The best sporting goods stores in Chicago

Not only does this massive chain have you covered for your traditional team sports needs, but it also has a wide selection for the outdoors—including equipment for hiking, fishing, hunting, biking and water sports. In the market for a treadmill, yoga mat or a jogging stroller? Dick's has all of that, too. If it has anything to do with an active lifestyle, you can likely find it here. 

With 30,000 square feet of space, 23.5 million LED lights, a living wall inspired by Wrigley Field and a 700-square-foot jumbotron cube, the Under Armour Brand House off of Michigan Avenue goes big for a brand known for its form-fitting sportswear. The brand's largest store in the world, the Under Armour Brand House stocks everything from its signature Armour base layer to its fishing and hunting ranges (featuring scent-control clothing) as well as a unique wearables bar. Aside from its stock, the Brand House earns its name by offering a full brand experience rather than just a consumer one. Visitors are welcome to stay in the store (it even has free charging stations for your phone) and experience the wealth of interactive features inside: Astroturf on the upper floor allows customers to not only try on but try out cleated shoes, while a youth-oriented "What's the Record?" experience allows kids to see how they stack up against Under Armour athletes with a jumping and power test and more basic measurements.

Just paying a visit to this behemoth sporting goods chain has become one of America's pastimes. Whether your needs call for soccer cleats, running gear or equipment, you'll likely find it at this multistory location in River North. The basement sale section is also worth perusing—and might arguably offer the most affordable workout gear this side of town. Additional perks: late hours and a small parking lot out back. 

This one-stop activewear shop is more like a warehouse than a storefront. Cover your bases, not to mention your kids’, too, with two floors packed to the gills with everything from skiing equipment (cross-country, downhill, you name it) and apparel to tents and hard-to-find accessories like fancy helmet cameras. There’s also an unbelievable selection of running gear—everything from wrist wallets to jogging strollers—plus basic attire and shoes.

What this Lakeview boutique lacks in square footage compared to the megastores in the same ’hood is more than made up for with quality merch and an eclectic selection. Smart goods like boot cleats, Bogs, ear warmers with built-in headphones and Patagonia puffy scarves will cover your snowshoeing, camping and skiing needs, or just your average day trekking through the city.

A trip to the Nike store on Michigan Avenue is more than just that—it's an all-encompassing experience. In addition to the plethora of sports and street apparel, shoes, cleats, gear and more, you can also get a custom sports bra fitting, enlist the help of a personal shopper, complete a personal run analysis or even get your running pants hemmed. The posh store's decor pays homage to Chicago's sports history, and of course, Michael Jordan.

This small Lincoln Park shop supplies tennis, racquetball, squash and badminton aficionados with string sport staples and necessities hard to find anywhere else. Knowledgable staff will guide you to find the perfect racquet, shoes, bags, apparel and accessories from brands like Wilson, Head, Prince, Adidas, Harrow, Feather, and Black Knight–all at prices that won't empty your wallet.

Looking for tried and tested skiing and snowboarding equipment? Look no further than Viking Ski Shop. The employees at this Logan Square store test out all potential new merchandise on mountains accross the country (logging 100+ skiing days!) before it even hits the shelves. The shop stocks top-of-the-line skis, boards, boots, bindings, helmets and apparel, designed for all levels of skill, and also offers rentals, tune-ups, and repairs. Do yourself a favor, and don't hit the mountain until you've stopped here first.

Around since 1982, when founder Lester Zalewski quit college, sold his van, and took out a loan to start Chicago's original board shop, Windward has kept Chicago well-stocked in, well, boards of all shapes and sizes. Snowboards, skateboards, longboards, and stand-up paddleboards to be exact. The shop also carries pretty much any gear you may need to go along with those boards–swimwear, footwear, apparel and accessories. Merchandise is also available to purchase through Windward's online shop.

This sporting goods chain sells new and gently used equipment, including bats, cleats, balls, gloves, exercise machines, bikes, skates, helmets and more. A huge bonus: The shop also buys your gently used equipment, offering you a choice of cash on the spot or a discount on new equipment. To put it another way: The ROI on your kid's hockey gear is trending upward.