University Club of Chicago

About

The University Club of Chicago is a private, member-owned social club founded in 1887 to foster appreciation of literature and the arts and to provide a forum for intellectual, cultural and social engagement. Over time, it has expanded to offer dining, athletics, cultural programming and member services in its historic Gothic Revival clubhouse in downtown Chicago. More information can be found on their website.

Events

The Club programs include a public speaker/lecture series (University Club Presents), annual signature events such as the New Year’s Day Gala, Windy City Open squash-related events, Fight Night, seasonal wine dinners, rooftop events, family and holiday parties, society-sponsored gatherings, mixers, and member-led social events that provide networking opportunities. Details about upcoming events are available on their events page.

Programs

Ongoing programs include 18 member clubs and societies, such as the Golf Society, Wine Society, Cigar Society, Photography, Poker, Book Club, Writing Club, Volunteer Club, Women’s Club, and Night Owls. The University Club Presents speaker series, athletics programming and academies (Squash, Golf Academy), group fitness classes, junior athletics, and member educational/workshop offerings are also part of the programming. More information can be found on their programs page.

Member Experience

Members receive access to a full program calendar and societies for peer networking, multiple dining venues and private dining, business/Member Workspace and library, curated cultural and speaker programs, full athletics and wellness offerings (squash, pool, fitness, golf simulators), overnight guest rooms, concierge and valet services, and event-space privileges for hosting private events. More details are available on their website.

Membership

To join, prospective members submit a nomination form, three letters of recommendation from current members, and complete an interview with the Admissions Committee. Once elected, membership becomes effective the 1st of the following month. Membership grants access to club facilities, dining, athletics, programming, and reciprocal-club privileges. For more information on the admission requirements, visit the membership page.

Eligibility

Eligibility requires a university or college degree from an accredited four-year institution, submission of the nomination form, three letters of recommendation from current members, and completion of an Admissions Committee interview. The Club also offers a Heritage Membership Program with preferred initiation pricing for qualifying relatives of current members. More details can be found on the eligibility page.

Reciprocal Clubs

The Club extends reciprocal privileges to members of other clubs, allowing them to use facilities and book rooms using the Club’s reciprocal procedures. Hosting events or visiting as a reciprocal member typically requires a Letter of Introduction confirming good standing. More information is available on their reciprocal clubs page.

Facilities

Facilities include Cathedral Hall and numerous event rooms (Gallery, Michigan Room, Rooms D/E/F, Brown Room, Montgomery Room), private dining rooms, College Hall, Presidents’ Bar, The Parliament (rooftop restaurant and terrace), Living Room bar/lounge, Library, Member Workspace/business center, art gallery/exhibition space, and full athletics facilities (squash courts, 5-lane lap pool, fitness center, pickleball on converted squash court). The Club also features Full Swing golf simulators, massage/physical therapy partnerships, and 59 overnight guest rooms. More details can be found on their facilities page.

Dining Options

Multiple on-site dining venues include College Hall (casual/self-service lunch), Presidents’ Bar (drinks, light bites, live music), The Parliament (rooftop restaurant with seasonal terrace and full dining service), and the Living Room (bar and lounge). The Club also stages wine dinners, holiday and special dining events, and private/candlelight dinners in Cathedral Hall. More information can be found on their dining options page.

Guest Information

The Club operates 59 classically furnished guest rooms with Serta beds, Keurig coffee, complimentary Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and complimentary access to athletic classes/areas for overnight guests. Check-in is at 3 p.m. and check-out at 12 p.m. Cancellations for rooms are accepted until 48 hours prior to arrival. Reciprocal club members and member-sponsored guests may book under the Club’s reciprocal/guest booking policies. Valet and self-parking options and rates are published on the site. More details can be found on their guest information page.

History

Chartered in 1887 by university graduates to promote literature and the arts, the Club’s present Gothic Revival clubhouse was designed by Martin Roche and constructed beginning in 1907, opening in 1909. The building and interior spaces such as Cathedral Hall are architecturally and historically notable in Chicago’s civic life. More information can be found on their history page.

Seasonal Operations

Some offerings are seasonal or have seasonal components, most notably The Parliament’s rooftop terrace and terrace events. The site also notes occasional seasonal closures or changes for specific venues and many dining and event experiences are presented on a seasonal basis. The Clubhouse regular hours are listed as daily from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. More details can be found on their seasonal operations page.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Club’s website provides policy and frequently asked questions material tied to topics such as the Dress Code, booking/reservations, and member policies. For more information, visit the FAQ page.

Contact Information

Main phone: 312.726.2840. Dining reservations: 312.696.2297. Accounting: 312.696.2210. Events/Weddings (Catering): 312.696.2202. Guest Rooms/Reservations: 312.696.2214. Athletics: 312.324.5723. Member Programs: 312.696.2208. Membership office: 312.696.2223. The Club’s address is 76 East Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60603. More contact details can be found on their contact page.