Top Personal Trainer Schools In Chicago, Illinois

Personal training is a very rewarding field with significant demand and a positive career outlook. The profession offers flexibility, control, and an avenue for career growth.

For instance, many trainers in Chicago, Illinois, supplement their income by offering online coaching, group training sessions, or corporate wellness programs. Of course, before they can reach this level, candidates must first put in the work to ensure that they are ready for a professional career instead of a mere recreational one.

This page’s guide explores how residents of Chicago, Illinois, can achieve this goal and, most importantly, the institutions they can look to for the best education.

How to Become a Personal Trainer in Chicago

The typical first step in becoming a personal trainer in Chicago is to choose a training destination. Popular options include associate degree programs in nutrition and fitness and bachelor’s degree programs in physical education, kinesiology, and exercise science.

The majority of training programs also dedicate some time to preparing candidates for certification examinations. Once they have completed their formal education, aspiring personal trainers in Chicago usually sit for and pass a certification exam.

Their desired exam will depend on several factors, including their chosen credentialing bodies and specialties. Top options include the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and the Personal Trainer Certification, along with the American College of Sports Medicine, which offers the Certified Personal Trainer certification.

Top Personal Trainer Schools in Chicago, Illinois

The following are the top personal training educational programs for individuals in Chicago.

#Illinois

University of Illinois, Chicago

Chicago, IL Campus Only

University of Illinois Chicago offers a personal training program that combines online education, in-person education, and personal training workshops. The program prepares candidates for the certification examination offered by the American Council on Exercise and includes preparatory courses with test questions.

Tuition

$100 - $150 per Program

Contact

(312) 996-7813
golver2@uic.edu

#Illinois

Joliet Junior College

Joliet, IL Campus Only

The personal training certification program offered by Joliet Junior College also stands out as among the best in the state for aspiring personal trainers. As specified on the school website, the program prepares candidates in key areas, from sports management and athletic training to physical therapy and kinesiology.

Tuition

$151 - $460 per Credit

Contact

(815) 729-9020
admissions@jjc.edu

#Illinois

Lincoln Land Community College

Springfield, IL Campus + Online

Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield is one of the best places in Illinois to study as a prospective personal trainer. The school offers a hybrid learning program that allows candidates to combine virtual live lectures with practical skills in an excellent environment.

Tuition

$849 per Program

Contact

(217) 524-6749
Continuing.Education@llcc.edu

#Illinois

University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL Campus + Online

The University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign offers an amazing training program for prospective personal trainers, the Personal Trainer Prep Course. All Illinois residents are eligible.

Tuition

$50 per Program

Contact

(217) 333-3806
personaltraining@illinois.edu

#Illinois

College of Lake County

Grayslake, IL Campus + Online

The College of Lake County is notable for its personal training career certificate program, which has produced several successful graduates in the past. Accepted applicants must complete 27 credits of instruction, which include preparation for the Certified Personal Training credential from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).