First Portillo's, Now VASA Fitness Opens On Larkin Ave.

JOLIET, IL — Less than two weeks after Joliet celebrated the grand opening of the first Portillo's Pick Up restaurant in the country, VASA Fitness is ready to open its new health and fitness center in the same North Ridge Plaza this weekend.

"I welcome them to Joliet and thank them for their investment in our community," Mayor Bob O'Dekirk told Joliet Patch. "It's another nice addition for our community, and I am really impressed by their facility."

VASA Fitness is all done renovating the more than 60,000-square-foot former Ultra Foods grocery store that closed about five years ago at 1590 North Larkin Ave.

The new VASA Fitness becomes the company's second location in Illinois and its 50th overall. The first Illinois location just opened in Villa Park.

According to the company's news release, VASA offers top-of-the-line equipment, exercise machines, free weights and a wide variety of amenities including an indoor pool, sauna, steam and more.

VASA Joliet’s grand opening event takes place at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 12.

“With the grand opening of our milestone 50th club in Joliet, it’s a good time to reflect on what we’ve achieved and where we’re heading in 2022 and beyond,” said Rich Nelsen, chief executive officer at VASA Fitness in the company's news release. “I’m so proud of the way we’ve grown the VASA brand, now boasting 2,600 team members as well as nearly 200 percent growth in membership since being acquired by Silver Oak Services Partners in late 2014.

"With the pandemic in the rearview mirror, we have ambitious growth plans for 2022 and beyond. We will continue our strategic expansion into both new and existing high-growth markets where the VASA brand is already strong. We will focus on building fitness communities where people can be part of something to help them build connections and lead healthier, happier lives.”