Winter Quarter Updates

Athletic Facilities

In accordance with guidance from the Chicago Department of Public Health and UChicago Medicine, Athletics & Recreation has modified its building capacity and facility operations, and will offer limited access to the Gerald Ratner Athletics Center to students, faculty, faculty emeriti, and staff for Winter Quarter 2021.

Please note that monthly memberships may be subject to temporary suspension if University, city, state, or national guidelines change.

Student Access

• The Ratner Athletics Center resumed full winter hours for enrolled students starting on January 11. Online reservations are required 24-72 hours in advance to access the fitness areas and the swimming pool.
• Students should review all Ratner policies and procedures prior to access.

Ratner Athletics Center Hours for Students
(Reservations only, Jan. 11-March 19)

• Building Hours
  Monday-Friday: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Myers-McLoraine Pool
  Monday-Friday: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. / 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
  Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Faculty and Staff Membership information

• For January, memberships for staff and faculty will be complimentary. Starting February 1, monthly memberships will be available for $20/month. Advance membership registration is required in order to access the reservation system for use of Ratner facilities. Patrons should fill out and print the PDF form and bring it to the front desk when arriving for their first workout.
• Online reservations must be made 24-72 hours in advance in order to access the swimming pool and cardio and weight training facilities. Due to restrictions on group play and the use of shared equipment, the competition gym and dance studio will not be available for use.
• Faculty and staff should review all Ratner policies and procedures prior to arrival.
• At this time, memberships will not be available for spouses, partners, and children of faculty, faculty emeriti, or staff or to members of the Hyde Park community. This restriction is in place to assure adequate access for students, faculty, and staff members.

Ratner Athletics Center Hours for Faculty and Staff
(Reservations only, Jan. 11-March 19)

• Cardio and Strength Gymnasium
  Monday-Friday: 7 a.m. – 11 a.m.
  Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
• Myers-McLoraine Pool
  Monday-Friday: 7 a.m. – 11 a.m.
  Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Athletics Competition

• UChicago’s varsity teams did not participate in sports competition during Autumn Quarter.
• The Working Group is continuing to evaluate plans for scheduled practice for winter and spring sport teams and possible competition in 2021.

Intramural Competition

Registration for virtual Winter Intramurals will remain open until January 20 with competition beginning in late January.

• For current students, resident heads, and post-doctoral students, there are 15 Esports and virtual games to choose from, including Mario Kart, FIFA 21, League of Legends, and a lip sync challenge.
• Alumni Leagues are also making a debut in the virtual realm, featuring games like Among Us, chess, and Scrabble.
• For the entire campus community including students, faculty, staff, and alumni, registration for the Maroon Step Challenge is also available, where participants can track and log their steps over the course of nine weeks for a chance to win prizes.

 Frequently Asked Questions