Finding a place to sweat in Chicago is easy. Finding a place that feels like a community hub rather than a high-priced corporate treadmill farm? That's harder. If you’ve spent any time on DePaul University’s Lincoln Park campus, you’ve definitely seen it. The massive brick facade on the corner of Sheffield and Belden. Most people just call it "The Ray." But the Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center isn't just another gym for college kids to kill time between Psych 101 and a Thirsty Thursday shift.
It's 120,000 square feet of literal energy.
Honestly, the first time you walk in, the scale of the place is kinda disorienting. You expect a "campus gym." You get four floors of high-end equipment, a massive pool, and enough basketball courts to host a small tournament. It opened back in 1999, named after the legendary DePaul basketball coach Ray Meyer, a man who basically embodied the spirit of Chicago sports. Since then, it’s become the heartbeat of the neighborhood.
What’s Actually Inside the Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center?
Most gyms hide their best stuff. Not here. The layout is designed to keep people moving. You’ve got the strength training area on the first floor—where the heavy lifting happens—and then you start climbing.
The second floor is where the cardio junkies live. It’s packed. Rows of treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes look out over the campus. If you’re lucky enough to snag a machine by the window during a Chicago sunset, the view of the El train rattling past is pure vibes. It’s very "city life." But the real magic is the multi-purpose courts. We’re talking three full-sized gyms. On any given Tuesday night, you’ll see intramural basketball, volleyball, or even badminton. It’s loud. It’s sweaty. It’s exactly what a rec center should be.
The Pool and the "Hidden" Gems
Don’t sleep on the aquatic center. It’s a 25-yard, six-lane pool that somehow stays remarkably clean despite the foot traffic. They’ve got a whirlpool too. Perfect for when the Chicago winter is actively trying to kill your soul and you just need to feel warm for twenty minutes.
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Then there’s the track. It’s an indoor, elevated running track that circles the gyms. One mile is about nine laps. It’s a bit of a mental game—running in circles while watching people play pickup basketball below—but it beats the hell out of running on ice-slicked sidewalks in January.
- Raquetball and Squash: They have dedicated courts. Most modern gyms are tearing these out for "functional fitness" turf, but The Ray keeps the tradition alive.
- The Bean: No, not the one in Millennium Park. There’s a small cafe area where students actually do homework. Imagine trying to write a thesis while smelling chlorine and hearing the squeak of sneakers. It shouldn't work, but it does.
- The Climbing Wall: It’s not El Capitan, but for a city gym, the bouldering and top-rope setup is legit.
Why This Place Beats Your $100-a-Month Luxury Club
Look, I get it. Equinox has eucalyptus towels. The Ray has... well, it has blue paper towels. But here’s the thing. The Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center is surprisingly accessible. If you’re a DePaul student, your membership is baked into your tuition. You’ve already paid for it. Use it.
For the rest of the Lincoln Park community, they offer alumni and community memberships. It’s a steal compared to the boutique studios in the area that charge $30 for a single spin class. You get the same (or better) equipment and a much more diverse crowd. You’ll see 19-year-old athletes training for D1 sports right next to 70-year-old neighborhood residents who have been coming since the doors opened.
Group Fitness That Doesn't Feel Cult-y
They run a massive schedule of group ex classes. Yoga, HIIT, Pilates, Zumba. The instructors are often students or local pros who actually care about form. They aren't trying to sell you a meal replacement shake or a branded headband. It’s just fitness.
Wait. I should mention the "F45" studio. They recently integrated F45 Training into the facility. If you like that high-intensity, circuit-style suffering, it’s there. It’s one of the few places where you can get that specific franchise experience within a university setting.
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The "Ray" Experience: Misconceptions and Reality
People think it’s always crowded. Okay, sort of. If you go at 4:30 PM on a Monday, yeah, you’re going to wait for a squat rack. It’s a university gym. Use your head. But if you’re a morning person? 6:30 AM at The Ray is peaceful. It’s just you and the serious lifters.
Another misconception is that it’s only for students. Honestly, the community membership program is one of the best-kept secrets in Lincoln Park. If you live within a certain radius, you can join. You get access to the same facilities as the Blue Demons.
Beyond the Weights: Wellness and Mental Health
DePaul’s Health Promotion and Wellness (HPW) office often coordinates with the center. They realize that fitness isn't just about bicep curls. They host events centered on stress management and holistic health. In a city as fast-paced as Chicago, having a 120,000-square-foot sanctuary matters.
The staff? Mostly students. They’re usually pretty chill. They aren't there to judge your lifting form; they're there to make sure nobody gets hurt and the towels get washed. It creates a low-pressure environment. You don't have to wear the "perfect" gym outfit here. A beat-up t-shirt from high school is the unofficial uniform.
Technical Specs for the Geeks
For the data-driven folks, the facility is managed by Centers, LLC, which specializes in collegiate recreation. They keep the equipment updated. You aren't dealing with rusty plates or cables that are about to snap. They’ve got Life Fitness and Precor machines, plus a massive functional fitness area with kettlebells, sleds, and battle ropes.
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- Level 1: Strength, free weights, locker rooms, pool.
- Level 2: Cardio, more weights, the "Bean," administration.
- Level 3: Three-court gym, racquetball, track entry.
- Level 4: Group fitness studios, more track, multipurpose rooms.
Navigating the Membership Maze
If you're an alum, you get a discount. If you're a "plus-one" of a member, there’s a rate for you too. They even offer day passes. If you’re just visiting Chicago and staying in Lincoln Park, it’s way better than your hotel’s cramped "fitness center" that consists of a broken treadmill and a single dumbbell.
Bring a lock. Or rent one. Don't be that person who leaves their bag in the open.
Actionable Steps for Your First Visit
Stop thinking about it. Just go. If you're a student, your ID is your golden ticket. If you're a neighbor, ask for a tour. They won't bite.
- Check the App: Download the DePaul Campus Rec app. It shows you the real-time building occupancy. If it’s at 90%, maybe wait an hour.
- Explore Every Floor: Most people stay on the first two floors. The upper levels often have empty space for stretching or bodyweight work.
- Try the Track: Even if you hate running, walk a mile on the indoor track. It’s the best way to get the "vibe" of the whole building.
- Ask About Classes: Sign up for a group class early. They fill up fast, especially the evening yoga sessions.
The Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center isn't just a building; it's a staple of the 60614 zip code. It’s where the university meets the city. Whether you’re training for a marathon or just trying to survive a Chicago winter without losing your mind, this place has the space for you. Go get your sweat on.