ABOUT EBC

A veritable Chicago institution, East Bank Club is recognized as the country's most gracious and dynamic fitness, sports and dining facility. The Club has been serving the fitness needs of Chicagoans for 27 years. East Bank Club is situated at 500 North Kingsbury Sreet in the heart of Chicago's thriving River North area.

Developed by Founder and Chairman of The Habitat Company, Daniel Levin, and James P. McHugh, CEO of James McHugh Construction Co., East Bank Club opened in 1980. At that time building an exercise, recreational and dining facility on a scale as grand as the Club's was a new concept. East Bank Club was the first of its kind and experts in the field of fitness were uncertain about the prospects for long-term success. The Club opened with more than 3,000 members and 100 employees. Today East Bank Club has more than 10,000 members and 600 employees. The Club encompasses more than 450,000 square feet.

Unparalleled in size, scope and range of services, East Bank Club has set the standard for first-class hospitality and excellence in the fitness industry. The Club is constantly reviewing and enhancing its facilities. With its state-of-the-art equipment, astounding range of amenities and superior member relations, East Bank Club serves as a prototype for the creation and continuation of health clubs worldwide.

Executive Director of the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), John McCarthy, believes East Bank Club's commitment to fitness excellence and personalized service is unprecedented. “From the very beginning, East Bank Club has always been regarded as a club in a class by itself,” says McCarthy. “East Bank Club is considered the gold standard for the club industry. Not only in the United States, but for Europe and Asia as well, East Bank Club sets the industry standard for quality, service and hospitality,” McCarthy adds.

East Bank Club prides itself on meeting and exceeding the needs of its distinct clientele from around the nation and the world. The Club unfailingly focuses on providing members a superlative experience each time they visit. Wholly committed to exceeding member expectations, it is no surprise East Bank Club has one of the highest member retention rates in the industry. What continues to set East Bank Club apart from other health clubs is the unique bond people develop through membership, both to the Club and fellow members.      

When Levin and McHugh set out to develop East Bank Club in the late 70s, they knew the Club would need to provide more than just a place to work out. “We wanted to offer the kinds of programs, amenities and facilities that would appeal to people with a variety of interests,” says Levin. “We wanted to create a community where members would come together to talk, train, eat, drink and socialize. Essentially, it was our ambition to create a ‘home away from home,' offering our members both connection and kinship,” he adds.

In addition to its outstanding contributions to the health and fitness industry, East Bank Club has served as a catalyst for the revitalization of Chicago's River North neighborhood, once a heavy industrial manufacturing district. River North has matured into a diverse community with an ever-increasing array of high-end and loft residences, arts and entertainment attractions and popular tourist destinations.

A complete facility, East Bank Club truly offers all things for all people. East Bank Club's facilities include a ¼-mile indoor running track; eight indoor tennis courts; three racquetball courts; a squash court; a platform tennis court; a 20,000 square-foot cardiovascular room; a free weight room; five aerobics studios; a Pilates and GYROTONIC® studio; physical therapy; a 60-bike spinning studio; four swimming pools (two indoor, two outdoor); two regulation-size basketball courts; an indoor golf driving range; a pro shop; a dry cleaner; a full-service salon and spa; a children's activity center; a car wash; a casual grill; a gourmet deli; an elegant restaurant; catering facilities; a juice bar; a 60,000 square-foot sun deck; and much more.