B J’s Gym

Reg was awesome enough to spread the word on «ring a ding dong» art party that was held at Bj’s gym. I can’t believe that in all the years of my pro wrestling obsession and stampede wrestling history geekery, I’ve never visited this place.
The building really has seen better days and while the only time I saw was in it’s non-​gym form, I can imagine there were some intense reps done with some mad BRO support given between it’s muscled-​plated patrons.
The walls were riddled with posters indicating the history and memories the place had. I got chills running up my spine when I saw the local wrestling bills and even a cool picture of Stu Hart with Muhammad Ali.
It really was a shame that this place wasn’t kept as a landmark within the East Village development. But what would I know? Every other person could’ve said the same thing about all the other places that was demolished. I just hope they don’t erect *snicker* something boring in place of BJ’s gym, like a pharmacy or worse yet, ANOTHER #$*@ STRIP MALL.
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B.J.‘s Gym has played an integral role in the history of Calgary.
Started by B.J. Annis 40 years ago, the gym has played host to a number of famous athletes who came here to train, from Stampede Wrestlers to Calgary Stampeders.
As a gym, it was very spartan. You had weight machines, a boxing/​wrestling ring, and change rooms and a sauna downstairs. That was pretty much it. B.J.‘s was no World Health Club, that’s for sure.
There’s a saying: You went to B.J.‘s to train.
Unfortunately, this staple of Calgary’s East Village is set to be demolished as part of the East Village redevelopment, but I was privileged to be able to attend the Ring-​a-​Ding Dong Dandy art show this weekend, a giant party designed by Angie, the daughter of B.J., to act as the gym’s last hurrah.
For over the last month, multiple artist collectives took over the venue, took out the fitness equipment, and covered the interior and exterior with art. There was art inspired by the gym’s history with Stampede Wrestiling themed pieces, plus abstract, modern and contemporary pieces throughout all three floors of the gym. Along the main level were old wrestling programs and posters from the days of Stampede Wrestling, plus tributes to various members of the Hart Family, and especially Stu Hart.
Phil & Sebastian’s coffee was available for purchase, as well as Sidewalk Citizen’s Café scones and Spolumbo’s sandwiches. I was especially happy that Spolumbo’s was available for purchase because I can never make it down in time to Inglewood before their café closes. I had a turkey sandwich, and MAN was it good! Wish I had the appetite to sample all their sandwich choices.
Part Art Party and part Dance Party, the celebrations were spread out across two days, and I had a blast! It’s sad that this historic building will essentially be leveled in the coming days with no trace of it left, but for any Calgarians that grew up in this city, everyone knows how large a part B.J.‘s Gym has played in our city’s rich history.
So here’s to you, B.J. and thanks for all the memories!
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