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Fitness Center in Peoria, IL
Fitness. Health. Community. It's Where You Belong!
Family-run for over 50 years, The Clubs at River City is Peoria's most complete fitness center — built around your goals, your family, and a community that's been growing stronger since Lee O'Connell opened our doors in 1972. From group fitness and personal training to swimming, tennis, gymnastics, and youth programs, this is your spot to live strong and feel at home.
20,000+ satisfied customers over 50 years
Quick Summary
The Clubs at River City is a family-run fitness center in Peoria, IL, serving over 3 generations of members since 1972. We offer a full fitness center, group fitness classes, personal training, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and pickleball courts, gymnastics, youth programs, and Peoria's newest Red Light Therapy. Located at 8603 N. University in Peoria — call (309) 693-5700 to schedule a tour.
One Membership · Every Goal
Peoria's most trusted fitness center for every age and goal
Members come to The Clubs at River City for the fitness center, but stay for the community. Our Peoria, IL location offers everything under one membership — fitness center access, group fitness classes, personal training, swim lessons, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and pickleball courts, gymnastics and cheer, basketball, a kid's club, preschool, and Red Light Therapy recovery. One club. One membership. Every age, every goal.
Whether you thrive on the energy of a dynamic class or prefer one-on-one coaching with our dedicated trainers at a fitness center in Peoria, IL, there’s a perfect fit for you here. You’ll connect with like-minded members, share your wins, and discover how a supportive environment can elevate your goals. Our team is with you at every turn, celebrating your progress every step of the way.
Featured Partner of the Month!
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How do I know if a fitness center membership is right for me?
If you've been thinking about getting back in shape, recovering from an injury, training for an event, or simply wanting to feel better day to day — a fitness center membership is one of the most reliable ways to make it stick. The hardest part of fitness isn't the workout. It's showing up. The Clubs at River City makes showing up easier with a welcoming environment, friendly faces, and programs that meet you exactly where you are today — whether that's your first time on a treadmill or your hundredth swim lap.
You're a good fit for The Clubs if you want:
- A clean, well-equipped fitness center with minimal wait times
- A community that knows your name, not just your member number
- Programs for the whole family, not just one person
- Coaching and support without the high-pressure sales tactics of corporate chains
What's included with a Clubs at River City membership?
One membership at The Clubs at River City unlocks the full Peoria campus — and that's a lot more than a typical gym. You get full access to our fitness center with cardio, strength, and functional training equipment from top brands like Matrix, Life Fitness, Nautilus, and Stages. You also get group fitness classes (yoga, spin, strength, Les Mills BodyAttack, and more), our two indoor pools and four outdoor pools, tennis and pickleball courts, basketball, a virtual fitness studio, and access to our Kid's Club so your wellness doesn't get put on hold while the kids are with you.
Why choose a local fitness center over a national chain?
National chains compete on price. We compete on community. The Clubs at River City has been family-run since 1972— three generations of the O'Connell family have shaped this club into what it is today. We were the first in Peoria to launch senior fitness classes, the first in the country to open a stand-alone youth fitness center, and one of the first to partner with local hospitals on cardiac rehab. We don't sell aggressive contracts or chase the latest fitness fad. We invest in the people of Peoria — and have been for over 50 years.
Services included with your membership
From your first workout to your hundredth, every program at The Clubs is built around the same idea: you belong here. Explore everything included with your membership.
Fitness Center
Full cardio, strength, and functional training equipment from Matrix, Life Fitness, Nautilus, and more. Minimal wait times, maximum results.
Explore →Personal Training
Certified trainers who build your program around your goals — not a generic template.
Explore →Group Fitness
Yoga, spin, strength, Les Mills, and more — with high-energy and slower-paced options every day of the week.
Explore →Swimming & Aquatics
Two indoor pools and four outdoor pools, swim lessons for all ages, water volleyball, adult aquatics, and a summer swim team.
Explore →Swim Lessons
Year-round swim lessons for kids and adults — taught by certified instructors at Peoria's largest aquatics facility.
Explore →Tennis
12 indoor courts and 8 outdoor clay courts — the largest tennis facility in the Peoria area.
Explore →Gymnastics & Cheer
Year-round gymnastics, cheer, and tumbling programs that build strength, confidence, and friendships.
Explore →Basketball
Two basketball courts available for pick-up games, training, and court rentals during most club hours.
Explore →Red Light Therapy
Peoria's newest recovery and wellness offering — red light therapy for muscle recovery, skin health, and overall well-being.
Explore →Kid's Club & Youth Area
Certified, compassionate staff supervise your child while you focus on your workout. Because your wellness matters too.
Explore →River City Preschool
A nurturing, fitness-focused preschool open Monday–Friday, 6:30am–5:30pm. Birth through age 12.
Explore →Birthday Parties & Rentals
Pool parties, gymnastics parties, sports parties, and full facility rentals for groups of all sizes.
Explore →Sports Zone Camp
School-day-out camps, holiday camps, and full summer camp — keeping Peoria kids active when school's out.
Explore →A Peoria fitness landmark since 1972
Lee O'Connell came home from the Korean War with a Bradley basketball career behind him and a vision in front of him: build a place in Peoria where people of every age could move, compete, and belong. He started with four tennis courts. Today, three generations of the O'Connell family run The Clubs at River City — and Lee's founding creed still guides every decision we make: build community, hire the best, and always play with heart.
Ready to find your spot?
Stop in for a tour, take a class on us, or just call and ask questions. There's no pressure here — only people who want to help you feel better. Three campuses, one community, and a club that's been welcoming Peoria families for over 50 years.
Latest News & Featured Articles
Atlanta Pro Sparks Debate Over Regan Grimes’ Competitive Priorities
James Hollingshead secured the Atlanta Pro title and a place at the 2026 Mr. Olympia, while Regan Grimes settled for second. The result prompted a pointed discussion on The Menace Podcast, where Dennis James, Milos Sarcev, and Chris Cormier questioned whether Grimes is translating his impressive online appearance into complete,…
Atlanta Pro Sparks Debate Over Regan Grimes’ Competitive Priorities
James Hollingshead secured the Atlanta Pro title and a place at the 2026 Mr. Olympia, while Regan Grimes settled for second. The result prompted a pointed discussion on The Menace Podcast, where Dennis James, Milos Sarcev, and Chris Cormier questioned whether Grimes is translating his impressive online appearance into complete, contest-ready conditioning. Key takeaways The…
Tennis Lessons for Kids: What Age Should Children Start?
Key Takeaways Children can begin playful tennis activities around ages 3 or 4 using smaller courts, lighter rackets, and softer balls to develop movement and coordination. Ages 5 to 7 are often a good range for structured beginner lessons because many children can follow instructions, stay focused, and understand basic rules. Early lessons should focus…
How Swimming Changes Your Body: What to Expect After 30, 60 & 90 Days
Key Takeaways After 30 days, beginners may notice better breathing, improved coordination, increased stamina, and greater confidence in the water as the body adapts to regular exercise. After 60 days, swimmers may complete longer sessions, recover more quickly between laps, maintain a steadier pace, and experience noticeable improvements in cardiovascular endurance. Consistent training for 4–8…
Frequently asked questions about The Clubs at River City
How much does a membership at The Clubs at River City cost?
Does The Clubs at River City offer day passes or guest passes?
What ages can take swim lessons at The Clubs at River City?
Is there a family membership at The Clubs at River City?
Where is The Clubs at River City located in Peoria?
What hours is The Clubs at River City open?
Do you offer personal training in Peoria?
What makes The Clubs at River City different from other gyms in Peoria?
Does The Clubs at River City offer Red Light Therapy?
Can I rent The Clubs at River City for a birthday party or event?
Optimum Nutrition
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Contact Information
info@clubsatrivercity.com
Athletic Club: (309) 693-5700
8603 N. University Peoria, IL 61615
Monday – Thursday: 5am – 9pm
Friday: 5am – 8pm
Saturday & Sunday: 7am – 7:30pm
South Tennis: (309) 693-5710
1700 W. Altorfer Dr. Peoria, IL 61615
Monday – Thurs: 8am – 8pm
Closed Mon-Thurs: 1pm-4pm
Friday: 8am - 1pm
Saturday: 8am - 12pm
Sunday: Closed for Summer
North Tennis:
1527 W. Altorfer Dr. Peoria, IL 61615
Same as South Tennis Hours
Kid’s Club: (309) 693-5700
8615 N. University Peoria, IL 61615
Monday – Thursday: 3:30pm – 6:30pm
Saturday: 9am – 2pm
River City Preschool: (309) 693-5757
8615 N. University Peoria, IL 61615
Monday – Friday: 6:30am – 5:30pm
Location
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