Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
EST. 2015
PREMIUM VENUE
12 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, United States

Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
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This historic monument in the oh-so-fab Windy City is bound to blow you away!
A place where the rich and famous roamed for over a century, the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel today, is considered the ultimate hotspot for any type of gathering. With multiple eating and drinking establishments, this trendy spot is perfect for a fabulous night out with your best group!
The Lowdown
Type
BallroomBeach / Lake / Waterfront LocationHistoric BuildingHotel / Resort / SpaRestaurant / Private Dining
Views
CityscapeLakeSkylinePool
Style
Classic
Elegant
Gothic
Sophisticated
Best type of Celebrations
Baby Shower
Bachelor / Bachelorette Party
Birthday Party
Bridal Shower
Charity Event
Corporate Event
Product Launch
Dinner Party
Group Getaway
Holiday Party
Rehearsal Dinner / Welcome Reception
Social Event
Wedding Ceremony
Wedding Reception
Anniversary
Engagement Party

Venue Setting

Contemporary sophistication meets Venetian-Gothic glamour at this former historic social club turned vibrant boutique hotel. With extraordinary old-world craftsmanship throughout, our iconic property’s 17,000 square feet of versatile and creative event spaces are ideal for industry conferences, social events, banquets, board meetings and more, with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology throughout. This architectural landmark dates back to 1893 and boasts four unique event venues and seven dining destinations, including Cindy's, Cherry Circle Room, Milk Room, Drawing Room, Game Room, and more.

MADISON BALLROOM: Dressed to impress with genuine downtown Chicago sophistication, Madison Ballroom stands without peer. Dramatic windows extend from the original walnut parquet floors to a gold leaf beamed ceiling graced by three formidable 19th century crystal chandeliers.
Stats:

  • 8th floor
    2,330 square feet
    150 seated in classroom capacity
    170 seated in full rounds
    Reception capacity: 260

WHITE CITY BALLROOM: Truly a breathtaking expression of Old Chicago grandeur, White City Ballroom’s floor-to-ceiling windows, capped with vintage stained glass, open directly onto Millennium Park and Lake Michigan’s blue horizon—for endless inspiration amid three colossal 19th-century fireplaces.
Stats:

  • 8th floor
    3,580 square feet
    80 seated in classroom capacity
    230 seated in full rounds
    Reception capacity: 400

STAGG COURT: Named for bygone club member and University of Chicago coach A.A. Stagg, the Association’s actual basketball court and gymnasium have been re-imagined as a unique and versatile event space.
Stats:

  • 4th floor
    4482 square feet
    250 seated in classroom capacity
    280 seated in full rounds
    Reception capacity: 500

THE TANK: Where five-time Olympic gold medalist Johnny Weissmuller once plied the swimming lanes, the Chicago Athletic Association’s pool area—originally called “The Tank” by club members—has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind venue ideal for public exhibits, performances, installations and creative semi-private events.
Stats:

  • 1st floor
    3,780 square feet
    150 seated in classroom capacity
    200 seated in full rounds
    Reception capacity: 260

Capacity

Seated
350
Buffet
350
Standing
550
Fees
(Prices listed here are estimates only & are subject to change)
Price range

Does this include catering fees?

No

Additional charges

16.4% tax on guestroom charges
11.6% tax on food & beverage 
$10.00/person porterage 
 

Insurance

Additional Insurance May Be Required Depending On The Event

Connect
Call Venue
Event Logistics and Amenities
(Essential event logistics and amenities to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for you gathering)
Celebrations hosted here since
2015
Curfew
No Curfew
Venue spaces
Indoor & Outdoor Venue Spaces Available
Catering
Client Must Use The Catering Provided By The Venue
Alcohol
Provided By Venue For Fee – You Must Use The Venue For All Alcohol Services
Corkage/Bottle Fee – You Can Bring Your Own Alcohol For A Fee
Music
Indoors & Outdoors
Smoking
Non-smoking Venue
Accommodations
The hotel’s 240 elegantly appointed and playfully detailed guest rooms include 23 distinctive suites, complemented by a host of innovative culinary experiences.

A sense of play is definitely alive in every hotel room and suite, leaving you to divine which artifacts are vintage and which are new—something to ponder as your crystal glasses and cocktail carafe beckon a good, icy stir.
  • Vintage-inspired custom furnishings throughout
    Carrara marble baths with premium fixtures, rain showerheads and custom C.O. Bigelow bath products
    Exclusive boxing-style robes fit for champs and challengers alike
    Custom Sferra linens and Faribault Wollen Mill Co. blankets
    Bedside power center with USB outlets
    Complimentary Wi-Fi
    42’’ flat screen television
    24 hour in-room dining
    Gourmet mini-bar stocked with locally sourced Chicago favorites
    ADA rooms available upon request
Kid Friendly Events
Yes
Handicap Accessible
Yes
Amenities
  • A/V Equipment
  • Bridal Suite/Changing Rooms Onsite
  • Street Parking
  • Valet Parking
  • Wifi
  • Dining Chairs
Inside Scoop

If you're interested in learning more about the history of the old club, the hotel offers complimentary guided tours of the building Monday through Saturday at 2pm. Meet at the In The Know Desk on the first floor. 

Searching for a brunch experience unlike any other? Join DJ Dave Mata, of Soul Summit & Impala Sound, for an all 45 set of relaxing downtempo soul music from all corners of the globe. Enjoy classic and obscure tunes from the past five decades in Cindy’s, Chicago’s favorite new rooftop restaurant and bar.

Additionally, check out our website for a list of programming events open to the public! 

Venue Features
The scene:
WHERE DISTINGUISHED MEMBERS ROAMED FOR OVER A CENTURY, A GENUINE ICON OF THIS GREAT CITY IS NOW OPEN TO ALL

With echoes of billiard balls, poker chips and clinking glasses frozen within its walls, this 1890s Venetian Gothic landmark springs back to life as an incomparable historic downtown Chicago hotel—where the spirit of play reigns supreme.

After all, this is the city where the can-and-will-do attitude of Ernie “Let’s Play Two!” Banks lives on, where the father of Chicago blues, Muddy Waters, shook all night long at the Checkerboard Lounge and Sir Duke tickled the ivories at The Blue Note.

And this is the club whose members swam with five-time Olympic gold medalist Johnny Weissmuller—a.k.a. the original Hollywood Tarzan—and watched their fellow member Pudge Heffelfinger own so much end zone, he became football’s first pro.

Today, the Chicago Athletic Association hotel is a historic monument to the big-shouldered, switch hitting spirit that defines our city.

Design:
With extraordinary old-world craftsmanship throughout, the public spaces of the hotel were designed by the Roman & Williams design duo—recipients of the 2014 Cooper Hewitt National Design award and one of Fast Company’s 50 Most Influential Designers— emit a gorgeously appointed new old-world style.
Standout venue features:

Beyond coffee and WiFi, we’re committed to offering you the most unique amenities during your stay. In order to provide our collection of services,
a $25 Founders Fee will be applied to your reservation nightly. We hope you enjoy the extras, plus many more!

  • Welcome toast of Henriot Champagne in Cherry Circle Room
    Skip the line to Cindy’s Rooftop
    Preferred reservations in our Rare Spirit Bar, Milk Room*
    Open gym access to shoot hoops on our historic b-ball court, Stagg Court*
    10% discount to take home a piece of Chicago Athletic Association in our e-store (excludes gift cards)
    10% off your order in Fairgrounds, our coffee shop
    First dibs on hotel events during (and after) your stay
    Athletic amenities including seasonal bike rentals and guided lakefront runs*
    Turndown Service (on request)
    Strategic Partner Discounts

*subject to availability

PLUS OUR STANDARD AMENITIES
  • Premium WiFi
    Triple distilled water in room
    Daily coffee (or tea) from Milk Room
    24/7 Gym with access to discount personal training session from On Your Mark Coaching and Training
    Full Service Concierge team
Extra perks:

    Over and above the extraordinary downtown Chicago meeting spaces on offer, high-spirited amenities and custom services also abound.

    Shake It Up: In addition to our traditional catering options, guests and event planners alike will delight in special menus of Shake Shack classics like burgers, dogs, fries and custom frozen-custard concretes.

    Build It Up: In the same spaces once reserved as training grounds for some of the most celebrated athletes of their day, we offer a menu of unique team-building exercises and classes designed to cultivate camaraderie and ensure your meetings go the distance with lasting value.

    Customized wedding packages with special accommodation rates for your out-of-town guests
    Steps from Millennium Park’s unlimited photo location opportunities
    Five eating and drinking establishments for rehearsal dinner, brunch gatherings, and bachelor and bachelorette parties
    Preview menu tastings for weddings of 100 people or larger
    Bespoke punch bowl concoctions available, including personal potions designed specifically for the newlyweds
    Easy accessibility to O’Hare and Midway Airports and the Chicago Loop’s finest shopping, dining and nightlife

    *Tables: 72' rounds, 60' rounds, classroom tables, 6 ft tables, highboys, and lowboys (cocktail tables) included
    *House linen (white or ivory) is included
    *Chairs: house chairs
    *Pads, pencils, water station
    *Portable bar option

    The conference rooms include the preset boardroom tables and TVs

    Awards & Notables
    Awards, recognitions, or noteworthy achievements associated with the venue.

    Travel & Leisure: THE TOP 10 HOTELS IN CHICAGO 2018

    Harper's Bazaar: THE TOP 10 MOST ROMANTIC WEEKEND GETAWAYS 2018

    Illinois Meetings & Events: ILLINOIS M+E BEST OF 2018 READERS' CHOICE AWARD WINNERS

    Conde Nast Traveler: 13 BEST ROOFTOP BARS IN CHICAGO 2018

    Bon Appetit: THE 15 BEST FOOD LOVERS’ HOTELS IN THE U.S. 2017

    Wall Street Journal: THE ROOM SERVICE REVOLUTION: HOW HOTELS ARE UPPING THEIR GAME 2017

    Travel & Leisure: WORLD’S BEST: THE TOP 10 HOTELS IN CHICAGO 2017

    Esquire: ESQUIRE’S BEST BARS IN AMERICA – MILK ROOM 2017

    New York Times: A STORIED CHICAGO HOTEL WITH A MODERN SPIRIT OF PLAY 2017

    Travel & Leisure: BEST HOTEL OPENINGS ON THE PLANET 2015

    Wallpaper: BEST URBAN HOTELS 2015

    Food Restaurants, Cafes, Bars, Lounges
    This section provides insights into our diverse culinary and social offerings.
    CINDY'S
    Our rooftop restaurant, bar and open-air terrace overlooks Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, Lake Michigan and beyond. With seasonal freshness reflected in both food and drink, this downtown Chicago rooftop restaurant dons the relaxed ambiance of a Great Lakes beach house with one heckuva view. Executive Chef Christian Ragano brings classic comfort food and culinary invention together over cocktails and deceptively sinful punches at our lakehouse in the sky.

    CHERRY CIRCLE ROOM
    Amid surroundings that evoke visions of two (or three) martini deal closing lunches or post trial celebration feasts of Chicago’s mid-century power brokers, the swell curves and swank wood panels of Cherry Circle Room are being put to work- or make that play- in our own creative take on familiar regional classics, including tableside presentations of the finest cuts. Enjoy a rustic yet refined menu with creative takes on familiar regional classics, while one of Chicago’s star barmen, Paul McGee, elevates the cocktail program with classic recipes and tableside cocktail service. Winner of the 2016 James Beard Award for Design.

    GAME ROOM
    Originally the billiards room of property, Game Room is reborn as a casual playground and bar paying homage to our clubby past for a new era of competitive smackdowns. Sporting a fresh and multifarious nightlife experience on the second floor, a deep cocktail culture paired with classic suds and grub plays exceptionally well with the gamesmanship you’ll find on the built-in bocce bay, billiard, shuffleboard, chess and checkers tables.

    MILK ROOM
    Once a speakeasy used by members during prohibition, Milk Room delves into the past with a cocktail menu featuring only the rarest vintage spirits and a wide variety of whiskies. A quick-service coffee and pastry café by day and a prohibition-era speakeasy bar by night, Milk Room transforms in the evening hours, becoming an exclusive, eight-seat bar serving Beverage Director Paul McGee’s menu of classic, spirit-forward cocktails crafted from only the rarest elixirs and ingredients You’ll not only be “drinking a little bit of history,” as Paul says, but creating some epic stories of your own.


    SHAKE SHACK
    Where else can you chow down on burgers, hot dogs and frozen custard shakes surrounded by stained glass, soaring ceilings and marble staircases? So bring your lunchtime, post-workout and after-work appetites downtown to this contemporary landmark on Michigan Avenue that’s famous for burgers and shakes done right, with hand-selected beers and wines, too. (Pssst: we're the only hotel in the world to offer Shake Shack room service.)

    FAIRGROUNDS COFFEE & TEA
    Answering the age-old dispute, “coffee or tea?” with rare diplomacy, our first-of-its-kind destination purveys dozens of the nation’s finest craft roasters and specialty teas under one roof. Behind the bar, cold brews and sparkling teas are served on tap, matcha is whipped to order and a variety of artisanal beverages and kombuchas celebrate choice.

    Celebration Locations
    This section outlines the various spaces available within the venue for different types of events.
    Private Dining Space at Cindy's, The Library
    Cindy's Rooftop Restaurant & Bar offers both private and semi-private event spaces available to rent. The lake couch semi-private space with nonobstructed views of Lake Michigan is able to hold a reception for 25 guests. The Library, Cindy's private dining menu has the capacity to hold 27 guests for a seated dinner and 45 for a standing reception.
    View: Nonobstructed views of Lake Michigan, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the Bean in Millennium Park, and the famed Michigan Ave Loop neighborhood.
    Max capacity: 45
    Price range: Reach out as pricing is dependent on date, time, attendees, and F&B requests.
    Madison Ball Room
    For downtown sophistication with genuine Old Chicago style, Madison Ballroom stands without peer. Dramatic windows extend from the original walnut parquet floors to a gold leaf beamed ceiling graced by three formidable 19th century crystal chandeliers. Artfully restored to its original color scheme, the ballroom takes on a warm glow at any hour with impeccably detailed millwork and stained glass scenes of sporting events from a bygone era.
    View: Floor-to-ceiling windows on three out of four walls provide bird's-eye views of the bustling Madison Street.
    Max capacity: 170
    Price range: Reach out as pricing is dependent on date, time, attendees, and F&B requests.
    White City Ballroom
    Truly a breathtaking expression of Old Chicago glamour and grandeur, White City Ballroom’s floor-to-ceiling windows, capped with vintage stained glass, open directly onto Millennium Park and Lake Michigan’s blue horizon. Standing sentry around the original Carrara marble floor are the room’s three colossal 19th century fireplaces, surmounted by mantels carved with richly detailed oak bas-relief scenes of social gatherings and hunting parties of yesteryear.
    View: White City Ballroom’s floor-to-ceiling windows, capped with vintage stained glass, open directly onto Millennium Park and Lake Michigan’s blue horizon, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and Michigan Avenue.
    Max capacity: 250
    Price range: Reach out as pricing is dependent on date, time, attendees, and F&B requests.
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    Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
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