CrossFit Construct

I signed up because I bought a Gilt City deal. I should note, I did not originally sign up for the CrossFit classes. I had actually signed up for a body composition/​weightlifting class in the upstairs part of the gym (Chicago Strength) that appeared a little less intimidating to me. I should also note that while I’ve ran plenty of races and have done lots of cardio in gyms, I had NEVER lifted a barbell in my life before walking into class this past November.
I was nervous for the new challenge, especially because it was in a CrossFit gym. At the time, I considered CrossFit to be intimidating/​intense based on things I had heard but I figured that if I could get my butt to this class instead, I would be fine and I would learn how to lift weights. The class was three days a week and it fit my schedule. I had never been so sore in my whole life — and I was just lifting the bar (no weights!). Coach Derek wanted to ensure I got my form down before we did anything else, which I appreciated. He made it clear that there was plenty of time to add weight down the road and it’s not safe if you’re doing it incorrectly.
That was November 2014. Fast forward to the end of May 2015. I have since made the move down to the CrossFit classes. I agree with all of the other reviews — it’s really a great atmosphere and I was pleasantly surprised. People were very welcoming and some even introduced themselves when they saw me as a new face. The coaches made modifications with me and they did so in a way that didn’t single me out. The seasoned folks shared info with me about when they were new. Even some of the people I considered bad asses said they were modified in the beginning. I was like, well I’ll be damned! It really made me feel at ease. I’m not an intense person when it comes to working out and I had imagined 60 nonstop minutes of high intensity grunting, yelling, and competing and it’s not that at all! You are in a group setting but you really are working for yourself and to be your own personal best. Others are around but they are focused on their own performance and people encourage each other through the tough spots.
Coach Derek, Mayra, Kelsey, Louis, and Nick make an awesome team. Each one is supportive and they focus on safety and performance. It’s the opposite of what I thought of a CF gym to be. I cannot speak for any of the other locations or «boxes» but I know this one is motivating, approachable, and every once in awhile I’d even call it fun ;)
I see a one star review but it I didn’t make any sense for this place. Originally I signed a quick questionnaire and a waiver which I considered standard. After my Gilt City deal ended, I put my membership on a month to month with my debit card and that was it (and it was definitely not $ 195). I asked what I needed to do if I ever wanted to cancel (after having a bad experience with World Gym I wanted to make sure I knew) and Derek said, «just let me know and we’ll get it taken care of» and he reiterated that it was month to month. I didn’t have to sign my life away and I really appreciated that.
Overall, I’m very glad I made the decision to join. I don’t know that I would have just joined a CrossFit on my own because of all the hype but I’m really glad I found Construct. I still consider myself new and I’m okay with that. I have lost 18lbs and lost a lot of inches because of the increased muscle gain. I’m excited to continue on this journey and look forward to how much I can improve in the upcoming months in terms of fitness, strength, and overall health.
If you’d like to be part a community that encourages you to do your best, whether you are brand new to fitness or an advanced athlete, I highly recommend checking out a class. Let your experience speak for itself.

I decided to drop-​in this box and instantly felt welcomed by the coaches and the Crossfit community here. Everyone was so friendly, knowledgeable and supportive, especially Coach Nick. Coach Derrick and Mayra were awesome too!
The class was very well structured with excellent coaching. I’ve been a member at my box for nearly two years, but after visiting Crossfit Construct, I may have found a new Crossfit home.

Derek is a great trainer and very nice person. Excellent facilities with top notch gear.

First off… Crossfit as a workout/​experience is awesome! It has def whipped me into shape. I highly recommend trying Crossfit… just not at this GYM.
As far as the gym goes… its pretty spacious, clean (as it can get)…
$ 195 — For a monthly membership is EXTREMELY pricey for what you get. There is an upcharge for Yoga, not sure why… (Other gyms offer that plus more for roughly $ 130)
One of the biggest drawbacks is their class times… Because the enrollment is so low they have very limited classes in a given day. You really have to work around their schedule…
They do extremely bad business when it comes to parting ways from this gym. They have a 30 day notice of cancelation in which they spend in your ear trying to get you to stay. Once you let them know you will be moving on, they no longer treat you as normal monthly paying customer.
Unfortunately, none of the 5 star ratings from people underneath me matter because not one of them still goes there… They should give updated reviews.

Crossfit is a trendy thing, from like a few years ago. It’s basically phys ed from high school maxed out. You run, jump, squat, do pull ups, etc. With crossfit you also lift weights and do something called burpees. (A burpee is sort of like if a jumping jack and a push up had a baby.)
But this isn’t about crossfit. This is about Crossfit Construct.
The thing about Crossfit Construct is that they’re serious. Yes, they smile and laugh, and make you feel welcome. And they will totally crank up the music in the middle of a tough set. They even have bbqs on the weekends.
(Yes, crossfit can be a little cultish. It’s more like a lifestyle than it is a workout. But I digress. Again, this isn’t about crossfit.)
Crossfit Construct is serious about getting it right. The right form, the right rhythm, the right speed, etc. They don’t want you to hurt yourself. They want you to help yourself. That is, they want you to be your best self. Not sure if that’s their actual mission statement, but that’s what it feels like.
The instructors/​coaches are great. No, seriously. They actually know about your skeleton. They know about your joints and muscles. They understand nutrition. Also, they’re truly nice and helpful. Very personable.
It’s a big clean space. The equipment is modern. There are no mirrors. The classes aren’t too big. You absolutely get personal attention. The people, the ones you work out with, are nice. And I’m NOT a people person. They are actually kind, and will cheer you on. I know — but it’s true. It’s the vibe of the place and the lack of pretension; which I think comes from Derek — the owner, and his coaches.
Bottom line; although Crossfit is a relatively new thing, CC is old school cool. Dig!

Best investment I’ve made by far this year!
I came into Crossfit Construct hoping to scratch an itch that I so desperately needed. Since joining the gym I have scratch that itch and then some! I have never been this fit in my life and have never eaten as good as I am now! Thanks to great knowledgeable coaches who encourage and treat you with care and respect and to box members who motivate and cheer on each other! NO EGOS!
The gym itself is a great space with no mirrors, plenty of racks, pull up bars, kettelbells and strongman items like atlas stones, farmers caries etc.

I came to CrossFit Construct looking for a way to improve my overall fitness. I had a background in competitive sports, but after rounding the 30-​year-​old hurdle, I’d noticed it was becoming harder to maintain my fitness and injuries were happening more often.
As a smaller female, I felt immediately welcome at Construct. The intimidating/​degrading aspect of weight rooms at other gyms doesn’t exist. Members are there to get a great work out, not to «be seen».
I had never done Olympic-​type lifting prior to CrossFit, but the trainers at Construct are very patient and extremely knowledgeable. Safety and proper form are a top priority. They also helped me with nutrition and are willing to find answers any questions I have.
I’ve tried a few other CrossFit gyms in Chicago and found them to be a little cliquey/​pretentious. Construct offers a down-​to-​earth atmosphere. Members come in all shapes, sizes, and abilities. Some people are elite athletes while others are just taking the first steps toward a healthier life. I like the flexibility to feel as competitive or non-​competitive as I want in each session.
I love the intensity of the workouts! I get more out of three, one-​hour workouts per week than I was doing distance running and lifting on my own. I’m the strongest I’ve ever been!

Crossfit Construct has changed the way I look at fitness. Construct is all about making people feel welcomed. Construct is about being efficient as an athlete. Construct is about making you feel like you can accomplish anything.
The gym has a «home» type of atmosphere. It’s one of those places «where everybody knows your name». No egos, no weird cliques that you often find at gyms, and no attitudes. People cheer each other on and offer a hand whenever needed. From the moment I walked into the gym, I felt as though I was exactly where I knew I should be to grow as an athlete. This community is one of the best I have ever experienced.
The coaches are all fantastic and helpful. The workout area is set up in a way that is efficient for WODS. All equipment is in good shape and loads of it, so no matter the size of the class, they are equipt. As far as programming, they do run a couple of different classes: endurance, strength, and regular METCON and skill classes. I have been able to participate in the strength and regular classes and have been extremely happy.
If you’re new to crossfit, this gym would be the 1^st one to try out. You’ll feel welcomed as you walk inside the door and leave exhausted, but ready to come back the next day. You won’t be disappointed.

This review is for Crossfit Construct specifically, not Crossfit as a workout (that’s a whole other story).
This is a phenomenal place to work out. I’m not sure that if I had started out at another box, I would have kept at it for this long.
— Space: clean, big, bright, high ceilings, tons of equipment (and they’re constantly getting new stuff), all in great condition. Lots of parking.
— Hours: pretty good, I’ve never had a problem finding times to come. New times are always being added.
— Coaching: the best! The coaches are great at what they do. Also the class sizes are small enough that you get lots of personal attention. The coaches know everyone very well — enough to know what motivates you and what doesn’t, when you need to drop some weight and when you need to add some on, when you can keep pushing and when you’re cashed.
— Price: relatively cheap!
— Programming: well thought out, good mix
— People: the best. Experienced, middle-​of-​the-​road, and new crossfitters welcome.

I have been to five different crossfit gyms around the country and I can sincerely say that CrossFit Construct is by far the best. The workout area is huge, the equipment is very nice, the coaches are awesome, and the people are second to none. Try it out, you will not be disappointed. Also, you should know that This box lacks the bullshit that many other CrossFit gyms ooze. Cool people, no weird «athlete» egos.

WOW — The workouts here are outstanding! I have never been in better shape in my entire life. Coach Derek is a great coach. This is really only for people who really want to change the way the look and feel.

Excellent folks here! Look for this to change to CrossFit Construct soon.