UIC Student Recreation Facility — Attraction in West Chicago Township

We were racially profiled by the front desk! This was so disheartening, especially because I had never been on this campus before! GPS led us to this location for tropical smoothie cafe on 03/26/25. Upon arrival, I informed the young lady at the front desk that I just wanted to come and get a smoothie, it was 15 minutes before the smoothie shop closed. She asked me to sign in and leave an ID. While waiting for the smoothie, I saw her continuously surveillance our every move. We sat in the space behind her so she could see we weren't roaming. While we waited for our smoothie,the person I was with asked the smoothie guy could he use the restroom. As soon as we got our smoothies, we sat back down to taste it before we left and before the smoothie guy closed down and she called security to escort us out. I've never been so embarrassed! Being a new resident to Chicago, I would have never expected that experience from a renowned university! If you are not a student, I would not recommend this location for tropical smoothie cafe!

Updated based upon UIC response: Thank you for responding. I find it quite interesting after speaking to a couple of my colleagues (we are in the medical district) about this matter, they informed me that they have never signed in. Nor do they hold membership at the University and we are all passed the level of education for the University. I also find it interesting, that "I" informed the front desk clerk that this was my first visit and asked what do I need to do. She never informed me of a 15min policy nor are there any signage of this. Your verbiage insinuated that your cameras painted a different picture that what was said. I would be interested in viewing where you have "me" on camera doing anything outside of what "i" stated. Despite me walking in with someone, only "I" signed in and only "I" gave my property to the lady. Not once did i roam or view your facility... I didn't even know it was a recreation center, nor do i have interest in touring your facility. Suggestion for you... maybe you guys should produce a signage for visitors so they can be aware of your wavering policy and better yet maybe you should rearrange the position of tropical smoothie cafe from the center to the security area so therefore guests do not have to enter the facility at all. I stand by what I said...."I" was racially profiled at your...

I live in the Greektown area and unfortunately this is the only large fitness facility with basketball courts within a 2-mile radius. For $95/mo, it is not a great value. Because UIC operates a complete monopoly, they have no incentive to change.

Machines are outdated, dumbbells have likely not been replaced since 2008 (facility opening), everything seems to be broken, and the facility is always dirty. Currently, two of the four basketball courts are unusable and management has not made any attempt to repair the courts in over a month. I have expressed further frustrations to management in the past, and they just seem to always brush things off.

When you walk into this facility, you will not feel particularly motivated to work out. It’s a shame that UIC has no interest in improving the experience for students or community members, because a solid rec center really makes a difference in people’s mental health.

Ultimately, I do recognize that at the least, it is nice that UIC offers facility access to community members. Also, I realize that the times are tough, and it is probably hard to staff the facility with cleaners, as is. But, end of day, we all...

In case you need to cancle your membership. This is an insane cancelation policy! Guys, is money really that important to you?

"A $50 cancellation fee will be assessed to members cancelling before the six month minimum requirement. Members may fill out the cancellation form within the month of their six month commitment mark. The same cancellation policy applies; if the cancellation form is not received by the 15th of the month, the member will be charged for the next month. EFT Cancellations received on the 1st - 15th of the month: Memberships will terminate at the end of that month and automatic withdrawals will stop with that month’s payment. EFT Cancellations received on the 16th - the end of the month: Memberships will terminate at the end of the following month and automatic withdrawals will stop after the following month’s payment. Faculty/Staff: Payroll deductions will terminate on the next earliest payroll date. Payroll deductions or EFT will terminate when the appropriate dollar amount has been paid. Once a membership is cancelled, there is no guarantee that it may be...