Coöp Gym

I have been a member for almost two years now and I would absolutely recommend this place to anyone that I know. I work out 3 – 4 times a week and I kept a good balance between weights/​strength training and cardio workouts. I love their spinning classes.
Their coaches/​trainers are very professional and sincerely care about their gym members. Most importantly, their workout routines and classes are very effective and I can see and feel the difference in me.

This is the best gym I’ve ever encountered. It might be a little on the pricy side, but it pays off in the quality of classes and workouts you get back. Their trainers are incredibly helpful, friendly, and knowledgable. Mike, the owner, is in often and even leads impromptu classes now and then. Classes are never overbearing, overbooked, and sometimes really feel like a team effort. This gym really does feel like a community sometimes!

I joined Coop gym in July. The owner, Mike and his trainers (Joe, Matt, Nick and Tommy) are top notch. Mike’s passion for the fitness industry is evident in his commitment and dedication to the gym and its clientele. The programs are designed for strength, endurance and conditioning and they deliver results!
The small intimate setting allows clients to get to know the staff. I love the way they all know your name and greet you when you walk in the door.
Over the years I have belonged to several gyms and hired personal trainers to enhance and supplement my workouts. Coop gym and the excellent trainers mentioned above is by far the best fitness center I have belonged to since I began working out in 2000.
Unfortunately, I am relocating to a new city so my time at Coop Gym is coming to an end. They have set the bar high! I really hope I can find a comparable gym in my new city.

I joined Coöp 4.5 months ago and have lost almost 30lbs. It has been years since I have been this happy with my body and I’ve NEVER been this strong.
Joining a gym is a very personal thing. Clearly there isn’t one gym model or format that will work for everyone. For me, Coöp simply works. Period. I’ve never stuck with a gym or workout program — consistently — for this long and I have no plans of stopping now.
My favorite feature is the structured class format, where the trainers can give you the attention you need without having to pay for 1-​on-​1 training. I love the semi-​private classes, which are strength training focused. There are also conditioning classes and spin classes.
Finally, I have to mention the amazing trainers. Without them, I’d be totally lost at the gym. The trainers remember your current strengths/​weaknesses/​abilities. And they get excited with you when you lift a new weight or conquer a move you’ve been struggling with.
I can’t recommend Coöp enough. I’m looking forward to losing a few more pounds and getting even stronger!

This is my first review, but I felt compelled to let other Unilocalers know about my experience with this gym.
After spending close to 2 years at Coop (and over $ 5000), I feel there is definitely a need for me to share my thoughts on this gym and the owners. When I initially joined the gym back 2013 there was a sense of genuineness in the team running it (the owner did not interact with the clients very much). The trainers were all kind, motivating people, the classes were so much fun, and the other members were super friendly.
However, over time, the owner has taken a greater role in both the operations and training the classes due to a number of trainers leaving for other opportunities, and unfortunately there are no words to really explain how badly this place has gone down the drain because of this.
Everything has completely changed, and most definitely not in a good way.
Coop positions itself as a «community» … well that’s complete BS. Its more like a money hunger gym that will nickle and dime you for everything little thing (not very communal).
What prompted me to write this review was, after I gave my month notice and clearly communicated when my last day would be, the owner tried to charge me for the next month. However, rather than discuss the issue, the owner simply charged my card, then wrote me an email saying I owed for the month, without even trying to explain or discuss with me (again, not very communal)
Clearly there is a reason that 4 employees all quit within one week (even though the owner tells his current members that it was his decision to ‘clean the deck’ for a fresh team). This place is shedding members and staff, and clearly this is related to to the owner personality and practices.
There are plenty of gyms in the West Loop that are better options — not only will you get your money’s worth but you will also get treated with the respect you deserve. Do yourself a favor and stay away from Coop.

Love the staff and the overall community of this gym. Great workouts that are challenging and after two months I can start seeing the results. The trainers are excellent and provide great feedback on proper technique and want you to succeed in your goals. I have been a member of many other gyms in the past and have never really felt the level of success I do after a workout at Coop. I always fell into similar routines with lifting and never ventured outside my comfort zone (i.e., standard lifting, using machines) The trainers make it very easy to expand your workout routines and level of comfort with different ways to use equipment (for non-​fitness gurus like myself). Semi, Ride and Group are all great and I cannot say enough how great this gym and the approach has been for me getting back into shape.

After I posted my original review, I received 3 responses from the business. The owner personally called me apologized and we had a nice chat. He invited me in to meet him personally and we went over my goals etc. and he gave me a very thorough tour and how things work since this isn’t your conventional gym.
I was really impressed how he followed up and made sure that the original experience I had wasn’t the way they do things. Some businesses really don’t give a s**t, have huge egos, or they don’t like confrontation. So I applaud the owner and I did sign up.
I’ll let you know how it goes!

I’ve had my share of joining gyms and then dropping out… sometimes its something specific, but others it’s a number of little things that just gets on your nerves and then one day you just stop going… THIS IS NOT the case, there is a combination of things here, the people, the space, the routines, communication, engagement, attention… it just works! I’ve had my issues with them, but we sorted them out, like adults! So if you’re looking for a place, a team that can you help you stay in shape and grow on you like a second family, join these guys.

I was referred to check out Coop by a friend. I’m currently taking advantage of their 30 day trial, and its fantastic! If you are looking for an incredibly supportive and judgement free community to be apart of while getting in better shape, I highly recommend checking this gym out!

Since joining the gym in May 2014, I have seen great results by losing 15+ pounds and getting better muscle definition. The gym offers different types of memberships that coordinate with their class options. As a semi-​private member, you can attend semi-​private classes, group classes, yoga, and ride. I have tried almost all of the classes and haven’t been disappointed. The variety and set up is great for a person looking to go to the gym 4 or more times a week.
All of the trainers and owner know your name and are very pleasant and motivating. They coach you throughout the classes and correct your form so that you are getting the most from your workouts! I have never had an un-​friendly experience with any of the coaches.
Any problem that has occurred was always handled promptly and professionally. Over the summer, they changed their billing company and when I noticed I was mistakenly double charged, it was corrected immediately.
I have belonged to a few different gyms and this is the first one that I have been consistent with and have seen great results!

Would be a great gym but the owner is ruining it by cutting classes and staff. Staff/​trainers that are left there are caring, knowledgeable, and great. You will see the best results by doing the semi classes but good luck getting them now that the owner reduced available classes and trains them himself

Not only have I lost 25 lbs since I started working out at Coop two years ago, I am in the best shape of my life in my 30’s. Often, I work with my Dad at Coop. How amazing is that? My Dad and I have worked out at the same gym before, but it was different. Now we are part of a team together, he is not on one side of the gym lifting weights while I am on a treadmill. We are doing the same workout, getting stronger together as our relationship gets stronger. It can’t get better than that.

I was never a member of a gym before. Sure, I paid for memberships and would go for a few weeks but didn’t know what I was doing so I would quickly become unmotivated and stop going. Needless to say I never saw any results.
Coop’s training programs and knowledgeable staff take all the guess work out how to work out and actually get results. When I first joined Coop I was doing their group work outs and noticed I was getting personnel best race times. About a year later I joined their semi-​private work outs three days a week. The semi-​private classes alternate through strength, hypertrophy and power so all I had to do was show up for the classes. I began to see noticeable body changes. This excited me and kept me motivated to keep going.
Mike (the owner) assigns a trainer to each member to give you an initial assessment and check in with on your goals (no extra charge). We began to work on my goal which was to get down to 15% body fat. I can honestly say that Joe, my assigned trainer, kept me motivated and was as excited as I was to reach those goals.
I got there, and at the age of 36 I am in the best shape of my life. I did not play college ball, I have never had a 6 pack, I am just a normal guy with a desire to finally get healthy and not be embarrassed to take my shirt off at the beach. It feels great to look good in clothes, purchase a slim fit, and finally feel healthy and strong. Mike and his team will get you there if you are willing to walk through the door and put in the effort. They make this available in a positive, non-​competitive, friendly atmosphere!
Coop offers small group classes with all the benefits of a having a personal trainer without the cost. I would recommend this gym to anyone who is interested in finally getting results or someone who has always been a member of gym but just wasn’t sure what to do when they were there… like I was. These guys are very easy to talk to and super helpful. Overall, best gym in Chicago… I wouldn’t go anywhere else.

In the beginning, Mike created The Coop.
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And he said, «Let there be hypertrophy, and strength, and power. Let there be group conditioning. Let there be the All-​Gym. Let there be community.» And it was so.
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Then Meredith said, «Let us have members for life, created in their own image, in their own likeness, so that they may rule over their health and fitness goals, however they might define them.» And it was so.
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Then Tom said, «And let us kick their asses with a 5-​minute burpee finisher every now and again.» And it was bloody so.
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And so members flocked from far and wide to squat, to pull, to press, to squat-​and-​pull, to squat-​and-​press. To laugh, to support, to bond. To … ROTATE! To meet the MEPS challenge. To sprint, to sweat, to swing, to sweat some more, to flip, to slam, to jump, to finish with those bloody burpees, to foam roll. Large Peanut Butter Champion!
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And Ryan, Joe, Alysha, and Paige watched over them and said to them, «Get warm! Neutral spine! Squeeze your glutes! Core tight! A few more reps! And … TIME!»
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And all saw that it was good. Damn good.

The only gym worth going to! Every session promises a new workout led by trainers who know their stuff and who help without being arrogant or intrusive. Everyone knows you by name and by fitness level so no matter where you stand right now, they’ll progressively help you reach your goals. Modern, extremely clean facilities to boot.
I’ve been a member since ¹¹⁄₂₀₁₂; I’ll never even consider another gym after working out with the team here. The best trainers and staff anywhere and the most effective workouts, bar none.

Very awkward pauses when communicating with a manager. He was rude, arrogant and cocky. The only reason I gave this gym 3 stars was because their business model is very smart. Otherwise management (including the blonde that’s too hot for tv) seems dickish. Not something I want in a community (coop) gym.

The location is nice and convenient, and the owner is super nice. I did a 1 month trial here and was so turned off by one of their trainers on my 2^nd visit that I never returned. He was so cocky and arrogant. I’ve been in the fitness business for over 11 years myself, but I like to try out new places, and enjoy working out away from work sometimes, so since I was living around the corner at the time, I decided to try it.
Not only was he telling our small group how happy he was that the following day was his day off (like we care, shut up! how unprofessional), but he didn’t give clear instructions to what he wanted on one of the exercises, and then tried lecturing me for going back to complete the other side after we realized what he was looking for. I wish I remembered his name, all I remember is that he was blond. I want to say Ryan, but anyway I hope for the current members that he is no longer there as I’m sure the establishment will find success with better trainers.

I was an active member of xsport before I joined go performance. You know the usual, treadmill and maybe some weights that I knew how to do. If that.
I had heard that go performance was a gym that had basically your own personal trainer right there with you the whole time. Which is what I needed. So I joined. I’ve been a member since may of 2012 and my results and strength are incredible! Everyone here is professional and knowledgeable. Any questions or concerns and they have an answer.
This gym is not your typical gym. This is a motivational gym. You’ll end up with results that you’ll never get from another gym.

I was looking for a gym close to home and my neighbor raved about GoPerformance. I’ve always been a runner and physically active; however, I’ve never found a gym that I LOVED and that helped me take my training to another level. GO has helped me push myself to do things I didn’t think I was capable of. It’s simply an incredible gym with an incredible program. The trainers are kick butt! They’re educated, knowledgeable and awesome at what they do. PLUS, they’re great at giving high fives!
I took the requisite fundamentals class on a Saturday morning and was immediately hooked (even though the post-​workout soreness was pretty unbearable). In fact, I signed up immediately following the class. My coach (who I later found out was, Tom, the Director of Training and amazing at what he does) went through the basics of the equipment and led us through a series of functional exercises commonly done at GO. We used everything from our own body weight to kettle bells to sledge hammers to tires to boxes to dumbbells to JC Bands (and the list goes on). Although the exercises were tough, I had a blast doing them and pushing myself. Eleven months later, I’m in the best shape of my life, I’m 22 pounds lighter, I shaved over an hour off of my marathon time and I’m still loving every minute in the gym. I am grateful for GO.
As amazing as I feel physically, the best part of GO is the relationships that are built. The environment fosters the development of friendships, teamwork and camaraderie. The level of fitness among the members varies widely; however, everybody pushes and supports everyone else. I have made lifelong friends there.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about GoPerformance. The owner, Mike (who I now know well because GO is one big family), has created an environment that brings out the best in everyone. GO changes your life physically and mentally. I am lucky to be a member. You have to check it out!

Writing this review makes me so sad because it means my days going to GoPerformance are numbered. I’m moving to Colorado and I’m going to miss this gym so damn much. I’ve been going to GoPerformance for almost a year now and have enjoyed every single minute of it. In fact, for the past month or so, I’ve teared up three times walking home from the gym.
The best thing about GoPerformance is the staff. Everyone there is so nice, so fun, and really good at training. They really provide an environment that makes you work out hard, but not hate it. I really will miss all the trainers so much.
This is probably the only gym that I’ve been a member at where I made friends and got to know other members. The classes and the fact that all the trainers know your name promotes everyone to be more social and cordial with each other. It is the best environment to work out in.
GoPerformance is for everyone. For those who are already in shape and need a gym with all the equipment one needs or trainers to «elevate» your work out, GoPerformance has it. If you are just starting to work out and have no idea where to start, GoPerformance is also for you! And for the rest of us in the middle of the pack, GoPerformance has everything you need for an efficient, hard, real workout.
Mike, Tom, Sean, Joe, Meredith, Nam, and Doody — I will miss you all!

I have been a member of GoPerformance for a over a year now and I could not be happier with my decision to join this gym. I love the workouts — I am never bored which keeps me coming in to workout consistently. I never would have thought that strength training would have such an impact, but in the last year I’ve lost ~13% body fat without doing anything different (trust me when I say that I eat a lot) other than getting into the gym for the semi-​private training sessions 3 days a week (I’ve finally got myself going to group in the last few months, but most of the 13% was when I was focusing on the semi’s). I am such a believer in your gym concept — it definitely works!
Thanks for opening a gym across the street from my condo — my life has been changed for the better because of it!

In response to your response: Advise members to ‘properly’ use equipment? I was doing BOX JUMPS. With a large box and a smaller box on top of it. I’ve done this countless times in many facilities. No one has a problem with it, because there is no problem with it. Its challenging, yes. but dangerous, no. I signed a waiver. If I pull a muscle doing kettlebell swings, it happens. Box jumps are no different.
Furthermore, no one has tried to contact me

This gym is AWESOME!!! It is basically a clean and sweat-​stench free beautiful space, managed by some easy-​going and helpful trainers.
Did I mention yet this place rules? Well, it does. There is a collection of work out equipment that covers every muscle in the human body to make it tired and sore. And not just that, there is a full collection of weights and bench dealie things that will make your muscles cry. (Well, the muscles will only cry if you’re a total meathead like me. Ahem) There is a gigantic tire that you can pick up if you’re an elephant, and slam giant sledge hammers into if you’re a gorilla. There is also a long thick rope so you can run like a football player, and a full locker room space where you can shower and do your hair up like a princess. None of the members here smash protein cans on their chest nor anyone only goes here to stare at others working out.
Go Performance also offers group conditioning classes for some direct work via excellent trainers. Right now the hours it is open is pretty well covered, but soon it will be open 24 hours. How sweet!
Awesome gyms make YOU awesome. And I was just kidding about being a meathead, rather I just want to be comfortable and healthy like a total queen, including on the inside.