BUCKTOWN — Two gyms are prepping to open in Bucktown — already a hub for fitness training and workout classes — this summer.
Trainer and coach Ashley Stephen and business partner Erik Nelson have taken over the former Armitage Auto Repair, 2036 W. Armitage Ave., and are in the process of turning it into an expansive gym for classes and individual training called Bucktown Assembly.
And at 1852 N. Milwaukee Ave., trainer Malik Scott is rebranding Pardner Sports Performance into More Than Fit, his longtime fitness company that offers personalized strength and conditioning coaching for youth athletes and adults of all ages.
Below, read more about the gyms ahead of their openings.
Bucktown Assembly
Nelson and Stephen are overseeing a three-month buildout for Bucktown Assembly, which includes refurbishing the interior brick walls, foundation work and adding a locker room area. Otherwise, the space will be one big open room with squat racks, cardio machines and space for classes.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Stephen has worked as a trainer and coach at Chicago gyms for almost a decade. He and Nelson became friends a few years ago; last year, they decided to launch a gym of their own.
Bucktown Assembly will focus on strength training and HYROX workouts — fitness races that have become popular in recent years.
Stephen and Nelson said they hope their gym becomes a community gathering space where neighbors hang out before and after working out, hence the “assembly” name.
“What we’d like to do is create a space for people to meet, something that can drive community,” Stephen said. “And then what we’ll provide is science-backed training. So I think the junction of those two things is a space for people to meet and connect, and then also to train together and improve.”
Classes at Bucktown Assembly will focus on four areas: strength-based training, conditioning, group conditioning and mobility. The gym will offer memberships and class packs, as well as open gym and personal training options.
Stephen and Nelson are adding a lounge area, and on warmer days they plan to open the former auto shop garage doors to the neighborhood. The space has a large central skylight the duo plan to keep.
“We were looking at sterile boxes, and then we found this building that really has soul,” Nelson said. “It feels like we’re just shining up something that’s been here forever, which is kind of the idea of the community aspect of this gym. This is a gym where you go and you chat with your friends and hang out, [where] you know the people working out.”
Bucktown Assembly’s owners plan to open in July.
More Than Fit
Malik Scott has worked with private clients and groups as a personal trainer and coach in Chicago for over a decade, frequently working with youth athletes.
Now, Scott is in the process of setting up his More Than Fit gym on Milwaukee Avenue, with a grand opening planned for June 12, although he’s already operating in the space.
Scott works with private clients across the city as well as young people through partnerships with Chicago City Soccer Club and Pulaski International School, among other organizations.
On top of helping people get stronger and stay fit, Scott strives to take a “holistic approach” to fitness and training, he said.
“We’re talking about goal setting, habit setting, behavioral change, confidence, all those things in detail. And then that just carries over to the more like mind, body, soul, the more spiritual side of that too,” he said. “Once you connect those two, it’s usually like the umbrella opens up, and you can dive deeper into who you are.”
At More Than Fit, Scott will offer private training and small group classes, with help from other trainers and a physical therapist on staff. He also specializes in pre- and postnatal training for pregnant women and new mothers.
Like Bucktown Assembly, Scott said he hopes More Than Fit becomes a training hub for athletes and neighbors of all ages. He’s working on building new partnerships with more schools, nonprofits and other groups across Chicago.
“Adults, beginners, busy professionals, parents and former athletes, and really anyone who wants to train with purpose and feel confident in the gym” are welcome, Scott said. “And also young athletes who want performance training and injury resilience.”
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