Chicago’s South Side is home to a growing number of gyms that blend fitness, community, and innovation. These black-owned boutique gyms provide everything from personal training to group classes, creating inclusive spaces for all fitness levels while fostering connection and empowerment.
The Bodi Shop
8754 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60617
Owned by Ari (@arithebodi_ on Instagram), The Bodi Shop is a black woman-owned boutique gym known for its motivating and personality-driven approach. Offering classes such as step aerobics, trampoline fitness, and unlimited group sessions, the gym maintains a private, focused environment. Its high-energy vibe has earned attention across social media, making it a hotspot for community fitness events.
VBody Power Fitness
900 E 47th St, Chicago, IL 60653 – Kenwood, near Hyde Park & Bronzeville
Founded by certified trainer Randy “Fit Fury” V’Estres, VBody Power Fitness is results-driven and specializes in personal training, group classes, and full-body transformations. With programs tailored for weight loss, pre- and post-natal training, post-rehabilitation exercise, and nutrition guidance, the gym challenges members with weights, plyometrics, sprints, and drills. Its no-nonsense approach makes it a hub for serious athletes and wellness enthusiasts.
Chicago Body Shop
2047 E 79th St, Chicago, IL 60649 – South Chicago
Guided by the motto, “There’s no substitute for strength, and no excuse for lack of it,” Chicago Body Shop provides one-on-one training, customized plans, and membership access to classes and equipment. Open from early morning to evening, it accommodates busy schedules while promoting community wellness. Affordable programs and deals make it a neighborhood staple for building physical and mental resilience.
ProFit Studio
3700 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL 60653 – Bronzeville
Led by champion bodybuilder La’Drissa, ProFit Studio is a 6,500-square-foot boutique gym focused on personalized training, Hyrox sessions, and transformation programs. Amenities like a sauna and float tub support recovery, while nutrition apps and fitness tracking are incorporated into comprehensive packages. Its two-level layout emphasizes holistic wellness, creating a space for strength, change, and community connection.
Why Supporting Black-Owned Gyms Matters
Supporting gyms like these goes beyond physical fitness—it strengthens neighborhoods. Black-owned businesses keep revenue circulating locally, create jobs, and help close the racial wealth gap. They reinvest in their communities, fostering financial literacy and generational wealth, while offering culturally affirming spaces that meet specific community needs.
By choosing to shop, train, or promote these businesses, patrons fuel innovation, resilience, and social cohesion in underserved areas. Every visit, social media mention, or investment contributes to healthier, more vibrant communities and helps drive economic empowerment where it’s needed most.
