chicago yacht club membership

Should You Join One of Chicago’s Most Sought-After Members-Only Clubs?

Considering joining one of Chicago’s exclusive members-only clubs? Whether you’re seeking a space for business, a luxurious retreat for pleasure, or a community that shares your philanthropic or recreation interests, these elite clubs offer a wealth of benefits. To help you find the perfect fit, we’ve curated a list of our top picks. Updated Aug. 21, 2024.

Soho House Chicago

Maybe you’re not an artist per se, but if you appreciate cool and trendy spaces, luxurious lounges to hang out with friends, and Instagram-worthy craft cocktails, this club tailored toward creative types may be up your alley. The swanky brick warehouse-like building houses multiple intimate spaces perfect for networking, socializing, and relaxing. The Rooftop, which overlooks the West Loop, has a swimming pool, comfy seating, outdoor fireplaces, and a bar; the Club Bar on the fifth floor is a posh space with a baby grand piano, ambient lighting, and multiple nooks for intimate conversations; lively events happen each month in the Music Room; and there are versatile spaces for watching movies, working out, and getting work done. Accommodations of various sizes are available for rent, with discounts given to members. Enjoy food offerings at The Club, The Allis Bar, Cecconi’s Roof Bar, and Fox Bar. The Cowshed Spa has a complete list of offerings as well. Three different memberships are available: Soho House, which grants access to everything at all houses worldwide; Cities without Houses; and Soho Friends, which has limited access to amenities. For the classic membership, Soho House, members under 27 will pay $1,300 per year; members over 27 will pay $2,600 annually.

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Astor Club opened in 1963 and was known as Maxim’s de Paris Chicago. Celebrities, including Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Andy Warhol, and dozens of others, made their way to this speakeasy. Over the years, it transformed into a cultural center run by the city of Chicago until 2022, when Victoria and Adam Bilter took ownership and restored the club to its original grandeur. Astor Club has a full calendar of social events highlighting live music, fashion shows, art, and mixology events. To become an Astor Club member, you must first visit the location for a tour and connect with the membership coordinator. Once accepted by the committee, a $4,800 initiation fee is required, and $300 in monthly dues. Members under 40 get a special price ($3,600 initiation fee and $200 monthly dues.) In addition to the social events, Astor Club puts a premium on community service with events such as the annual Holiday Food/Toy Drive, Inspire Greatness Gala (Special Olympics), Laugh Your Face Off Charity Fundraiser, and the Lincoln Park Cleanup event.

The Cliff Dwellers

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If you’re an art aficionado or a professional in the art space, this artists’ haven might be the club for you. The lakefront facilities on the 22nd-floor penthouse at Michigan Avenue and Adams Street overlook Millennium Park and, aptly, the Art Institute of Chicago. This private, nonprofit club provides art enthusiasts, supporters, and artists opportunities to convene and engage in a social environment. The Cliff Dwellers are also involved in many outstanding philanthropic endeavors, including an arts foundation that donates grants to art-forward organizations and individuals and organizes events like concerts, films, and performances. The club has an Artist-in-Residence program to assist young local artists and performers in a one-year program that allows, among other benefits, free membership. Membership is granted to anyone over age 25; new members require a sponsor and co-sponsor. For $250, members can enjoy privileges for a three-month trial.

East Bank Club

The East Bank Club in Chicago’s River North neighborhood is ideal for fitness buffs: pro shop, spa, children’s activity center, salon, business center, dry cleaners, rehearsal space, physical therapy, and car wash. In addition to a full, state-of-the-art workout facility with racquet sports and four indoor and outdoor pools, the East Bank Club also organizes social events, including live music, a summer deck party, and wine-tasting events. Members can network at the onsite restaurant or bar as well. Initiation membership dues are between $400 and $800, and monthly dues range from $205 to $415.

Entrepreneur’s Organization (EO)

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If you’re an entrepreneur with an eye on business growth, individual development, and community engagement, this large and ever-growing global peer-to-peer system of more than 12,000 business owners in 54 countries may be the association for you. To be granted membership, applicants must be an owner, founder, or majority stakeholder of a company that earned at least $1 million in the most recent fiscal year. EO Chicago annual fees are $4,970, with a one-time new member initiation fee of $3,500.

The Chicago Club

A business/social hybrid with a strict dress code, The Chicago Club offers membership by invitation only. Once granted, members can access space for private board meetings, a superb rooftop terrace, a fitness center, and a luxurious venue for private events. The stunning club has a full-service, full-time catering staff to customize events.

University Club of Chicago

This exclusive club requires a university or college degree from a four-year institution, a nomination form completed by an existing member, and three letters of recommendation from existing members for admission. However, upon admittance, members can join special-interest societies that offer activities focused on everything from photography to sailing to beer. In addition to access to top-of-the-line facilities, members of the UCC also gain entrance to the club’s nationally renowned squash program. The club has also expanded its offerings to include two modern dining venues, the Living Room and the Parliament.

Union League Club of Chicago

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Housed in a 23-story clubhouse on Jackson Boulevard, this organization boasts an impressive membership of investors, financiers, attorneys, physicians, insurers, and politicians. Perfect for those who want to socialize and network, this club offers access to a variety of activities and facilities, including nearly 800 works of art on view, three dining options, multiple event spaces, 180 guestroom accommodations, and athletic facilities with a swimming pool and yoga and Pilates studios. It also provides several family-friendly events, such as a family Halloween party, a children’s holiday party, a Saturday family program, a father-daughter dance, a children’s summer camp, and so much more. Membership details are offered upon request.

The Arts Club of Chicago

Another option for those in the art field or who deeply appreciate the arts is The Arts Club of Chicago. The organization offers six different classes of membership: Visual, Performing & Literary Artist, Curator & Academic, Arts Professional, Architect, Designer & Applied Artist, and Patron. In addition to the opportunity to network and socialize with art lovers, the club also offers exclusive events such as gallery exhibitions, live critiques, and panel discussions. Dues and initiation fees vary by membership class, and applications require one letter of recommendation and three signatures from club members in good standing.

Commercial Club of Chicago

375 active civic-minded business leaders are part of the Commercial Club, a private membership organization representing the Chicago region’s business, education, cultural, and philanthropic endeavors. Members can network and get involved at nine annual lunches, which unite business, government, and civic leaders, working with Civic Committee , Civic Consulting Alliance , Kids First Chicago , and P33-affiliated organizations.

The Economic Club of Chicago

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With a history that dates back to 1927, the Economic Club of Chicago’s 2,400 civic-minded members learn and grow through events that feature top global thought leaders with diverse perspectives. Past events included keynote speakers like Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber; Gwynne Shotwell, president and COO of SpaceX; Martin Scorsese ; J ø rgen Vig Knudstorp, executive chairman of LEGO Brand Group ; Former President Barack Obama; Bill Gates ; and Bono. Membership requirements include the sponsorship of two current members, with letters of recommendation, Club Meeting attendance, an application review, and a methodical selection process.

The Chicago Network

For nearly 50 years, The Chicago Network has been a non-profit organization of Chicagoland’s most influential senior executive women. Its 500+ members are leaders at the forefront of business, professional, cultural, nonprofit, government, and higher education sectors. The Chicago Network’s purpose is to empower women to lead. Our mission is to connect with each other for personal and professional growth, advance our civic, business, and philanthropic communities, and inspire and support the next generation. Our vision is Gender Equity for Women of all Colors. At all Levels. Everywhere.

Every year in June, The Chicago Network welcomes 1,500 attendees to its Women in the Forefront Luncheon celebration to network and hear inspirational leaders like Tricia Griffith, Ginni Rometty, Sheila Johnson, and Mellody Hobson share their personal and professional journeys. In the fall, the Launchpad Women’s Leadership Summit gathers rising stars from all sectors for valuable and targeted professional development and to foster professional and personal relationships.  

Woman’s Athletic Club

Well located along the Magnificent Mile, the exclusive Woman’s Athletic Club—the first athletic club for women in the U.S. and a historic landmark—is a private members-only club established in 1898 (operating in the current location since 1929). There’s a large, elegant ballroom, multiple intimate spaces for mid-sized and smaller groups, a large gym and workout studios, a swimming pool, and a spa. Guests are invited to enjoy the spaces with sponsoring members.

The Metropolitan 

This modern social and business networking club in Willis Tower is for diverse professionals and leaders who want to connect with others in similar industries over co-working spaces, meals, cocktails, a round of indoor golf, or special club events. Connect, host, work, and play are the general aims here. Schedule a tour and explore membership options onsite to get a feel for the space and overall professional yet fresh vibe.

For something a little different from all the other social and networking private clubs in Chicago, BIÂN has a spa-like wholistic care atmosphere with distinct amenities like a vinyl listening room, life coaching, a private nap room, a gym, steam room, and cold plunge pool; a well-designed social lounge; a spa; strength, yoga, Pilates, and meditation classes; and an on-site restaurant. Health and fitness classes, social and educational programming, and locker rooms with steam rooms and a cold plunge pool are all included in the membership. Annual membership is $4,000, with a one-time initiation fee of $1,000. This private club allures the health and wellness crowd in spades.

The Executives’ Club of Chicago

The Executives’ Club of Chicago is the nexus of Chicago’s business community, where passionate leaders connect, learn, and grow. For over a century, they have worked to transform Chicago into the global economic center it is today while challenging the next generation of leaders to redefine tomorrow’s business world. Some notable past speakers include Bill Gates, Chairman (CEO of Microsoft Corporation), Kenneth C. Frazier (Executive Chairman, Merck & Co.), and Rosalind Brewer (CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance). With over 2,400 members, the Exec Club brings together well-known thought leaders, provides a platform to foster relationships with other business leaders, and offers expert-led leadership development programming. With over 100+ programs and events each season, it has become a vast community of business leaders seeking to connect, educate themselves, and advance the business world. It is where the conversation leads to significant change and the world of innovation. This is where the future meets.

Chicago Yacht Club

The organizing authority for the annual Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac , this club is intended for those who love on-water activities, social events, and youth programming. Founded in 1875, the CYC is one of the longest-running yacht clubs on the planet. Enjoy over 125 racing events annually and connect with over 1,400 active members. The Monroe Station includes a dining room, bar, and seasonal patio. Members have access to docking slips at Monroe Station as well. The northside clubhouse, Belmont Station, has a Sailing Activities Center and meeting and private event spaces. Regular, Associate and Junior memberships are available; however, prospective members need a sponsor from a current member, seconded by an additional member.

Saddle & Cycle Club

Members and sponsored guests may enjoy the facilities at the Saddle & Cycle Club, a country club on the north side of Chicago in the Edgewater neighborhood. Amenities include an event space (numerous weddings are held here annually), a golf course, dining options, athletic facilities, and a skating rink—with instruction—for recreational skating, figure skating, or hockey.

Woman’s Club of Evanston

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For over 125 years, the Woman’s Club of Evanston on Chicago Avenue has given back to the community through philanthropy and volunteering. Open to all women, members can take part in community events like the Holiday Bazaar and the Spring Benefit. This social club includes 250 members, where friends meet up to catch a movie, test their skills at trivia, and attend a theme-based party or summer porch crawl. Annual dues are relatively affordable at $230, which helps maintain the historic building, supports membership programs, and compensates staff. Woman’s Club of Evanston also supports numerous community initiatives , including the Evanston School for Children’s Clothing Association, First Presbyterian’s Soup Kitchen, Family Focus/Housing Opportunities, Women Holiday Gift Drives, MLK Day of Service, Dreams Delivered Prom Boutique, and the club’s Sewing Circle aromatherapy “hearts” for NICU babies at local hospitals.

Birch Road Cellar

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For “a new kind of social club,” check out Birch Road Cellar, where everything is BYOB, and members can store wine and spirits in a climate-controlled wine cellar and locker. Chicago locations include Roscoe Village and Lincoln Park. Book a tour, meet with a club manager, and join to meet new friends and neighbors. Memberships range from $145 to $175 monthly, plus a one-time $60 enrollment fee, with no annual commitment. Members have private admittance to the shared spaces from 8:00 a.m.—1:00 a.m. Take advantage of the co-working space with free Wi-Fi, join a mixer or special event, and utilize the private meeting room for your work or social needs.

Other clubs that are tops for networking:

Chicago is home to numerous other elite business clubs that provide excellent networking opportunities and access to industry events. Some are very selective and cost a pretty penny — membership at the American Club Association  in Elk Grove Village, for example, is by invitation only and subject to approval by all existing members. Once in, though, members have access to training, advising, education, marketing, and social benefits.

Other business clubs that aren’t as difficult to join include  The Chicago Council on Global Affairs , the  Chicago Loop Alliance,  and the  City Club of Chicago , which are open to all.

How Much Do Yacht Club Memberships Cost? (5 Helpful Examples)

Joining a yacht club is an important milestone in your life. It marks a certain degree of success and allows you to enjoy plenty of luxurious amenities. Setting sail on a yacht is the ultimate way to unwind from a hectic work week while you try to climb the corporate ladder.

Fortunately, there are yacht clubs all over the country that would love to welcome you as a brand-new member. You can enjoy an afternoon on the water with a beautiful yacht in exchange for a small sum of money.

But how much do Yacht Club memberships generally cost?

Prices for Yacht Clubs will vary based on your location, the fleet, and even the amenities that are offered at the marina. The average annual membership price is between $900-$4,000 depending on your level of luxury and needs.

To give you an idea of what you could expect to pay for your yacht club membership, here are some numbers gathered from across the country:

Table of Contents

What Does Each Yacht Club Offer?

Each yacht club is going to offer something that sets it apart from the others on this listing. To give you a better idea of where your money is going, here is a brief synopsis of what you can expect at each location.

Related Article: How Much Does Yacht Insurance Cost? (4 Examples)

Charleston Yacht Club

Charleston is a premier cruising destination with plenty of waterways for you to explore. They offer a launch hoist, dry slips, day dockage, free parking, and a long list of events scheduled throughout the year.

You also gain privileges at other yacht clubs around the world. If you don’t own your own yacht, they have plenty of members who often have room on their boats to accommodate a few extra passengers.

Florida Yacht Club

The Florida Yacht Club is a relatively exclusive club that features amazing amenities like fine dining and an array of aquatic activities.

You can play tennis, enjoy a spa treatment or massage, or get in a rousing game of croquet from the shore. They also host events and permit you to extend your privileges to other locations scattered around the Florida coast.

Atlanta Yacht Club

The Atlanta Yacht Club is primarily geared toward sailors who are interested in racing. They have a fleet of more than thirty different boats that are designed to help you further your knowledge of sailing.

If you still have a lot to learn, you can even take classes at this location. Prospective members must be sponsored and co-sponsored by two club members for entrance.

Related Article: 7 Boat Clubs in Florida You Should Know (Before Choosing)

Chicago Yacht Club

Members of the Chicago Yacht Club will find plenty of opportunities to get involved. With more than forty different committees, you can find a circle of friends that have common interests beyond just sailing and racing.

You also receive transient docking at both the Belmont and Monroe harbors, exclusive invites to private events, and reciprocity at more than 900 clubs across the country.

Related Article: Boat Clubs in Boston: 5 Clubs You Should Know

California Yacht Club

The California Yacht Club is home to both national and world championship regattas.

They host plenty of events from scuba club to book club to wine tastings. If you want to find a true community of like-minded sailors, this could be the place for you.

One of the best features is the reciprocity at locations not just across the United States but across the world. You can feel free to travel the world with your yacht and experience some of the same fellowship globally.

Related Article: Boat Clubs In Los Angeles: 7 Clubs You Should Know

What are the Cheapest Yacht Clubs?

The cheapest yacht clubs charge just under $1,000 per year for membership. While this does give you access to different types of experiences, you may be disappointed by the overall amenities.

Some yacht clubs are known for their extravagant country club styles that help you to embrace a particular lifestyle. They include Olympic-sized swimming pools, state-of-the-art tennis courts, and fine dining.

Everything has a beautiful waterfront view. It can feel like you are in the middle of an idyllic paradise without ever even having to leave the shore. If this is what you can gain from the most expensive yacht clubs, you should set your expectations much lower for the cheaper yacht clubs.

The cheaper yacht clubs lack the community aspect of these exclusive options. They feature dry slips and the occasional party, but not much more.

Some of them may have the feel of a county park with some picnic benches, outdoor grills, and a moderately sized swimming pool. Expect a much more casual atmosphere when you choose to go with a cheaper yacht club.

It is even possible that they are simply “paper yacht clubs” that do not even maintain a physical building of their own.

How Much Do the Most Expensive Yacht Clubs Cost to Join?

The most expensive yacht clubs can vary a great deal in price. Most of them will cost between $3,000 and $4,000 per year. However, you can certainly find more exclusive clubs that will cost above and beyond this.

Keep in mind that these more expensive clubs generally are not open to the public. They are offered by invitation only and you must have a member sponsor you to be considered for entrance.

When you are paying for a more expensive yacht club, you should make sure that you are really going to get your money’s worth. These expensive clubs promote a certain type of elegant lifestyle.

Make sure that you are planning to take advantage of all the amenities available from one of these clubs before you sink too much money into the membership fees. The social aspect of these expensive yacht clubs is extremely important.

If you plan to simply rent a boat from time to time, you might be able to go with a cheaper yacht club.

Related Article: How Long Do Sailboats Last?

What Is Generally Included in the Membership Fee for Yacht Clubs?

Have you been wondering why you should join a yacht club? Many potential members want to know what they can expect from their membership fees before they commit to a year-long contract. There are many advantages to signing up for a membership with a well-known yacht club.

Amenities and Activities

First and foremost, you get access to activities and cruises planned by board members. These might be various sailing activities, dinners, get-togethers, tennis matches, or other events that take up a lazy Sunday afternoon.

You also gain access to any amenities that surround the yacht club’s marina. For many programs, this means a fitness center, pool, and tennis courts. Several locations also offer fine dining, meeting rooms, and more.

It is like a private oasis where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the regular world. Time moves slowly when you’re enjoying the amenities here.

Many yacht clubs have programs that introduce children (and adults!) to sailing. Take classes to learn more about improving your technique, sailing safety, and other important aspects of life on the open water.

Access to the Fleet

The main reason why most people join yacht clubs is to be able to rent out boats instead of purchasing their own. Joining a yacht club may give you access to an entire fleet of yachts that can be reserved for a day or weeks at a time. Some yacht clubs allow you to rent boats for up to ten days at a time.

Others do not allow you to rent out ships. They are primarily geared toward individuals who already own a yacht or will own a yacht in the future. Make sure you know the difference in advance.

Are There any Additional Costs Besides the Membership Fees?

Unfortunately, the membership fees are not the only cost associated with joining a yacht club. Most of the clubs in the United States also have a one-time initial fee that tends to cost thousands of dollars. Many will range from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on the location and the exclusivity of the yacht club.

This one-time fee should be the only additional money you pay except for fuel. Most yacht clubs do not cover the cost of the fuel used in the ship during your rental if renting is an option. Be prepared for what this could cost you.

If you cause damage to the ship, you can also expect some out-of-pocket costs. Insurance should cover the damage, but you will likely be asked to cover the cost of the deductible.

Be sure to inquire about how much you may be on the hook for before you sign up for any particular yacht club. Accidents can happen, even to the most experienced sailors. Make sure that you can afford the mishap in advance.

Is a Yacht Club Membership Right for You?

Understanding what the real cost of a yacht club membership is can be the first step toward determining if this is right for you. Many people love the luxuries available through the more expensive yacht clubs, but they may not be able to afford it. Consider what is most important in a club to you before deciding to sign on the dotted line for an annual membership.

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Chicago Harbors

Yacht Clubs

Want to share the love of the water with friends? There’s a club for everybody no matter what you’re looking for. Explore the yacht clubs at each harbor.