Strength Chicago - Chicago (IL)

5 /5 Kami Davis: I cannot recommend this gym enough! I love that throughout your training you receive custom feedback on the movements based on your specific body type, unique history, and goals. Whether you are new to barbell training or an experienced lifter, the coaches give you individualized attention and expertise that help you improve your performance both safely and effectively. As a novice in the gym, I was nervous and intimidated to start training but this gym community and encouraging atmosphere has made each session fun and approachable. Alex is not only very knowledgeable but extremely encouraging and supportive. He really takes the time to assess your individual needs while challenging you to maximize your potential. Alex has helped me train through an injury, recover from surgery, and I’m now stronger than I ever thought I could be. Highly recommend!

5 /5 Fiona Feierstein: I was lucky enough to work out here with Jon in the early morning session while I was visiting Chicago for a work related conference. The atmosphere was very welcoming and friendly, the same high standards for Starting Strength coaching were evident. I would wholeheartedly recommend this gym to anyone on the fence about starting their weightlifting journey or indeed anyone experienced who wants focused coaching to improve their lifts. Thank you Jon and Starting Strength Chicago!

5 /5 Steve Miller: I have been going to Starting Strength Chicago for 3 years. The coaching staff is fantastic! Alex is always helping me improve my lifts, and most importantly helping me to get stronger. The clients are fantastic as well. It is a real pleasure to spend time with people who have become friends. Everyone is very encouraging. Jon, the owner, fosters this sense of camaraderie with regular member outings where everyone can meet outside the gym. This a great place to get strong, I highly recommend!

5 /5 Tessine M: My 2.5 years at Starting Strength Chicago have been, without a doubt, a highlight of my adult life. I came to the gym after long periods of disordered eating that consequently depleted my muscle mass and rendered my body emaciated. I had never followed a training program before, let alone exercised with the intention of getting stronger, instead of smaller. My first couple months were really rough, I was sore in places I didn’t know I could be sore in and I really struggled learning the correct form for all the lifts. I wouldn’t have persevered through these uncomfortable months if it weren’t for the wonderful community the gym fosters and Head Coach, Alex Ptacek’s, sincere kindness, genuine encouragement, and non-judgmental coaching style. While I wasn’t excited to awkwardly learn the mechanics of powerlifting week by week, I was excited to see friends, get stronger, and heal my relationship with food. Every session felt challenging but manageable and I came back each week with a renewed sense of confidence. Starting Strength has become such a staple in my life, I look forward to every session and I miss it whenever I’m out of town. As I begin to wrap up my six years in Chicago, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on how I’ve changed and grown. Starting Strength has taught me that I can do hard things, especially things that don’t come naturally to me. It has also taught me that progress takes time; it’s only now upon reflection that I’m truly taking in how much better I feel, physically and mentally. Thank you Starting Strength Chicago for changing my life!!!! Tessine xo