Photo by cottonbro studio
Chicago has long been a city shaped by institutions of places where ideas are exchanged, culture is cultivated, and relationships are formed over time. Among the most distinctive of these are its private members clubs. Each offers a unique atmosphere: some rooted in tradition, others animated by contemporary creativity, yet all designed to bring together individuals who share a commitment to excellence in their pursuits.
For residents of The St. Regis Chicago, many of the city’s most distinguished clubs are within easy reach, with each offering its own expression of community and culture. Although not all of them, here’s your guide to a selection of Chicago’s most notable private members clubs.
University Club of Chicago
Prominently located along Michigan Avenue, just a stone’s throw away from Lakeshore East, the University Club of Chicago has been a gathering place for intellectual and cultural exchange for more than a century. The historic clubhouse houses a vast art collection, a distinguished library, and a calendar of lectures, performances, and exhibitions that reflect Chicago’s enduring commitment to scholarship and the arts.
Members gather here for thoughtful conversation as readily as for those that are more inclined to be athletic-minded, with facilities that include squash courts, fitness spaces, and refined dining rooms overlooking Millennium Park.
The Astor Club
Tucked into a stately Gold Coast residence next to The Ambassador Hotel Chicago, The Astor Club offers an atmosphere that feels both intimate and contemporary. Founded as a modern members club for Chicago’s creative and professional communities, it blends the suave spirit of a salon with the comforts of a private residence.
Members might find themselves attending a literary conversation, a private dinner, or an evening gathering at a pianist’s performance. Designed for those who appreciate conversation as much as celebration, the experiences at this private members club is personal and thoughtfully curated.
Union League Club of Chicago
Overlooking Jackson Boulevard in the Loop, the Union League Club of Chicago remains one of the city’s most established institutions. Since the nineteenth century, the club has played a meaningful role in civic life while cultivating a distinguished community of members.
Inside, the atmosphere is quietly impressive — from the club’s renowned art collection to its athletic facilities and elegant dining rooms. Cultural programming, philanthropic initiatives, and professional gatherings continue to shape the club’s role within Chicago’s landscape of private member clubs with an outlook on civic pursuits.
The Metropolitan
Perched high above the city in Willis Tower, The Metropolitan offers a contemporary perspective on Chicago’s members club tradition. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping skyline views while modern workspaces, dining areas and gathering rooms create an environment suited to today’s professionals.
Soho House Chicago
Located in the Fulton Market District just west of the Loop and Lakeshore East, Soho House Chicago reflects the neighborhood’s creative energy. Housed in a restored industrial building, the club brings together professionals across the arts, media, design and technology.
The atmosphere feels both relaxed and expressive, from the rooftop pool and terrace to the club’s screening rooms and collaborative workspaces, lending to the popularity of the SoHo House brand found all over the world.
Cliff Dwellers Club
Founded in 1907 by artists and cultural leaders, the Cliff Dwellers Club has long served as a gathering place for Chicago’s creative community. The club, which prides itself on member unity through a shared appreciation for the arts, occupies a historic space overlooking Millennium Park, where art exhibitions, musical performances and literary events continue to shape its identity.
Racquet Club of Chicago
The Racquet Club of Chicago, found in the Gold Coast on Dearborn, blends athletic tradition with refined hospitality. Known for its exceptional racquet sports facilities, including squash, the club also offers elegant dining rooms, social spaces, and a robust calendar of member events. For many Chicagoans, the club represents a rare balance of competition, friendliness, and tradition.
Saddle and Cycle Club
Just north of downtown in the neighborhood of Edgewater, the Saddle and Cycle Club offers a distinctive retreat from urban pace. Established in 1895, the club, and the historic grounds that members gather at, combines equestrian tradition with modern recreational amenities including tennis courts, swimming facilities, and expansive gardens.
Columbia Yacht Club
Anchored along the city’s lakefront aboard the historic ship Abegweit, the Columbia Yacht Club, found just east of Millennium Park on the water, presents a singular Chicago experience. With panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the skyline beyond, the club offers sailing programs, dining spaces, and social events that celebrate Chicago’s relationship with the water.
A City Defined by Community and Culture
Chicago’s private members clubs each cultivate their own atmosphere, whether it’s intellectual, creative, athletic, or social, or an amalgamation of such. Yet all share a common purpose: to bring together individuals who value connection, conversation, and a sense of belonging within the city’s cultural landscape.
For residents of The St. Regis Chicago, these institutions become natural extensions of life in the city, places where ideas are exchanged, friendships develop, and memorable evenings unfold against the backdrop of Chicago’s enduring energy.
