How To Make A Gym In Pokemon Go

Understanding how to make a gym in Pokemon Go is a common goal for dedicated trainers. Establishing a Gym within Pokémon Go starts with identifying an eligible location that meets Niantic’s criteria. This process is not done directly in the app by individual players but through a separate system for nominating points of interest.

This guide will walk you through the entire process, from eligibility to submission and what happens after. We’ll cover the requirements for both locations and your own account, so you can increase your chances of success.

The core system for creating Gyms and PokéStops is called Niantic Wayfarer. It’s a community-based platform where players review submissions. A new Gym doesn’t just appear; it evolves from an accepted PokéStop under specific conditions.

First, you need to understand the foundational rules. Not every park bench or street sign will qualify. Niantic looks for locations that encourage exploration, exercise, or socializing.

Prerequisites For Submitting A Nomination

Before you can even think about submitting a potential Gym, you must meet certain account requirements. These are in place to ensure the quality of submissions.

You must be at least Trainer Level 37 in Pokémon Go.
Your account must be in good standing with no prior violations.
You need to have a valid email address linked to your account.
You must be physically present at the location you wish to submit.

Reaching Level 37 takes dedication, but it’s essential. This high level requirement helps ensure that submitters are experienced players familiar with the game’s ecosystem. Once you hit this level, the nomination option will appear in your game settings.

Understanding Location Eligibility Criteria

Niantic has clear guidelines for what makes a good Wayspot, which can become a PokéStop and later a Gym. The primary criteria focus on places that are accessible and interesting.

A Great Place to Explore: Tourist spots, historical markers, unique architecture, or hidden gems.
A Great Place to Exercise: Parks, sports fields, hiking trails, playgrounds, and fitness stations.
A Great Place to Socialize: Community centers, libraries, popular local shops, and public squares.

Safety is paramount. The location must be safe and accessible to the public. This means no submissions on private residential property, dangerous areas, or places that would obstruct emergency services.

Common Examples of Strong Nominations

Public parks with signage
Historical plaques and monuments
Unique public art and murals
Public libraries and town halls
Notable places of worship (exteriors only)
Sports stadiums and public athletic complexes

What Not to Submit

Generic business (like a standard chain store)
Natural features (like a generic tree or lake) without a sign/name
Fire stations, hospitals, or schools (can interfere with operations)
Private property or farm animals
Temporary or seasonal displays
Objects that are not permanent

The Step-By-Step Nomination Process

Once you have a eligible location and meet the account requirements, you can begin the submission process. Follow these steps carefully for the best chance of approval.

Open Your Pokémon Go App: Tap your player avatar in the bottom left to open the menu.
Access Settings: Tap the settings gear icon in the top right corner of the menu.
Find the Nomination Option: Scroll down until you see the “Uploads” section and select “Nominate PokéStop.”
Go to the Location: Physically go to the location you want to submit. The app uses your phone’s GPS.
Start Your Nomination: Tap the orange “Nominate PokéStop” button and grant camera/location permissions if asked.

The next steps involve collecting the evidence for your submission. This is where quality matters most.

Take the Main Photo: Take a clear, well-framed photo of the point of interest. Ensure it’s centered and free of people or vehicles.
Take a Supporting Photo: Take a second photo showing the point of interest within its broader surroundings. This helps reviewers find it.
Set the Location Pin: The app will drop a pin. Drag it to the exact, safe location where people would stand to interact.
Fill in the Details: Enter a clear, concise title and a description that explains the significance and eligibility of the location.
Add Supporting Information: This section is for reviewers. Explain why this spot meets the criteria (e.g., “This is the town’s historic founding monument in Main Square”).
Submit: Review all information for accuracy and submit. You will recieve a confirmation email.

From PokéStop To Gym: Understanding Cell Rules

Getting your nomination approved is a huge win, but it becomes a PokéStop first. The transformation into a Gym is governed by Niantic’s S2 cell system, an invisible mapping grid.

The key rule involves Level 14 S2 cells. Each of these geographic cells can contain only a certain number of points of interest.

1 PokéStop in a cell = It remains a PokéStop.
2 PokéStops in a cell = The second one becomes a PokéStop.
3, 6, or 20 PokéStops in a cell = The newest addition will become a Gym.

This means you cannot directly choose for a submission to be a Gym. You must create the conditions by having multiple accepted Wayspots in the same S2 cell. The game automatically promotes one to a Gym based on the total points and which has the most photo upvotes in its PokéStop photo disc.

Reviewing And Upgrading Your Nomination

After submission, your nomination enters the Niantic Wayfarer review queue. This is where the global community of reviewers evaluates it against the criteria.

You can track the status under “Nominations” in your Wayfarer profile. The review process can take weeks or even months. To speed it up, you can earn an “Upgrade” by reviewing other players’ submissions on the Wayfarer website or app.

An Upgrade applies your next nomination to a broader, faster review pool. Be warned: an Upgrade also means it may be reviewed by a wider range of reviewers, so ensure your submission is exceptionally strong before using one.

Tips For A Successful Submission

Small details can make the difference between acceptance and rejection. Here are pro tips to maximize your chances.

Photography Best Practices

Take photos during daylight with good weather.
Ensure the subject fills most of the frame.
Avoid glare, shadows, or your own finger in the shot.
The supporting photo should clearly show the area and the object’s placement.

Writing Effective Titles and Descriptions

Title: Be accurate and use the official name if it exists (e.g., “Centennial Park Rose Garden”).
Description: State what it is and why it’s notable. Use proper grammar and spelling. For example, “A dedicated garden planted in 1999 featuring over 50 varieties of heirloom roses.”
Supporting Info: This is for reviewers. Directly cite the eligibility criteria: “This qualifies as a great place for exercise and socialization as it’s a popular community walking spot and hosts summer concerts.”

What To Do After Submission

Patience is crucial. You will recieve emails from Niantic for each stage: “In Voting,” “Accepted,” or “Rejected.” If accepted, celebrate! Your new PokéStop will appear in-game within 48 hours, potentially becoming a Gym if cell rules apply.

If rejected, read the reason provided. Common reasons include “The nomination does not meet acceptance criteria” or “The real-world location of the nomination appears to be on private property.” You can edit and resubmit after 30 days, addressing the noted issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request to remove or move an existing Gym?

Yes, but only under specific circumstances. You can request removal through Niantic’s support page if the point of interest no longer exists, is on private residential property, or obstructs emergency access. Moving a location slightly is also possible if the pin is inaccurate.

How long does the review process usually take?

It varies widely. Without an Upgrade, it can take several months. With an Upgrade, it often takes less than two weeks. Rural areas may have slower review times due to fewer local reviewers.

Why was my perfectly good nomination rejected?

Reviewers sometimes make mistakes, but often rejections are due to poor photo quality, a weak description that didn’t explain significance, or the location appearing unsafe or on private land in the supporting photo. Always resubmit with improvements.

Can I choose which PokéStop becomes the Gym in a cell?

Indirectly, yes. The PokéStop in a cell that receives the most photo upvotes in Pokémon Go (via the photo disc) will be prioritized to become the Gym when the threshold is hit. Encourage your local community to upvote photos!

What is the difference between a PokéStop and a Gym?

A PokéStop lets you spin for items and may have a Rocket Grunt. A Gym allows you to battle, place defenders to earn coins, and host Raid Battles. Gyms are more strategically important for team play.

Learning how to make a gym in Pokemon Go is a long-term project that benefits your entire community. It requires patience, attention to detail, and an understanding of Niantic’s systems. Start by leveling up to 37, identifying a truly eligible location, and crafting a submission that leaves reviewers no choice but to accept it. With careful effort, you can shape the map of your local area and create new hubs for trainers to gather.