Chicago Athletic Clubs COVID-19 Update

January 23rd, 2021 Chicago Athletic Clubs Update

First of all, we want to thank all of our members for trusting CAC as your gym of choice! We appreciate everyone for following the guidelines and the advanced measures we’ve put in place so that we can continue to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for our members and staff. 

Now onto some more good stuff...the City of Chicago has moved into Tier 1 mitigations. What does this mean? IN-PERSON GROUP FITNESS CLASSES ARE COMING BACK FEBRUARY 1st.  We are working quickly to confirm schedules at each location. As soon as we can, we will send out a link with all classes.

As we prepare for the return of classes here are some friendly reminders and new policies we've put in place to ensure members' safety and attendance in class.

GROUP FITNESS CLASSES  

• Under Tier 1 Mitigations, class capacity is 15 participants + the instructor.
• Members will need to reserve their spot in class through our app up to 24 hours prior.
• If a member is unable to make their reserved class time, please cancel at least 2 hours prior to class in the mobile app to allow another member to take the spot.  
• If a member fails to cancel 2 hours prior or no shows for their reservation they will incur a $10 no show fee.
• There is a limit of booking two (2) reservations in 24 hours.
• Members must check into class at the iPad at the front desk to mark attendance.
• Studios will continue to be available for member use when classes are not scheduled.
• Members are welcome to bring personal devices (phone, tablet, laptop, etc.)  in the studios to follow workout videos (like CAC Anywhere!) when an in-person class isn't scheduled. 
• Social distancing and studio occupancy limits will be observed.   

CAC ANYWHERE 

• CAC’s virtual platform, CAC ANYWHERE, will continue with its current schedule of classes. 
• Current CAC members will have free access to CAC Anywhere through March. If you are already set up with complimentary access to CAC Anywhere through February, we are working to update your account to extend that through March.
• If you haven't tried CAC Anywhere current CAC Members can get started with Coupon Code CACONLINE. 

CLUB CAPACITY 

• Club capacity will continue to be limited to 25% occupancy. We reassure you that we have not reached this capacity since reopening. 
• Continue to check-out when you leave the club. 
• We kindly ask you to keep your stay at no more than 90 mins. 
• Guests are welcome to make a convenient appointment with a Membership Advisor to experience the clubs.   

POOL RESERVATIONS  

• Pool reservations will continue as they have been, with lane reservations for lap swim available starting 24 hours in advance.  
• If a member is unable to make their reserved pool slot, please cancel at least 2 hours prior to the reservation start time in the mobile app to allow another member to take the spot.  
• If a member fails to cancel 2 hours prior or no shows for their reservation they will incur a $10 no show fee.

LOCKER ROOMS 

• Members are encouraged to keep their time in the locker rooms as minimal as possible and maintain a 6ft distance at all times. 
• Family locker rooms and showers will be available for one member at a time.    
• Steam rooms & Saunas are still closed at this time.

MASK POLICY 

• We will maintain our ongoing face mask policy for all staff and members, which will be strictly enforced.

We'll see you in class soon!

Stay Active,
Chicago Athletic Clubs

November 19th, 2020 Chicago Athletic Clubs Update

We are proud of everyone for following the guidelines and the advanced measures we’ve put in place so that we can continue to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for our members and staff. The city of Chicago recognizes our efforts and we received flying colors from our city inspections last week. Kudos to everyone!

While we, and the city, know that we are operating at a high standard of excellence, we still must do what is right and follow state guidelines. Per Governor Pritzker's implementation of Tier 3 mitigation efforts, Chicago Athletic Clubs is taking the following actions effective club opening (6 am) Friday, November 20th:

CLUB CAPACITY 

• Club capacity will be limited to 25% occupancy. We reassure you that we have not reached this capacity since reopening. Please see below how we will continue to maintain occupancy in the clubs.

CLUB RESERVATIONS 

• Our current check in process allows us to monitor our occupancy.  
• Your club check-in is your record of reservation. 
• Continue to check-out when you leave the club. 
• We kindly ask you to keep their stay at no more than 90 mins. 
• Guests are welcome to make a convenient appointment with a Membership Advisor to experience the clubs.   

GROUP FITNESS CLASSES  

• All Group Fitness classes will be paused temporarily.  
• Studios will be available for member use during club reservation time. 
• Members are welcome to bring personal devices providing workout videos to use in the studios.  
• Social distancing and studio occupancy limits will be observed.   

POOL RESERVATIONS  

• Pool reservations will continue as they have been, with lane reservations for lap swim available starting 24 hours in advance.  
• If a member is unable to make their reserved pool slot, we strongly urge them to cancel at least 2 hours prior to the reservation start time in the mobile app to allow another member to take the spot.  

LOCKER ROOMS 

• Locker rooms will remain open for necessary storage of personal items, restrooms, and showers for those using the pool.
• Members are encouraged to keep their time in the locker rooms as minimal as possible and maintain a 6ft distance at all times. 
• Family locker rooms and showers will be available for one member at a time.    

CAC ANYWHERE 

• CAC’s virtual platform, CAC ANYWHERE, is launching soon — as early as this weekend! With CAC ANYWHERE you will find LIVE virtually classes, OnDemand recorded classes and Personal Training programing. More details coming soon! 

MASK POLICY 

• We will maintain our ongoing face mask policy for all staff and members, which will be strictly enforced.

To ensure you are receiving all CAC updates, please carefully follow the directions on this page to update your email preferences and opt-in for all emails.

Stay Active,
Chicago Athletic Clubs

November 16th, 2020 Chicago Athletic Clubs Update

On Thursday, November 12, 2020 Mayor Lightfoot issued a Stay-at-Home Advisory for the City of Chicago effective Monday, November 16th. Chicago Athletic Clubs will remain open in accordance with city guidelines unless mandated to close. 

Under the Health and Fitness Center Guidelines, we continue to operate at 40% capacity and limit fitness classes to no more than 15 people. Face coverings must be worn at all times and social distancing of six feet must be maintained at all times. Additionally, three of CAC’s six city clubs have been inspected by three different city inspectors. All clubs have received glowing reviews and we have been told that the steps we are taking to minimize the risk of the spread of COVID in our facilities is not only being met, but exceeded.  

We also ask that you continue to do your part to keep our staff and fellow members safe as well. We cannot emphasize the importance of wearing your mask appropriately (nose and mouth covered at all times) throughout your entire visit to the clubs. Masks can be briefly removed to take a drink of water, when taking a shower, or swimming in the pool; please cover your face as quickly as possible after these activities are completed. Masks must be worn in the locker room and pool deck at all times, in addition to the weight and cardio rooms, group fitness studios, and lobbies.

Please visit our website for further details about our comprehensive safety protocols.

To ensure you continue to receive all CAC updates during this time, please visit our email opt-in page and carefully follow the directions listed on the page. 

October 2nd, 2020 Chicago Athletic Clubs Update

After receiving an OSHA certificate in safety compliance with the standards set by the CDC, OSHA, and IDPH, the wellness professionals at Chicago Athletic Clubs are happy to welcome members back into the following open Chicago-area gym locations:

• Lincoln Park Athletic Club
• Bucktown Athletic Club
• Evanston Athletic Club
• Lakeview Athletic Club
• West Loop Athletic Club
• Lincoln Square Athletic Club

Our Wicker Park Athletic Club will reopen on October 16th at 12 noon.

To keep our members and staff protected during reopenings, we have implemented thorough gym safety procedures. This includes 6-feet physical distancing, heightened sanitation and cleanliness, contactless check-in/check-out, face mask requirements, early class/pool registration on our new app, and more. You can view our full safety guidelines here. If you have any questions, you can read our safety/reopening FAQ page or contact your preferred Chicago Athletics Club location for more insight. 

If you are not ready to get back into the gym just yet, we have also expanded our CAC At Home offerings. Here, you can access free resources such as workout plans designed by our experts, fitness videos, Les Mills on demand (limited), and more. And soon you can also upgrade your at-home fitness experience with CAC ANYWHERE. Our LIVE fitness classes, and personal training, and Pilates programs will give you the full fitness experience on your own terms. Enjoy your favorite workout classes and instructors from ANYWHERE with our newest virtual fitness offering.  

The experts at Chicago Athletics Clubs also used this extra time outside of the gym to release a new and improved app, designed to upgrade your fitness experience inside and outside of our Chicago-area facilities. Read more about our new app here, and download it today. 

Hint: Be sure to download the NEW CAC app with the gray icon background (rather than our old app with the white icon background). 

We are happy to have members back inside of our Chicago gyms, and we look forward to seeing you soon!

June 1st, 2020 Chicago Athletic Clubs Update

The well-being of our community is top priority. We’ve been closely watching state and local guidelines to see when we can reopen responsibly. The Chicago of Chicago is set to move into Phase 3 on June 3^rd  and the city of Evanston moved into phase 3 on May 29th. Gyms remain closed during the beginning of phase 3 for both Chicago and Evanston. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot mentioned gyms may be able to open later in phase 3. We don’t yet know what that means or when that will be so we are still watching and waiting to determine our reopen date.

While we wait for a reopen date, we are working to get the clubs and Pilates studios ready for your return. We are investing in cutting-edge disinfectant and purification technology so all the surfaces of our clubs can be as clean as possible. We are also taking physical distancing measures so you can work out comfortably at a safe distance from other members. More details to come as our reopening gets closer.
In the meantime, you can stay connected with us on our CAC at Home page for nutrition, wellness and exercise content and on our CAC Group Fitness Virtual page and Studio Pilates Virtual page for streaming classes provided by CACand Studio Pilates instructors and personal trainers. PLUS, keep your eye out for CAC Anywhere- CAC LIVE and OnDemand classes- coming soon!

As always, thank you for your membership and we look forward to welcoming you back in-person as soon as it’s safe and responsible to do so. Stay healthy!

May 1st, 2020 Chicago Athletic Clubs Update

Governor Pritzker has extended Illinois' stay-at-home order thru 5/30/20. CAC will continue to abide by the mandates put in place by Governor Pritzker and Mayor Lightfoot regarding a date to which we can safely re-open the clubs.

While we are closed our team is unable to answer any of your questions. All member billing, including programming, is stopped while we are closed. No further action is required. Please wait until we re-open to submit your requests to ensure they are processed.  

We know these uncertain times are tough and challenging. We care deeply about your well-being and have provided ways to keep you active and feeling well while doing your part staying home or as an essential worker. Visit our CAC at home for a growing library of wellness resources including LIVE and streaming instructor and trainer classes, a free 4-week training program and a LIVE and streaming Studio Pilates instructor classes along with a range of nutrition and wellness blogs.

We appreciate your membership and look forward to welcoming you back as soon as it’s safe to do so. Stay healthy!

April 1st, 2020 Chicago Athletic Clubs Update

As Governor Pritzker stated, Illinois is under a stay-at-home order thru 4/30/20. CAC will continue to abide by the mandates put in place by Governor Pritzker and Mayor Lightfoot regarding a date to which we can safely re-open the clubs.

While we are closed our team is unable to answer any of your questions. All member billing, including programming, is stopped while we are closed. No further action is required. Please wait until we re-open to submit your requests to ensure they are processed.  

We care deeply about your well-being. Please, continue to stay connected with CAC at home. One this page you'll find a link to live and streaming classes our instructors and trainers are hosting, a free 4-week training program and a Pilates warm-up along with a range of resources to keep you healthy and feeling well.

We appreciate your membership and look forward to welcoming you back as soon as it’s safe to do so. Stay healthy!

March 30th, 2020 Chicago Athletic Clubs Update

As Governor Pritzker stated, Illinois is under a stay-at-home order, which prolongs our temporary closure beyond CAC’s original 3/31 announcement to members. CAC will continue to abide by the mandates put in place by Governor Pritzker and Mayor Lightfoot regarding a date to which we can safely re-open the clubs.

All member billing, including programming, is automatically stopped while we are closed so you do not need to contact us to pause any upcoming dues.  

We understand you may have more questions about your CAC membership during this time. Please know, all our staff is on furlough and unable to respond to your inquiries while we’re closed. A web form is available for you to submit inquires that will be answered once we re-open.
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR INQUIRY 

Our new CAC at Home page will continue to be updated with virtual resources to help keep you active and well while staying safe at home. On this page you'll find resources like a free 4-week workout plan, CAC instructor and personal trainer virtual classes, and helpful blogs on nutrition and wellness.
CLICK HERE TO VISIT CAC AT HOME

We miss our members greatly and look forward to seeing you back in the clubs soon!  

March 26th, 2020 Chicago Athletic Clubs Update

We have created two pages to help you stay connected with Chicago Athletic Clubs while you're staying at home:

CAC at HOME
We know staying active, healthy and safe are all important to you. That's why we've created a page with a growing library of fitness, nutrition, mental health and overall well-being resources to support our community. 

CAC Instructor & Personal Trainer Virtual Workouts 
Your favorite CAC faces and their workouts now available at home. See a weekly listing of instructors and personal trainers who are streaming classes and workouts. Also, find their social media handles so you can stay up to date with their workouts, tips, and motivation!

March 18th, 2020 Chicago Athletic Clubs Update

March 16th, 2020 Chicago Athletic Clubs Update

Our most recent update: With the latest updates from the CDC, our Governor J.B. Pritzker, and from listening to our members, it is with heavy hearts Chicago Athletic Clubs will be suspending operations beginning Tuesday, March 17th through March 31st.

All membership dues scheduled to bill from March 17th through March 31st are suspended.

These are very challenging times and our team is working to deliver answers to our members and our employees.

To contact us with questions, please help us by filling out this form.

We are still working to provide you with at home workout options during this time.

As always, thank you for choosing CAC to be the place you workout. While our clubs are suspended for the time being, our community means the world to us and we are committed to reopening as soon as it's safe. We will continue to keep you updated as we learn more.

CAC is committed to the health and safety of our members and staff and we want all members and staff to remain confident that our clubs are a healthy place to be.

With flu season continuing as well as the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) beginning to impact communities in the U.S., we want to make you aware of the actions in place at the clubs to prevent the spread of disease and how you can help.

Regarding the Coronavirus spread in the U.S., public health officials are encouraging the public to remain vigilant about keeping germs from spreading by following basic precautionary guidelines for any flu or virus.

The CDC lists these everyday actions to follow to remain healthy:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects daily using a regular household detergent and water
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Stay home from work, school and all activities when you are sick, except to get medical care
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue

What CAC is doing to prevent the spread of disease:

• CAC employs a professional cleaning company that serves the club each day as well as overnight practicing a deep clean of each location. They are taking all measures to ensure safe conditions at the clubs sanitizing frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and lockers in addition to gym equipment.
• CAC offers Gym Wipes throughout the clubs. Per the US EPA, 2XL Force Disinfectant Wipes have been demonstrated to be effective against viruses similar to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Therefore, 2XL Force Wipes can be used against coronavirus (COVID-19) when used in accordance with the directions for use on hard, non-porous surfaces.
• CAC has communicated to staff to stay home if they are sick.

• Effective Monday, March 16th, the following programs have been suspending until further notice:
  • All Group Fitness classes effective 2:30 pm 3/16
  • Tri-Club and Run-Club
  • Group Swim classes & Family Swim
  • Small Group Pilates classes
  • Climbing programming
  • EAC Kids Club is closed
  • Steam & Saunas are closed

• Limiting cardio equipment usage (updated 3/16)

While you are at CAC, please help our community prevent the spread of disease by taking these actions:

• Continue to use the disinfecting gym wipes on surfaces, (not your towels) before and after personal use including gym equipment and mats.
• Notify club staff of any empty disinfecting gym wipe dispensers and soap dispensers.
• Wash your hands preferably with soap and water.
• If you are not feeling well please take a rest day from working out in the club.

We understand members might feel sensitive about handing over phones or keys at this time to check-in to the club. To aid in minimizing contact with others, our front desk staff will be holding up our scanners to allow you to scan yourself in.

For more information and updates directly from the CDC, please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.