The Athletic Clubs, the New York–based social fitness brand known for its fixed 20-person training squads, is expanding to the Midwest. The company announced today it will open two neighborhood locations in Chicago in Spring 2026:
- Lake Street Athletic (LSA) at 1035 W Lake St (West Loop)
- Old Town Athletic (OTA) at 1350 North Wells St (Old Town)
The expansion marks The Athletic Clubs first move beyond New York City, where it has grown to more than 2,000 members across multiple neighborhood clubs.
The Squad Model Lands in Chicago
Unlike traditional gyms built on open access or drop-in classes, The Athletic Clubs is built on commitment. Members join fixed small groups (“squads”) of up to 20 people who train together twice a week: same time, same coach, same teammates.
The format blends structured strength and conditioning with the accountability and camaraderie of organized sports. It is designed to feel less like a fitness class and more like a team.
In New York, this model has found a dedicated following among former athletes, professionals, and consumers seeking a training routine that delivers performance and social connection in equal measure.
Building Community First
The Athletic Clubs will begin seeding its Chicago community immediately, rather than waiting for the physical spaces to open. Mirroring its strategy in New York, the brand will host a series of pre-launch activations including pop-up workouts, run clubs, and social gatherings to build cultural capital and introduce the squad experience to future members.
A Neighborhood Anchor
Lake Street Athletic and Old Town Athletic are designed to operate as anchors in their respective neighborhoods while remaining connected to the broader The Athletic Clubs identity. Both clubs will follow the distinct structured squad format that has defined the brand’s growth.
Official opening dates for both locations are scheduled for Spring 2026.
The Athletic Clubs is a membership-based fitness and social community operating seven locations across New York City, connecting more than 2,000 members through fixed-time squad training and neighborhood culture.
partnerships@athleticclubsgroup.com
