Shaping up: Evolve Fitness offers gym, martial arts combo training

DeKALB – Terry Hopkins, 51, who usually gets up at 2:30 a.m. to be a railroad conductor for Illinois Metra, said owning a fitness and martial arts business just fell into his lap.

Hopkins, of DeKalb, began leasing the 15,000-square-foot space at 1690 Sycamore Road, formerly FitWorkz, in January when he was approached by owner Ray Binkowski who operated the 24-hour gym for 40 years. Hopkins and his wife, Peggy Hopkins, 51, who is a police officer in Cortland, decided to begin leasing the space.

It was Peggy’s idea to name it Evolve Fitness & Training, he said.

“Evolve is kind of what you do when you go to the gym,” Hopkins said Monday as he gave a tour of the space. “We knew Ray was selling his equipment, and my wife was like ‘call him,’ so we did, met the next day and it was a handshake deal. We completely took over and rebranded.”

Running the operation is a family affair for the Hopkinses, since their daughter Hayley, 23, is the manager and only full-time employee, along with a staff of 13 trainers, including amateur Mixed Martial Arts fighter Tyler Scott, 30, who specializes in welterweights in Illinois.

Scott, who Hopkins said is ranked No. 1 in Amateur Mixed Martial Arts in the nation, teaches 6- to 12-year-olds in the 5,000-square-foot Hero Martial Arts studio, which Hopkins has owned since May and operates next door to Evolve Fitness. Hero Martial Arts, previously owned by Scott’s father, Tom, closed its doors at 2179 Sycamore Road in DeKalb at the end of 2018.

“Martial arts is really just a tool for teaching,” said Scott, whose favorite class to teach is tai chi. “It’s the only one where you can teach self-defense, how to have a strong character, good sportsmanship, and push yourself mentally, physically and emotionally.”

Scott’s been teaching martial arts for 14 years, and also teaches kickboxing, grappling, Jiu Jitsu, and striking classes in the new Hero space.

Hopkins said some of Scott’s students will participate in a live demonstration during Family Fun Fest on Tuesday, part of Kishwaukee Fest 2019.

“We were looking to purchase a building, and bring the MMA aspect of that,” Hopkins said. “I’m just a lifelong fan, and my son and grandson went to Hero, too.”

Evolve Fitness is open 24 hours a day. In addition to offering an open gym regular membership, the business also offers circuit training, martial arts classes and sports performance training. Memberships start at $32 a person with no registration or fee to join, according to the website.

Children also have the opportunity to get their sweat on with kids memberships at Evolve Fitness, including the Hero Martial Arts studio.

A smoothie bar is in the works, Hopkins said, which will feature protein-based drinks for before and after workouts.

Inside Hero, the walls are adorned with intricate cartoon-style murals created by local artist Paul Patton, Hopkins said.

Hopkins knows he’s not the only gym in town.

“No other gym offers what we offer. You can go to any other gym and work out, or you can go to a couple mixed martial arts studios in town, but that’s all you concentrate on. Whereas for our members, if you get the limited membership, you can go to three classes a week and jump into striking, Jiu-Jitsu or small group class.”

Hopkins said classes are offered for all levels – beginners to experienced – and those interested should come in person and sign up. Online registration is not yet available, but will soon be an option for those wishing to pay remotely, he said.