The best pole studios in Illinois
Ranked by the students who actually step onto the pole — Google rating weighted by review volume, across 3,142 reviews of Illinois studios. Minimum 20 reviews to qualify, true pole studios only, one location per chain, and nobody pays for a spot. Updated 2026.
#1 Smolder Chicago Pole Parties
5 ★★★★★ 334 reviews · Chicago, IL
Clean, spacious studio offering beginner-friendly classes and parties focused on pole dancing, twerking and chair dancing.
“Booked a class for my best friend’s bachelorette party and we had a FANTASTIC time. Our instructor made us feel comfortable and was so good at what she does. She was such a hype wo…” — Candace
#2 Tease Dance & Fitness | Pole & Aerial
4.9 ★★★★★ 275 reviews · Aurora, IL
“2 years of long awaited review :) I like to leave a review once I feel I have the collective experience not just single. I can say that my experience has been consistent with Tease…” — Flo
#3 Pole Icons
5 ★★★★★ 195 reviews · Chicago, IL
Sensual dance studio, welcoming instructors and classes for all ability levels.
“One of my favorite pole dance studios in Chicago! The owners and instructor squad is top notch. They reflect a sense of community and growth in their everyday actions, making it a …” — Stephanie
#4 Chicago Aerial Arts
4.8 ★★★★★ 225 reviews · Chicago, IL
Chicago-based gym specializing in aerial arts such as silks, hoops and hammocks, plus dance, acrobatics and yoga.
“My experience at Chicago Aerial Arts has been genuinely positive and has turned into a real growth journey for me..like physically, but socially too. Like any aerial beginner, my f…” — Devin
#5 Tiger Lily Vertical Fitness & Dance, Inc.
5 ★★★★★ 144 reviews · St. Charles, IL
“What an AMAZING dance studio! So glad I decided to push myself outside of my comfort zone and try somthing new! Everyone is super friendly and welcoming! I'm really enjoying Caroli…” — Samantha
#6 Rondi's S.E.L.F. Fitness & Aerial Dance Studio
5 ★★★★★ 68 reviews · Oswego, IL
“I recently enrolled in the bridal bootcamp about a week ago (my wedding is 6 months away!) and have already completed two personal training sessions and attended three group classe…” — Alexis
#7 UNA | Pole Dance | Lima
5 ★★★★★ 68 reviews · Peru, IL
“One of my favourite pole dancing places in Latin America! The atmosphere is very inspiring to give your best and the teachers are sooo sweet and supportive. 10/10 recommend!! ❤️” — Andreea
#8 Defy Gravity - Pole Fitness and Aerial Arts Studio
4.9 ★★★★★ 64 reviews · Urbana, IL
Fitness studio at Lincoln Square Mall offering pole and aerial classes for all levels.
“I'm 2 fundamental pole classes in and love how fun the course is! I did knock of 1 star for a couple reasons. 1st. it's a little hard to find all the way in the back of a Plaza bui…” — Danis
#9 AIR® Aerial Fitness - Winnetka
5 ★★★★★ 46 reviews · Winnetka, IL
Offering boutique-style workout classes, this studio offers aerial yoga and fitness training.
“It’s crazy to me that in such a few amounts of months I have found a happy place. I’ve done things from swimming, to CrossFit, to strength training to this and I can honestly say t…” — Alexis
#10 Purepoles & Aerial Fitness
4.9 ★★★★★ 42 reviews · Chicago, IL
“I went to this beginners Pole Fitness at Pure Poles Fitness to try it out. I had an open mind and that allowed me to learn technique and have fun at the same time. Ms. Bianca was a…” — Fedaily