A C172 pilot reported the yoke stuck during takeoff resulting in a rejected takeoff and runway excursion.

Narrative

Aircraft X needed a maintenance check flight as the previous pilot reported some abnormal engine vibration. After proper maintenance check and preflight; I got on the plane with a maintenance helper to help me identify any issues during flight. Static power check and run up check was done using the checklist and the aircraft performed within nominal range. Take off roll was smooth with the engine performing normal; gauges indicating green and airspeed picking up. However; when the plane reached the rotation speed of 55kts; I could not pull the yoke more than approximately 3 inches. After struggling to pull the yoke for couple seconds; I tried adjusting the trim setting more towards nose-up which made the plane barely off the ground. But the yoke was still frozen in place and I decided to abort takeoff. I did not have much runway left at that moment but I managed to stop the aircraft at the blast zone located at the end of Runway XX. The passenger and I did not suffer any injury and we taxied back to the ramp safe. The aircraft went down for maintenance as soon as we made it back to the school hanger. After thinking about this incident for quite a time; I think I could've handled the situation better by aborting takeoff immediately after feeling the yoke was frozen. I took too much time trying to make the aircraft airborne and when I decided to abort; I did not have much runway left.