BLDG 440 Gym / NAVSTA Great Lakes MWR Fieldhouse

- Building 440, 410 Evans Ave, Great Lakes, IL 60088

For the military community and authorized patrons in the Illinois region, maintaining physical readiness and overall well-being is a priority, and the **BLDG 440 Gym / NAVSTA Great Lakes MWR Fieldhouse** serves as the primary hub for achieving these goals. Located on Naval Station Great Lakes, this facility is recognized as the largest Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) fitness and recreational center on the installation. It is a comprehensive fieldhouse designed to support the "Fitness for Life" objective for active-duty personnel, their families, and other eligible members of the Great Lakes community.

More than just a weight room, BLDG 440 is a major facility housing extensive exercise equipment, an indoor aquatic center, and multiple sport courts. It provides the necessary resources to support a variety of training goals, from strength and cardio conditioning to aquatic programming and competitive intramural sports. While the access is restricted to authorized MWR patrons (Active-Duty, Retirees, Dependents, and DoD employees), for those who are eligible in the Illinois area, this fieldhouse represents a valuable and robust option for health and fitness.

However, it is important to note that, as a military facility, the operational environment is uniquely structured. Feedback from some patrons indicates that the facility's enforcement of rules and policies—such as limitations on equipment usage, one-hour time limits, restrictions on bags inside the gymnasium area, and the required separation of outdoor and indoor footwear—can be strict and, at times, inconsistent or frustrating. These rules, while often intended for safety, cleanliness, and asset preservation in a high-traffic military setting, create a distinctive user experience. Patrons should be prepared to adhere to the base's specific regulations and be mindful of the communication of these rules by the staff.

The BLDG 440 Gym / NAVSTA Great Lakes MWR Fieldhouse is a fixed asset on the Naval Station Great Lakes installation, serving the needs of the military community in Northeast Illinois.

**Address:** Building 440, 410 Evans Ave, Great Lakes, IL 60088, USA

This location places the facility within the **Great Lakes Naval Station**, which is situated in Lake County, Illinois, near North Chicago. Access is restricted to authorized MWR patrons who can enter the Naval Station.

Accessibility is an important feature of the Fieldhouse, ensuring that all eligible members of the community can utilize its services.

• **Wheelchair Accessible Entrance:** The facility is designed to provide easy access for all patrons.
• **Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot:** Designated and accessible parking spots are available near the building.
• **Wheelchair Accessible Restroom:** Essential facilities are equipped to be fully accessible.

The Fieldhouse provides a wide range of services and programs focused on fitness, recreation, and overall readiness for its authorized users in Illinois.

• **Fitness Training and Instruction:**
  • **Personal Training:** Individualized instruction is available from certified MWR fitness professionals to help patrons meet specific health and performance goals.
  • **Weight Lifting and Cardio:** The facility is equipped with a large selection of over 100 pieces of cardiovascular and strength equipment, including selectorized machines, free weights, and cable machines for comprehensive **Weight Lifting** and general conditioning.
  • **Group Fitness Classes:** A variety of classes are typically offered throughout the year, supporting command physical training and general community wellness.
  • **Intramural Sports:** Intramural programs are available to Active-Duty and family members, promoting fitness through competitive team activities such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, and more.
• **Aquatics Programming:**
  • **Swimming Pool Access:** The Fieldhouse houses a 25-meter indoor pool for lap swimming, physical training, and special times set aside for open/family swimming.
  • **Swim Instruction:** Classes are available, including those preparing for the "Second Class Swim Qualification" and lifeguard certification courses.
• **Youth & Dependent Access:**
  • **Youth Classes & Access:** Programs are offered to assist Navy Youth in attaining healthy lifestyles. Youth ages 15 and older may use the Fitness Center unsupervised after completing a mandatory orientation with a parent. Younger youth (ages 10-14) may utilize cardio and strength areas with direct parent supervision.

The Fieldhouse at BLDG 440 is structured to be the primary fitness destination on the base, offering several standout amenities and logistical advantages for its eligible patrons in the Illinois area.

• **24/7 Facility Access:** As of recent MWR initiatives, the Fieldhouse is often open as a 24-Hour Fitness Facility for eligible customers who complete a mandatory pre-orientation course, providing maximum flexibility for those with unconventional work schedules.
• **Comprehensive Sport and Recreation Amenities:** The facility is well-equipped for various activities beyond standard gym workouts, featuring **Basketball court** space, courts for volleyball, and **Swimming pool** access, as well as an indoor running track.
• **Sauna Access:** A major offering for recovery and relaxation, **Sauna** access is available to patrons.
• **Extensive Equipment Selection:** With over 100 pieces of diverse strength and cardiovascular equipment, the facility is designed to minimize wait times (though this is sometimes challenged during peak hours, according to patron feedback) and support all levels of training.
• **Support for Military Readiness:** The MWR fitness staff is focused on promoting "Fitness for Life," supporting command physical training and offering specialized programs like the NOFFS (Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling System) educational courses.

For all administrative and informational inquiries, patrons should use the following contact details for the BLDG 440 Gym / NAVSTA Great Lakes MWR Fieldhouse.

Address: Building 440, 410 Evans Ave, Great Lakes, IL 60088, USA

Phone: (847) 688-3419

Mobile Phone: +1 847-688-3419

For authorized military and DoD community members located in Illinois, choosing the BLDG 440 Fieldhouse is primarily a matter of access, resources, and commitment to the military mission.

**The 24/7 access** is a critical component that makes this gym worth choosing, especially for those with military duty or work requirements that operate outside of standard business hours. Once registered, the ability to train at any time is an invaluable benefit for maintaining readiness.

Furthermore, the facility offers a **holistic range of services** not typically found in a single location—combining an indoor track, basketball court, extensive weight room, and a swimming pool with a sauna. This comprehensive offering means an individual or a family can address all their fitness and recreational needs in one secure, accessible location on base. While some patrons have expressed dissatisfaction with the rigid and frequently enforced rules (such as the strict footwear policy, limitations on music, and prohibition of backpacks in the gym area), it's important to view these requirements as part of the structure necessary for managing a high-volume, mission-essential government facility. The value is found in the **high-end, well-maintained resources** and the mission-focused environment designed specifically for the military community and their families in Illinois.

BLDG 440 Gym / NAVSTA Great Lakes MWR Fieldhouse

Building 440, 410 Evans Ave, Great Lakes, IL 60088, USA