From DePaul Amenities to Chicago Streets, Here’s How To Power Your Fitness Journey at Kellstadt

Located in the heart of Lincoln Park, the Ray Meyer Fitness Center offers DePaul students a full range of wellness resources from personal training and group classes to intramurals and open gym access. As a Kellstadt student, your membership to “The Ray” is free, making it easy to stay active between classes and work. Personally, I’ve found the weight room especially useful for getting in a focused lift and clearing my head after a busy day.

DePaul’s Loop Campus features a fitness facility located within the College of Computing and Digital Media (CDM) building, offering convenient access for all Kellstadt students. While smaller in scale than the Ray Meyer Fitness Center, this gym provides a practical option for staying active between classes or during breaks downtown. It’s ideal for students seeking quick, accessible workouts without leaving the Loop.

The Chicago Lakefront Trail is one of the city’s most iconic outdoor assets, and it’s a perfect resource for Kellstadt students looking to stay active and explore beyond campus. Stretching 18 miles along Lake Michigan, the trail offers stunning skyline views, access to beaches and parks, and a safe, scenic route for running, biking, or walking. Whether you’re squeezing in a workout between classes or unwinding after a long day, the lakefront is a free, energizing way to connect fitness with the rhythms of city life.

Chicago’s running scene is full of energy, community, and opportunity, especially for Kellstadt students looking to stay active and meet new people. From the structured training programs of CARA to the inclusive vibes of 3RUN2 and GumboFit, the city offers run clubs for every pace and personality. These groups host weekly runs across neighborhoods, support race training, and foster strong social networks. Whether you’re chasing a marathon goal or just want to meet fellow runners, joining a club is a great way to stay fit and plugged into Chicago’s vibrant fitness culture.

Intramural sports at DePaul offer Kellstadt students a fun, low-pressure way to stay active and connect with peers from across campus. Whether you’re into basketball, soccer, volleyball, or dodgeball, there’s a wide range of leagues and tournaments open to all skill levels. It’s a great way to unwind, build teamwork, and enjoy some friendly competition outside the classroom. With flexible scheduling and a welcoming atmosphere, intramurals make it easy to balance fitness with a busy grad school routine.

Chicago offers a wide range of free fitness sessions that make it easy for Kellstadt students to stay active without spending a dime. From outdoor yoga in Millennium Park to community-led bootcamps along the lakefront, the city’s parks and neighborhoods host regular workouts open to all. Local organizations and studios often team up with the Chicago Park District to offer pop-up classes in everything from dance to HIIT. These sessions are a great way to explore the city, meet new people, and add variety to your fitness routine—all while keeping your budget intact