In a city as vibrant as Chicago, making everyday decisions — where to order dinner, get a haircut, push your kids on the swings — can feel downright dizzying. Enter our (eighth annual!) Best Of awards: You shared your favorite spaces and places, we tallied the votes, and together we’ll celebrate all that makes our beloved communities shine.
Here are the Best of 2018: Fitness & Recreation winners:
Best CrossFit (City)
Windy City Strength & Conditioning
4043 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, 773-536-9223
Dedicated to helping clients achieve the highest quality of fitness (and quality of life), Windy City Strength is the home of Windy City CrossFit — the first CrossFit facility in Chicago.
Best CrossFit (Suburbs)
CrossFit e-town
2125 Ashland Ave., Evanston, 847-859-2148
A family-owned business, CrossFit e-town fosters a community of people who “sweat and suffer together” with the goal of realizing their strongest, best selves.
Best Equipment/Athletic-Wear Store
lululemon
Various
With their unique sweat-wicking fabric and sleek design, lululemon apparel is ace for all kinds of exercise.
Best Fitness Classes
Salt Fitness
1714 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, 773-904-8913; 410 Green Bay Road, Kenilworth, 847-920-5260; 984 Willow Road, Northbrook, 847-714-9910
Offering three different classes — barre, cycling, and foundational interval training (FIT) — SALT helps its members achieve their fitness goals.
Best Fitness Club | Best Pilates Studio (Suburbs) | Best Yoga Studio (Suburbs)
FUEL: Mind to Body
1926 Waukegan Road, Suite 1, Glenview, 847-998-6030
This winner offers a huge selection of classes taught by highly qualified instructors. From weight loss to stress management, FUEL: Mind to Body has your needs covered.
Best Gym
Redefined Fitness
1211 Washington Ave., Wilmette, 847-256-8606
Dedicated to helping clients reach their full potential, Redefined Fitness wins for its training, workouts, and positive culture.
Best Indoor Pool | Best Racquet Sports Club
North Suburban YMCA
2705 Techny Road, Northbrook, 847-272-7250
This spacious indoor aquatic facility is (and has been) a favorite of our readers. North Suburban YMCA also offers numerous sports programs.
Best Outdoor Pool (City)
Midtown Chicago
2444 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, 773-235-2300
Our readers voted for Midtown Athletic Club’s Chicago location for the best outdoor pool in the city.
Best Outdoor Pool (Suburbs)
Midtown Bannockburn
2211 Waukegan Road, Bannockburn, 847-945-1818
Enjoy the warmer weather in this gorgeous outdoor pool that has lanes in it for lap swimming.
Best Personal Trainer (Tie)
Eric Smoot Hemphill, Redefined Fitness
1211 Washington Ave., Wilmette, 847-256-8606
Gregg Piper, V3 Fit Club
1660 Old Skokie Road, Highland Park, 224-707-0068
Eric Smoot Hemphill and Gregg Piper both won for excellent service and dedication to their clients.
Best Pilates Studio (City)
Pilates + Coffee
2144 W. Roscoe St., Chicago, 630-749-5729
Located in the heart of Roscoe Village, this studio is a cozy neighborhood spot that helps everyone achieve his or her practice goals.
Best Skating Rink (City)
Gallagher Way
3635 N. Clark St., Chicago, 773-388-8260
Perfect for ringing in holiday cheer, Gallagher Way has a beautiful ice rink that is open to all ages and skill levels.
Best Skating Rink (Suburbs) (Tie)
Northbrook Sports Center
1730 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, 847-291-2993
Winnetka Ice Arena
490 Hibbard Road, Winnetka, 847-501-2060
In a tie for the favorite, both Northbrook and Winnetka have won the vote for best skating rinks. Bonus: they’re open year-round.
Best Spin Studio (City)
SoulCycle
1225 N. Wells St., Chicago, 312-951-7685; 3423 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, 773-281-7685; 111 W. Wacker, Chicago, 312-337-7685
Our readers voted SoulCycle the best place to go for a rewarding spin session.
Best Spin Studio (Suburbs)
Studio Spin
193 Northfield Road, Northfield, 888-CYCLE-55
A repeat winner, Studio SPIN offers spin classes and other fusion classes, like Spin & Yoga or Spin & Boxing.
Best Yoga Studio (City)
Om on the Range
1751 W. Grace St., Chicago, 773-525-9642
A cozy neighborhood spot, Om on the Range is a top-notch yoga studio that offer several different classes.
Best Youth Sports Training
iProSkills Academy
Various, 773-799-0535
Focused on specialized and individualized European training methods, iProSkills Academy will take athletes’ abilities to the next level.
