Ultimate Ninjas Libertyville — Local services in Libertyville

This is a tough review to write and the two stars is really aimed at the kids classes. Overall, the Ultimate Ninjas Libertyville location has a lot going for it. It is very clean with lots of fun equipment for both kids and adults. My 10 year old daughter had many great experiences here at open gym and birthday parties in the past.

Based on the past positive experiences we signed her up for a weeknight class. The classes started well but went downhill over the next two months. Our daughter started telling us how she didn't want to go anymore because of another girl in the class who had been bullying her each week which included shoving on and off the obstacles, verbal abuse and at one point a foot to her head. We encouraged her to tell the staff anytime this happened. She did tell the instructors multiple times but no action was taken and the behaviors continued.

I observed her final class and although no bullying took place that night, I could see the supervision of the classes was very lax and created an environment where trouble could fester. Kids were frequently leaving their designated areas and playing on other equipment and the young staff didn't seem interested in keeping order or doing much instructing. The group sizes are reasonable (10 kids or less) and the staff should have no trouble keeping watch over the kids. Maybe better training on how to deal with bad behavior?

The classes are slow paced with lots of idle wait time in line to use the next obstacle. For a 50 minute $25 class, the first 10 minutes are stretching, the next 30 minutes are obstacle rotations and the final 10 are exercises and free time. Our kid never came home with a sweat. It would be great if the classes could incorporate more aerobic components where the kids are running and moving more. Maybe obstacle circuits where they are encouraged to move quickly and compete with the rest of their group.

I did talk with Mike when canceling and let our daughter explain what happened in her classes. He was genuinely interested in hearing about what happened and suggested changing classes since that time slot can get a little crazy. He said he wanted to know anytime an instructor did not take action when kids are bullying. The offer to switch classes was appreciated but, for the reasons listed above, I don't have confidence that a new class will solve the underlying...

Amazing for kids of any age, and fantastic for adults too!

For kids - it's a no brainer - a true "American Ninja Warrior" (ANW) style obstacle course. They love it. They have weekly classes, parties, and even camps. It's a great way for your kids to stay active, get away from screens, and have fun, all at the same time.

For adults - awesome too! I can't believe this place isn't 20x more crowded than it is, I think it's just because people don't know about it.

I was bringing my daughter here for the kids thing and saw some adults working out each week, and I got curious, so I asked about it, and I'm glad I did.

"Ultifit" as they call their adult class, is an amazing workout for adults!

There are two options, first is just straight circuit training like you'd find in similar circuit training style gyms, no obstacle course. Or you can choose to go to the "OC Fusion", which is kind of like half circuit training and half obstacle course. You don't have to pick one or the other - they offer both types of classes every day and you just go to the one you want.

You don't have to be into ANW at all to join, in fact I've been coming for about a year and I've never done the OC fusion class - I just do the straight circuit training.

Sean, the main coach, is awesome, and changes up the workouts everyday, so it's never boring and repetitive, and you're always working out new muscle groups.

One caveat for guys, I think a lot of guys are looking to build bulk, and this isn't the place for that. I think this is a gym for those who are looking for that 'lean in-shape' result. Here, there's not any heavy weight training like you'd find at a crossfit gym, so you're not doing any big weight and looking to build muscle in that way. There are some weights used, but it's just a totally different style than crossfit.

But, if you're looking for a full body, all around great workout, that's always unique, and will consistently kick your butt... Try Ultifit at...

My family visited Ultimate Ninjas Libertyville for a birthday party. I was very impressed with the service, instruction, and attention the kids received while on the Ninja course. The birthday attendants kept close watchful tabs on the kids to ensure everyone's safety and got an ice pack for the birthday boy when he bumped his head. 40 minutes on the warped wall (several different heights), then 40 minutes on the Ninja obstacle course plus basketball and a fun game of dodgeball, and then 40 minutes in the party room. The attendants kept the kids busy on the obstacle course, were attentive and taught the kids the game of dodgeball, and were super helpful in helping with the party (carrying the cake to the table, passing out anything needed by the parents, and helped me take down decorations! I was very impressed with the service compared to other kids party places I have visited. I would hands down recommend this place for kids birthday parties! My kids loved it here! Make sure to check out the different walls throughout the facility with large photos of famous America Ninja warrior contestants and kids at the gym. Super cool place, for kids and...