Quads Gym Introduce
Introduction / Overview: Quads Gym – Where Serious Illinois Lifters Train
In a fitness landscape increasingly dominated by high-end, amenity-heavy health clubs, Quads Gym in Chicago stands as a proud, enduring anomaly. Known affectionately by its dedicated members across Illinois as a legendary “old school gym,” Quads is a no-frills, heavy-duty facility where the focus is strictly on training and results. It is the antithesis of a crowded, commercial spa; here, the atmosphere is intense, the equipment selection is vast and specialized, and the culture is one of mutual respect and serious commitment.
Since opening its North Side location in 1988, Quads Gym has cemented its status as a haven for competitive bodybuilders, powerlifters, and anyone who simply prefers the feel of solid iron and functional equipment. Customer feedback consistently highlights the gym's unique environment: "It’s like walking in the old school bodybuilding era" and a place where you can find "nearly every piece of equipment you can imagine!" For Illinois residents who prioritize the quality and variety of their lifting equipment over extraneous luxury, Quads Gym offers an unmatched authentic lifting experience. The friendly staff, including the owner Sharon, are frequently called "a total sweetheart" and an integral part of the gym's positive, dedicated community.
Location and Accessibility
Quads Gym is conveniently located in Chicago's vibrant Lakeview East neighborhood, making it highly accessible for residents of the North Side and surrounding areas. Its placement on N Broadway, one of the city's major thoroughfares, ensures easy access by car, public transit, and on foot.
The studio's address is:
3727 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613, USA
The gym is situated between Grace Street and Waveland Avenue, providing connectivity to various public transportation options, including the CTA Red Line stop at Addison and multiple bus routes (8, 36, 151, 152). This central location is a major benefit for dedicated members who rely on public transit in the city.
Quads Gym prioritizes inclusivity and comfort for its members, providing crucial accessibility features, which is highly valuable in older, urban establishments:
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- General restroom facilities
The commitment to accessible facilities ensures that all motivated lifters in the Illinois community can pursue their fitness goals.
Services Offered
Quads Gym’s services are explicitly geared towards serious, results-oriented training in strength and conditioning:
- Weight Training: The core service, providing access to a massive and diverse collection of heavy-duty free weights and specialized machines.
- Personal Training: One-on-one sessions with professional trainers, many of whom have competitive powerlifting backgrounds, to provide expert guidance, form correction, and customized programming.
- Specialized Lifting Access: Dedicated areas and equipment for powerlifting, including a deadlift platform, logs, chains, and specialty bars.
- Day Passes: An excellent option for Illinois visitors, traveling athletes, or locals who want to try the gym before committing to a membership, with a low-cost daily access option.
- Cardio Equipment: While the focus is strength, the gym maintains a large selection of cardio machines, including less common items like Jacob's Ladder and Versa-Climber, to support well-rounded fitness.
Features / Highlights
The unique features of Quads Gym are what truly set it apart from typical Chicago fitness centers, making it a highly desirable destination for a specific type of fitness enthusiast:
- Unparalleled Equipment Collection: Boasting one of the most comprehensive and diverse selections of strength training equipment in Chicago, including multiple sets of dumbbells, specialized powerlifting gear, and hundreds of unique pieces from brands like Hammer Strength, Nebula, and Cybex.
- The "Old School" Vibe: A genuine, no-frills atmosphere that attracts serious lifters, bodybuilders, and powerlifters, fostering a deeply motivated and supportive culture focused entirely on performance.
- Size and Space for Lifting: The facility boasts an impressive 40,000 square feet across multiple levels, dedicated to strength and conditioning, ensuring a vast amount of equipment is available.
- Non-Contract Memberships: Offering a variety of non-contract membership options (daily, monthly, semi-annual, annual) provides flexibility, which is highly appreciated by customers.
- Home to Champions: The gym has a legendary history, having been the training home for world-renowned athletes, including Powerlifting World Record holder Ed Coan and numerous Mr. and Ms. Olympia competitors, adding an element of prestige and expert training knowledge to the floor.
- High-Quality Staff and Community: Customers consistently report a friendly, welcoming staff and a supportive community of members who are happy to offer advice or a spot, defying the often-intimidating appearance of a hardcore gym.
- Flexible Payment Options: Accepting Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments for convenience.
Contact Information
To secure a day pass, inquire about personal training, or start a membership at this iconic Chicago gym, please use the following contact details:
Address: 3727 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613, USA
Phone: (773) 404-7867
Mobile Phone: +1 773-404-7867
Typical Hours of Operation (General Reference): Monday–Friday: 5:30 am – 10:00 pm; Saturday: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm; Sunday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm. (Check with the gym for holiday or updated hours.)
What is Worth Choosing
For Illinois residents, especially those in the Chicagoland area, Quads Gym is unequivocally worth choosing if your primary fitness goal is serious strength, powerlifting, or bodybuilding.
If you find yourself constantly frustrated with crowded weight rooms, worn-out equipment, or the general lack of specialized gear at typical commercial chains, Quads is your answer. It offers an unparalleled selection of machines and free weights, curated over decades to serve the needs of dedicated lifters. The atmosphere, while intense, is highly focused and deeply welcoming to anyone with a genuine desire to "lift heavy" and see results. The expert staff and the presence of top-tier athletes add a layer of training quality you simply cannot find elsewhere. By choosing Quads Gym, you are not just buying a membership; you are investing in a proven environment designed to push your limits and immerse you in Chicago's rich legacy of iron and dedication.
Alternative Option
Quads Gym Gym
Gym
- Personal training
- Weight training
Quads Gym Details
Service options
- Online classes
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Amenities
- Restroom
Planning
- Membership required
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Quads Gym Photos










Quads Gym Location
Quads Gym
3727 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613, USA
Quads Gym Reviews
equipmentbodybuildingweightslocker roomcontractstrainfloorsfeescompetitivedesk
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Used the $20 day passes while in town for the weekend, staff was friendly and helped me get squared away with passes easily. If you’re like me and prefer an old school gym feel with good solid equipment I cannot recommend quads enough. Now go lift heavy
August 11 · Grant SimmonsAwesome gym! They have nearly every piece of equipment you can imagine! It’s like walking in the old school bodybuilding era. The owner Sharon is a total sweetheart! The people are awesome. If you’re in Chicago, you have to check this place out!
January 10 · John OttI was pretty stoked to check out Quads seeing that it had such high reviews and felt more serious than many of the other “cookie cutter” gyms. I’m no stranger to a gym and was hoping to look into personal training to help take my physique up a level. Unfortunately the guy at the front desk was so rude that it turned me off from this place. He was annoyed that I asked about a new membership so I guess the gym has all the members it needs.
September 03 · Michael RandazzoThe only thing good about this place is a variety of lift equipment. The rest is iffy: showers - no soap and no curtains, questionable cleanness of locker rooms, no towels provided, a/c does not work properly, equipment positioned too close at times... $13 for one day pass for the above ? But if you like vintage gyms, it's totally your place.
March 27 · Oleksiy DeverishchevThis place is legendary. A time capsule of body building and strength culture. 40k sq ft of machines from all generations. I spent a solid hour just walking around looking at the photos on the walls. The owner Dave was there both days we were there and was super helpful and accommodating. If you're into strength sports this is a must-visit.
October 26 · Greg McCoy
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