Testimonials

We’ve LOVED our time at Goldfish Swim School in Roscoe Village. From the sales and service team to the swim instructors, everyone is so friendly, warm, and professional. We had a not so positive experience with park district classes and wanted our kiddo to love water and swim. Before coming to Goldfish, our preschooler was hesitant to be in the water without us, put her face in the water, or even hold onto the pool ledge. At our first lesson, Ariana (manager) went above and beyond to make our nervous little one comfortable and invited. Coach David (instructor) has been friendly, patient, and kind with her. After just one lesson, she started to show more confidence, interest, and excitement in the pool. We are over a month in and are having the best time being a part of Goldfish! We recently attended a Family Swim where our little was SO thrilled about showing us all of skills she works on weekly. I was originally hesitant to register for classes because of the price. If you're on the fence- DO IT! The price is totally worth it- incredible staff, clear expectations, welcoming environment, AMAZING instructors, and developmentally-appropriate curriculum/lessons. 100% worth every penny to inspire a love of swimming and give your kiddo a skill that could save their life.

- Kaitlin G.

October 6, 2024

The staff are very kind and helpful

- Everett G.

July 30, 2024

Great academy

- Rafael N.

June 10, 2024

Always have a great experience here. Wonderful , patient instructors. Incase you have to reschedule the lesson, they easily accommodate that. My son loves coming here.

- A U.

February 24, 2024

As a sahm, this was a great place to get out into the world with my baby at 5 months and we’ve been going ever since. Now my son is in a class with his best friends and they’re learning so much independence, basic swim skills/safety, and having fun! The staff is so patient, understanding, and knowledgeable. We love it!

- Cheryl O.

December 22, 2023

It's a good place to learn how to swim for the little ones .! I seen my kid improve a lot, in a little time .! A lot of coaches too in this facility.! Great staff . I give 4 stars just because sometimes they spend time fixing googles , it can take them ( 5 minutes by doing that , looking at the time ( clock wise) too I se them a lot .! In every minute count for me .! Instead of checking the clock they should focus more on starting the class.

- Dania M.

August 13, 2024

(Translated by Google) It's a very nice place, with friendly and respectful teachers. (Original) Es muy lindo lugar, sin amables y los profesores respetuosos y agradables

- Alexandra V.

June 13, 2024

Not a great place unless you don't have other options. Both Gold Fish and Big Blue are designed to keep you in the program and paying money by having your kids make very slow improvements, but not really to teach them how to swim as quickly as possible. They get hung up on micro movements and use it as an excuse to stall progression. It's rediculous. Off the two we did like Gold Fish better. This issues is was particularly pronounced when we brought our daughter to swim lessons in another country. The approach was night and day. She learned more in two lessons there than she did in 20 lessons at Gold Fish. The teacher even pointed out that our daughter hadn't made much progress in one year since he had seen her last. Gold Fish is a racket. They will teach your kids to swim.... eventually. But you are much better off putting your kiddo in a different swim school or in another activity they enjoy. Note: we did share this concern directly with management last year. It resulted in our daughter magically being passed to the next level... which her instructors had stated she was ready for weeks prior, but the "tester" refused to pass her. We again spoke with the "tester" this time and expect to hear back from management, but like last time it won't change their business model or practices of keeping you in the program vs. teaching kids to swim efficiently.

- Tim M.

March 29, 2025

Went in for a trial run...the instructors are nice enough, but the large number of teenage staff members means that the quality of teaching is poor. More often than not, instructors do not appear to be adequately trained in both lifeguarding and swimming instruction. I would not send your child here if you value their safety. Most of the staff rarely smile with their students, are lackluster with their enthusiasm when teaching, and seldom correct students. If you value quality teaching and highly trained staff, I would recommend seeking out an alternative swimming school.

- Benji

November 15, 2025