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How to start a gym in Illinois
Gym, personal training studio, yoga studio, or online fitness coaching.
Recommended structure
LLC
Typical startup cost
$10,000 – $500,000
State
Illinois
Step-by-step
- 1Form an LLC and get an EIN
- 2Get general liability + professional liability insurance
- 3Apply for any city/county business license + facility inspections
- 4Open a business bank account
- 5Set up a membership management platform (Mindbody, Glofox)
- 6Get music licensing (BMI + ASCAP) if running classes
Licenses & permits you'll likely need
- General business license
- Health/safety inspection (for facilities)
- Music licensing (BMI/ASCAP for classes)
- Sign permit
Exact requirements vary by city and county. Confirm locally before you operate.
Insurance
- • General liability ($1M-$2M)
- • Professional liability for trainers
- • Property insurance (for facilities)
Tax notes
If you sell supplements or merch, you owe sales tax. Membership dues are usually exempt — verify in your state.
Business banking
Use a billing platform (Mindbody, Glofox, ABC Fitness) that integrates with your bank for membership dues.
Official Illinois filing links
File LLC / Corp with Illinois
Illinois Secretary of State
Search business name
Confirm your name is available
Apply for an EIN (IRS)
Free federal tax ID
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