Have Fitness, Will Travel: Chicago

May 7, 2014

Kevin Daigle

It’s seven events in Chicago. We’ve got snatches, Nasty Girls, we’re indoors and we’re wearing sunglasses. Regionals!

It’s seven events in Chicago. We’ve got snatches, Nasty Girls, we’re indoors and we’re wearing sunglasses. Regionals!

Photo by Kevin Daigle

It’s seven events in Chicago. We’ve got snatches, Nasty Girls, we’re indoors and we’re wearing sunglasses. Regionals!

Jake and Elwood Blues’ epic car chase through Chicago may not have been as exciting if they were CrossFit athletes; they could’ve just made a run for it. With Week 1 of regionals upon us, North Central athletes will trek to Chicago to do battle at the Navy Pier on the shores of Lake Michigan. Hundreds will be in attendance, in the third largest city in the U.S.

And, of course, Stacie Tovar will be there.

Fitness

Here, CrossFit runs deeper than the lake. If you’re in town to watch Alex Nettey, Kyle Kasperbauer, Elisabeth Akinwale and, oh … Stacie Tovar throw it down in the Windy City, you’ll need to get a sweat on.

“We're the largest affiliate from North Central … and we have the best coaches, although I'm biased because I am one,” said Kayla Slaughter, a coach from River North CrossFit.

Slaughter said the gym will have extended hours this weekend, so stop by and get fitter.

Robert Muratori, Event Director for the North Central Regional, suggested checking out Printers Row CrossFit in downtown Chicago.

Boxes in Chi-town are stacked thicker than the pizza the city is famous for:
CrossFit Chicago
South Loop CrossFit
Atlas CrossFit

To find all the CrossFit affiliates in the area visit map.crossfit.com.

Food

Slaughter recommended you “start your day off right with a donut (or seven) from Glazed & Infused. I recommend the Bacon Maple Long John, because bacon.”

Well, I can’t argue with that logic. Sugar, bacon and maple? As a dyed-in-the-wool New Englander, that couldn’t make me happier unless it was from Dunkin’ Donuts and had a nipple on it.

Kuma's Corner is a place you'd never wander into by accident. Luckily, the last time I was in Chicago, Rudy Tapalla, owner of CrossFit Chicago and CrossFit Level 1 Seminar Staff member, told me I had to check this place out. For that, I’m forever grateful. Tapalla said it was a heavy-metal burger bar. On the ride over I wondered what exactly that meant. Well, it's precisely what it sounds like and it's glorious. Muratori said Kuma’s is a great place for “a savage burger.” I recommend the “Iron Maiden.”

If you're down to experience the gluten-ous, dairy-laden, culinary delight that is the real reason behind the moniker “Windy City,” head to Lou Malnati's. Chicago’s deep-dish pizza is thicker than the accents and the sauce is on the top. You can prefer Chicago’s deep dish or New York’s thin crust, but let’s just say if there were a fight, New York would walk away with a black eye. Chicago’s take on pizza is a bruiser. It's one of the finest, densest regional culinary traditions this country has to offer. Just make sure you don’t have to work out—or move—for 24 hours or so after mealtime. Muratori also suggested checking out Pequod’s Pizza.

If you’re not quite ready for nutritional bankruptcy, Slaughter had the following advice: “Protein Bar and Freshii are the most commonly known ‘clean’ restaurants and have shops all around the city. If you're on Michigan Ave. and decide to brave Water Tower Place, take advantage of Foodease.”

“Places that really work for paleo or ‘clean’ are Uncommon Ground, LOKal and Grange Hall Burger Bar,” Muratori said. “Nice places where you can hang out and have a great dinner without eating out of a cardboard box.”

Here are some other dining options to check out:
Hopleaf
Smoke Daddy's
Mercadito

Stuff To Do

Chicago is a richly cultured place with as many landmarks and tourist traps as any metropolitan city. Iconic buildings such as Willis Tower and Wrigley Field dot the entire city.

The Lincoln Park Zoo was highly recommended by Slaughter. The price of admission is perfect: free. For a great view of the skyline, check out the John Hancock Center.

“Do not pay to go to the top,” Slaughter said. Instead, “ride the free elevator to the Signature Lounge and buy a $6 beer. Or a $13 cocktail—still cheaper than admission to 360 Chicago. And then visit the ladies’ restroom. Sorry guys, you'll have to ask your lady friend for a picture of Chicago's skyline.”

This doesn’t help me out, but if you’re a woman or traveling with people who are women, it sounds like a good plan.

Both Muratori and Slaughter recommended checking out the museum campus, which is home to the Adler Planetarium, Field Museum of Natural History and the Shedd Aquarium.

Touristy places to avoid? Slaughter said it’s OK to skip The Bean and Willis Tower. I agree with the tower, if it’s busy. But it’s something you should probably do once. If you’re feeling antsy after all that regional action, you could take the stairs. For time. All 110 stories.

There’s more to see, do and eat in Chicago than could fit into any one trip. Come for the fitness, stay for the food and friendly Midwesterners.

Did I mention Stacie Tovar will be there?

During four regional weekendsKevin Daigle will choose one city each week to feature in this series.