FFC Oak Park

Address:	1114 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301, USA
Phone:	+1 708-383-1114
Site:	ffc.com
Rating:	3.6
Working:	7AM–7PM Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours 12AM–9:30PM 6AM–8PM 7AM–8PM

Location

Photos 25

Reviews 5

Scott DeSalvo

Very expensive club. The physical facilities are very nice. The ONLY reason I belong is that its close. If there were another even semi-comparable place nearby, Id leave this place. I had my locker broken into. I had about $200 in cash stolen. It took me a week of trying to track someone responsible down. Every time I went there, it was "well, hes not here right now..." Finally, I met with the creepy looking manager. There is something subtly "wrong" about this guy.. "Well, thats really too bad, but theres nothing we can do for you. Theres no proof." This, despite I show him my police report, and he CONFIRMS the lockers lock was physically broken into. Not a free massage, not a free month, not a refund, not even much sympathy. Nothing but a "I dont really care" non-apology. The personal trainers park themselves and their clients on equipment and get very little done. True story: I get to the club and a white male trainer and white male client are using the power rack/squat rack. I do not interrupt. I wait more than 10 minutes. In those 10 minutes, I kid you not, the client does 2 sets of an exercise which does not require the equipment. They walk away from the equipment for probably 3 or 4 minutes, nowhere to be seen. Without breaking down their barbell, I set up a barbell for squats. After I do my first set, the trainer confronts me. Not asks a question: CONFRONTS. I am not doing into details, but I was nice about it, and he was a total jerk. The trainers think they own the place. The basketball court draws a bunch of young guys who mostly want to hang around, and creates a sort of strange dynamic in what purports to be an upscale club. I wonder how these young guys afford the initiation fee I had to pay, and the high monthly charges. Super crowded from maybe 4:30 til maybe 8 pm, so working "off hours" is your best bet. You get a free workout towel and that is about the only extra. But they put TOO MUCH bleach in the wash water. If you have sensitive skin, do not wipe your sweaty face with one, or youll get skin irritation. Its a pretty gym. They charge a lot. They should be more focused on making their customers happy.

Carla Nieto

I joined the gym in June. I have been hesitant to join for over a year due to the insane amount of money for the initiation fee - which I was told was used for maintenance etc. Thus far - only 4 months into the enrollment - I am not impressed with the atmosphere for the amount of money I paid for initiation as well as the monthly fee I pay for a family. Lets start with the amount of equipment that seems to be out of working order. Then there is the empty cooler in the cafe area that is just sitting there with absolutely nothing in it. It gives an appearance of a place going out of business. The entire gym looks a bit tired in its decor and the locker rooms are not as clean as one would expect. In addition to this - there are some rude staff members. Our first family day we were a bit late in leaving the facility. The kids were done and waiting with my husband in the cafe area - a staff member rudely told him that family day was over. It was only 10 minutes after 5. What I think is great about the gym - most staff members are helpful - there are folks that remember your name and help you out. The trainers are great. I just think that we should see some benefits from the amount of $$ we pay for initiation. In response to Ann S. that was complaining about family days and swim time and your vulgar description of children - we pay enough for kids to go to the gym - so get over it. Our family also had a membership at the Y when they were younger - we had it for many years so not afraid of "poor" as you describe. And I think if you knew who the members were at the Y then you would know that there are many people of different socioeconomic status that belong to the Y. Youre ridiculous! If you dont like kids - and you obviously knew that was part of the gym memberships at FFC (allowing kids on certain days) then you should have joined elsewhere! Dont let the door hit you in your dumb- arse!

Navin Emmadi

Strengths: Good location Appealing aesthetics Hip/Trendy Weakness: Hidden Fees ($120 in November 2013 to most members) High monthly dues Horrible customer service Low ethical standards Overall FFC Oak Park is the popular/hip gym in Oak Park and located in downtown Oak Park. That is where their strengths end. My contract stated that FFC has the right to charge any fee at any time after the initial period. With the initial period being one month. In September 2013 I received a notice stating that FFC is charging me an additional $120 in November 2013. This fee would be almost twice my monthly dues (requiring me to pay almost 3-months dues in November). I would be required to pay $185 for my individual monthly gym membership in November (with access to only Oak Parks location). This is a shock especially since I just joined FFC within the past year. I attempted to request why I was being assessed the November fee. I was told that it was like a condo association fee (I didnt really understand that explanation), was given a copy of my contract with a phrase stating that FFC could charge anything they wanted after the initial period of my contract. I asked to know when my initial period ends or ended and was told that I needed to consult an attorney. Needless to say I cancelled my membership immediately to avoid paying the fee.

Hannah Campbell

I have a lot to say about this gym. The good: The amenities here are excellent! Anything you can think of needing, they have. Rock climbing wall, pool, any and every type of cardio equipment, a huge variety of weight lifting equipment. On the other side, they have great towel service, friendly staff, nice showers with soap and shampoo provided, nice lockers with combinations so you dont need to bring a lock, etc. Parking is difficult in this area, but they validate parking for the parking garage immediately behind the gym and a back door allows you to easily slip from the parking garage to the gym. The trainers Ive worked with are very practical, kind, and not intimidating. They encourage health, not extremes. The cafe is very nice as well. They also have on-site childcare. The bad: The hours arent the greatest and the childcare hours are even worse. The childcare is also much more expensive than other gyms in the area. I often felt intimidated here by other gym-goers, unlike other gyms Ive used. The classes are way too crowded for me to enjoy them, though they do have good variety. Its pretty pricey, and its not very easy to cancel your membership! Overall, Id support a friend who wanted to sign up here, but I wouldnt recommend it outright!

Keith Fuller

Ive been trying to get into the habit of working out since middle school and I havent been able to develop a consistent and effective routine until these last two months (and Im 48 now) since I joined FFC Oak Park. Granted, I dont necessarily need *this* gym to stay in shape, but the convenience it provides has been a critical differentiator for me. And I finally had to admit I need help staying on track. The trainers, the staff, and the other members are also indispensable to my staying focused. I came in on Independence Day 2014 and the place was packed. Daily, I see old, young, fat, skinny, injured, disabled, all going at it. Yup, its pricey, and possibly near the upper end of what Im willing to pay. But I get the sense that theyre responsive to customers. They make mistakes, like everyone, but I trust that the high fees translate into a greater willingness of the owners and managers to adjust and improve whenever possible.