Lassso directory listing
- Category
- Spas
- Location
- Chicago, IL
- Hours
- Monday: Closed
About
Next Man Up is a *men's wellness spa* at 946 E. 43rd St. in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood, built specifically for men's health, grooming, and self-care. Founder Marva Cooksey, a pharmacist turned licensed massage therapist trained at the SOMA Institute, formed the business in 2016 and opened the Bronzeville storefront in 2019 after seeing how few wellness spaces were designed with men — especially Black men — in mind.
The spa is *Black-owned and woman-owned*, certified as a Minority Women Business Enterprise, and has earned a *4.8-star rating across 204 Google reviews*. Next Man Up has been recognized by Time Out Chicago, the Chicago Bulls, and iHeartMedia, and partners with organizations including the University of Chicago, the VA Community Care Network, and the Illinois College of Optometry.
What to expect
The service menu centers on *massage therapy*, from the 60-minute Deep Tissue Muscle Recovery Massage ($130) to specialty options for sciatica, sports recovery, prenatal comfort, and clinical needs like Parkinson's-supportive and wheelchair-accessible massage. Facials run from the 30-minute Express Facial ($75) to the 60-minute Power Facial ($165), including treatments built around men's skin concerns.
Grooming rounds out the menu with beard treatments, a Bald Head Treatment, and body waxing, plus manicures and pedicures — including a *Diabetic Pedicure* ($60) for dryness and cracked skin — and haircuts and loc care from a $55 cut to loc maintenance starting at $150. Corporate chair massage is also available for offices and events.
Highlights
Next Man Up built its facial menu specifically around *razor bumps and hyperpigmentation*, the skin issues men actually bring in from shaving, with a dedicated $100 Ingrown Hair & Razor Bump Treatment and a $155 Premium In-grown Treatment. That same clinical approach carries into massage, with wheelchair-accessible and Parkinson's-supportive options most spas don't offer.
The spa is part of the *VA Community Care Network*, offering massage to veterans with a referral, and accepts HSA/FSA payment for eligible services. Guests can also unwind at *Sip & Relax*, the in-house bar pouring Black-owned spirit brands like Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey before or after appointments.
Pricing
Individual services generally range from $20 add-ons up to $300 for the deepest treatments, with core massages running $75–$210 and facials $75–$175. Regulars can join one of five membership tiers, from the *$85-a-month Essential Membership* (one 60-minute relaxation massage) up to the *$300-a-month Platinum VIP Membership* (two massages, a facial, and a manicure monthly), and eligible clients get 20% off massage through participating programs including certain Blue Cross Blue Shield benefits.
Good to know
Next Man Up is open *Tuesday through Sunday and closed Mondays*, with hours that shift by day — starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and running to a 9 p.m. close Thursday and Friday. Free street parking and a bike rack are available right outside the Bronzeville storefront.
Appointments book through Next Man Up's online scheduler, with services organized by recovery, relaxation, sports, and clinical wellness so first-time visitors can pick a track before booking. Gift cards, a mobile app with member discounts, and Spaweek gift cards are all accepted.
The spa is part of the 43rd Street business community and takes part in *Bronzeville Summer's Night* on August 14 from 5 to 9 p.m., opening its doors to residents and visitors exploring the corridor's food, culture, and local businesses alongside its regular self-care offerings.
Hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
