University Club of Chicago

Officially chartered in 1887, the University Club is a 3,300-member private social club fostering an appreciation of arts and literature. The club was established by a group of Ivy League alumni for "the promotion of literature and art." Among the founding members were Cyrus Hall McCormick Jr., President of International Harvester and Frederic Clay Bartlett, an avant-garde painter and art collector. Martin Roche completed the club's current building in 1909. With its spires, trefoiled panels, two-story gabled roof and gargoyles, many believe this to be the first gothic skyscraper. On the ninth floor is one of Chicago's most magnificent spaces: Cathedral Hall. Based off of London's Crosby Hall, Cathedral Hall features soaring stained glass windows by Frederic Clay Bartlett, and an intricately carved vaulted wooden ceiling. It is home to just one of the club's four dining venues. The University Club maintains a library, reading room, business center, guest rooms, outdoor terrace, squash courts, indoor pool and art gallery.