Saved with your training. New plans can use the listed equipment categories; confirm availability with the gym.
University of Chicago (Ratner)
5530 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
Mon–Fri 6:00a–10:00p · Sat–Sun 9:00a–8:00p
Membership varies
Pricing not confirmed
About this location
Ratner Athletics Center is a gym at 5530 S Ellis Ave in Hyde Park, Chicago, IL. It's one of 942 gyms and studios GymGuide lists in Chicago. The listing gives its hours as open 6 AM–10 PM weekdays, 9 AM–8 PM weekends. The gym hasn't claimed this listing yet, so its details come from public business data.
Description on file
University recreation center with pool, track and climbing; open to community members.
Who this gym is for
People who want a performance-focused space for heavy barbell work, Olympic lifting, powerlifting, or CrossFit-style WODs — athletes and committed lifters who value coaching and a hard-training environment over creature comforts.
What to expect
Expect a gritty, no-frills floor with multiple platforms, racks, bumpers and iron, sleds and functional gear, and few cardio machines or spa-style amenities; the vibe is focused and communal, often loud and coach-led during classes or sessions.
Less ideal for
Not the best fit if you want lots of beginner hand-holding, plush amenities (sauna/pool), or a mainly machine-based, low-impact bodybuilding or steady-state cardio experience.
This location: This location lists pool, basketball and group fitness.
A training-suitability read from the gym's type and listed features — not a review.
Amenities
Equipment intelligence
Cardio
Life Fitness, Concept2
Selectorized Strength
Life Fitness
Plate-Loaded
Hammer Strength
Free Weights
Rogue Fitness
Cable & Functional
Life Fitness
Olympic Lifting
Rogue Fitness
Verification: Unverified. Listed from public business data; nothing confirmed yet. How we verify →
What you can train here
~134 exercises across this gym's gearEach links to a full how-to with form, muscles worked and progressions.
Selectorized Strength
Free Weights
Your first week here
Build a full plan →A balanced starter split using only the equipment this location has.
Day 1
Full-body strength
- Leg Press· Squat
- Machine Chest Press· Horizontal Push
- Seated Cable Row· Horizontal Pull
- Farmer's Carry· Core
Day 2
Posterior chain + push/pull
- Barbell Deadlift· Hinge
- Machine Shoulder Press· Vertical Push
- Lat Pulldown· Vertical Pull
- Treadmill Walking· Cardio
General guidance, not a prescription — scale sets, reps and load to your level.
Other gyms nearby
More gyms in Chicago (942) →Frequently asked
What are the hours at Ratner Athletics Center?
Ratner Athletics Center lists hours of Mon–Fri 6:00a–10:00p · Sat–Sun 9:00a–8:00p. Confirm with the club before a first visit.
How much does Ratner Athletics Center cost?
Membership pricing isn't confirmed for this location yet. Request pricing through GymGuide and the club can respond with current rates.
What amenities does Ratner Athletics Center have?
Ratner Athletics Center lists Pool, Track, Group fitness, Basketball and Climbing. This isn't confirmed by the club yet — check before you go.
What equipment does Ratner Athletics Center have?
You can expect Cardio, Selectorized Strength, Plate-Loaded, Free Weights, Cable & Functional and Olympic Lifting. This isn't confirmed by the club yet — check before you go.
Where is Ratner Athletics Center located?
Ratner Athletics Center is at 5530 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL 60637.
Is Ratner Athletics Center a good fit for my training?
People who want a performance-focused space for heavy barbell work, Olympic lifting, powerlifting, or CrossFit-style WODs — athletes and committed lifters who value coaching and a hard-training environment over creature comforts.