The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center Chicago

Negative experience: Run! The lifeguards in the pool area are horrible. They continued to say "we are trying to keep you safe" while yelling at kids and harassing adults. Experience was horrible from the long line at the door, slow registration, and ignorant life guards. Oh and they forgot to put chlorine in the pool and made everyone get out for 30 mins to add it.

Negative experience: Terrible customer service

Positive experience: Was highly impressed

Fantastic experience: 10/10, the staff is friendly, nice gym equipment, and overall, a great community of people.

Fantastic experience: Kind, professional staff and clean!

Positive experience: was threatened by a member and will not be returning. Staff handled it well though

Positive experience: When is the Krc Center going to make signing kids up for camp easier?! Why must I have to come up in person everytime to fill out the same sheet and pay? Shouldn't we be able to do it online?

Fantastic experience: When the Kroc Center first opened years ago, I went for information on joining. It was not a good experience. The people I spoke to was not customer service oriented. I didn't join. Last week, I went back and had an entirely different experience. I can give the Kroc Center 5 stars for the customer service I experienced. I spoke with Beverly. She was approachable, nice, friendly, and very helpful. She was very customer service oriented. I will become a member.

Negative experience: The lady at the welcome desk was unprofessional and had a smug attitude.

Fantastic experience: Restarting my exercise regimen great place to do it

Negative experience: They are terrible! I won’t be going back there anymore! I am looking for them to return my refund and still hasn’t received it.

Fantastic experience: My grandson enjoyed their day camp and it’s a really nice facility

Fantastic experience: I always have a great time working out here.

Negative experience: Then the slim guard is very ignorant unfriendly not nice at all it says on the brochure swimming from 6:30 to 8:30 he didn’t allow the kids to get in until 7 o’clock. My kids didn’t even want to swim

Negative experience: The aquatics manager and staff are insanely rude. If you mainly come for the pool and hot tub good luck because it seems to never be available due to frequent closing times. God forbid you actually work and have a family because you will never be able to get in the hot tub. $35 a month is a lot when you can't even use the hot tub when you need it. Cancelling ASAP and going back to LA fitness...at least their sauna and pool is always open.

Positive experience: Need to expand parking. Too many events and no parking or organization.

Positive experience: I love taking my son here and I love working out here. I just wish I lived closer. This is a great family friendly place with classes for all ages. The only thing I wish they would improve on, is answering their phones, responding back to emails, and updating their website, which is really not a good website. In fact, it’s very confusing to try to navigate. Other than that I get this place thumbs up.

Fantastic experience: I’ve come here for swim lessons. The instructors were great and the facility is nice and well monitored.

Fantastic experience: The Kroc center by far is one of the best exercise facility that I have had the experience of working out at. Very friendly professional staff, clean equipment, clean equipment, very huge and spread out. As you come in you must register because of covid restrictions and you must take a tempature check. I highly recommend this facility.

Positive experience: I wish the gym membership was cheaper for college students. Membership went from $30 for a single adult to $35. The place is okay. The staff lets certain members slide with stuff. I came to the gym in a long sleeve crop top not knowing it was a dress code since it was my first time at the gym. This lady approached me saying “this is a church, and we have a dress code to follow. We need to respect the policy.” Something along the lines of that. I went to go change, and two older ladies were making fun of me for what I was wearing not knowing I had to follow a dress code. I changed then later saw a woman in tight shorts and nothing was said to her. Last time I checked the Ray and Joan Kroc Center is a community center, and the church is on the opposite side of the building. For a “church” the staff sure are judgemental.

Fantastic experience: Friendly and helpful staff, great classes, clean well- managed facility. Family oriented.

Negative experience: BRING DAY PASSES BACK CAUSE THIS EXCLUDES THE FERN HILL PARK KIDS AMONG OTHER NEIGHBORHOOD KIDS AND ADULTS. WHO AND WHY ARE YOU ALIENATING AN ENTIREGROUP OF PEOPLE BY OMITTING THE DAILY PASS. YOU SAVE LIVES WITH THE DAY PASSES. YOU HAVE CHURCH HERE SO I KNOW FORGIVENESSIS PRESENT. YOU WERE REALLY HELPING THE COMMUNITY AND SAVING LIVES. YOU ARE REPUTABLE AND CONVENIENT. KROC IS A BIG DEAL. REINSTATE THE DAY PASSES .

Fantastic experience: It near my house and have different activity there and giveaways they also help with your utility bills and have church service.

Fantastic experience: I went here with my dad is July Of 2022. It was really fun! the memories❤

Fantastic experience: Glad this facility was built in our area as so many gyms are not available with so many classes and activities

Fantastic experience: They have everything that a family needs. Extra curriculum, arts and craft , swimming etc. And the staff is awesome

Negative experience: During the food pantry giveaway they were not calling the numbers in order they really act like they wasn't concerned or didn't care because they were too busy getting the food for their self people are standing in the line not because their hungry or homeless but can use the assistance With food Don't get me wrong I do understand that they should be entitled to the food too but the people standing in line should go first.

Positive experience: The instructor for the classes I go to quit. No one has replaced him. They still have the same old schedule posted. Disappointing

Fantastic experience: It was my 1st time doing the Sista Strut breast cancer awareness walk, and I absolutely loved it!! From the stage set-up to all the different booths giving out freebies and informational things about breast cancer. I'm definitely doing this every year. The weather was perfect and the sun was shining. #Save the Ta-Ta's!! #mammogram #awareness #sistastrut #pink I walked for family and friends

Fantastic experience: Maisha was our tour guide and showed us so many aspects of the center that my girlfriend and I signed up an the spot. Maisha was a great salesperson. Can't wait to be a real member.

Fantastic experience: This place is so beautiful and a staple to the community. I love the services offered and programs promoting healthy lifestyles, personal and community development and empowerment

Negative experience: I attended the back to school event on Aug 16, 2023. The book bag giveaway was not organized and after two attempts at 1:00pm and 2:00 pm my grandkids had no bags. Upon leaving the event my 3 year old had to go to the bathroom. I was refused entrance to the bathroom in the Kroc center by the door security and the lieutenant of security. What threat did a senior citizen and a 1 and 3 year old pose to this facility? If the goal was to provide services to the public by inviting them to a free for “all” event this policy of no public bathroom should be revised .

Negative experience: Well I go to camp there and they make us do things in the heat like running and other stuff for money like get them fired.

Fantastic experience: My kids are enjoying themselves at CampKroc definitely would recommend. Caring counselors and administrators stay on top of things and always communicated very well to me about what my children were doing while in their care.

Fantastic experience: Loveeeeee the Kroc center its a really awesomeness place to take your kids they kan swim, work-out, play basketball sign up for camp- ALLLLLL kinds of things just a reallyyyy kool place!! Keep up the awesomely great work Kroc Corps

Fantastic experience: Great facility, clean convenient and friendly. Go there3 times a week!

Positive experience: The pricing is a bit expensive for families with lower incomes. Scholarships are available. I'm not sure how easy or difficult the scholarship application process is.

Fantastic experience: Really nice,looking forward to next week,blessings to all.

Negative experience: Went here for the first time today. They were more worried about me removing my hat, while other men and women had their hat on.... very irritating

Positive experience: Very clean and well kept place.

Negative experience: We took the granddaughters there to go swimming. The lady told us the pool was closed because all the life guards called off. I asked her if there were any other activities for them to do and she told us it's only one activity for girls which was the pool and everything else was for the boys. That's sad...

Positive experience: It is nice to have a beautiful establishment in our community. However, I can’t help but feel a tinge of irritation at the level of surveillance in this facility. I don’t know why we as Black and Brown people tolerate institutional racism. Perhaps the racism is so internalized we think it’s necessary in order for us to do the right thing. Perhaps, it is because the Salvation Army’s does a variety of outreach programs and the security measures are necessary. I’m not sure but it makes me feel uneasy to have security guards around every corner. With that said, the people are friendly and helpful for the most part. Just be sure not break the code of conduct because they will get you together. The facility is clean with modern equipment and ample resources. The facility seem to take great pride and responsibility for the upkeep.The outside is kept up and offers nice outdoor amenities like pristine basketball courts, an outdoor track, and playgrounds. The pool was a major selling point for me. So many options for all levels of swimmers. Please be mindful that there is a swimsuit dress code (one piece only) and there is a family dressing room that gets unlocked by the security guard. If it weren’t for the heavy surveillance, I would have given this center an additional star. But because I believe heavy surveillance on Black bodies is unnecessary and communicates a negative message, the Kroc Center gets three stars: Facility: Beautiful, kept up, and clean Customer Service: friendly but under-staffed at the check in. Community: Wonderful. It’s beautiful to see families come together to build healthy lifestyles. You feel like you are part of the village. Our elders, our youth, our mothers and fathers are coming together to take care of ourselves physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Black Accountability Rating: Does this facility do right by our community and deserve our business? Yes.✊

Positive experience: Stair Masters been broke since September. Other than that, everything else is great.

Positive experience: It’s a nice gym but pleassee fix the machines in a timely manner. The only 2 stairmasters in the gym has been broke for months ( almost a year now). That’s one of the best machine in the gym.

Negative experience: They never answer the phone. I had to drive up there to see if the pool was open and when I got here she said it was open to everyone. Then when I got the kids out the car she said oh I thought it was only your kids, open swim isn’t for an hour. I am a member but this place is unprofessional.

Fantastic experience: Well, after speaking with manager I will be issued a full refund! Thank You. Registered last week...never told about the "No refund policy," left a message for the executive in charge of membership never received a call back! How desperate are they? The young lady printed up agreement said sign here, and quickly gave me the card and said you are registered. I get home called back and ask what's your cancellation policy...the young man says, "You can cancel anytime you like with no penalty." Still again, never mentioning their No Refund Policy! I registered to bring my mom @ 82 yrs old to utilize the pool due to issues with her legs. Her doctor unexpectedly suggested she only do the physical therapy for now, not to start any water aerobics..so I pull up the emailed agreement and there it is at the very bottom small print "hidden" No Refunds!!! This should be posted at the register as well as told to you when you register so that people will have a clear understanding of their policy....and will know to double check with their family member/doctor prior to sealing the deal. "You get more bees with honey" This Membership/Particular Deal Is Not Suitable For My Purpose At All! So, be very, very careful when seeking clubs of this nature who are afraid and/or not willing to share policies in advance.

Fantastic experience: I am glad i did not allow the bad reviews to deter me from going here. I don’t have pictures as the place has a very strict policy about not taking pictures. No 2 pieces swim suits are allowed or other revealing suits. I can a appreciate this being a mom and wanting to keep this a family oriented place. Plenty of lifeguards! There were only like 15 of us in the pool yet they had like 6 guards. Taking a test and treading water is needed to be able to go to the deep pool. This shouldn’t be a problem yet some people is not happy about it. If your really know how to swim you simply take the test and that is it. Pool and locker room was clean and trust me I have been to many pools around chicago and suburbs. Lockers room have lockers that can be set with a new combination. No need to pay!

Positive experience: Lots of stuff to do but I only use the weight room and the basketball court. Has all the bells and whistles but the court is slippery

Fantastic experience: Wowwwwwwww today was such an awesome and amazing day. This wonderful organization gave out Turkey's and goodies to go along with them. The outpouring of compassion these people had today was so beautiful. I am probably like a lot of people where we are trying to make ends meet and this dinner really Was a Blessing for me.

Negative experience: So my family and i started a family plan at the kroc center. I put my mom as primary on the account because she already changed her id to her new address i didnt but it was my membership. My id does not match hers because i just moved south. they required anything with my address matching hers so i brought in a Amazon package and they said that wouldn't work "is that not anything" i called back after i left to discuss there refund policy when Josh at the front desk was rude and told me he could not or would not discuss the refund policy with me because i am not the primary person on the account. The refund policy is a general question and he keep talking over me. I understand rules but he should understand that i have paid for something that i can not use probably for the next month until i received mail so i want my money back. My kids are added on but cant come in without me because they wont let on. Smh

Negative experience: 3yrs ago I would be giving this place 5 stars. But the pool area is beyond disgusting. I only go for the pool because I have small children. However the build up that's visible in the pool is just nasty. I nean they had 2yrs to get it clean but instead just turned the water on and started the summer season. $12 for adults and $10 for kids to swim in a nasty pool. No thank you. And no lifeguard for their slide either.

Fantastic experience: The Kroc Center is a Top notch facility. They have fully equipped weight room, a variety of classes for EVERYTHING! I went as a guest to use the pool but really contemplating getting a membership there.

Fantastic experience: I did not know about this place until today. Its a place of recreation. I went for a business meeting but I did see that there were alot of kids attwnsing to play basketball and swimming. Very clean environment, very professional.

Fantastic experience: Very Clean, Hot tub was a dream and the vortex was fun. Had an amazing time

Positive experience: Why is there STILL no way to speak with someone at the front welcome desk. I shouldn't have to drive up there for general questions. This has been for years now.

Fantastic experience: Its a local facility with various things to do for all ages and it's fully equipped for the services provided.

Fantastic experience: Wonderful place. Very friendly. Two beautiful pools and hot tub. Master's swim team.

Fantastic experience: This fitness center is amazing. It has several state of the art exercise machines, fitness classes, Olympic size swimming area and comparable hours of operation. I am very excited to get into a fitness routine.

Fantastic experience: Ms. Darlene Humphrey was very professional and accomadating although I didn't have an appointment she was very helpful and the staff at the lobby entrance was accomadating and professional as well

Fantastic experience: Due to Covid-19 they check your temperature and require a survey completed before entering. I have a family account there which breakdown the monthly cost significantly. The track, basketball courts and workout equipment are nice. Bring your own mat if doing core work outs (because of Covid-19). The pool is gorgeous.

Fantastic experience: Awesome... clean...receptive... BUT Please open pool up for children! The reserve time is cumbersome and cheats the family.

Fantastic experience: Great workouts!!! Very active following social distance guidelines. Saw workers wiping equipment & deep cleaning bathrooms.

Fantastic experience: Love going to the Kroc Centet!

Fantastic experience: I have loved coming to the KROC! It was the best way to keep healthy. There are so many options for activities. I really appreciated the services to Senior citizens. I loved the pool and swam laps most days. I found the center well kept up and the exercise equipment in good condition. The security services makes one feel safe. The staff seemed to take pride in their jobs and in providing professional services. Thank you for all the efforts you employ to make KROC Center an enjoyable experience.

Fantastic experience: It was a nice place for senior but its not open yet.only the running track outside.

Fantastic experience: IT IS CLEAN. EASY TO ACCESS, FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT!! HAND SANITIZER HANGS ON MOST WALLS. YOU CAN SOCIAL DISTANCE IN 4HIS PLACE!!

Fantastic experience: Great faith based place for families. Lots of classes for adults and kids. You can book a waterpark birthday party. Also rent out the banquet room for an event. They also have a daycare and a cafe. Security on staff. Thank you to the Kroc family for investing in this community!

Negative experience: I wouldn't go here for any reason when they aren't allowed to let me use the restroom in the building...its pouring outside but they want me to use an 'outhou-i mean portopotty'. Yr

Fantastic experience: A great place to workout and worship.

Positive experience: Good place with lots of activities for all ages. My only complaint is some of the front desk staff needs to be a little more professional and less attitudy and more informative when your asking questions about the programs. I shouldn’t be told to look in the book if I’m standing right inside the place and asking additional more detailed information.

Fantastic experience: Have been a member for a year. Great place tmo workout! My grand kids love the swimming pool.

Fantastic experience: I love going to the Kroc center I use a lot of the equipment. Most of all I do aqua fit in the pool.

Fantastic experience: Very nice facility for working out. Prices are on par with most other gyms. They also offer banquet hall rentals and birthday rooms for kids.

Positive experience: This was my gym for a while. I gave it four stars for their lack of a sauna thats all their missing. Other than that i loved and still live the kroc and also yall could lower the cost for a day pass.

Fantastic experience: Enjoyed the water park... Very nice for me and the family...perfect place for when the weather is too hot for outside

Positive experience: Just had my daughter birthday at the Kroc center. The staff was very nice and pleasant. The facility was clean. The pool life guards stayed on top of the children. But I did think that it was waaaayyyy too many children in the pool. And they should not have open swim when you have 3 pool parties going on at the same time. It was chaos and big children knocking over the little children. The Kroc Center leadership should really consider changing this process.

Fantastic experience: Always love this place. Aqua classes, exercise equipment ,children's room ,healthy snacks, clean, great family plan, & hours

Negative experience: Staff is inconsistent on rental policies. They don't allow outside programs to rent if they have something similar,turning away money. But asks for donations???

Fantastic experience: GREAT place for hosting Events. Friendly staff & a wide variety of activities for the whole family.

Fantastic experience: I was please with the center, you're greeted as you enter the building. I plan on asking for a full your of the entire center. It is well maintained and the staff is helpful and friendly. They offer different activities. They have a booklets, they were out when I was there. I will be going back to.get more information.

Fantastic experience: I love this place, you can workout with the weights, swim or take a class, there's always something to do.

Positive experience: It was not the correct time to register for membership. I didn't have the verification to register for the silver sneakers program. So it was disappointing, after the tour of the facility ( it is a world class facility) equipped for spiritual, physical, and mental health. Filled out app and showed up, but they wanted some proof of qualification of Silver Sneakers. Looking forward to providing.

Fantastic experience: I found the center to be clean and well, This was my first time visiting the center. I did inquire about the center and the programs they offer. it looks like a place I could find things to do. The staff greets you and make you feel welcome when you walk in. When I return I would love to take a walking tour to explore the whole center. This seem like it's my kind of place. I will definitely be returning soon.

Fantastic experience: This is a great place especially for families. The Kroc Center Staff is polite and professional. The building maintenance is beyond well kept. Its worth trying them out.

Fantastic experience: Much needed center and activities for all ages. Good customer service and reasonable prices.

Positive experience: First time here like my kids really enjoyed it.. Note: bring your own lock and if you have kids under the age of three make sure your kids have swimming diapers on

Positive experience: I have experience walking on the inside track at least two or three times a week. Also attend some of the fitness classes.

Fantastic experience: Great plac to bring the kids and family to hang out . indoor waterpark food. Place for seniors to hangout. Basketball. Meeting/party rooms

Positive experience: This is the place for family fun!! Clean environment, security in place and decent prices for activities. There is ample free parking which is a plus!

Negative experience: They are very unprofessional here!!! The communication is terrible!!! I made plans to celebrate my daughter's birthday here in April. I originally began calling and planning the event for my daughter's birthday during mid-March. A week before the event I prepared an email to send over the waiver forms for all 46 of my guests. It was at that time that I was notified that they could not accommodate my group in April due to an Easter egg hunt that had been put in place after my event had been scheduled. I had been in contact with the person over events for more than a month. After speaking to the event coordinator as well as her Manager I decided to leave this review to inform others of how unorganized and unprofessional this establishment is. What type of establishment in business to make money turns 46 people away anyway? BE AWARE THEY'RE VERY UNPROFESSIONAL!!!!

Fantastic experience: Great community resource. Enjoy attending events there. Activities offered for all age groups. Facility is always clean. Comfortable furnishings. Conveniently located.

Fantastic experience: A great place for a work out, connecting with the neighborhood as well as taking classes and staying current with up coming events.

Positive experience: Well maintained, chlorine odor from pool a bit strong, hit you at the door. Family friendly plenty of activities.

Fantastic experience: I love the Kroc Complex. I have been a member since it opened also a volunteer. Would recommend to families Family friendly. Join and volunteer.

Fantastic experience: Family center that has many activities Economical prices, plenty of free parking. Safe environment.

Positive experience: Had my daughter's birthday party here kids really enjoyed the pool but the food pizza in particular was horrible.

Fantastic experience: Friendly staffers ready to assist and address any concerns. A variety of programs and equipment. Beautiful indoor water park and basketball courts, church and banquets, Nice atmosphere. The place is very clean. Something for all age groups. I simply love the place

Positive experience: Friendly environment, clean an accessible, knowledgeable staff, and plenty of family activities. Membership is affordable.

Positive experience: Nice area for working out in the gym and basketball courts. They also have a large swimming pool area.

Fantastic experience: I love the Kroc, great variety of activities and programs for all ages, including sports, indoor track, swimming pools, dance, computer, drama, even worship services are available. The membership prices very affordable for any budget, and great location. Pretty clean, but as with any public facility I do take precautions such as wearing flip flops in the shower area for the pool, and they do provide disinfecting wipes in the weight room for seats and handles. Once again great place.