Evanston Athletic Club

- 1723 Benson Ave, Evanston, IL 60201

For residents across Illinois, particularly those in the North Shore and the greater Chicago area, finding a comprehensive and value-driven fitness facility is a top priority. The **Evanston Athletic Club (EAC)**, located in the heart of Evanston, stands as a well-established and multi-faceted destination, positioning itself as the best value option near the city’s downtown district. More than just a simple gym, EAC functions as a complete **Fitness Center** and **Yoga Studio**, offering a wide array of activities and amenities designed to support nearly any wellness goal, from intensive strength training to mindful movement.

The Evanston Athletic Club provides an expansive environment that consolidates multiple fitness needs under one roof. Members benefit from a traditional gym experience with weight and cardio rooms, alongside dedicated spaces for **Aerobics**, **Cycling**, and specialized training. Notably, the club provides unique amenities such as a **Swimming pool** and **Basketball court**, features that enhance the overall value proposition and diversify workout options. While some long-term members note that certain areas and equipment are starting to show their age, the consensus remains that for the amount of services and dedicated facilities offered, the EAC provides an unbeatable combination of amenities and services in its immediate vicinity. It remains a fixture in the local community, committed to providing a well-rounded fitness experience where **membership is required** to foster a dedicated community of local users.

The strategic location of the Evanston Athletic Club makes it highly convenient for local users in the Evanston and North Shore Illinois areas. Situated in the city’s vibrant downtown area, the club is easily accessible for those working, studying, or residing nearby.

The physical address is:

1723 Benson Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, USA

Being centrally located, the facility is a key hub for fitness enthusiasts who value proximity to downtown amenities. However, as noted by local customers, parking can be a factor to consider. While there are metered spaces and nearby city garages (which often offer a first hour free), the cost of paid parking is a point of concern for regular visitors. Despite this, the central location remains a significant advantage, especially for those who work downtown or rely on public transportation. Furthermore, the club is committed to accessibility for all local users, offering a fully **wheelchair accessible entrance**, a dedicated **wheelchair accessible parking lot**, and a **wheelchair accessible restroom**. This dedication ensures that the facilities are available to a broad spectrum of the Illinois community.

The Evanston Athletic Club prides itself on offering a diverse and rich selection of fitness services and programming beyond basic gym access. These services cater to various fitness levels and preferences.

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LI **Group Lessons / Classes:** A broad range of classes including **Aerobics**, high-energy **Cycling** sessions, **Yoga studio** classes, and **Group lessons** covering various formats like Dance, Strength, and Mind/Body practices. LI

LI **High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT):** Dedicated classes focusing on fast-paced, effective workouts to maximize calorie burn and improve cardiovascular health. LI

LI **Swimming Programs:** Access to a **Swimming pool** with several lanes for lap swimming, along with organized **Swimming** programs and lessons for adults and children. LI

LI **Personal Training:** Highly focused **Personal training** sessions and **Private lessons** with experienced trainers to develop customized workout plans and provide one-on-one guidance. LI

LI **Onsite Services:** Full access to the club’s facilities, including weight rooms, cardio areas, courts, and aquatic amenities. LI

LI **Online Classes:** Offering **Online classes** as a service option to ensure members can maintain their fitness routine even when they cannot make it to the physical location. LI

LI **Aquatic and Relaxation Features:** Offering access to a **Sauna** and Steam Room for post-workout recovery and relaxation. LI

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EAC's value proposition is significantly enhanced by its list of substantial on-site amenities, making it a truly comprehensive athletic club rather than a basic fitness center.

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LI **Aquatic Facilities:** A highlight of the club is its **Swimming pool** and dedicated wet areas, including a **Sauna** and Steam Room, perfect for varied workouts and recovery. LI

LI **Indoor Sports Court:** The presence of a full **Basketball court** allows members to enjoy team sports or individual practice, a feature highly valued by local sports enthusiasts. LI

LI **Child Care:** A major benefit for local families, **Child care** services are provided, making it easier for parents to dedicate time to their fitness routine without logistical worries. LI

LI **Digital Connectivity:** Complimentary **Wi-Fi** is provided throughout the facility, catering to members who may need to work or connect digitally before or after their workout. LI

LI **Convenient Payment Methods:** For ease of transactions, the club accepts **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**. LI

LI **Full Locker Room Experience:** The club includes comprehensive locker room amenities, including **Restrooms** and **Showers**, though some members note that these areas could benefit from modernization. LI

LI **Accessibility:** Full **Wheelchair accessible entrance**, **parking lot**, and **restroom** ensure the facility is open to all members of the Illinois community. LI

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To learn more about membership options, class schedules, or to address any inquiries, local Illinois users can reach out to the Evanston Athletic Club using the following information:

Address: 1723 Benson Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, USA

Phone: (847) 866-6190

Mobile Phone: +1 847-866-6190

As a membership is required for access, prospective members are encouraged to contact the club directly to discuss pricing, membership tiers (which may include month-to-month or annual options), and potential enrollment specials.

When evaluating fitness options in the North Shore area of Illinois, the Evanston Athletic Club offers a compelling choice for several key reasons. What is truly worth choosing at EAC is the **unrivaled value and variety** it provides for its downtown Evanston location. As numerous local members confirm, in an area with limited alternatives, EAC stands out as the **"best value"** gym, even considering the occasional maintenance issues.

The combination of amenities—specifically the **Basketball court**, **Swimming pool**, and **Sauna and steam room**—is rare for a downtown facility and dramatically increases the utility of a membership. For a diverse local population, from college students to families and working professionals, having access to these multi-purpose facilities is a major benefit. Parents especially appreciate the on-site **Child care** option, which removes a significant barrier to maintaining a consistent workout routine.

While some older equipment and limited weekend hours are acknowledged drawbacks, the club’s extensive programming, including high-demand classes like **HIIT** and **Yoga**, and the option for dedicated **Personal training**, ensures that every member can find a path to achieve their fitness goals. Ultimately, by choosing Evanston Athletic Club, local users are securing a membership that grants access to a wide spectrum of functional, aquatic, and group fitness services, all conveniently located in the heart of Evanston. The club offers the tools and variety needed to sustain a long-term, balanced approach to health and wellness.

Evanston Athletic Club

1723 Benson Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, USA