Be Well.

4.5 star rating
20 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Massage, Physical Therapy, Acupuncture  [Edit]

2251 W Irving Park Rd
(between Bell Ave & Oakley Ave)
Chicago, IL 60618
Neighborhood: North Center
(773) 588-9355
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Hours:

Mon-Sun 8 am - 8 pm

Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Price Range:
$$
Parking:
Street
Accepts Insurance:
No
By Appointment Only:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
About This Business:

Customized rehab and therapy services including occupational, physical and speech therapy along with advanced skilled nursing services.

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20 reviews in English

  • Review from Chicago G.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 49 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    9/16/2011

    Went to Be Well for a massage and needed someone to unwind the mess I call muscles. I had Chisato for my therapist who was fantastic and like Rachel R. below, felt the management was warm and welcoming. Here's the breakdown-

    Why you should go here:
    Super clean - They didn't offer waterproof sandals for the shower which normally grosses me out, but this place seemed so clean it didn't bother me as much
    Super quiet - I guess I can say this as I was the only one there.
    Flexible Scheduling - They really try to work with you
    Sauna and Steam Shower - Detoxifiying and fantastic
    Snack and Tea while you wait - Come one, that's always an added bonus
    The management - Friendly and really seem to believe in what they deliver.
    Therapist - Chisato was fantastic. Very communicative about where to get at and what pressure I liked. But not overly chatty so I could relax.
    Respectful - I don't like people touching my face, so when the therapist actually ASKED if I wanted a face massage, I was so happy! Instead I had a great head massage which was very relaxing.
    Massage table and linens - Felt very luxurious and cozy.

    Some high maintenance details that would have made this experience better:
    Sauna - They put me in the sauna before my massage and offered tea and a snack. The thing is, when its 92 degrees in a box, you really want cold water, not hot water. Some ice water would have been fantastic and would have made the sauna heat a bit more bearable (or if you really want to be fancy, a washcloth on ice/cucumbers is always a nice touch to keep cool). Also, I wasn't sure how long I was supposed to sit in there so I was just sitting there kind of waiting for someone to show up. Plus, all the magazines were a year old which didn't help the time pass.
    Oil used for the massage - Honestly, it was straight oil. I really didn't think people used that anymore (my chiro uses Biotone or some other kind of lotion). But this is my own personal paranoia as I break out easily, definitely not a deal breaker for me.
    Sanitized Comb/Brush after steam shower - Would have been nice to have one, but now I know just to bring my own next time (there was a brush, just wasn't clean).
    Sandals - I know I said this above, but clean shower sandals would have been great.

    The pros most definitely outweigh the cons. I will be back!!!!

  • Review from sveta b.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    12/28/2011

    I have a standing job so i here about acupuncture it will help with my back pain, i went to several places and didn't see any different  ,then i was passing by Be Well wanna to try with them i had a very friendly and helpful staff, ,and trust me i have no pain if i ever have i am going back to Be Well,i still get massages and facials love the spa its very rejuvenating,i wont change this place for no were else ever ........

  • Review from Jillian V.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 23 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    4/17/2011

    After a really stressful few months, I decided to treat myself to a massage but, since I'm a fairly recent transplant to Chicago, I had no clue where to go. I was wary of jumping on a GroupOn  deal because what if I get there and it's dingy or creepy? Ewww...So, instead I chose Be Well based on their great Yelp reviews.

    I couldn't have been happier with my experience! I made a Saturday appointment for a 70 minute signature massage but did not ask for access to the sauna before. When I got there, the man behind the desk (from other reviews, the owner?) was extremely friendly and immediately offered me tea and made me comfortable. Since I was there early, he asked me again if I wanted to use the sauna and he prepared it quickly...I was very impressed he was willing to accommodate me like that even though I didn't give him advanced warning. It was very relaxing to sit in there with my tea for a few minutes before my massage.

    My masseuse was Chisato who took some time to ask me exactly what I wanted - how much pressure, focus spots, any injuries to be careful of. She listened to what I said and gave me exactly the massage I wanted and needed! She made sure to check in a couple times to see if I was happy. Oh, did I mention heated towels? HEATED TOWELS!!

    There is nothing worse than dropping $100+ and getting a disappointing massage...there is also nothing more amazing than getting a wonderful massage! I would go back anytime to Chisato and definitely recommend her to everyone.

  • Review from Rachel R.

    •  
    • 7 friends
    • 29 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    3/25/2011

    This is a fantastic little spa escape!  I returned recently with my boyfriend for our second visit and it was (again) fabulous.  During our first visit we received a couples massage; this time we scheduled too late to arrange that again.  Instead, for this visit, we took turns enjoying the amenities - hot box, steam shower, tea and candies - while switching off with the massage.

    Why you should go:
    * top notch massage professionals who always deliver
    * conveniently located in the 'hood
    * willing to work with you on scheduling
    * relatively fair pricing
    * fantastic positive vibes from the gracious and positive owner - he's always there with a smile for you and that really sets the tone for your whole experience

    The only downsides:
    * small space which is very intimate (you sometimes hear people talking in lobby or outside your room
    * no shared steam shower (only available in private bathrooms)

    We'll be back!

  • Review from Sarah B.

    •  
    • 25 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    8/12/2011

    I feel so blessed to have this place right around the corner from me.  My husband and I both felt like we had amazing massages - some of the best ever!  I've gone back several times and will continue to utilize their wonderful services.

  • Review from Julia J.

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    8/19/2010

    After seeing all these great reviews on Yelp, I (not so subtly) dropped hints to my husband that a massage from this place would be a great birthday gift.

    Lo and behold, on the morning of my birthday I awoke to breakfast in bed accompanied by a gift certificate for a 70 minute Be Well Signature massage (I know- he's a keeper).

    Overall, it was a great experience. My therapist, Eva (I think...sorry), had a great table-side manner. She listened to me and read my body language. She was friendly and we talked a little bit, but she wasn't too chatty. I would say that it added to my experience rather than took away from it. She found knots I didn't know I had and did what she could with years of built up stress in 70 minutes. I feel like I could go back and spend another 100 minutes there to work out some more kinks, and while I'm a little sore today, it's in a completely fabulous way.

    The spa itself was very clean and welcoming. The receptionist was very friendly. I liked that they had lockers there so I felt secure leaving my stuff there.

    Minus one star for the following tiny factors that could have been better:
    -I was brought to the dry sauna but had no idea how long I was supposed to stay in there. I wasn't a fan. Maybe it would have been better for me if it wasn't one of the hottest summers on record and I wasn't so done with the heat or if it was winter time, but I was in there for about 7 minutes before I was done with it and just wanted to get on with my massage. I didn't want to go poking around, so I just sat in the room outside the sauna, had some water and waited. I would have been more comfortable if they told me how long I'd be in there. I ended up skipping the steam shower at the end because of my experience with the sauna, so I can't speak to that aminity.

    -the robe was really really itchy

    -they asked if there were any areas of concentration, and I mentioned my neck and shoulders both to my therapist and while making my appointment. I don't really feel like these areas were given any more attention than other areas. Next time (and there will be a next time), I'll happily tell them to skip my lower body completely and focus on my upper body.

    I do consider all of those things to be tiny factors that could easily be fixed, so we'll see what happens next time.

  • Review from Yasmeen A.

    •  
    • 13 friends
    • 71 reviews

    Washington, DC

    5.0 star rating
    2/9/2009

    Massages can be intimidating for me. With a longstanding back/neural injury, they can often be more torturous than enjoyable. Not so at Be Well.

    I arrived a bit early for my massage, expecting to sit in the waiting room until my appointment. Instead, I was led back to a dry sauna room, with tea brewing and snacks waiting. I was casually instructed to take whatever I wanted into the sauna, so in went my magazine and I for 20 minutes of total relaxation before my massage even began.

    The massage itself was fantastic. The therapist was very knowledgeable about the specific areas where I needed the most work, and unlike a typical deep tissue massage, this seemed more focused on the pressure points that were causing me the most discomfort. Very custom tailored.

    Afterwards, clients can relax in the steam sauna/shower, where again a glass of Pellegrino Aranciata and a Korean cookie awaited me. The shower room is also stocked with any product you may need, even hair dryers, paddle brushes and styling products. I was really impressed by the awesome Korean products they had, so I asked while paying and my massage therapist very kindly made a list of places to find them!

    Rico and his wife, the owners, have done a wonderful job of creating an oasis. My entire stay at Be Well was rejuvenating, which helped me relax and make the most of my treatment as well as have a true escape, if only for a few hours.

  • Review from Kay C.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    2.0 star rating
    7/27/2009

    I will admit up front that I am a very picky customer.  I had been going to the same massage therapist for six years when his studio closed its doors recently.  In looking for a new place I thought I would try these guys based on Yelp reviews.

    While the owner was certainly accommodating, I do not think I fit well with his business model.  I react badly to the sound of running water, and the first thing I heard when walking in was a fountain.  The owner was okay with me unplugging the fountain, but I'd rather it not be there at all - the sound of water is a known trigger for a lot of people.  

    I expected a full medical intake as there are many places in my body which cannot take any pressure at all.  The owner only did a full intake when I pretty much demanded that it be done.  I am not able to use a dry sauna due to kidney problems, which the owner did not even realize would be a problem until I pointed it out myself *after* the medical intake was complete.

    I wound up knowing my therapist from another facet of my life, which made the situation uncomfortable (athough he did good work).  I was strongly discouraged by my therapist from using the shower afterwards, as I think he was as uncomfortable about the situation as I was.  I wound up going home to shower afterwards instead.

    Locker room was cute but had no chair or shoehorn, both of which I consider to be necessities for getting dressed.  I suggested that he get both in there and he wrote it down on a little notepad - I get the feeling that this business has just opened up and he doesn't really know what he's doing yet.

    To their credit the massage was good and the massive pain I was experiencing beforehand that made the visit mandatory is still gone over two weeks later.  However, I doubt that I will return as the experience was on the whole a negative one.

    If you are the type of person who likes a generic spa/relaxation environment it's probably OK for you.  It's got kind of an Asian feeling to it although the space is very cramped and segmented.  I cannot imagine walking through the space if they had more than one client there at once, as you have to walk *through* one treatment room to get to the next.  

    They are willing to oblige your requests if you ask, but I had to ask for *everything* in order to feel safe in that space.  I walked out feeling more tense and unhappy than I was when I walked in.

  • Review from Jon J.

    •  
    • 11 friends
    • 342 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    6/18/2008

    This place is fantastic.  It's more of a private day spa, than just a massage - there's only space for 3 people to be worked on, it seems, and it's appointment only, so you get the whole place to yourself.

    Here's how it goes - you start off with 20 minutes in the sauna.  Then you take a shower in their awesome rain showers.  Then it's massage time - which is great, more focused on pressure point massage than swedish style rubdowns.  Then you relax in the break room, eating Korean cookies and drinking tea.  Then it's a steam shower, and you're done.

    Everyone here was really nice, and it was a really pleasant experience overall.  We totally didn't know what to expect and it turned out to be a hidden gem!

  • Review from Sara M.

    •  
    • 31 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 8/28/2009

    My husband and I went to Be Well for  couples massage after I had had a good experience there on my own several weeks before. We both enjoyed the experience. We had the place to ourselves, and had a good 30 minutes in the dry sauna, which was great. The massage was in the same room with a screen seperating our areas, so we could hear each other's experiences. I enjoyed it, but it might not be for people who are looking for something more private. My therapist was great, paying attention to the sensitive areas from past injuries and my legs, which needed some love after my morning run. We each had a steam shower after our massage, and were treated to water, tea, and cookies.
    I will definitely go back to Be Well.

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      7/19/2009

      Visited Be Well for the first time yesterday, and had a wonderful experience. Rico was friendly and… Read more »

  • Review from susie j.

    •  
    • 7 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    9/21/2009

    I scheduled a couples massage at Be Well after my boyfriend and I drove  a 16 ' uhaul from San Francisco to Chicago. We needed some heavy therapy! The owner, is, I believe, also the receptionist. It was difficult  to get a hold of anyone to make an appointment by phone, but I used the email address on their website and got a friendly response within the hour (a phone call was arranged through email). Rico was very helpful and professional, and was passionate about his spa.

    The place is small but very private. I think they book the appointments with plenty of time before/after for privacy, as I can only imagine they can serve no more than 2 people at a time. We arrived 15 minutes early to take advantage of the complimentary dry sauna. What a treat! There was cucumbered water, tea, and little cookies offered to us while we baked. Our massage was comfortable and relaxing.. we got the full 60 min we paid for. So many spas give or take (usually take) a few, so that was really nice. Afterward, we enjoyed a private steam and rainforest shower in separate, full amenity  bathrooms. Aside from the changing room, which was a little cramped (its more like a closet), the facilities were amazing. The staff was professional and strong (one of the deepest massages Ive ever had!) and Rico was a pleasure to get to know.

    I will come back again.

    I recommend Be Well!

  • Review from Lisa S.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    8/10/2011

    I went to Be Well after reading some great Yelp reviews, and I wasn't disappointed.  I've done a couples massage a few times now, and both my boyfriend and I have enjoyed it immensely.  The massage therapists are really top of the line, and the heat box treatment, tea and cookies before the massage are a lovely touch.

  • Review from Mary Ellen J.

    •  
    • 11 friends
    • 33 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 10/17/2010

    Had a Relaxation Massage yesterday.............fabulous!! I'm thinking this is an easy holiday gift to give- and who wouldn't want it??!!

    Listed in: My Neighborhood

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      8/10/2009

      Be Well is fantastic............cann ot say enough about the most fabulous owner(s)- Julie.
      We held a… Read more »

  • Review from Greg K.

    •  
    • 45 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    4/22/2008

    I'm not a big massge guy - I've had two my entire life.  One was at a Spa with my wife a few years ago and then a couple of months ago, I got a massage at Be Well. for some severe back pain.  They beat the C**p out of me and it felt fantastic!  I was extremely impressed with the facility - it's gorgeous.  The staff was great.  They make you feel very comfortable and listen to what your issue is - they don't just start massaging for the purpose of massage.  They massage what you need/want massaged and work to understand your needs and issues.  I HIGHLY recommend them to you and anyone you know, care about or even like a little.  :o)

  • Review from Diane S.

    •  
    • 14 friends
    • 49 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    1/22/2010

    Today was my third visit to Be Well.  Unfortunately, there was some confusion when I booked my appointment hoping specifically to have a massage with Mark.  I was quickly accommodated and apparently Mark was called at home to come in.  I felt sort of awful for that, but there was a reason I had specifically requested him.
    So, two reviews here--one for the spa and one for Mark specifically:
    The spa is lovely.  It's a minimalist but inviting and quiet space.  There are tea and treats and water at your request, and the steam shower at the end is AMAZING.  You can tell the owners take great pride in their business itself.
    Mark is seriously the best massage therapist I personally have seen in the city.  I can take a lot of pressure, and he is not afraid to sink his hands in.  He is also extremely good at communicating and finding the source of my pain (I get regular pain in my left shoulder and hip, and he always manages to find *just* the spot it's radiating from in the most unexpected places).  
    I still felt bad that he had to be called at home, but I really appreciate Be Well going above and beyond to correct the error.  I will try to go back once a month as long as I can afford to! (unless for some reason Mark leaves, then I will have to track him down and follow)

  • Review from Lil M.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 1 review

    West Lafayette, IN

    2.0 star rating
    3/16/2010

    A friend and I researched massage facilties and day salons and came across Be Well.  We were both really tired and needed a massage badly so we called to make an appointment.  The lady who answered was very nice and told us that the therapists would be able to consult the best massage to get to customize our treatment.  

    When we arrived, we were greeted warmly and escorted to a sauna where I was offered water.   My friend arrived a little later and we sat inside the warm sauna for about 15 minutes.  Afterwards, two therapists arrived and asked us to choose a therapist.   I chose the male and my friend the female therapist.   Male therapist had a really thick accent and I could not understand a word.  My friend and I both agree that our experience with the massages were the worst we have ever had. We have been to  many different therapists and do not recommend Be Well if you are needing a massage.  The spa  and shower facilities are very clean but does not deserve more than two stars.  It seemed like it was trying to hard to make it "ASIAN" with shoji screens and asian furniture with a touch of ikea, but I truly suggest in investing in better therapists.  Before I left, I asked the receptionist, "are the therapists new here?" and she stated no. She stated they have been there for a long time.  I'm sorry, but they were absolutely horrible.

  • Review from Mary Kate R.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 18 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    2/5/2010

    I went in for the 70 minute signature massage last night.  It definitely cost a bit more than what I usually aim to spend on a massage (I'm an admitted cheapskate when it comes to taking care of myself), but I left feeling like it was definitely worth spending a little extra.  I paid an extra $10, which covers dry sauna before (I got about 25-30 minutes in there and caught up on some old time out chicago's), and wet sauna after (only lasted about 5 minutes in here).  Those were REALLY nice ways to relax before and re-adjust to life after.

    Marc was my massage therapist, and he was really wonderful.  We talked for a bit before about what was bringing me in, and he made a number of connections between my symptoms that I was too exhausted and stressed out to notice.  I felt like I was working with someone who really knew what they were doing, and understood how the body works (vs. some 20 year old who just got out of massage therapy school....not that I'm knocking them, just saying...).  

    So although this was a little out of my price range, it was definitely worth it. I slept like a baby last night and have not been clenching my jaw/grinding my teeth like a psycho today.  Which is a really really nice change.  I plan on paying them another visit in the future.  You can tell Rico takes alot of pride in his business.

  • Review from Victoria Q.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 15 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 9/28/2009

    Wonderful, family run business. Everyone is friendly and the massage therapy is amazing.  I get the Meridian Muscle Massage to help with my migraine headaches- best in the city.  A little pricey, but worth every penny.  I'm a regular at Be Well now!

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      2/9/2009

      Good location, easy parking.  Soothing atmosphere that completely blocks out the noise from the busy… Read more »

  • Review from Kali D.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 5 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    3/5/2009

    Go to be well!
    I have been suffering from a great deal of back pain and knew I needed to get a massage, but also knew I needed to be able to pay my rent, so I looked up some affordable options.
    I took the advice of my fellow yelpers and gave this spot a chance.
    I have never had a better massage experience. First of all, I have an anxiety disorder so I show up an hour early for everything. I expect to wait in a waiting room and read magazines until my appointment, but apparently be well is like the stepford wife of massage parlors and the extremely kind owner gave me a robe and slippers and led me to a private room with a sauna, tea, cookies, and water and told me to help myself and relax till the therapist could see me.  An hour there and they could have charged me and sent me on my way without even getting the massage and I would have been happy. The therapist came to my room and introduced himself and led me to my table. He was so sweet and made me feel right at ease. He asked me some questions regarding my pain and proceeded with the massage. He managed to find spots that were causing me pain that I didn't even realize. He even gave me an extra ten minutes! I felt, and still feel(3 days later), so much better. The owner was ringing me up and chatting with me and asking how everything went, and even asked if I had any constructive criticism, and to my surprise, I didn't. He was incredibly kind and genuine and we ended up having a bit of a heart to heart conversation, (very unexpected), and I left feeling like I visited a friend. I will be back, hopefully soon, and I strongly encourage everyone to go. These places are far too rare to take for granted.

  • Review from Lori B.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    8/14/2008

    I felt like jello after my Relaxation Massage.  I had only had one other massage, about 5 years ago.  This was great!  The atmosphere and decor were wonderful-very soothing and relaxing.  It did have more of a personal day spa feel as another poster mentioned.  I tend to carry my tension in my shoulders and back.  After 15 minutes in the dry sauna, the therapist definitely helped relax away the tension I tend to have.  Following the massage I spent 15 minutes in the wet sauna and shower.  I spent more time there than I would have expected for a 1 hour massage (that was the time just for the actual massage!).  I will definitely go back and I highly recommend Be Well to others.

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