Evergreen Park, IL Indoor Activities

Kindled on October 8, 1997—the 126th anniversary of Chicago's infamous blaze—the Chicago Fire played their first Major League Soccer season in 1998 as one of the league's first expansion teams—and nabbed its first and only MLS Cup in that inaugural season. Under the supervision of U.S. Men's National Team head coach Bob Bradley, the club has been a hazard ever since, taking home four Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophies and reaching the playoffs in nearly every year of its existence. Located in Bridgeview, Toyota Park hosts each home game, its grounds spacious enough to seat 20,000 and fertile enough for planting new soccer-net saplings each spring.

Within its headquarters on Lincoln Ave., the Chicago Martial Arts Club sends out the call to exercisers of all stripes, inviting them to explore the numerous training clubs gathered together under their welcoming roof. At the Chicago Bootcamp Club, students torch up to 800 calories during vigorous instructor-led sessions that bolster agility, endurance, and strength. The group dynamic is also in effect at the Chicago Functional Fitness Club, where trainer and professional MMA fighter Jason Bender runs athletes through circuits that boost on-field dominance through drills inspired by everything from yoga and Pilates to kickboxing and grappling.

Pilates is an excellent way to kick-start a fitness routine. The challenging movements and full-body stretching are designed to increase core strength and stamina. For your two private sessions, you’ll receive guidance from FTC-certified instructor Patrick O'Brien, who will help you transition from a stale, store-bought pretzel to a soft, fresh-baked German pretzel. Work out on both the Pilates equipment and floor mat under his supervision. He will help you correct body issues from technique to alignment and tailor the lessons to your specific physical needs. FTC is one of Chicago’s longest-standing Pilates studios, having opened in 1994. Its focus is on the human form and on making sure it operates naturally and healthfully, in line with its proper structure and function. Call to schedule your sessions.

By the early 1920s, nearly every major metropolis in the United States and abroad had an aquarium. But while Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo housed an impressive collection of freshwater fish, civic leader John G. Shedd and his colleagues wanted to build a standalone aquarium swimming with saltwater species. Shedd’s contribution of $3 million paid for nearly a million gallons of seawater, which were transported by rail from Florida’s coast before filling tanks large enough to accommodate sea mammals as well as fish. Even though Shedd died before the aquarium’s construction, he will forever be remembered for creating the first inland aquarium with a permanent saltwater collection. His dream continues to thrive with the Shedd’s scores of undersea creatures, from sharks and dolphins to vibrant sea cucumbers, all showcased in educational, eye-catching exhibits.

Back in 1974, Lou Conte Dance Studio was nothing more than a twinkle in Claire Bataille's eye. Nearly 40 years and a slew of international acclaim later, the studio has become a pillar of the Chicago dance community. Today, Bataille—who earned the Ruth Page Award for Outstanding Dancer— and her staff lead more than 70 dance and fitness classes every week for teens, adults, beginners, and professionals. Their regular workshops delve into the nuances and history of dance, enhancing the curriculum with focused lessons and special lectures on the dangers of carelessly discarding banana peels.

If you're looking for a little roller rink excitement Chicago-style, go check out the Windy City Rollers, the city's premier all-female roller derby league. For just 14 bucks, this Groupon gets you into an action-packed battle between the Windy City Rollers and the Philly Roller Girls at the UIC Pavilion on Saturday, July 25, 7 p.m.