Just How Violent Was The Fourth?
Violent Weekend Concludes
Collapsed Bridge Was Overloaded
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Farmer's Market Roundup - Summer Harvests
Well, now we have the answer to our previous question. This is just in from Cheetah Gym owner David Wilshire:
Dear Members:Cheetah Gym has been closed due to employee theft and graft. The degree of corruption was enormous. I was left in a position where I could trust no-one or anything. Most of the problems were at the Bucktown facility. Edgewater, I believe, was relatively free of graft. The scams ran the gamut but it looks like I was the sole victim of theft. However, I urge you to get fraud protection as a precaution.
Read the rest of the letter after the jump.
I do not mean to implicate the entire staff. There were many good and honest people that worked at Cheetah.Some will herald this news as good while others will be sad. Others will be very angry. I tried my hardest to save it and take back control but it was clear I would not be allowed that opportunity. I was forced to employ people I thought should be fired and that placed me in a Catch 22. The final straw came yesterday when the RGM left payroll incomplete and I was left to try and finish it as best I could. Many new employees could not be paid because I was not given their information. The RGM should have been the first to be fired. When she quit we were left with many shifts not covered and no-one to cover them. I had hoped to be able to run them long enough to reinstate the infrastructure. But the task was too great.
You will have to do what you need to do to assert your individual interests. I hope to prosecute the guilty people or at least sue them. But I am likely in the same boat the rest of my staff is in. I am unemployed.
It was an honor to serve you.
David Wilshire
Um, can anyone recommend a good gym in the area? We're looking for a new place to work out.
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Wow, that letter raises more questions than it answers.
Good luck on finding a new gym.
Yes, like "Is this guy nuts?"
Wow! What a sensational headline! Journalism 101: deal in fact, not rumor. None of this has been proven. It's merely hearsay.
What does this even mean? What kind of graft are we talking about? And what kind of employer is forced to employ people he thinks should be fired? And we really need fraud protection? This raises more questions than it answers.
"Others will be very angry." Um, you think?
David Wilshire is a complete and total idiot and has finally gone off the deep end. I wouldn't believe one word of that letter (well, since it is barely English that probably isn't a problem). More likely he ran the business into the ground and couldn't meet his payroll. Crystal meth is expensive you know.
Guest #3, good point, I've changed it.
Try Bucktown Fitness at North and Hoyne. It's not nearly as fancy as Cheetah, but it's dirt cheap and not very busy if you go sometime other than 5 p.m.
This is why we can't have nice things.
That is probably the most unprofessional letter I have ever read.
A better one would have been "due to circumstances beyond our control, Cheetah Gym will be closing immediately. Please contact our staff for your membership refunds asap."
Oh man. This guy is NUTS! I disagreed with how he handled situation with an employee years ago - wherein he pulled something similar to this, which is to say, aired out his dirty laundry in public - and then I blogged about it. He wrote me the most disjointed email I've ever received. Totally unhinged.
I think most people who are familiar with Cheetah, and how David Wilshire has run them, are not surprised by this. This excuse seems relatively shady and I'm more inclined to believe he screwed things up as much as he was screwed.
I just called my bank (Chase) to see if I could stop any further debits from Cheetah. They said that because Cheetah debits the card (as opposed to the checking account) there is no way to stop them from making further debits. However, if they do, I can dispute it at that point.
Regarding the other gym question: when I moved to Wicker Park the gym options were either Cheetah or Bucktown. I picked Cheetah because it was much nicer in quality of equipment and also because it felt cleaner. Bucktown gym seems to cater more to the hardcore body builder crowd and accordingly has more free weights. Also, their aerobic rooms were depressing in my opinion.
So in short, I have no idea where I'm going to go now.
DAVID BARTON GYM.
Nuff Said.
I love the fact that he charged all the members their fees (mothly members were charged in Aug for Sept use) and then closed the doors. Nice scam!
Guest #11, I just spoke to Chase as well and got pretty much the same advice, although they said you can cancel your debit card and get a new one issued to insure they don't try to extract any more charges. However at this point I'm wondering if Wilshire is just a victim of embezzlement and is overreacting as far as trying to freak everyone else out. Either way, it's better to be safe and just get a new debit card.
As for Bucktown Fitness, I have the same read on the place you do. Ick.
Tankboy, didn't mean to sound like a dick about the headline, but this guy is opening the floodgates to a libel/slander suit with his claims of fraud/graft without providing evidence. I think his RGM would be especially interested in seeing this now-public letter. Anybody who is crazy enough to say they were "forced" to employ people they think should be fired has no business running their own business. #3.
Wamu took the complaint as "fraud investigation" and will be trying to get the money back into our account.
I filed another complaint with the FTC. Here is the online form to do that:
https://rn.ftc.gov/pls/dod/wsolcq$.startup
I used "Cheetah Gym / Wild Kingdom Fitness" as the company name.
Is that fish I smell cooking? Something stinks.
I suggest Crunch on North and Halsted. Though it's not in wicker park, it's probably the closest.
Blog posts counts don't really tell a solid story, but it is interesting that posts about a gym are outpacing posts about the CTA decay.
I hate Crunch and North/Halsted is a clusterfuck. There's West Loop Gym just south of Grand, but their website left me less than impressed. Anyone know how much David Barton is?
For all the cheetah folks in andersonville ... there is a great little gym just down the street on Clark (south of Foster) called Know No Limits. I have been working out there for a while and they have no initiation fee or contract, have great classes and you can also do day passes or ten packs.
Its a pretty great place and has been there for years. So definitely worth checking out.
Sorry bucktown folks - I dont know a good option down by you :(
This fucking sucks. I have been going there for a year as a guest and punchcard member. But just TWO days ago, joined as a full member, paid the initiation fee, etc.
No charges have shown up at all on my CC yet. I'll dispute them if/when they do.
What sucks the most is that there is no good gym close by. I was looking forward to the Logan Square location to finally opening, but now I guess that won't happen either.
I spoke to Chase as well this morning, and while I was also told they can't stop the debits to my card, they said that the August 27th charge can be disputed if it is a charge for services to come (for September services), rather than a charge in arrears (i.e., August services). I believe Cheetah charged for services to come, so if that's the case, I'm absolutely going to dispute the August charge as well as any future charges.
And yes, David Wilshire just sounds nuts.
I went to the one in Bucktown for about a year. The staff was surly and although the place was nice, it was also over-priced. I remember in one instance where, after going month-to-month for the duration of the year, they wanted to charge me $20 more - something like $119 or something? When I questioned this, the person I spoke with said that they did not increase rates. If you're looking for a cheap alternative - SEE: REALLY CHEAP - try Cardinal Fitness in the West Loop. It's under $20 a month, you don't have to go up and down four flights of stairs, and they have all of the equipment you could possibly need, no matter what you're working. Sure, it's bland (white walls, red carpet) and they don't have plasmas on each and every piece of cardio equipment, but it is cheaper than anything around and they have about 20 of them in Chicago, so when all of you suburbanites go home for things like Thanksgiving, Hannukah and Christmas, chances are, you can burn off your holiday fat while staying at your parents'. Oh, and, before anyone accuses me of being affiliated with the place, do know that I am no longer a member there. I changed my surroundings a bit and there wasnt one near me. The place I have no is a lot like Cheetah - all glitz and no substance.
The truth of the matter is, David Wilsher wanted his business to run into the ground. He would like to pose himself as a 'victim' because it is better to be a victim then an idiot. He is self destructive and has never been able to do anything successful for himself. He knows that his RGM was the only one that kept his business running, and when she stood up to him he crumbled. He knows that the reason all that has happened is due to his own ignorance and naivety. No professional who owns three major gyms shuts down over-night because of a supposed flaw in payroll (and why is that any of the public's business anyway?) He shut down because he is frightened, inadequate, and has no idea how to run his own business. He needs to seek professional mental help, and run far far away. He should have just sold the gyms.
Tankboy, per your last post:
"you went for the gentrification joke? That would have been Urbis Orbis. UO was gentrified out the hood, old boy. You also spelled Orbis wrong. There is no H."
Let's face it he couldn't make payroll end of story and probably owes back payroll/sales tax.
A lot of gyms are scam businesses.
"he should have sold the gyms"
totally.
i've lived in andersonville for the last seven years two blocks away from the first cheetah (the neighborhood was way different when i moved there) and the word on the street from the beginning was that this cat was batshit crazy with a HUGE drug problem. there's a lot of crazy whispering that has gone through the hood over the years - i won't get into it, but sufficient to say, from this letter, it's pretty obvious to me that the whispers were spot-fucking-on. you don't lose three gyms overnight, right? i think he has huge problems behind the scenes......
Yeah, this gym ran a scam contest a few years ago where they were allegedly "giving away" a scooter as a promotion to get customers. It turned out to be a total fraud--they failed to follow the most basic sweepstakes laws and there was no evidence to suggest that they ever held the drawing.
This is not a surprise at all.
My boyfriend and I joined the Andersonville location YESTERDAY EVENING and they took my credit card and charged us. Showed up this morning to work out and saw the letter posted above. My credit card company says the charge can't be disputed until it clears the bank (still pending) but I canceled my card number and am going to put a fraud alert on my credit reports. They take your social when you sign up so all former members should check those credit reports and put a fraud alert on.
So annoying.
Hi All,
I just spoke with both Jeff and Derek at Edgewater Athletic & Swim Club. Derek was a trainer at Cheetah for 4 years before opening his own gym.
They are willing to waive the initiation fee for all Cheetah Gym members. Monthly fees are $54/month, for a couple it is $98/month. There is a one year contract. If you pay in full, it is $50 off instead.
Derek stated that they have started expanding their current location. They have the permits and will start work shortly. They also may be looking at opening other locations as well.
In speaking with both of these gentleman, they were very understanding and yes I know they are trying to get business however their attitude matched the rave reviews I have read on this gym.
As to your bank card, you can cancel your current one and have your Bank reissue another new one with a new card number.
Best.
David Wilshire has a reputation of being rather nutty and volatile. I'm guessing he is bipolar and went off his meds (or the Meth idea isn't bad either).
I'm hoping a national (or local) chain comes in and buys up his membership lists and equipment. The Andersonville Cheetah is the only gym in the area -- so there are a lot of folks that don't have any obvious alternative.
Did he actually own the company or was he the manager/front man? I remember rumors that with the Sweat Shop on Broadway, he was not a majority owner. There was a falling out over the juice bar they opened around the corner and the investor sold the gym.
I went to Chase and already got the money Cheetah took out for September refunded to me. So do what I did, go to your bank and change your debit card number, and dispute this month's membership fee ... but do it NOW. The only thing that worries me now is that I'm afraid I gave my SS# when I joined up as well.
Also, this craigslist posting raises a few good questions.
The fact that Wilshire's letter has disappeared from the Cheetah website leads me to believe there is much more to this story, and I'm doing my best to find out what's really going on.
I'm hoping, with many others on this thread, that someone else swoops in and just buys the space and equipment outright ...
And Guest #26, thanks for catching that misspelling ... it's been a long time since I was at Urbis Orbis, so I forgot whether there was an "h" in there or not.
If you call your bank (mine is Chase) and tell them what happend (FRAUD!), they will refund the charge from last month.
I was really pissed off this morning when I couldn't workout. I had been meaning to check out David Barton Gym anyway, so this gave me good reason. They were very cool, and the gym is incredible. Best of all, they heard the news, and put together a special membership for Cheetah members. I didn't have to pay any enrollment fee, and now I belong to a gym that is so much better than the Bucktown Cheetah. I hope to see some of you there.
I'm a member at David Barton Gym & just talked to the staff there. They are offering all former Cheetah members $0 enrollment.
Did any of you know Andrea, the former training manager at Cheetah? She moved over to DBG last year, and she's phenomenal!
David Wilshire is at the Andersonville location right now - I just saw him at the door talking to a cop. 773-728-7777. I am sure he won't answer, but you could knock on the front door.
oh balls. i go to the Cheetah in Andersonville. maybe i'll just buy a bowflex and treadmill and call it a day.
Compare David's open letter to members to what he wrote on his MySpace profile:
David's MySpace
Particularly, check out what he writes in his "About Me" section.
ha ha
773-851-2676 this is his cell.
I find it sad and pathetic that he chose to attack the RGM of all of his gyms. Anyone who knows who he is talking about knows the truth of the matter is she is a wonderful person who loved her job, it's too bad he had to go and ruin this experience for members and employees alike.
Karma's a bitch..
Hey, I think the RGM was Angie...who TOTALLY STOOD UP FOR HIM a million times when she shouldn't have.
Loyalty is not one of David's strengths.
Neither is spelling. Or running a company!!
To anyone in Logan Square who signed up with them, I bet you can still get a good deal on the new X-Sport that's opening up soon. We signed up for like $33/month with no reg fee. As to whether health clubs are good for the neighborhood - as someone who utilizes the parks a bit, we're lacking for exercise options compared to neighborhoods with the huge parks. And the YMCA is kind of a hike for people up in the north part of the area.
Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should do since I paid my membership in full last May? Can I get that money back?
yes Karmas a bitch, and he got what he deserved. I am a former employee and one of the MANY MANY people who experienced his wrath first-hand as well as his psychotic behaviours and bi-polar issues. He should be ashamed of himself for the way he has treated people and "runs a business". He needs serious professional help. The RGM was the best, most loyal employee he had. She was truly a good soul. Anyone who knows her at all knows what a liar he is. Not in a million years would she have taken a DIME from anyone. I genuiniely hope that she sues him for slander and negligence for the public humilation he has most likely caused her. How dare he blame HIS problems on her.
As far as another gym, I'd check out Equinox. They have 3 chicago locations are expanding rapidly. It is a bit pricey, but worth the extra bucks. Great staff, PTs and the best GF classes/ program around. They are also offering ZERO initiation to all former Cheetah members. The clubs are so immaculate you could eat off the floors.
I have heard that most employees probably do not even know that the gym has closed. Maybe we should should all go to Hollywood Beach and break the news to them. DRAMA!!!!
How come Guest comments are gray and hard to read?
It pisses me off.
Also, FYI David Barton Gym is opening a new location downtown in the new 108 State/Block 37 development..
Guest #49, there's a simple solution to your problem: register!
Tankboy: Why, if I'm logged in do all guest comments not appear gray anymore?
mdrich26: Yeah, good luck with that. I would review the fine print on your membership contract, I'm guessing you're going to find something you don't like.
If you are looking for a new gym you should get in contact with david and lane from that gym. they were some of the best trainers i've seen
i heard that some people from the comm. were going to open their own gym
I like the fact that all these competitors of Cheetah are running to the site as guest posters and writing thinly veiled ads for Cheetah members to join up elsewhere...I've been a member of Cheetah for a long ass time, and thought that the desk staff was nice, but the management seedy. My friend just walked by Cheetah and there are reps from all the gyms handing out fliers in front of the building RIGHT NOW!
Staff, trainers and instructors are being told they can come to the
Andersonville site tonight between 5-8 pm to pick up their checks.
Also - some guy named Robert Broom will be at A'ville Starbucks during
the same time to answer questions ( I am assuming questions that staff
have - not sure if he is expecting clients to stop by or not.)
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE KEEP THE GOSSIP GOING! MORE INSIDER INFO, PLEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAASSSSSSEEEEE
QUESTIONS???? CONTACT CHEETAHS LEAD TRAINER DAVID CASTLE @ 323-356-4361
Not suprised one bit. David's always been shady and creepy. I call this karma...
oh this is nothing yet...the shit is just about to hit the fan!!!
this time he outdid himself...congrats to david for setting a new record for self humilitation limit...
So where is everyone going? I will be missing seeing my usual work out crowd everyday! That sucks!
Girlfriend and I joined this spring, guess we can kiss that initiation fee goodbye. I just called Citi and they reversed the charge for September's fee and blocked future charges.
I'm glad I gave them a credit card to ding and not my debit card. Those of you who used the latter will most likely get your money back, it just takes a lot longer.
Visited the gym once. Staff was low classed, rude, untrained. David has/had the worst rep in Edgewater. Whiney bitch!!
HOW DO SO MANY PEOPLE KNOW THIS GUY?
he makes it a point for you to know who he is. Drama follows this man or can we say "whiney bitch" where ever he goes.
After looking at this guys myspace profile I am pretty sure he is the guy that was encouaging guys at montrose harbor last week to shove a two litre bottle of pop up his rectum while he masturbated on a tree stump.
#46 re that paid in full membership fee. Do you have your contract still? If so, I would personally go into your bank with the contract and a copy of whatever letter is posted on Cheetah's website or on the door or voice mail and explain the situation. Your bank may be able to get you some of your money back. Maybe not. But knowing how much gym memberships are, it'd be worth a try. The bottom line is that you are not getting what you paid for and the owner is not providing you with an alternative.
figures his only friend on his myspace is from California. this really shows what people in chicago think of him. I hope the RGM sues his ass.
Nice that he blames his RGM for having to close considering she has been there for years and works her butt off and anyone who knows her, knows she is a generous and wonderful person who defended Mr.Wilshire to the end-guess she just couldn't take it anymore and who blames her. I hope she sues him for slander.
Hi, in response to those who Bank at Chase. I spoke with them earlier today. If your debit card is being charged, you will need to close that debit card and have them reissue you a new one.Also, file a "fraud alert" with all 3 credit agencies. If his business is this much of a mess, god only knows what he will do and then try to blame other people. Better safe than sorry!
As for crediting your account, ask to be transfered to the fraud department, any charges made effective Sept. 1st should be refunded to your account as it is a "service that was paid for, but not recieved." I filed with their fraud department, and the money is already back in my account.
Best of luck to all of you.
This blows!!! Does anyone remember the Zoom Kitchen restaurant chain I think this guy owned those too and apparently screwed the pooch on that one as well. Someone's going to buy these locations up and reopen under another name right? I was just starting to look good too :( jack ass!!
David Wilshire is nuts. I once had to file a police report on him because of his continued harrassment. Talk about Karma. Plus, it just figures he blames everyone but himself. What kind of idiot doesn't manage his money and realize the buck stops on his desk.
And whoever said his Bucktown staff was surly--right on. It was awful to go there.
there did seem to be a lot of people who worked there that didnt seem to ever have anything to do...mismanagement...
I recently joined the Cheetah in Andersonville. Mr. Wilshire was at that location Monday. While I was there, his employees were opening up new memberships, as he watched on. This wacko was out to screw every last person he could, even up to the last second!
yea, he should definitely go to jail
The idea of some other company buying the gym and reopening seems just too good to happen, even though that's what I want.
Cheetah andersonville was just 5 minutes walk away, which made working out in the morning perfect. Even in cold weather I could get there.
This blows and sucks at the same time!
This is so shitty, I don't know where to begin... I loved the A-ville Cheetah... right around the corner and so much a part of my weekly routine. The staff at that location was always so pleasant; well, everyone except David himself. The turnover there in the last few months has been unbelieveable, though. I personally know three people who left because he was so difficult to work with and for.
Where are all the Cheetah regulars I see all the time there going to go now? Options in Andersonville are slim, especially for a gym with the amenities offered at Cheetah. I wish I didn't have to get on the CTA just to go to the gym... I much preferred rolling out of bed and walking a block.
Hrmph!
The staff at North Community bank, which i was just at, have forms ready for people who had their monthly membership deducted from their accounts. I had mine taken from my debit card, and the branch manager said it could take a few days, but he was pretty certain they'd be able to get my $70 back.
I really hope the Fitness Formula Clubs buy the guy out now. I loved the Halsted Multiplex when i lived in that neighborhood and compared to the Cheetah, i paid about the same every month but the facilities were so much better.
Class Action lawsuit, anyone?
David's Myspace "about me"
More than anything I feel like I am a student-probably will be one forever. There is always something new I am interested in and will endeavor to learn as much about it as I can. I have some very successful companies and am blessed with great staff who can run the show while I persue many other interests. I workout a lot but intellectual persuits get priority and traveling as well. It's hard to find a gym in the middle of Africa or the high Himalaya. I live in Chicago and Los Angeles. I have a great house I remodeled in LA.
I read it as,I have taken all your money and racked up huge debt from my many hobbies. I have no money to refund to you all so now I have to run away.
I always thought Cheetah Gym was growing too fast. Eventually they would not be able to sustain the growth of opening one new health club after another in every neighborhood in the city. I mean think about the logic of placing a gym in Andersonville and a different one in Edgewater when they are practically in the same neighborhood. When you have that kind of fast careless growth, you can't stay on top of everything.
It's sad though. But I have been waiting for a Bally to come to Edgewater/Andersonville. I know Bally is evil, but after you pay the initiation fee, it is so cheap.
I feel sorry for David. He must be dealing with some tough stuff right now.
argh! this is the closest gym by far for me. I sure hope average joe's or global gym takes over quick.
We should get some torches, pick forks and shotguns and head to his condo
As a former (recently former) employee I must say that his staff was waiting for this to happen. David has been spiraling out of control for the past few months. Erratic and paranoid behavior led him to accuse not one or two of his employees, but every single person working for him. The accusations were daily and became more and more bizarre. His anger and tantrums were nonstop and his constant belittling and attempted intimidation was something you would have to see to believe. One by one his employees disappeared-most quit due to the stress of increasing work hours and fear of eventually being accused of "stealing" from David. It became clear to all of us over the last few months that he would not be able to repair the damage he had done to his staff, the members and the business. He employed some amazing people-especially the RGM. Loyal workhorses. These are the same people that he is refusing to pay! His accusations are outrageous and I am hoping that if for some freak reason he is able to get any of it into a court room that the powers that be will see he is a sad man in desperate need of medical attention.
I think there is an angry mob building at Cheetah in Andersonville as we speak! Damn work, why can't I steal from people and hike the high Himalaya? jack ass!
I heard from a friend that Wilshire will be on FOX news tonight. Wonder if any former employees will talk to them as well... hoping they will disguise their identity cause a crazy fu*# like David will come after you.
I just hope the RGM does not take this letter as one of David's "moods". If you know David you will know what I am talking about. I hope she finds a good lawyer and takes his house in L.A. then the condo in Chicago. There is no way he could get away with displaying that publically.
Such B.S.
#80 I don't feel sorry for him at all. He charges all our accounts and the only heads up we get is a semi readable letter online. The letter isn't even up anymore, so if you're late to the gossip or not aware of the gossip online you probably still have no idea he's closed up shop. So, you know, so what if your credit card is charged and he offers no advice on how to get your money back, etc... This is bad bad business.
Sounds like how a meth addict would act... A few too many Atlantis events maybe…?
It should be the lead story at 10 PM on Fox Chicago tonight…
For what it's worth my partner and I left Cheetah to join Equinox and really like it. Clean and free parking at 900 North and Clark and LaSalle...
I'm getting cold calls from gyms and have NO IDEA how they got my phone number unless MAYBE someone at Cheetah gave it out... Very strange it’s just out of the blue. He did say "I know you've been displaced" I said I left Cheetah over 8 months ago and not interested in leaving my gym.
Try David Barton Gym- awesome place, great trainers, beautiful facility.
I called Chase Bank today (1-866-564-2262), the woman I talked to was already aware of the situation and didn't ask a lot of questions. I got my money back right in my account.
For Andersonville and Edgewater ex-members, you can try the Edgewater Athletic and Swimming Pool. I went there right after work and had a facility tour. It seems neat and clean. Everyone who has been to Cheetah for a long time, it will be a matter of adjustment but since we don't have a lot of options, that place is worth checking out.
I think it will open back up. There is no way they could just shut down. He has leases I'm sure on all of those facilities. There were TONS of people joining that place. New faces every day. And talk about low overhead. You buy some equipment, open the door, hire a couple of twinks and you have yourself an Andersonville health club. I'm giving it a week, and then heading to the bank.
#92 Would you go and trust this man, who took such a dramatic action, which doesn't make sense from any point of view??? Considering his past, and his incompetent management skills...I don't trust him anymore..
In the note he posted in the morning he says "he was forced to employ people who should have been fired" WTF??? If you are the owner and THE ONLY owner of that establisment, who would force you to hire anyone???
That is his pattern, it's always easier for him to play the victim and blame the others...This time, however, he will be in deep shit...
Someone eventually buy/rent those facilities and they will operate under another name and management...but it will take a long time with what's happening at the moment...
David just canceled my membership yesterday because I didn't think it was kosher to not pay his trainer until I provide proof of purchase of $1000 worth of personal training sessions I bought last year.
He send 2 really NASTY emails that I'm sure his mother would NOT be proud.
I just have one thing to say to you David (and I totally hope you are reading these sites)...
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA!
You are a bad person, who did bad things, and now you finally will have to take responsibility for your actions.
I feel really bad for all of the former members (like me) and I suggest filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission:
https://rn.ftc.gov/pls/dod/wsolcq$.startup?Z_ORG_CODE=PU01
And the Better Business Bureau:
https://odr.bbb.org/odrweb/public/GetStarted.aspx
Can I get an Amen to a jerk finally getting his comeuppance?
David, it is time for you to GO AWAY. I can't wait until they take your houses away.
Dudes, pardon my ignorance, but what the hell does "RGM" stand for?
Guest 92, you couldn't be more wrong about the overhead. I'm not sure about what he was paying his employees, but the rent on a building like that in Bucktown is at least $12,000 per month (and I'm probably a little low in my estimate). Consider also that the equipment in there runs about $3,000 per piece and the amount it costs to service said equipment, and the operating costs are quite high. With all the cute little TV's in the place, you're looking at a half million in equipment alone. And electricity, air, water and heat? Again, the costs are astronomical. The only option for that location is for a major chain like X-Sport comes in. Seriously.
Regional General Manager
Guest 94, this is Chicago. Chances are, he has pissed off the wrong person. And we all know what bad people in Chicago do to out-of-town yokes like him? He doesn't stand a chance here and no, that is not a threat. If he takes one look at this blog, he will realize that he is not very popular here and he will load up a duffle bag and catch the next train out.
CHECK IT OUT. THE NOTICE/LETTER IS BACK UP ON THE SITE. WHAT AN IDIOT KEEPING THAT UP THERE. DOESNT HE KNOW THAT HE CAN GET SUED FOR SLANDER IN ADDITION TO THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT THAT'S COMING HIS WAY.
I hope it re-opens. I miss the place and it's been one day. I'm mad, but if they would just open I would forget being mad. It's the most convenient place in the area. The equipment is fantastic.
Does anyone remember when he was on Oprah years ago and said he had a girlfriend. What an insecure nut job!
HESACRAZYBOY
I AGREE, LET'S GET SOME TORCHES AND HEAD TO HIS CONDO...I GOTTA ROPE
he was on oprah? why?
i will not stay with the gym-can't support someone who treats people like he does...
A friend said the www.cheetahgym.com site blog feature was getting over run and nasty. so they probably took the whole thing down.
The letter, bring posted at the doors is public now, so posting it on the sit doesn't matter anymore.
I do remember when he lied to Oprah and all the public. Wasn't he Mr. Gay Chicago the last year they had it? no joke.
This just in!
.....The Chicagoist Board of Directors, ever ready to capitalize on breaking historical events has approached and is in the last stages of negotiations, after offering a six figure salary to David Wilshire to write a section entitled
“Fitness, Fashion, Wit and Sashay”
for the Chicagoist. Look for the first section to appear tomorrow along side a co written section ( a two-fer) part of the Baby on Board section entitled cool gyms in Chicago to bring your baby!
good thing i paid for a year in advance.
This is actually turning out ok for me. I'm getting all of the charges reversed, so I haven't lost any money....and I found out that there is a YMCA right by the Irving Park Blue line stop. I joined today on the way home from work, it is in a better location and less expensive than Cheetah. It's not as posh, but now I'm supporting a non-profit, at least.
A forum has been created to better communicate and inform (ex)Cheetah Gym members about the gym closing, reimbursements, class action lawsuit possibilities and general discussion about the gym and its owner, David Wilshire. The forum is located here: Cheetah Gym Class Action Forum
- (ex)Cheetah Gym Bucktown member
Don't bother with the above link, they are not accepting new members so you can't post. This forum is good enough.
Actually, you're incorrect. The forum site is accepting new members. At any rate, the site's intent is to be a more organized, helpful site for discussions surrounding this awful occurrence and will possibly help members organize a class action lawsuit.
news reports David said 10 people stole 1 mil in cash and credit card refunds
Channel 9 News at 9 just started (because of the Cubs game - they won, by the way!). The 2nd story was about Cheetah Gym.
This guy is a NUTJOB. Ok, he contacted the authorities in July. Why wasn't he more personally involved in his business? As a former gym manager (not for him, thank god) for a small gym, my boss (the owner) was regularly involved in all financial aspects of the gym.
I can't even imagine how all this alleged theft is possible if he'd had any sort of involvement in his business.
If it's NOT true, I hope his employees go after him. There is no way they can possibly put this job on their resumes. After all his ranting about how much his employees stole from him - especially at the Bucktown location - those poor people are branded.
Um, so how did those wiley staffers steal $1MM in credit card refunds? And how much cash did the juic bar bring in? Please. All of the memberships were by debit/credit card.
And when he discovered this million dollar heist, he didn't call the police - he closed the doors? This is the behavior of a desperate person who owes a lot of money for bad reasons.
If DAvid Wilshire is saying he is broke, how about he post proof,like maybe his company bank statements on the door of the gym since he doesn't mind airing all of his business for the world to see-that would be interesting except he's probably just full of shit.
Yea, he owes money to his meth dealer
I'm wondering if anyone (aka the police) is or will be investigating David Wilshire for fraud. It is highly questionable to close a club only days after collecting dues as well as continuing to accept new clients despite his alleged staff problems.
hey guys. his myspace profile (see link above) says he has two homes, one in chicago and one in la.
i'm sure if he sells his homes he will have enough money to pay some of what he owes us back.
torches
ATTN: DISGRUNTLED CHEETAH MEMBERS
Unused training sessions will be honored....all of them.
If you have unused personal training sessions that you purchased at any of the three Cheetah Gym locations, Progressive Resistance Personal Training will honor the unused sessions with the purchase of a package of sessions with one of our trainers.
This unfortunate situation doesn't have to be a loss. Keep your sessions and continue on to your goals.
Progressive Resistance Training
Joel Rabb, Head Trainer
312-593-8661
joerabb@yahoo.com
I really hope the bucktown location is reopened either by David or someone else. I lost a year of membership fees, like so many of you. I also own a business in the area and while I don't personally go to the bank - I certainly know how much is deposited daily and I keep all the deposit receipts for verification. I live two blocks away and will probably go to David Barton on bike - but I will only pay cash every month (no credit cards). I did think it was strange that so many long time employees suddenly disappeared. Wow. I'm still in shock. Sounds silly, but when you are used to going to the same place every morning at the same time for the last several years - you feel a huge loss. I had no problems with Cheetah. I thought the place was one of the cleanest gyms I had ever been to. The staff was always kind to me and very attentive. I had many, many training sessions with different trainers and learned so much from each one. Cheetah staff if you read this - you will all be missed!!! I will always remember the wonderful times I had working out there.
It is very crucial that Andersonville, and bucktown communities stick together. There are trainers that are trying to keep the communities together by starting a drama free gym. If everyone scatters then this will be hard to accomplish. Please ask your fellow gym goers about these plans. For it is unsafe to post there names in a blog.
They are currently talking to gym goers and investors as we speak. If you do go to another gym, go month to month so that if and when this new gym starts it will be an easy transition. This gym will be built on the ideas of the community. These trainers have a grate reputation and understanding of it's members.
Remember, if you trained with one of the busy trainers at Cheetah you know it is quality. You can get your money back for you sessions. You need to go to your bank asap and tell them that your transaction was fraud. Be patient and the loyal cheetah trainers will make sure to get your money back and has ways to give you quality training in the near weeks. Please communicate with your fellow gym goers of the blogs.
This is terrible. I'm moving in a few weeks anyway but I am disappointed that I can't work out at Cheetah in Wicker Park until then. As silly as it sounds, I liked it there and wish I could have gotten to say 'goodbye.' I called my cc company tonight to put this month's charge in dispute, I hope that takes care of my problems. I also plan to contact the credit bureaus and ask them to put a fraud alert on my reports per the advice of several other posters here.
I knew nothing of this David character, just saw his photo on ads at the gym. He sounds totally off his rocker from that letter he put up on the website. *sigh*
david wilshire is NOT 37!
he celebrated his 30th birthday at roscoes in 1992...
which makes him 44 or 45!!!
I thought he was older than I am. Does anyone remember him winning Mr. Gay Chicago?
Maybe he's a vampire and his coffin is leaky and lets in too much light so he's not sleeping well. Could explain his erratic behavior, n'est pas?
I live just 2 blocks from the Aville Cheetah gym and have been going there for years. I walk to it. I have no intention of getting in my car and driving to a gym. Puh-lease.
So, please, please, please someone who owns a gym - who's reading this blog - and you KNOW you are - BUY it out. Don't let that location revert to something else. There are hundreds of people who are depending on that gym. It's in the perfect location and the people who go there support the surrounding businesses! This issue will have a cascade effect if it stays closed and not a good cascade effect, but rather a negative one.
There has to be someone who can swoop in and take the place over so we can get back to normal.
Whole-heartedly agree with the above.
Unlike the Bucktown location, in Andersonville, there are really no gyms that are walkable. Seems like a perfect business decision.
The Cheetah in Andersonville didn't fail because there was no demand for a gym; it failed because of poor management/oversight by the owner.
It's my understanding that Cheetah got a lot of city (read, taxpayer money, i.e. OUR money) money in small business loans to start the gym. I hope that the city goes after him to get this back.
It's finally paid off to be fat and lazy. Suckers!
His letter does not help him make his case that HE is the victim. Why was he "forced to employ" these so-called bad people? How do you shut 3 gyms down in a day because of a payroll problem? He should've been monitoring his business, and if his cash flow problem was that bad, then he should have done something BEFORE it got to this point.
Someone should also ask him why, if he's the victim, he closed all the accounts at his bank...
Here is the footer from the once great wilshire's email...note private cell, please call many times~~
PRESIDENT/OWNER
Wild Kingdom Fitness Enterprises, Inc. dba Cheetah Gym
5248 N. Clark Street
Chicago, Illinois 60640
773-728-7777
Fax: 773-728-0662
Wilshire Cell: 773-851-2676
Personal Fax: 773-381-2075
Cheetah Gym Bucktown/Wicker Park
Jungle Gym Fitness Inc.
1934 W. North Avenue
60622
Cheetah Gym Edgewater
Wilshire Ent., Inc.
5836-40 N. Broadway
60660
Cheetah Gym Logan Square
2616-2618 N. Milwaukee
DJW Property Development, Inc.
Energia Inc.
The list of corporations above shall be referred to as "The Company(s)".
Employee refers to anyone employed, or formerly employed by the company(s).
These company(s) have exclusive rights to the company(s) computer systems, programs and their usage including all email systems that are used by the company(s). All rights of an employee to privacy who uses company(s) computers are waived by the employee. Email systems are only allowed to be used to further the company(s) business. Personal emails are not allowed. Web surfing on company time is not allowed. Authorization may be granted by Ownership alone to violate these rules and said authorization must be given in writing. The company(s) have the right to monitor, intercept, and record emails.
Help! I used my Citibank debit card to pay for gym membership. Has anyone who used a debit card (from any bank) been successful in disputing the charge and/or getting their money back? If so, could you please tell me what exactly you said to the bank? I called Citi last night and they said that because my membership has not yet been cancelled I can't dispute the charge (?!). Any help would be wonderful. Thanks!!
I must be the only one to find this pretty funny. All you suburbanites living in the posh wicker park and andersonville going apeshits over a gym just made my day. Thanks Chicagoist!
135: This is hilarious, actually, all this angst over a gym (though I understand people worried about their financial risk).
God, we are so spoiled.
i think the best part of this is that david wilshire is just NOT a nice guy, and he's finally paying for it.
that just might be worth $500 to me!!
For those who asked about debit card charges... YES, you can get the charge reversed. Mine is CHASE. Call the Claims Department at 866-564-2262, and tell them you are disputing a charge. It is for services that have not been provided by an establishment that closed its doors for business without any notice. I also told them about others who had called Chase and had the charge removed. They'll give you a claim number and the charge will be reversed in 24-48 hours. Hope that helps!
with talk of an appearance on oprah (on which he said he had a girlfriend), the Mr. Gay Chicago award, the failed Zoom restaurant, and the fact that he is really 44 not 37, sbould all be enough reason to compile a history on this guy.
i bet a lot of people would talk.
i met his former business partner back in '00 - the guy said he was a complete whack job.
in the 90's the gag/babble/gab crowd hardly put out a single issue without dishing up some dirt on david.
not a very well-liked guy
He has a lot of personal problems you can tell by what he is saying.
Any attorney would tell him not to play victum and blame former/current employees that can sue him for lible.
His meth habit finally caught up to him. The guy is creep!
What comes around goes around.
For those of you (like me) whose debit cards were used for automatic monthly payments by Cheetah, here's my experience with Chase:
1. Call your local Chase bank pronto. I called the Andersonville location on Clark Street. They were extremely helpful. They must be getting tons of calls from customers about this, yet they were really patient with me this morning.
2. Chase can cancel your current debit card over the phone. They'll then mail you a new one.
3. Then they'll instruct you on how to dispute the debit charge for September.
4. Make sure that you contact any other business/service that you've allowed to debit your account, and let them know you're getting a new debit card.
I've been going to Cheetah for years. It was a really friendly place -- but you could tell that the owner was unhinged. He would post paranoid, self-righteous flyers periodically about new gym services and dropped gym services. The best and most self-righteous flyers were about his eternal court fight with the owners of the bar next door (at first I sympathized with him; after awhile, it was clear that he'd be an impossible neighbor). Every gym patron I knew talked about how wacky his flyers were. And we always marveled at how the gym continued to thrive despite the owner's lack of people-skills and management-skills.
Cheetah was a really important community gathering place in Andersonville, and it's a shame that the neighborhood has (temporarily, I hope) lost such a spot.
It's important to remember that the owner of Cheetah sunk the place, not the customers. If another gym opens in that space, we'll come back.
"I must be the only one to find this pretty funny. All you suburbanites living in the posh wicker park and andersonville going apeshits over a gym just made my day."
Huh? You couldn't catch me dead living in a suburb. Andersonville is NOT a suburb, so I ain't no suburbanite...
And yeah, it *is* just a gym. But because Andersonville is a neighborhood -- not a suburb filled with characterless strip malls -- the gym was an integral part of the community. Wilshire's poor management and lunacy aside, it was a great addition to the 'hood. I had gym friends there who I may never see again, so it is not "just a gym."
guest 135 and 136, i hope you werent the ones who were complaining about all the fat people in chicago on a previous article.
cause that would be lame.
"It is very crucial that Andersonville, and bucktown communities stick together."
Is it reaaaalllly crucial, there, Guest 122?
thanks for the laugh
Cheetahsucks - Try calling back. I heard the same thing from my bank last night (Citi), but after seeing some of the luck that other people were having, I called back this morning. I got a different customer service rep who was much more helpful. She gave me a temporary credit for the charge, sent me some forms to fill out regarding the disputed charge, and said that they will try to contact Cheetah in the meantime.
I feel for the members and employees tremendously. David is a fuck up especially since he did not only screw over members, but also employees. He plays the victim, when really he screwed everyone. He blames everyone else for his shortcomings. He fucked up, karma is a bitch, and he owes a ton of people a ton of money and an explanation that is based on truth and fact, not paranoia. It's time he owns up to the fact he did not know how to run his business and he was lucky to have employees who stuck up for him the way they did and ran his business while he traveled all over the world. DAVID IS FUCKING CRAZY and now everyone knows!!
I had gym friends there who I may never see again, so it is not "just a gym."
uhhhh... then I wouldn't really call them "friends", but whatever floats your boat. And while you may not be a suburbanite, i can guarantee plenty of your "friends" were. And it is just a gym, deal with it.
My name is Shannon, I instructed the Mon, Wed, Fri morning Hotbod classes at the Bucktown location and am trying to contact all of the wonderful ladies who got of bed despite hangovers or the cold to make our class great. There are gyms that will give us a space and classes if we have an established base, which we do, so contact me so we can find a new gym together. Email me at shanshanyo@yahoo.com. If you know anybody in my classes please pass this message on. Thanks!
as someone who knows DW well (ANOTHER ex-employee).... part of me thinks this is very funny and well-deserved, but another part of me finds this very sad. I almost hope he isn't reading all of this or he is likely to kill himself (I probably would). He truly is mentally ill and needs medical attention and hospitilization. This is very typical behaviour a manic person... unpredicatable, explosive, delusional.
i hope he is reading these comments.
Guest 147 wrote: "uhhhh... then I wouldn't really call them 'friends,' but whatever floats your boat. And while you may not be a suburbanite, i can guarantee plenty of your 'friends' were. And it is just a gym, deal with it."
You can't guarantee that plenty of Guest 142's friends were suburbanites. And as someone who (for one awful year) worked in the suburbs, Andersonville is not a suburb at all.
I'm wondering if those folks on this board who are saying "it's only a gym" etc. would say the same thing if a neighborhood bar or coffee shop shut down. Cheetah served the same purpose (but much healthier, of course): Cheetah was a gym and a neighborhood community gathering place.
Lots of folks (me included) have "friends" whom they only see at the neighborhood bar or cafe. They're still friends. They're still a part of the community circle you hang out in. It doesn't matter whether you hang out with them in a bar or in your living room. They're still part of your community network. Cheetah was a pivot point in that network for many folks. And the circumstances of Cheetah's closing (abrupt with no notice) are understandably difficult for many folks on this message board.
ATTENTION ALL FORMER CHEETAH EMPLOYEES!
if you received a check yesterday, you might not want to cash it. all of his accounts are frozen and under investigation, which means you might not get your money and might get charged a fee. I'm not sure what your bank policy is, but I just wanted to warn everyone so that you don't lose more money than we all already have.
Guest 141: I agree with you regarding the memos...they were SO poorly written and full of incomplete information. I've been a member for several years, and while I always liked the desk staff and instructors, I questioned the management, as their policies were very shifty.
Given the wealth of gossip about David Wilshire that is now coming out at an alarming rate, it's obvious that he has a long history of bad business practices and character problems. I think it's right to think that his "I've been robbed" song and dance isn't the exact truth of why this happened.
Even if Cheetah were to get back on its feet in the coming weeks, how many people who are reading the comments on this board (and others, like Craiglist and the Tribune site) will be willing to hand over MORE money to this troubled business? Cheetah would be under more scrutiny and paranoia.
I do hope another chain buys the facilities and their member rosters; regardless of what scams gyms can be, they had a lot of customers.
So, is anyone organizing some sort of class action lawsuit?
OMG if soldier field closed down tomorrow, I would lose 50,000 friends as that's the only place i saw them. Oh noes! I never said Andersonville was a suburb, i said that it had a lot of suburbanite transplants, which it does.
someone (not me) started a class action discussion forum...
http://www.cheetahgymclassaction.com/forums/
i don't know what will come of it.
Please register at the class action site, even if you don't post to it ever. At least they will send emails updating us if we can move forward with this.
Postere 135 and 136. Good job at making fun of people that take care of their health. Yay for you! You are so much better then everyone else!
Guys, don't feed the trolls. People posting stupid comments about suburbanites and what a real friend are losers.
They are simply reading these kind of threads, across the internet, and making snide comments, to upset people, for their own personal pleasure.
Everytime you respond directly or indirectly to them, it just makes them post more, because they get thrill from your reaction.
So all you are doing by responding to these people is keep them going.
Please don't. So some restraint.
For Cheetah Gym Class Action Discussion - Cheetah Gym Class Action Discussion Forum
Has anyone signed up for fraud protection already? And does anyone know if there's any fees associated with doing this?
Thanks!
142 says: "I had gym friends there who I may never see again, so it is not "just a gym."
What, you can't call them? They never come out except to go to the gym? They don't have email? I mean, if you saw these people only a gym, how strong was the friendship in the first place?
In case all you angst-ridden people don't know, there are other gyms in the city. Some of are acting as though the CTA is collapsing or the city is going broke.
Why aren't any of these media outlets who are interviewing him following up his outrageous claims with the obvious questions:
1) Why was he forced to employ people who stole from him?
2) Why wasn't he more involved in the financial aspects of his business?
3) If he had $1M for people to steal from him, why couldn't he hire a good controller?
4) How are we to believe him when he lies so significantly about his age on his match.com and myspace profiles?
First, a disclaimer: this isn't more troll fodder...and apologies if this sounds stupid, but it's just my experience.
I believe that it's hard to explain the camaraderie of fellow gym members until you become a regular yourself. Even if you don't try, you'll end up forming some friendships when you go to a gym regularly. It's another outlet where you can vent about work, talk about sports, or whatever. You may never exchange a phone number or email address with these people, but just because you don't go out to the bars with them doesn't mean they're not your friends. If you work out regularly, you'll end up spending more time around your "gym friends" than your "close friends" in a given week.
So in addition to being cheated on a month of dues, that's why I'm incredibly upset about this. Sorry if you don't understand, and I'm sorry if you feel it necessary to poke fun at these people.
STOP BITCHING ABOUT "FRIENDS" AND GET BACK TO THE DIRT ON DW...IT'S BETTER READING THAN DLISTED..
Hey folks! News flash! There’s like a ohm, War, going on for the last, ohm six plus years!
And after reading all these suburban Lincoln Park type “Oh my god, like what am I gonna do because my gym closed comments”, I’m kinda glade it closed!
Belive it or not, there are alot of folks going through much larger "life structural adjustments" than lossing a stupid gym, like the
record numbers of people losing their homes to mortgage foreclosures!
And sorry the place in Wicker Park looked like it catered to suburban yuppies types! I held my tongue because I figured it might have had some local hipster art element since Tanky worked out there. But Shannon’s perky message about her “Hot Bods” class sealed it. "Hi I’m Shannnnnnon and I teach the “Hot Bods” class, Yea!
I now see where all the annoying “Wicker Park Chicks” and “Buck Town Babes” socialized while admiring the hot bods of frat boy traders.
Yea you might have made the "hot bods classes great" but you ruined Wicker Park and Buck Town!
Get over it and yea I work out too. The YMCA and sometimes the park district gym
Bring Back Urbis Orbis! I Miss it
hmmm...and urbis orbis was totally about dealing with large scale social and political issues and not self-indulgent, pretentious, privileged white people angst bullshit. gimme a break.
Hey, it's more fun dumping on Mr. Wilshire because he is such a jackass.
I can't speak to the Bucktown location, but the Andersonville & Edgewater locations were almost gay & lesbian community centers and served more purposes than just a gym. The loss of a gathering place like that is pretty awful, especially under such circumstances. Besides, where can you go for a good steamroom handjob now?
I hope you all sue him until each of you is getting a portion of every single paycheck the man ever makes.
161: there are no fees associated with filing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus. You can just call one (I called Equifax at 888-766-0008) and they'll inform the other two. You can put a 90-day alert on just by answering a few basic questions; if you want to extend it, you need to provide some sort of documentation. I think a 90-day alert is just fine for now; we'll see how this develops...
#169 I didn't know lesbians could get a handjob. Well hopefully next time DW opens up a business you would be his first customer to get a nice handjob personally from himself..Believe me it feels so good and it is so much fun to try to call the banks and credit bureaus all day...
for the record alot of actual working artist and social activists hung out at Urbis, vastly different than those hipsters at Filter or any other coffee place in Wicker Park including Atomic.
Thank you very much
re: Spook
It's funny when hippies can't get out of the past - "bring back 15 years ago, man!"
Enough with the coffee shop chatter already.
More dirt please!
Funny. I've belonged to a gym I love for about 2 years now.
While I would be angry about losing money, I sure as hell wouldn't cry so much over its closing. That's because it is ONLY A GYM. Not a long-time neighborhood church, not a business employing dozens of people, not a park, not a museum, not a school. It is a place where people sweat after sitting on their asses all day. Get a freaking grip, people. (though I do admit the gossip is interesting)
And for the whole gay community center thing, surely another such venue will spring forth in such a gay-friendly city as Chicago, don't you think?
Sometimes I think this city is filled with superficial, spoiled brats who care only about the trivia of life. What is about Chicago that has people forming deep emotional attachments to a freaking gym? Are your lives really so empty?
From what i hear, Wilshire was blocking X-Sport from moving up in that area. So now maybe there is a chance.
But, doesn't Andersonville have a block on chain businesses?
Re: 173
At least I'm wasn't out there protesting, like the Loney Tune Field Marshalls at Macy!
173 I was all about the dirt, untill the Frienster crowd started talking about their Gym friends to demonstrate how shallow we have become as a nation
#166. Yeah, we know there's a war going on and people are going thru losing their homes. Those are obviously important things many of us DO INDEED realize the difference, but taking the money and running a good thing either. People can be angry and dismayed about this if they want.
And you know what people are angry and do speak out about those things too, but this particular form is to discuss being F*ed over by a local business man, ok.
N
Where do I go to get a b/j now? Steamworks is to far south...urg.
Can you morons leave your coffeehouse and/or anti-yuppie grudges at home? We get it, yuppies suck, everything was cooler yesterday and you're a badass because you live in a neighborhood that has an average of five dollar stores per block. God knows what kind of retarded logic a person has to employ to state people shouldn't be complaining about being out hundreds of dollars by some drug-addled drama queen because there's a war going on.
Wonder if he is including his claims of the membership stealing those stinky, threadbare, uglyass white towels in his million dollar loss calculations?
My one year gym membership is/was due to end on October 30th. I was told (and can read the fine print on the yellow copy I have) that unless I send certified mail to the gym stating that I don't want to renew one month prior, Cheetah will keep billing me. So let's just say that in a few weeks the gym re-opens. Should I send the certified letter anyway before the end of this month? Thanks for any advice.
DW is a major embarrassment with his meth-addled behavior and etc (girlfriend on Oprah -who seems to be a closet enabler - vs. Mr. Gay Chicago) to the gay community (or should be) just like the locker room cruising should be
he should also claim that we were breathing his air (with a hint of shit and sweat essence)...
$183 that contract is for good as long as they are providing any service. since he closed the facilities for good (not temporarily, the contracts have been terminated. in case it re-opens and you're billed he will be in more trouble legally. of course he must be even more stupid and beyond being idiot to try to run a business (at least in chicago) especially after this incident. and it is very possible that any service he can provide from now on, would be to serive as an inmate bitch...
175: yes, it's a gym, but not all gyms are equal. First, the environment of the Cheetah's gyms were very nice. The equipment good and kept in good condition. They offered a lot.
In fact, Cheetah offered the ability for people at all levels of working out the ability to do so, for a reasonable rate. meaning, novices to advanced were catered to at Cheetah. Not all gyms go that route.
The range of levels, and the friendly settings worked towards encouraging people to continue physical fitness. Considering we live in one of fatest parts of America, a place that allows anyone to feel comfortable enough to work out ends up being more then just a Gym.
The fact is, yes, it's not the only gym, but it was one of the best gyms around.
While I feel bad for anyone losing money in this situation, anyone that's been part of the gay community in Chicago knows (or should have known) that David has a shady past and he's a creep. I admit I'm being shallow by having too much fun with this Wilshire slamfest.
Poster #173,
Yes Wilshire kept X-Sport from movcing into edgewater. instead we get yet another STAPLES (granville and broadway)ugh, puke, splash. x-sport wanted this space. you can also blame the every lovely edgewater chamber of commerece, bringing in more big box business, they pushed x-sport out, and supported staples in. we need a good gym!!!!
A agree. It was the best gym. I complained about it, but now that it is gone and I worked out on a trial last night someplace else I am missing it. When I walked into Cheetah even the reception desk would always smile at me and refer to me by name. Being in a larger corporate style gym is not the same. I had trained with a trainer in the past at Cheetah and it was top notch.
But where else can you use the word graft in a sentence outside Great Britain..........bravo.
Yeah, I tried a new place last night too and it just paled in comparison. I think I'm going to try David Barton next ... I cringe a bit at the cost, but if it's got the vibe I'm looking for it'll be worth it.
Here's the thing, though; I kind of don't want to sign a contract anywhere on the off-chance someone does buy Cheetah and reopen the place (and folks are thinking of that already, since I've gotten a few calls asking me specifics in the interest of moving in). Because, and you can make fun of me all you want, I searched for the right gym for a while, and when I came across Cheetah a few years ago, it was a perfect fit. Like one of the previous commenters mentioned, they made folks from all workout backgrounds/goals feel welcome and had the gear to suit the needs of novices and pros alike.
I think I'm going to give Crunch a try... one of their employees was handing out free 1-day passes in front of the Bucktown Cheetah.
191: HA HA HA! Good one.
#192 where did you try?
I will try out edgewater athletic tonight..I checked it out yesterday and it looked decent, but I have been going to Cheetah Andersonville for so long and really got used to the place a lot that I know I will feel out of place this evening...
I am sure someone will rent those places from Reza (different or same investors) and they will continue with a new line of health club. No doubt about that since all those three locations are in lack of a decent health/athletic club...but with the current situation I think it will take quite some time.
Even if they rent the place out tomorrow, just the remodeling of the spaces will take at least 6-8 months
Does anyone know how large the Edgewater Cheetah is in terms of square feet?
Lets face it he couldn't make payroll because he couldn't support 3 clubs on the income/revenue so he made up story about his bad employees and RGM. I hope he loses every penny out of this deal and goes to jail. I am sure he could have sold the clubs or found someone to take them over but he is too much of a idiot and wanted to be a bigshot.
Why do people keep saying David had a shady past? So he lied on Oprah years ago about having a girlfriend. Big deal. Since then, he has been an out business man. He has contributed at least $1,000,000 a year to local charities and has adopted a couple kids from third-world countries.
Its like soooo sad that in all your lamentations
of Cheetah's gym, from the nice "range of levels", "friendly settings" "great clean equipment",how they know your name at the front desk,the free steam room hand jobs, etc, etc, etc, but you folks keep leaving out Shannon who teaches the Mon, Wed, Fri morning "Hotbod" classes! Who at this very moment is trying to contact all of the wonderful( HotBod) ladies who got out of bed despite hangovers or the cold to make the HOTBOD class great!" because they are either trust funders or married to traders so they don't have to work.
p.s maybe yall should be thankfull to David Wilshire for the years of love he gave you!
Ever think of that? Yea perhaps he lost it in the end, but that was how many years of hotbods, steam room hand jobs, and gym friends, did you get? He worked hard for this! Maybe that's how he should be remembered
so what that he contributed to charities and adopted third world country kids? like most manic depressive people, he DOES indeed have a good side. at times he was charming, attentive, innovative, and very caring. those of us who knew him well MISS that David. however, his shady side and the way he has CONTINUOUSLY mis-treated people over the years outweighs his good side. He lost many, many good friends and employees and has never been able to take responsibility for any of his actions. I'll bet if you were to start collecting the NASTY NASTY, unhinged, scattered emails he has sent people that he's burned bridges with, you could make a BOOK.
be thankful for the years of LOVE??? are you serious? you obviously never experienced his wrath and absolute psychotic-ness that SO MANY of us have.
#198 yes he gave that amount of money but probably stole more than that..and with his attitude i don't care if he is even out at mars! and i don't believe in that adopted kids story at all...cause he never blamed anyone for how hard it is to adopt a kid and never sang i am the victim tirade
Hey Spook, sounding a little bitter, maybe instead of spending the day posting nasty messages you should go find a gym and work off the anger.
I spent 7 years working out at cheetah and it was a great experience. I will miss the relationships that I will loose as a result of the closing, but I have no doubt that I will make the best out of whatever gym I decide to join.
I hate the way that DW handled this, but I have to say thanks for giving me a great place to work out for the last 7 years, and you can keep the $59 for September, it was well worth it for me.
#199 it was not david wilshire..it was the fact that cheetah gym was the only decent sized health club in all three neighborhoods...come 8 months, when all those places become a new health club with different managements, the neighborhood people will again getting up from their hangovers and go to their hotbod classes...david methaddict was just lucky that he had no competitions around...
Spook in #199: "...all of the wonderful( HotBod) ladies who got out of bed despite hangovers or the cold to make the HOTBOD class great!" because they are either trust funders or married to traders so they don't have to work."
You tell 'em! Why can't they just stay on the futon in their parents' basement, trolling blogs all day long. (20 comments in under 30 hours!?)
"He has contributed at least $1,000,000 a year to local charities and has adopted a couple kids from third-world countries"
Well there you go that is where his money went. Up his nose and to charity.
Dip shit. He didn't contribute any of that amount. DCFS needs to take the kids from him.
He is shaddy and what he did here proves it even if he wasn't in the past. He knew before today things were bad so why did he keep signing people up.
And a good business person won't blame everyone in public they would handle through the legal system. He says poor me, poor me. He was the one that let it happen he was the captain of the ship. So he deserves what he got.
did he really adopt children, or just do one of those "pay $1 a day feed a child" programs?
if the former is true, someone should call DCFS!
A lot of criminals donate money and that is just marketing for him to pad himself on the back.
A lot of criminals go to church and pray doesn't make them good people or not criminals.
David was charming and attractive, but he was also notoriously abusive to his partners. He's been caught in other questionable business and charity activities. He's still lying, although subtracting almost a decade from your age on a myspace page is hardly a criminal offense. We'll see how this plays out in court, and how far playing the victim will get him off. If he really cared about his customers he wouldn't be locking you out, leaving a note on the door blaming an employee of his, giving his employees rubber checks, and charging you for something you're not able to use. If that's not the definition of 'shady' I'm not sure what is.
Any place that brings people together, and promotes a safe healthy environment should be lifted up. It allows those of us "corporate monkeys" to actually have live interactions with actual people instead of computers and telephones. It's also a great place to network with people other than a bar or a coffee shop. Not to mention helping the esthetics of the individual neighborhoods.
Kicking people when they are down isn't the answer either. People do weird things when they are desperate. Plus, until you walk in their shoes, you can't be sure what happened. Everyone makes mistakes don't they?
Spook, I hate you. But I love the persona you've taken on for this issue. I think you and I were brothers back before WP became so uncool.
I have a funny feeling that they're are more than a few people posting these remarks that maybe or quite possibly knew what happened, that were employed by this gym. WHY AREN'T WE SPEAKING OUT. Are we that afraid of this man??????? Remember the discounts we were told to do on our first day on the job??? Hmm???
David, don't log on as Spook and defend yourself, that's just so tacky!