Established 2015

Movement Republic opened in May 2015 with the dream of returning to the core tenets of CrossFit. After years of training and coaching at a couple other gyms in the city, owner Sarah Vanderstow and her husband at the time, John Harvey, wanted to pursue their own vision. With the ability to build MR from the ground up, they were able to clearly define what really matters and what would become the core philosophy and operating principles of Movement Republic CrossFit.

If you’re new to CrossFit or even fitness in general, you will find a supportive home at MR where you will be taught, without judgement, the fundamentals and also be expected to continually push yourself to learn and progress. Regardless of your current fitness level, you will be taught all of the movements and skills we do in class at an appropriate speed for your current skill level.

What Makes Us Different

  • We program the way CrossFit was intended to be programmed, alternating strength and met-con days and focusing on intensity over volume. We have programmed this way since we opened in 2015 and have seen undeniable results.

  • All of our strength and met-con days are based on a percentage of your 1 rep max, never a prescribed weight for everyone. This ensures that every athlete is getting the intended stimulus, and it also ensures you will never plateau since as your 1RMs increase, so do your met-con weights.

  • We program to a higher skill level for all of our classes. We do not offer competitors programming because it is not necessary if the programming is consistently challenging for all of our athletes. We believe all of our athletes should be encouraged to explore higher level skills and expect to reach them in the future with consistent training. We are experts at scaling and will be sure you are always progressing safely and efficiently.

  • Everyone does the same programming. All of our coaches and owners do the same programming as our athletes, and nothing more. We are all reaching toward the same goal of our personal peak physical fitness. If you just want to be compete, be healthier or look better, the prescription is the same.

  • We have a small, expert coaching staff. This means you’ll get to know each of them and more importantly, they will get to know you, your strengths and how to help you improve. 

  • We have equipment for everyone including training barbells, a range of dumbbells and kettle bells, and pull-ups bars for athletes of every height.

  • We offer 24-hour access to Movement Republic’s facility through HybridAF. Learn more here.

  • Our community is what makes us stronger - we host regular events and visit local spots. Check out our events page!

  • We offer more than just CrossFit classes. Click here to learn more about our other classes, workshops, and goal planning!

What We Offer

  • Tailored Fitness Program

  • Expert Coaching Every Session

  • Multidisciplinary Functional Training

  • Mobility Training

  • Recovery Room

  • 24-hour Access

  • Skill Workshops

  • Free Online Workout Journal

  • Nutritional Coaching

  • Community Events

  • WiFi Athlete Lounge & Billiards Table

  • Complimentary Shower & Towel Service

  • Cubby Room

  • Friendship & Accountability

 

Our facility features climbing ropes, a 54 foot ROGUE Infinity rig, 30 ROGUE barbells, a turf area for prowler training, sandbags, peg board, Assault Bikes, Concept2 Rowers, Assault Runner, GHDs, Concept2 SkiErg, and 5,600 square feet of training space making us large enough for all your training needs, but small enough to never get lost in the crowd. You’ll love training in our facility, but you’ll also love our dedicated recovery room including an infrared sauna, comfortable lounge area, cubby room to store your training gear, clean restrooms and showers stocked with everything you need to freshen up post workout. We’d love to see you at one of our classes. Drop in and see us 15 minutes before any class for a quick tour.

Visit Us

Located at 4526 N Ravenswood Ave in Chicago IL, 60640 on one of the last brick roads in the city. We are a short walk from the CTA Montrose Brown Line, Ravenswood Metra, and 78 Montrose bus. Free street parking is available steps from our front door.