Sexy fitness club `flirts` with trouble in Lincoln Park

Fitness club or more than that? That's the question some North Side residents are asking after a Flirty Girl Fitness Club opened in Lincoln Park.

The club is located in a residential area and features pole dancing, Pilates, and yoga. But, it's not the classes that have some people talking; it's the parties that take place after the club closes.

"I think they think--it's almost like they think a brothel is opening up in Lincoln Park--and that's just not the case," Flirty Girl Fitness owner Kerry Knee explains. "It is the Lincoln moms who come here. It's a very upscale clientele."

Knee says residents have told her they're fine with the fitness center's hours and the classes taught here, but a couple of times a month clients are allowed to host bachelorette and other parties. Live bands are not allowed but guests can book DJs at Flirty Girl and alcohol will be served during classes and at those parties.

People who live in the area have emailed the alderman of the 43rd Ward saying that "they're" concerned about the late night crowds. Alderman Michele Smith says there's no need to worry.

"It's a fitness club. We've checked them out at other locations," Alderman Smith says. "They're a fitness club that has a good reputation. They throw some parties. They allow some bachelorette parties--and they wanted a liquor license and we're gonna be able to do that."

The center is located near the intersection of Halsted and Webster---a residential area---loaded with restaurants boutiques and shops. The Flirty Girl owners say that this is a social club and a place for women to just be themselves.

"We've always said that we are just not a fitness club. We're a social club for women---we do these parties," Knee says. "We might do a breast cancer function and it might end at 1 o'clock in the morning, but the kind of crowd we bring here is a very upscale crowd and it's a private event."

Alderman Smith says that before Flirty Girl opened its doors a couple of months ago, community meetings were held giving residents a chance to voice their concerns. The alderman and owner say nobody said anything.