You’ve probably walked right past it. If you’ve spent any time wandering the Gold Coast, specifically near the corner of Dearborn and Schiller, you’ve seen the brick. It’s a massive, somewhat imposing Georgian-style building that looks like it belongs in a grainy photograph from the 1920s. It does. That’s the Racquet Club of Chicago. It isn't just some gym where people go to sweat on treadmills while watching cable news. It’s one of the few places left on the planet where "court tennis" isn't a typo for the sport played at Wimbledon.
Privacy is the whole point here. While other private clubs in the city have leaned into a more public-facing, "lifestyle brand" vibe to attract Gen Z, the Racquet Club remains an anchor of old-school Chicago. It’s quiet. It’s exclusive. Honestly, it’s a bit mysterious if you aren’t on the membership roster. But beneath that polished exterior is a highly specialized athletic hub that preserves sports most people have never even heard of.
The Sports You’ve Never Played (But Should)
Most people think they know racquet sports. You hit a ball over a net, right? Well, at the Racquet Club of Chicago, the rules change. This is one of the very few facilities in the United States that houses a "Real Tennis" court. Not "real" as in "authentic," but Real Tennis—the medieval precursor to the modern game. It’s played in a massive stone court with sloped roofs (penthouses), galleries, and a sagging net. The ball is handmade and heavy, sort of like a baseball wrapped in felt. It doesn't bounce; it skids.
Then there’s Rackets. Not "racquets" with a 'u', but Rackets. It’s played in a giant slate-walled room. The ball is essentially a small piece of stone covered in twine and leather. It travels at speeds that would make a professional baseball pitcher flinch. If you’ve ever wanted to see a sport that requires both a tuxedo-level etiquette and a literal helmet for safety, this is it. The club is a cornerstone of the North American Rackets Association (NARA) circuit, often hosting the best players in the world for the Western Open or the U.S. Open.
It’s intense.
Squash is also a massive deal here. But we aren't talking about the squash you find at a local YMCA. The courts are meticulously maintained, and the culture around the game is deeply embedded in the club’s social fabric. Members don't just play; they compete in a hierarchy that has existed for decades.
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Architecture and the Gold Coast Footprint
The building itself is a masterpiece by Andrew Rebori. He’s the same architect who gave Chicago the iconic Fisher Studio Houses. Completed in 1923, the club was designed to be a "clubhouse" in the most literal sense—a place where the city's elite could retreat from the noise of the Loop. Inside, it’s all wood paneling, trophies that look like they belong in a museum, and a dining room that feels like a film set.
The location is a flex. 1365 North Dearborn Parkway. In a city where real estate is carved up every few years, the Racquet Club has held its ground. It’s a physical manifestation of "Old Chicago" wealth and influence. While the surrounding neighborhood has changed—luxury high-rises replacing old mansions—the club stays the same. That consistency is exactly why people pay the dues.
The Membership Mystery
How do you get in? Well, it’s not as simple as filling out a form on a website and entering your credit card info. Like most "platinum" level private clubs, you need a hook. You need sponsors. You need to be "known."
- The Proposers: You generally need a member to propose you and another to second that proposal.
- The Letters: Several other members usually have to write letters of support.
- The Board: Your name goes before a committee. They aren't just looking at your bank account; they’re looking at how you fit into the culture of the club.
Is it elitist? Sure. But members would argue it's about "curating a community." They want people who respect the history of the sports and the decorum of the space. You won't find people taking selfies in the locker room for their Instagram stories. In fact, phones are generally a big no-no in the social areas. It’s a place to unplug, which, in 2026, is the ultimate luxury.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Club
There’s a misconception that it’s just a place for retired CEOs to drink scotch and complain about taxes. That’s a caricature. While there is plenty of scotch, the Racquet Club of Chicago is actually a powerhouse of legitimate athleticism. The people playing Rackets or Squash there are often in peak physical condition. These are "lung-busting" sports.
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Also, it isn't just for the 70-plus crowd. There has been a significant push to bring in younger members—legacy children and young professionals who are tired of the "Soho House" scene and want something with more grit and history. The "Younger Members" wing of the club is active, social, and surprisingly competitive on the courts.
The Social Calendar: More Than Just Games
If you think it’s all sweat and white polo shirts, you’re missing half the story. The social side is legendary. From the Stag Dinner to the various tournament galas, the black-tie culture is alive and well.
The dining room is often cited as one of the best "unranked" restaurants in the city. Because they aren't trying to please critics or get a Michelin star, they focus on high-end, consistent classics. It’s where business deals happen without the need for a laptop or a PowerPoint presentation. It’s "handshake" territory.
The Real Tennis World Stage
Because there are only about 50 Real Tennis courts left in the world, the Racquet Club of Chicago is a global destination. Players from the UK, France, and Australia regularly fly in. When you walk through the halls, you might hear a British accent discussing the "grillage" or the "tambour" (parts of the Real Tennis court). It gives the place an international flavor that most local Chicago gyms completely lack.
Why It Still Matters Today
In a world where everything is digital and fleeting, the Racquet Club represents something permanent. You can’t "disrupt" a Real Tennis court. You can’t automate the feeling of a Rackets ball hitting a slate wall at 140 miles per hour.
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It matters because it preserves a specific type of sportsmanship. There’s a heavy emphasis on etiquette. You apologize for "lucky" shots. You dress in whites. You respect the referee. It’s a bit of a time capsule, but for the people who spend their mornings there, it’s an essential escape from a chaotic world.
How to Engage (If You Aren't a Member)
So, what do you do if you’re curious but don't have a $50,000-a-year connection?
- Tournament Spectating: Occasionally, the club hosts tournaments that allow for outside spectators or guests of the governing bodies (like NARA or the USCTA). Keep an eye on those organization websites.
- Reciprocity: If you belong to a similar club in another city (like the New York Racquet and Tennis Club or the Detroit Racquet Club), you likely have reciprocal rights.
- The Architecture Walk: Even if you can't get past the front desk, the exterior is worth a look during a Gold Coast walking tour. The brickwork and the subtle signage are a masterclass in "quiet luxury" architecture.
Actionable Steps for the Aspiring Player
If the idea of these niche sports appeals to you, don't wait for a membership invite that might never come.
First, look into Squash. It’s the "gateway drug" to the club world. Many public and semi-private clubs in Chicago (like the University Club or even some high-end commercial gyms) have squash courts. Get good there. The squash community in Chicago is small and interconnected. If you play well and show good sportsmanship, you will eventually meet someone who belongs to the Racquet Club.
Second, educate yourself on the history of Real Tennis. Read "The First Tennis Player" or watch videos of the World Championship. Understanding the jargon (dedans, hazard side, chase) will make you much more interesting to the people who actually run these circles.
Finally, if you do get an invite for a tour or a guest game, remember the "Whites Rule." Almost all of these clubs require nearly all-white athletic attire. No neon, no massive logos. It sounds pedantic, but showing up in the right gear is the easiest way to show you respect the institution.
The Racquet Club of Chicago isn't going anywhere. It has survived world wars, the Great Depression, and the rise of the internet. It survives because it offers something that can't be downloaded: a sense of belonging to a long, loud, and very fast history.