Fitness club or more than that? That's the question some North Side residents are asking after a Flirty Girl Fitness Club opened in Lincoln Park.
The club is located in a residential area and features pole dancing, Pilates, and yoga. But, it's not the classes that have some people talking; it's the parties that take place after the club closes.
"I think they think--it's almost like they think a brothel is opening up in Lincoln Park--and that's just not the case," Flirty Girl Fitness owner Kerry Knee explains. "It is the Lincoln moms who come here. It's a very upscale clientele."
Knee says residents have told her they're fine with the fitness center's hours and the classes taught here, but a couple of times a month clients are allowed to host bachelorette and other parties. Live bands are not allowed but guests can book DJs at Flirty Girl and alcohol will be served during classes and at those parties.
People who live in the area have emailed the alderman of the 43rd Ward saying that "they're" concerned about the late night crowds. Alderman Michele Smith says there's no need to worry.
"It's a fitness club. We've checked them out at other locations," Alderman Smith says. "They're a fitness club that has a good reputation. They throw some parties. They allow some bachelorette parties--and they wanted a liquor license and we're gonna be able to do that."
The center is located near the intersection of Halsted and Webster---a residential area---loaded with restaurants boutiques and shops. The Flirty Girl owners say that this is a social club and a place for women to just be themselves.
"We've always said that we are just not a fitness club. We're a social club for women---we do these parties," Knee says. "We might do a breast cancer function and it might end at 1 o'clock in the morning, but the kind of crowd we bring here is a very upscale crowd and it's a private event."
Alderman Smith says that before Flirty Girl opened its doors a couple of months ago, community meetings were held giving residents a chance to voice their concerns. The alderman and owner say nobody said anything.
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:19 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:19:20 GMT
Nine Lafayette Elementary parents and students have occupied a Lafayette Elementary school classroom, in a sit-in style protest against the school's closing.
Nine Lafayette Elementary parents and students have occupied a Lafayette Elementary school classroom, in a sit-in style protest against the school's closing.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:27 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:27:06 GMT
Now that obesity has been officially classified as a disease by the AMA, many are wondering how this will affect the 35.7 percent of Americans who are described as obese.
Now that obesity has been officially classified as a disease by the AMA, many are wondering how this will affect the 35.7 percent of Americans who are described as obese.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:14 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:14:33 GMT
Two government aid programs somehow became one Wednesday afternoon on the West Side. Hundreds of people lined up for both food and flood assistance at the state office at Chicago and Pulaski.
Two government aid programs somehow became one Wednesday afternoon on the West Side. Hundreds of people lined up for both food and flood assistance at the state office at Chicago and Pulaski.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:10 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:10:10 GMT
Chicago is at the tipping point, as the showdown continues over CPS closings. The final bell will ring for more than half of the public schools scheduled to close on Friday, under CPS' reorganization plan.
Chicago is at the tipping point, as the showdown continues over CPS closings. The final bell will ring for more than half of the public schools scheduled to close on Friday, under CPS' reorganization plan.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 3:48 PM EDT2013-06-19 19:48:47 GMT
A body found in the water off the 39th street beach Wednesday has been positively identified as missing University of Chicago student Austin Hudson-Lapore, the Cook County Medical Examiner's office confirmed.
A body found in the water off the 39th street beach Wednesday has been positively identified as missing University of Chicago student Austin Hudson-Lapore, the Cook County Medical Examiner's office confirmed.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 2:12 PM EDT2013-06-19 18:12:39 GMT
Police are urging parents and community members to exercise caution after a man tried luring an 11-year-old girl into a car in the North Side Albany Park neighborhood.
Police are urging parents and community members to exercise caution after a man tried luring an 11-year-old girl into a car in the North Side Albany Park neighborhood.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 2:08 PM EDT2013-06-19 18:08:32 GMT
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
