Walk into the Libertyville XSport on a Tuesday at 2:00 AM and you’ll see it. The low hum of the HVAC, the solitary clank of a 45-pound plate, and that specific neon glow that only 24-hour gyms seem to master. It’s a vibe.
Honestly, finding a gym that doesn't feel like a high-pressure sales pitch is getting harder. XSport Fitness Libertyville IL has occupied that massive space at 1163 S. Milwaukee Avenue for years, acting as a sort of North Shore landmark for the sleep-deprived and the dedicated. But things changed recently.
In late 2024, the fitness world got a bit of a shock when Fitness International (the parent company of LA Fitness) swallowed up the XSport brand. If you’ve been driving past the Libertyville location wondering why the sign hasn’t changed yet, you aren't alone. It’s a transition period. A weird, middle-ground era where the old XSport culture is bumping heads with corporate LA Fitness standardization.
The Reality of the 24/7 Life in Libertyville
Most people join this club for one reason: the clock. Libertyville isn't exactly a city that stays up late. If you work a second shift at the hospital or you're just a night owl who needs to deadlift at midnight, your options are basically this place or a dark basement.
The 24-hour access is the "killer feature." It's not just a marketing gimmick here. You've got the full run of the place while the rest of the town is asleep.
However, don't expect a ghost town. Even at 11:00 PM, you’ll find a dedicated crew of regulars. The equipment is a mix of Hammer Strength, Life Fitness, and those newer machines LA Fitness has started trickling in. Some of the older XSport gear looks a bit tired—maybe a little rust on the knurling—but it gets the job done.
What’s actually inside the building?
It’s big. Like, really big.
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- The Main Floor: Plenty of squat racks. This is usually the dealbreaker. If a gym only has one rack, it’s a cardio club in disguise. Libertyville has enough to keep the line moving, though peak hours (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM) are still a battlefield.
- The Aquatic Area: There’s a lap pool, a whirlpool, and a sauna. It’s fine. It’s not a five-star spa resort, but after a heavy leg day, that sauna is basically a religious experience.
- Basketball Court: One of the few spots in the area where you can consistently find a pickup game without needing a separate park district membership.
- The "Child’s Play" Area: For parents, this is the only way a workout happens. It's supervised, though you should always check the specific hours because they aren't always 24/7 like the gym floor.
Why the LA Fitness Acquisition Matters to You
So, LA Fitness owns it now. What does that mean for your wallet?
The pricing has been shifting to match the LA Fitness "Esporta" or "Signature" tiers. Usually, you’re looking at somewhere between $35 and $50 a month depending on your commitment.
The "hidden" stuff is what bites. Look out for the annual "Club Fee" or "Maintenance Fee." It usually hits about 60 days after you join. It’s a standard industry practice, but it still feels like a slap in the face if you aren't expecting it.
The biggest perk of the buyout is the "Multi-Club" access. If you travel for work or just find yourself near a different LA Fitness or XSport location, your membership often lets you slide into those doors too.
The Truth About Those Reviews
If you look at Yelp or Google reviews for XSport Fitness Libertyville IL, you’ll see a lot of shouting. People love to complain about gym cleanliness.
Is it dirty? Kinda. Sometimes.
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It’s a high-traffic 24-hour facility. If 500 people use a locker room between cleanings, it’s going to show. The showers can be hit-or-miss. If you’re a "germaphobe," you might find yourself wanting to shower at home. But if you’re just there to move heavy metal and leave, it’s perfectly functional.
The staff at the front desk are mostly younger kids or local fitness enthusiasts. They aren't there to wait on you hand and foot. They’re there to scan your barcode and occasionally re-rack weights that some "bro" left on the leg press. Be cool to them, and they’re usually pretty helpful.
Survival Guide for Peak Hours
If you have to go between 4:30 PM and 7:30 PM, God bless you. It’s a zoo.
During these hours, the "culture" of the gym changes. It becomes a social club. You’ll see groups of teenagers hovering around a bench for 45 minutes. You’ll see "influencers" propping up tripods.
If you want a serious workout during the rush, you need a plan. Don't wait for a specific machine. If the cable crossover is busy, go grab some dumbbells. Use the "working in" technique. Ask, "Hey, can I jump in for a set?" Most people say yes.
The Membership Trap (and how to avoid it)
Everyone knows the horror stories about gym cancellations. "I had to send a certified letter to a bunker in the desert to stop the billing!"
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Actually, since the LA Fitness takeover, the process has become slightly more standardized, but it’s still annoying. If you want to cancel, don't just "tell the guy at the desk." They don't have the power to stop the drafts.
Get everything in writing. If they tell you it’s cancelled, ask for a confirmation number or an email. Keep that email like it’s a winning lottery ticket.
Specific Amenities at Libertyville:
- Tanning: They still have it. It’s a relic of the early 2000s XSport "lifestyle" brand.
- Personal Training: They will try to sell this to you. Hard. The trainers range from "I just got my cert yesterday" to "I’ve been coaching bodybuilders for 20 years." If you're going to spend the money, interview them first. Ask about their specific experience with your goals.
- Group Fitness: The classes are actually one of the highlights. From Yoga to HIIT, the instructors at this location tend to have a loyal following.
Is it worth it in 2026?
Honestly, it depends on what you value.
If you want a pristine, luxury experience where someone hands you a chilled eucalyptus towel, go to a boutique club or a high-end Lifetime. You won't find that here.
But if you want a place where you can grunt, sweat, and lift at 3:00 AM on a Sunday without anyone bothering you, XSport Fitness Libertyville IL is hard to beat. It’s a "workhorse" gym. It’s big, it’s a little rough around the edges, and it’s got every piece of equipment you could possibly need to change your physique.
The transition to LA Fitness is still unfolding. We might see a full rebrand to the LA Fitness name soon, but for now, the XSport spirit—for better or worse—lives on in Libertyville.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Grab a Guest Pass: Don't sign a contract yet. Go to their website and get a 3-day or 7-day pass. Test the gym at the exact time you plan on actually working out.
- Audit the Locker Rooms: During your trial, check the showers and the sauna. If the cleanliness level is a dealbreaker, you’ll know before you've spent a dime.
- Check the "Legacy" Status: If you're an old XSport member, clarify with the manager if your rate is locked in or if you’re being migrated to a new LA Fitness pricing tier.
- Download the App: Use the XSport/Fitness International app to check "crowd meters" if they’re available. It can save you a frustrating trip during the 5:00 PM rush.