The legally-backed process for canceling Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness, LA Fitness, and other gym memberships — including contracts and state health club laws. This guide applies specifically to New York Times ($4-$25/mo) subscribers in Chicago, Illinois. Illinois's Automatic Contract Renewal Act protects you.
Illinois's Automatic Contract Renewal Act (815 ILCS 601) gives Chicago residents specific protections when dealing with New York Times:
Penalties: Renewal is void if notice requirements not met
Applied to New York Times (Phone or chat) for Chicago residents
Read your membership contract first
Find your contract (check your email or the gym's member portal). Note: the contract term, any minimum commitment period, notice requirements (typically 30 days), and cancellation methods allowed.
Send written notice via certified mail
For gyms like Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness, and LA Fitness, send a certified letter with return receipt to your home club. Include: full name, address, membership number, and explicit cancellation request.
Visit in-person as a backup
Visit your home club during staffed hours and request cancellation in writing. Ask for a written receipt of your cancellation request with the date and representative's name.
Cite your state's Health Club Act
Most states (CA, NY, TX, FL, IL, etc.) have Health Club Acts that override gym contracts. These laws often require gyms to allow cancellation by certified mail regardless of what the contract says.
Dispute charges after cancellation
After your notice period ends, watch your statement. Any charges after the effective cancellation date are disputable. File a chargeback citing the Fair Credit Billing Act and your cancellation documentation.
Method: Phone or chat · Difficulty: hard
New York Times-specific tips
No refund for current billing period.
Under 815 ILCS 601, Chicago residents may be entitled to a full refund if New York Times didn't properly disclose auto-renewal terms.
SubScrub auto-cites 815 ILCS 601 for Chicago residents