Four leaf clovers

St. Patrick’s Day Themed Classes

Join us this March for special St. Patrick’s Day-themed group fitness classes. Check out the lineup of classes below, and register for a spot in the FFC+ app!

East Lakeview

March 15:

  • ShamROCKstar Ride – 9:15 AM with Becca
  • Blarney Stone Body Blast – 10:00 AM with Matt

South Loop

March 15:

  • ShamROCKstar Ride – 8:30 AM with Brian 
  • Lucky Charm Loaded – 10:00 AM with Dominick 

West Loop

March 13:

  • ShamROCKstar Ride – 6:15 PM with Brian

March 15:

  • Blarney Stone Body Blast – 11:30 AM with Asia

Oak Park

March 13:

  • Formula 94 Leaf Clover – 6:00 PM with Ashley

March 17:

  • ShamROCKstar Ride – 8:00 AM with Amy 
  • ShamROCKstar Ride – 9:00 AM with Amy 

Elmhurst

March 15:

  • Blarney Stone Body Blast – 8:30 AM with Paula G

March 16:

  • Lucky Charm Loaded – 8:15 AM with Alex C

Park Ridge

March 11:

  • ShamROCKstar Ride – 5:15 AM with Janelle S
  • Formula 94 Leaf Clover – 6:00 AM with Mari C

March 14:

  • Lucky Charm Loaded – 9:15 AM with Sara K

March 15:

  • Formula 94 Leaf Clover –  9:15 AM with Sara K 
  • ShamROCKstar Ride -10:15 AM with Sara K

March 17:

  • Lucky Charm Loaded – 5:15 AM with Alex C cardio muscle core
  • ShamROCKstar Ride – 5:30 PM with Brian

Lincoln Park

March 15:

  • Formula 94 Leaf Clover – 8:00 AM with Lois
  • ShamROCKstar RIDE – 8:15 AM with Izzy

March 17:

  • Formula 94 Leaf Clover – 12:00 PM with Becca

Gold Coast

March 15:

  • Blarney Stone Body Blast – 10:00 AM with Nicole

March 16:

  • ShamROCK your ride – 9:00 AM with Keith

March 17:

  • ShamROCKstar RIDE – 5:30 PM with Darren
  • St. Paddy’s Day Power Yoga – 6:45 PM with Marissa

Union Station:

March 11:

  • Formula 94 Leaf Clover – 11:30 AM with Lara
A man writing notes at a fitness workshop

Complementary Workshop: Exploring Deep Health

Join us for this complimentary workshop on Tuesday, April 8 from 6:15 – 7:00 PM. Stephanie will explore all the layers of health and how to apply them in your life. After this workshop, you will have a 360-degree view of mental, physical, and psychological well-being.

Contact Stephanie Campione at scampione@ffc.com to register.

Pickleball paddles and balls

Beginner Pickleball League

Enter this Beginner Pickleball League on Sundays from 6:00 – 7:30 PM if you have been playing pickleball for one year or less! This is an 8-week league starting March 9 that will focus on 30 minutes of drills and 60 minutes of play each session. The cost is $150 for 8 weeks (Members Only).

Purchase and reserve your spot under “Leagues and Programs” in the FFC+ app.

2 women working out on a turfed fitness area with kettlebells

Client Structural Assessment

Train smarter and safer with this 5 part Client Structural Assessment. The assessments include a postural assessment, muscle strength testing, muscle length testing, and lumbar/pelvic stability. Not only will you learn what your body needs, but you will also be provided with the tools to correct any deficiencies. Give your workout direction in 2025! Sessions are $99.

For more information contact Steph Ryan at sryan@ffc.com or 773-495-7973.

Registered dietitian sitting with a client

Map out your 2025 nutrition plan with Registered Dietitian, Amanda Angelopoulos

Did you struggle to reach your fitness goals in 2024? It may have been your nutrition plan. Reaching your fitness goals is 80% what you eat and 20% exercise.

Whether you need a one time coaching session or more accountability with a structured 3 month program, I’d love to help create a personalized roadmap to get you to your goals this new year! 

Contact Amanda Angelopoulos at aangelopoulos@ffc.com for more information or to schedule a consultation.

A women in a self defense training session

Awareness and Self Defense Seminar

In this 2 hour workshop on Saturday, February 22 from 12:00 – 2:00 PM, learn self defense tactics that will prepare you mentally and physically. The training includes drills in standing position and on the ground. Cost is $50 for members and $75 for nonmembers. Register under group fitness in the FFC+ app.

Contact Stephanie Campione at Scampione@ffc.com or James Hirth at jhirthmma@yahoo.com with any questions.

James Bio: James Hirth is a life-long martial artist growing up in Chicago. Earning instructor-level black belts in Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido, he fortified his skill sets with supplemental training in other arts including Muay Thai, jiu-jitsu, and Krav Maga. With more than 35 years of instruction, he ran programs in several major health club chains. This includes FFC from 2016 to 2019. Channeling his other interests, James has appeared over the years on local radio and television programs, in magazines and the internet covering the sport of Mixed Martial Arts.

Indoor Kids Club featuring toys at FFC Park Ridge

Parent’s Night Out: Valentines Glam Night

Calling all kids ages 3-8 years old! Join us on Friday, February 7 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM for a fun night of Valentines crafts, glamour specialties, pizza and a movie. The cost is $35 per child of a member or $45 for 2 children of members. Non members are welcome for $5 more.

For more information or to register, contact Dawn Brunner at dbrunner@ffc.com. Registration ends Wednesday, February 5.

Women taking a spin cycling class.

Intro To: Spinning, Yoga and Pilates Mat

Join us for 30-minute introductory classes to Spinning, Yoga, and Pilates Mat available during the first week of every month!

FFC East Lakeview

  • Intro to Pilates – Sunday, January 5 at 8:30 AM
  • Intro to Spin – Monday, January 6 at 5:45 PM

FFC Old Town

  • Intro To Pilates – Tuesday, January 7 at 11:30 AM
  • Intro To Yoga – Saturday, January 11 at 11:00 AM

FFC Gold Coast

  • Intro To Spin – Wednesday, January 8 at 5:00 PM
  • Intro To Pilates – Saturday, January 11 at 7:30 AM
  • Intro To Yoga – Sunday, January 12 at 11:30 AM

FFC Lincoln Park

  • Intro To Pilates – Sunday, January 5 at 12:00 PM
  • Intro to Yoga – Tuesday, January 7 at 9:30 AM
  • Intro To Spin – Wednesday, January 8 at 7:00 PM

FFC South Loop

  • Intro to Spin – Saturday, January 4 at 8:00 AM
  • Into to Yoga – Monday, January 6 at 5:30 PM

FFC Oak Park

  • Intro To Spin – Friday, January 10 at 8:15 AM

FFC Park Ridge

  • Intro To Spin – Thursday, January 2 at 10:15 AM
  • Intro To Yoga – Monday, January 6 at 10:30 AM
  • Intro To Pilates – Tuesday, January 7 at 12:15 PM

Register today in the FFC+ app!

Welcome new staff to FFC!

FFC Park Ridge has a new Climbing Wall Coordinator!

Meet our new Climbing Wall Coordinator, Megan Kelleher. Megan Kelleher is an experienced rock climber and fitness professional with a diverse background in wellness, entrepreneurship, and yoga. She discovered her passion for top rope climbing in Northern California as a teen and has since continued climbing at gyms like FFC, where she’s been a member since 2019.

Megan is currently pursuing a Business Administration degree with a minor in Entrepreneurship at DePaul University. She also has over a decade worth of experience in the health and wellness industry, including earning her 200-hour yoga certification in 2005. She has assisted multiple yoga teacher training programs and has taught yoga periodically, which has given her a strong foundation in mindful movement, body awareness, and coaching others to achieve their physical potential.

In addition to her fitness expertise, Megan previously ran a product design studio in Chicago’s West Loop, working with companies such as Therabody (Theragun) and Factor 75 to develop innovative wellness products. This blend of business acumen and fitness knowledge positions her to create engaging, results-driven programs for FFC Park Ridge’s climbing wall.

Stay tuned for more information on climbing events coming soon!

A group of women meditating

Sound Bath and Guided Meditation

Enjoy the Healing Sound Bowl and Guided Meditation portion of class to help clear energy blocks and restore harmony and peace in the body on Sunday, January 26 from 6:00 – 7:00 PM. Feel free to bring friends and family.

This event is complimentary, make sure you book in advance in the FFC+ app.

2 people bumping fists while sitting on exercise mats

Complimentary Workshop: How to make new habits stick in 2025.

In this one-hour hands-on workshop on Tuesday, January 7 at 6:15 PM, learn how to apply the science of behavior change to your life and your New Years Resolutions.

This workshop is led by Stephanie Campione. Stephanie has 22 years in the training and coaching industry. As a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Stephanie helps those she works with to create sustainable lasting habits. This is a complimentary workshop you will not want to miss!

Contact Stephanie at scampione@ffc.com to RSVP.

Facial Massage Treatment

$115 Facial Peels

From January 1 – 31, enjoy a discounted $115 Facial Peel (facials at FFC Oak Park and FFC Park Ridge). The Hibiscus Flower Peel contains a complex of azelaic and mandelic acids that increases cellular turnover and cell energy while the hibiscus acid increases hydration, DNA protection and brightening properties in the skin. The DNAge A Peel is a great treatment that impacts skin at a cellular level, repairing damage and increasing collagen production for total rejuvenation.

Book your service in the FFC+ app!

A group of women meditating

Sound Bath and Guided Meditation

Enjoy the Healing Sound Bowl and Guided Meditation portion of class to help clear energy blocks and restore harmony and peace in the body on December 31 from 6:00 – 7:00 PM. Feel free to bring friends and family. This event is complimentary, make sure you book in advance in the FFC+ app.

For more details, email acastillo@ffc.com.

 

Indoor Triathlon swimmers

Indoor Triathlon

Come join us for the 2025 FFC Indoor Triathlon Series, powered by Grit Endurance! This is a great opportunity for athletes of all levels, from beginners to advanced. Whether you are looking to complete your first triathlon in a controlled environment or challenge yourself to improve your performance, this race is for you!

Race Dates and Locations:

  • Saturday, January 18 at 8:00 AM AND Saturday, March 8 at 8:00 AM
  • FFC Union Station (444 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, 60606)
  • $75 per person for one race | $125 per person for both races – To register, visit the group fitness section in FFC+ app, set your club location to Union Station, then choose the date of the event from the calendar.

What’s included with your race entry:

  • Finisher’s Certificate
  • $15 off a Grit Endurance Swim Lesson
  • $15 off a FFC massage

Race structure:

  • 10-minute pool swim
  • 15-minute transition to spin bikes
  • 30-minute bike
  • 5-minute transition to treadmills
  • 20-minute run

How it will work and FAQs:

  • Waves of 4 athletes will start the race every 25-minutes, beginning at 8:00 AM. Your wave time will be first come first serve based on your registration order (i.e, the first 4 registrants start at 8:00 AM, next 4 at 8:25 AM, etc.)
  • Athletes will have access to the pool for 15 minutes prior to their wave to warm up
  • Race results will be based on total distance covered during the swim, bike and run portions based on the following weighting system:
    -Swim: 10x distance covered
    -Bike: 1x distance covered
    -Run: 3x distance covered
  • Athletes will have access to the locker rooms, showers, drinking fountains, etc., but should bring their own nutrition / hydration as needed
  • Athletes should arrive at least 20 minutes prior to their wave time to check in, get changed, and get to the pool for the swim start (you must be on time to your wave start in order to participate!)
  • The pool is 24.6 yards long, and is a maximum of 4 feet and 3 inches deep
Calling all vendors sign

FFC Holiday Bazaar – Calling All Vendors

We are in search of vendors to participate in our holiday shopping event on Saturday, December 7 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Bring your own setup, sell your items, keep all of the proceeds you make, and participate in the 2nd annual FFC Holiday Bazaar. Vendors must be approved. The cost is $25 for a table for members and $50 for a table for non-members. Items welcomed include arts and crafts, pottery, stained & painted glass, specialty foods, baked items, photography, floral, jewelry, candles, holiday decor, home decor, handmade crafts, booksellers, and more!

Spots are limited. Register today by contacting Maryssa at mlitherland@ffc.com.

 

Holiday bazaar at FFC Park Ridge

FFC Holiday Bazaar

Start your holiday shopping season off right at the FFC Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, December 7 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Come experience local vendors selling a full spectrum of arts, crafts, pottery, specialty foods, baked items, photography, floral designs, jewelry, candles, holiday decor, home decor, handmade crafts, books, and more! Admission is free to attend and guests are welcome. Enjoy raffles, prizes, snacks and more!

Photo of two young girls smiling and having fun

Kids Winter Break Camp

Join us for some winter fun at Winter Break Camp. The dates are as follows:

  • Monday, December 23
  • Thursday, December 26
  • Friday, December 27
  • Monday, December 30
  • Thursday, January 2
  • Friday, January 3

The camp is available for children ages 5-10 years old. There will be swimming, crafts/STEM, gym games, and much more. You can register for as many or as few days as you want. Register by Friday, December 6 for all 6 days to receive an early bird rate.

Stop by the Kids Club to register or for more info contact Dawn Brunner at dbrunner@ffc.com.

Children playing at daycare Kids Club

NOON Year’s Eve Celebration

Bring your little ones, ages 18 months to 8 years, to the Sports Court for this fun family event and celebrate the New Year with us! This event will take place on Saturday, December 28 from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM. There will be New Year’s-themed games, crafts, a bounce house, photo opps and a balloon drop at NOON! Pre-register by December 21 to get a holiday discount of $5 per child of a member, and $8 per child of a non-member. The day of the event cost is $8 per child of a member, and $10 per child of a non-member. On the day of the event, check in at the front desk to pay and receive a wristband to get an included goodie bag. This is NOT a drop-off event. A parent must be present with children.

For questions, contact Dawn Brunner at dbrunner@ffc.com

Happy Thanksgiving sign

Thanksgiving-Themed Group Fitness Classes

Join us during Thanksgiving weekend for some fun, themed Group Fitness classes! View the lineup of classes below, then reserve your space in the FFC+ app.

Elmhurst 

  • Turkey Trot Triple Threat – Friday, 11/29 at 8:30 AM with Lila
  • Friendsgiving Formula 94 – Saturday, 11/30 at 9:15 AM with Lila – bring a friend or family member to class.

East Lakeview 

  • Black Friday Body Blast – Friday, 11/29 at 12:00 PM with Jen

Gold Coast

  • Black Friday Body Blast – Friday, 11/29 at 9:00 AM with Asia
  • ThankSPINNING – Sunday, 12/1 at 9:00 AM with Keith

Lincoln Park 

  • Friendsgiving Formula 94 – Saturday, 11/30 at 8:00 AM with Lois & Mari

Oak Park 

  • ThanksSPINNING – Thursday, 11/28 at 8:30 AM with Amy and Craig
  • Black Friday Body Blast – Friday, 11/29 at 9:00 AM with Kari 

Park Ridge 

  • Friendsgiving The Formula Teach Team – Wednesday, 11/27 at 10:15 AM with Kareem & Mari
  • Pumpkin Pie Pilates  – Wednesday, 11/27 at 11:15 PM with Alexandra
  • Friendsgiving Formula 94 – Friday, 11/29 at 9:15 AM with Mari
  • WTF! Team Teach – Friday, 11/29 at 10:15 AM with Sara & Alexandra
  • Friendsgiving Formula 94 – Saturday, 11/30 at 9:15 AM with Sara

West Loop 

  • Pumpkin Pie Pilates  – Wednesday, 11/27 at 12:15 PM with Raven 
A man lifting heavy weight

Back in the Game – Elite Training for Former Athletes

As a former athlete myself, I know what it feels like to lose the spark you had in your training with no structure, accountability, or purpose. Bringing my master’s degree in exercise science, playing football at the collegiate level, and winning bodybuilding competitions, I bring together performance, aesthetics, and science-based training methods to get you results. If you are ready to get back in the game and reclaim your athletic drive, mindset, and physique, contact me for a game plan session.

Schedule a complimentary Game Plan session with Mark. Call 907-365-9913 or email Mhogan@ffc.com.

 

FFC Park Ridge trainer Mark Hogan