The wind whipping off the Chicago River usually signals a time to retreat indoors, but at the foot of the Magnificent Mile, a new kind of warmth is rising. Tucked away on the Chicago Riverwalk, in a space that usually sits dormant during the Chicago winter, Kyle Walker has built a “sauna compound” that feels like a tiny village in Estonia.
Walking toward the site, the contrast is striking. To your left, the architectural giants of the Loop tower over you; to your right, tour boats and river taxis glide through the dark water. But inside the cedar-shingled “igloos” provided by Estonia’s Iglucraft, the city vanishes.
We joined a session hosted by Walker himself, alongside renowned Wim Hof instructors Jesse Coomer and James Stewart. People had traveled from as far as Green Bay and Indianapolis—not just for the heat, but for the community. As the breathwork began, the hum of the city faded, replaced by the vibrating resonance of collective humming of the breathwork participants.
That internal buzz merged with the crackle of the wood-fired stove and the intense, enveloping löyly (steam). Emerging from that heat to pull the chain on a cold plunge bucket shower while staring at the skyline is a surreal, peak-Chicago experience.
The Review: Riverwalk Saunas, Chicago, IL USA
Overall Rating: 10/10 – A Must-Visit for the Chicago Winter
The Vibe
Despite being in one of the most public locations in the Midwest, the experience is surprisingly intimate. The “kiosk” layout is clever—utilizing off-season space to create a private wellness sanctuary. Once you are inside the sauna, the unique dome shape and wood-fired heat create a feeling of total isolation from the urban hustle.
The Equipment
The choice of Iglucraft saunas (a favorite of celebrities like David Beckham and Gordon Ramsay) is a game-changer.
- Design: The dome shape isn’t just aesthetic; it allows for incredible heat circulation.
- Safety & Comfort: The layout—seating eight people with the stove at the far end—makes for a great social environment without the risk of bumping into hot metal.
- Transition Area:Â The built-in changing/relaxation space is a thoughtful touch, especially when the Chicago wind chill hits.
The Experience
The heat and löyly are world-class. The wood-fired stoves provide a “deep” heat that electric heaters simply can’t match. Pairing this with the cold plunge bucket showers creates a high-level Contrast Therapy circuit right on the riverbank.
Final Verdict
This isn’t just a pop-up; it’s a proof of concept for Kyle Walker’s vision of a “brick and mortar” community sauna future in Chicago. If you’re looking for a way to embrace the winter rather than hide from it, this is your spot.
Kev is a frequent contributor to SaunaTimes, and is seated at the right hand of the father, the wood burning Estonian sauna stove.