Union League Club

I have been going to the ULC for a little over 4 years now. The hotel rooms are very spacious just a tad dated, but you definitely get your money's worth considering the location and the size of the room. The service from the staff is always amazing. There have been several times where I have only interacted with a staff member once or twice and am about to give them my name and they will always call me by my last name before I have even said anything to them! That's pretty impressive. One of their bartenders knew it after only interacting with him ONE time! I also held my mother's memorial service here back in 2021 and the staff was super accommodating and helpful! But yes, you do have to be a member to book a hotel room (or be a part of a reciprocal club) and yes, you do have to be a member or a guest of a member to enter the club (and/or a guest attending an event there). So please do not be alarmed when security asks you for your information. It is their job to do so.

What an extraordinary building ! Located in beautiful downtown Chicago this & within great walking distance of so many attractions & eateries this building wreaks of history. From the moment you enter the sculptured ceilings catch you eye and the grand entryway with its huge stairways takes you back to a simpler time. The very convenient valet is at your service and staff is readily available to assist you. Very courteous & extremely professional staff all donning their signature black vests & bow tie have been taught well on all things regarding the Club & it's surroundings and are more than happy to answer any questions. The beautiful halls are lined with artwork and furnishings that scream pure comfort. I highly recommend this place even if it's just for a weekend getaway !

My team and I had an amazing experience shooting my clients wedding at the Union League Club this spring. I worked closely with Carly Smith who was absolutely amazing. She made sure everything ran smoothly and that my team and I were well taken cared of. I had never shot at Union Club so I asked to take a tour of the venue and Carly happily excepted my request. I highly recommend this elegant and historic venue for your wedding day.

We came here for an event and also spent the night. Had a drink at the bar on the fourth floor pre-event. What a wonderful establishment. Food was great. Had a spinach stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes and vegetables. Great vibe to the bar and the event room on the second floor. Highly recommend this establishment.

Can’t really complain about anything . The staff are excellent and helped with all of our queries. The rooms are a bit dated but you’re staying in what would be described in the uk as a gentleman’s club. Quite centrally located with coffee shops , restaurants and shopping nearby . We didn’t try and park ourselves we used the valet tbh it wasn’t that much more and it’s just so convenient when leaving .

The service from staff is always on point. Professional, knowledgeable, and courteous. My Dining experience here has always been enjoyable and relaxing after a day in the office. The Club has alot to offer and impressively they have Partnered with other Clubs globally giving their members more options to choose from when traveling.

We have been members of the club for almost 15 years. ULCC never disappoints, whether we stay there for business or entertaining family. The rooms are beautifully appointed and you can request rooms with a connecting parlor for larger groups. The Presidents Suite and Chicago Suite are also impressive, spacious and a lovely retreat from the bustle of the city. We really enjoy the meals as well. The quality, presentation and variety are excellent. The location of the club is bar none in terms of sight seeing and walking distance to all financial district business. The club has a stunning art collection and truly special gathering spaces. My husband has used the club facilities including the pool for years and absolutely loves them. He said they are clean, well appointed and there are professional staff to help with all the exercise equipment. Please consider staying here the next time you are in the Windy City.

We loved staying here! The staff was top notch; everyone was so kind and helpful. The location is amazing and very convenient. The rooms were a bit outdated but comfortable and clean. The food is good. Overall it was a good experience and I would go back.

We were here to celebrate the wedding of a couple that we know. The one guy is a member and decided to have the wedding and reception there. He arranged a block of rooms for out of town guest, but we decided to stay for the weekend as well instead of driving home. The entrance is on Federal although the address is on West Jackson. We were able to get a Spot Hero spot right next to the club, so we didn't have to walk far with our luggage. When you walk in, you know you have walked into an old school club with lots of wood. Check-in is at a front desk that is, for me, old school, as there was one person working the desk and it took a little time to get checked in. There is amazing art everywhere, it is like walking around in a museum. Our room was nice, but on the small side. There was no refrigerator and they do not allow you bring in your own alcohol, like I normally do when I am staying away from home. Because this was an event we were invited to, I respected that rule. There was the weird table lamp in the room, and I had no idea what to make of it. I have seen this style before from Ethan Allen and I just don't get it. Overall, the Union League knocked this event out of the water, from the opening welcome reception to the ceremony to the wedding reception. Everything was complete on point and well-orchestrated. The room where the reception was held was amazing. The groom and groom had their initials emblazed on the floor as well as the menus, etc. That was an amazing touch. The service during the meal was great as was the food. On the day of the wedding, we had lunch in the main dining room. The food was good, and it was funny to see different prices for members vs. non-members. The Doctor and I discussed the possibility of joining, but at this point in time, don't see the rationale for joining something where we most likely would not attend all that often. For now, we will just rely on attending events with folks who are members.

The ULC of Chicago is timeless and continuous to be a shining star in Chicago. I always look forward to visiting even if I make-up an excuse to do it. In my opinion, this is Chicago's best members only club.

This place was very nice. My company held our Kettle Awards here last night - It's been here for many years but this was my first time attending. The reception was in the ballroom on the 6th floor and dinner was in the room on the 5th floor. All of the staff is extremely courteous and will answer any questions you have about where events are or even the art on the walls - I was sitting and taking a break with my boss and one of the security guards told us that the club has like the second largest art collection, I believe in Chicago. They even have a Monet on display right now. The reception included a three-course dinner and everything was done very nicely. I would definitely plan an event here again if I was the one organizing it.

I had the pleasure of attending a roundtable event at the Union League Club of Chicago Everything was impeccable from start to finish. When I pulled up to valet my car, I knew I was in for an exceptional experience. The escort to our area was smooth and seamless, and I was immediately struck by the grandeur and elegance of the club's décor. But what made this experience stand out was the service. Every staff member went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and enjoyment. From the servers who attended to our every need to the team at the cashier stand, everyone was friendly, professional, and incredibly attentive. Overall, the Union League Club of Chicago exceeded my expectations. This is a genuinely prestigious institution, and it shows in every aspect of its service. I highly recommend this club if you want an exceptional and memorable experience. You won't be disappointed

I can't say I expect to be at the Union League Club again anytime soon. I don't really know what the union league club original purpose was. Social club or something post Civil War? From what I knew if it it was somewhat exclusive; I know folks who worked as federal law clerks across the street and their judge would take them here for celebratory and/or holiday meals sometimes, because the judges all get memberships (whether that's a gift of the ULC or the court I don't know, but luckily that's irrelevant). I hadn't realized it is--at least generally--a members-only type of place. I say all this to make clear any kind of bias that from which I might be writing this review. I've had a series of meetings here over the last week. Employees have--generally--been courteous. Valet has never been out when I've gotten here, but luckily the organization I was with has validated parking in the lot next door (General Parking, on the corner of Federal & Van Buren). But the problem didn't crop up until today. When I arrived--running late, since it was super foggy this morning--I told the woman at the front desk the organization I was with and asked her where we were meeting today. "8th floor," she said--great! That's where we were last time. As I made my way toward the elevator, a male employee stepped in front of me and asked that I check my coat. I told him I was fine but he continued to block my way and said I needed to check my coat at the coat check because it's a requirement of the club. I said that it hasn't been a requirement last week, because I'd worn my coat upstairs both days I was here, to which he replied that was an oversight. Since I was blocked in with people to my left and this person in front of me, I had no choice but to check my coat so I could get through to the elevators and make it to my meeting. Only when I got to the elevator did I recognize that one of the folks to my left--who had been blocking me in on that side--was a colleague. He had apparently been arguing with another employee about the required coat check, but with a mask on and being in a hurry myself I didn't recognize him. To my surprise, my colleague was allowed to go upstairs with his coat on. There are a few issues here. The lack of consistency in applying this policy is a problem. There were several people upstairs in our meeting who had their coats with them. There were also several backpacks. So one can bring a big backpack but for some reason coats are off limits? The way this shook out is... disappointing to say the least. The lack of consistency in applying this policy is problematic. When does is one person required to give up their jacket and another is not? Women's clothes don't tend to have as many pockets as men's, and I only had as many pockets as I did because I was wearing a jacket I could stuff my keys and ID wallet into. It's also been chilly (to me, anyway) in the rooms we've been working in, and as expected I was cold within 10 minutes (of a 2.5-3 hour session of meetings). What's especially disturbing is that I'm a woman of color who was speaking with a white name, and my colleague arguing at the same time is also a white male. I did not feel in a position to argue my point with this person who was literally blocking me from getting to where I needed to go, and I'm all too aware of the ways I which WOC are seen as "aggressive" or "uncooperative" in ways that others aren't. This goes back to the lack of consistency, too. It's just not ok. I made it to my meeting which a couple of minutes to spare, foregoing a bathroom stop since the 7th floor since the bathrooms were on the 8th. Oh, did you notice I said 7th floor? The woman at the front desk had told me the 8th, so luckily I ended up in the elevator with a couple colleagues who got me to the right place.

I came on a tour for the Chicago Architecture Foundations. This is one of those surprise special treasures that you don't really know about unless you dig under the surface; well, it is a private club for well-off folks so not everyone will be able to experience it (although they do have some public events). Fascinating history and an amazing art collection: https://ulcc.org/web/pages/about-us. In an ideal world where I had more time and a little more money I would love to come here often!

I had my wedding at ULCC a couple weeks ago. The entire experience was incredible. Ken and his team were a dream to work with. So warm, helpful and easy-going. Their expertise made the whole experience less stressful and more magical. Our guests also stayed at the club in their guest rooms. From start to finish it was the perfect weekend. And a lot of the thanks is owed to the Union League Club and their staff.

My son and daughter in law's wedding was at the Union League. The venue is beautiful and classy and the food was delicious. They had surf and turf for the main course and it was phenomenal! The serving staff was attentive and professional. The celebration was simply awesome!

Wow I have to say this place is really impressive! I came here for a 3 day tax seminar in the crystal ballroom. The space was beautiful and worked very well for a large seminar. What really impressed me was the food. Each morning they offered a continental breakfast, buffet lunch and two snacks. Everything was delicious! The baked goods in the morning didn't look like much, but tasting is believing and believe me: their pastries are out of this world! Anything with the flaky croissant crust is to die for, especially the pecan ones! The lunches were all beautifully laid out with everything one could ask for. First day was sandwich platters, second day Mexican fare, and third day was salmon and chicken. Each day there was an accompanying soup and various complimenting sides. It was all very flavorful and well attended by the staff. The staff was on hand throughout the seminar, cleaning/bussing and setting up, in a very quiet. professional and discreet way. The first evening we had a reception downstairs which offered decadent passed appetizers and drinks in a beautiful bar/reception area. Throughout the entire club, I noticed various artworks that caught my eye, and the architecture alone was quite artistic as well. I would love to return to check out their two restaurants and their bakery some time soon!

Could this spot be any more elite?! I love it a thousand times. If you're into exclusive (private) clubs, the Union League is your spot. When I told my friend I wanted salad for lunch she said: "the League has a nice salad buffet." To be honest, I was not impressed at thought of a buffet lunch. The buffet isn't a meal that I eagerly jump towards. Being petite makes for a small appetite. While my friends are gobbling down rounds of plates piled high with salads, fish, meat, and dessert I'm usually stuffed on round one. That being said buffets are usually a waste of money since I never get the same fill that others do. Since I was in awe of my surroundings and it had been some time since I'd seen my friend, I took my time and actually had a second plate. The food isn't by any means world class, but it was tasty, had good flavor and left me satisfied. The UL has a reciprocal relationship with similar clubs throughout the country. My friends and I grew up dining at the Atheneum on the campus of CalTech, so I knew what to expect. Comparing the two, however, the Atheneum blows the UL out of the park by miles. Where the UL rebounds is in the overall facilities. It boasts a hotel, a library, men and women's gym, sauna, swimming pool, massage facilities, mani/pedi station and more. Guests can take a few morning laps in the pool, then have breakfast served poolside. Keep in mind it is an indoor pool, so if you're looking for a pool with a view this isn't the one. There are a number of dining rooms, among them are a steakhouse that includes a wine cellar. Several members store their personal collection in the UL vault. The formal dining area, where my friend and I dined, boasts an impressive art collection. As it turns, UL houses the largest collection of art outside of the Chicago museum. They partner with local organizations such as the Boys and Girls club to highlight and encourage arts with the youth. For the business folk, there is a fully equipped library with both classical literature and current best sellers. You could grab a book and spend a few hours here sitting on one of the wooden benches, under the lamps with the green shade. Classic. If you've got a meeting and do not have an office space, there are phone rooms you can use to handle your important business in private. At the end, my friend called upon the clubs driver to give me a lift back to my office. In a Mercedes Van. For free. I tipped. Great place, if I lived and worked in downtown Chicago I would look into membership.

Diane and I had a very nice three-night stay here, courtesy of our sponsors, who we met on a cruise ship two years ago. The place is classy throughout; rooms are cushy and comfortable; and the Athletic Club is superb, with a large swimming pool, full basketball court, steam room and sauna, whirlpool spa, cold plunge, and even a darkened sleeping room with beds covered with sheets and thick pillows. Only a clock is illuminated overhead. We dined for lunch one day in the Rendezvous Room, which is adorned with numerous pieces of original art from the '20s and '30s. Here I enjoyed an excellent cup of smooth Cream of Tomato Soup, followed by an excellent Cobb Salad with smooth and creamy Blue Cheese Dressing, and a Grilled Swiss Cheese-Filled Reuben Sandwich on Rye accompanied by French Fries. I realized that I had over-ordered when the massive Reuben arrived at the same time as the entree salad. I could barely get my mouth around the stacked meat and cheese; and the Reuben and Fries grew cold before I got to them after finishing the whole salad. The Corned Beef in the Reuben was suitably lean. Aside from the double plate presentation, service was friendly and efficient. When lunch was completed, I walked out stuffed to the extreme, for I rarely leave ordered food to waste, no matter how much my eyes are bigger than my stomach! And this day was no exception. XXXX-1/2 stars overall for the Union League Club of Chicago as a whole!

5/5 stars based solely on my dining experience. I visited the Union League Club on a Wednesday afternoon for lunch. The buffet was tasty. The tomato soup, various salads and salmon wrapped in phyllo dough were all to my liking. Complimentary bread basket brought to each table was better than most. My group shared a plate of stale cookies for dessert, so that was completely underwhelming. Especially for a private club that's known for being upscale. I would have splurged on a more glamorous desert. Thankfully my guests were so full from their main meal that the bummer of a dessert didn't seem to bother them. Staff members were super friendly and the dining room is stunning. You can tell there's a lot of rich history in the building. The many works of art adorning the walls are something to behold. We were obviously able to get into the UL Club because I know someone who knows someone who knows...you get the idea. I thought I'd feel super intimidated upon walking in here, but thankfully that didn't happen. Mostly middle to senior citizen aged white men walking around. The UL Club seems to primarily employ men as well. At least in the dining room and main lobby area. A unique experience.

This Club has so many ways to be engaged that it has been the center of my social life since I joined 15 years ago. From attending wine tastings, author events, family Halloween parties, a New Years Eve Party that will blow your mind, meeting Supreme Court Justices and former Presidents, to being a Trustee on the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs (that supports over 15,000 Chicago kids), the ULC has provided so many ways to meet people from all backgrounds and expand my network. After COVID quarantining I knew I had to get back to the ULC and rejoin my life again. And it has not disappointed with a slew of new opportunities in 2021.

fantastic time with my book club friends at this elite club....we had lobster mac and cheese and flat bread for appetizers. I ordered chicken tacos for main course and the desserts very good. We had bread pudding, ginger crème brulee, apple something. Loved the art collection and enjoyed the very attentive service.

Korean National Day. Class act. Korean Opera singers Performing Brindisi (the Drinking Song) from La Traviata.

I have visited, and dined, at the Union League Club several times and every time has been a fantastic experience. While not a member myself, I know people... "...people highly invested in my [entertainment], and they are people who really know how to [entertain] in ways you can't even imagine." Anyway, yadda yadda yadda I've been to the Club a few times. Several times for meals, in both The Rendezvous Room and the Wigwam, and they have been wonderful: the service has been on point, friendly, and very accommodating, the atmosphere has been classy yet casual, and the food has been very tasty. And, several times, I have been there for an event and always had a wonderful time; the most recent was a bourbon tasting and it was a delight. The Club is old, a Chicago landmark, but it has aged very well; everyone I have interacted with, both staff and other members, have been superb; and the location, right in the Loop, can't be beat. Honestly, I have nothing but good things to say about the ULC and I can't wait to visit again.

Old world charm at its best. Certainly not for everyone but membership definitely has its privileges. It is a great place to enjoy a nice evening with friends both new and old. Or a great way to meet others who are similarly situated. Having visited/stayed at Union Leagues in other states, I would say there are two things that separate this one. The art collection and the chili! Both were extremely impressive. I could not bring myself to take pictures of their Monet or a few other beautiful pieces, but wanted to. Service in the dining area was quite memorable too. The servers are pretty much like family or old friends to its members. This makes for warm and personable dining experience. We stopped in to escape the St.Paddys Day parade and party crowd but a few still wanted "green" beer. Our server brought over a bottle of green food coloring so my dining companions could make their own. How's that for service? As with any private club, there are rules (Dress codes, mandatory coat check, etc), but the same could be said for invitation only receptions, plays, dinners, or events.

Located in Chicago's financial district, ULC is a beautiful venue for global affairs. Conference rooms are spacious, but intimately seated. The library on the fourth floor is beautifully isolated, with ample selection of reads and desks near natural sunlight. As per any private club, there are dues and fees; interview process for membership qualification; rules are enforced: dress codes; mandatory coat check-in. Part of the membership dues are allocated towards three charities that the ULC supports. Well-organized, tidy establishment. Exceptional wedding venue, as well! Kathleen was a pleasure to know! Absolutely loved her personality, calmness, and delivery!

"Raindrops, drop tops Smokin' on cookie in the hotbox My bitch is bad and boujee Cookin' up dope with a Uzi" "Bad and Boujee" - Migos I've had the pleasure of attending four Bourbon and Boxing events and the song "Bad and Boujee" is what plays in my head over and over again for every second I'm there. The Union League Club features the second largest collection of art in Chicago and the largest collection of suits/C-level executives. The food has always been superb including great chops, appetizers, and always a nice dessert. The bar, located on the fourth floor, is a nice place to enjoy a few cocktails and tell tall tales with old friends. Granted, membership is required to enjoy all of these amazing amenities so use your network to your advantage so you can attend the club. Pro Tip - Start searching LinkedIn hard to see who can get you into the club. If you like feeling boujee then it's worth the awkward approach into the boss-who-you-never-talk-to's office and asking if he/she is a member.

Incredible amenities and service is second to none. Best deal for hotel rooms in Chicago.

The Union League club is legit. We had a work function here and the facilities and service was second to none. It just feels like you're in a place of power. There's a conference room on the fifth floor that I ducked into for a call. The art work and millwork throughout the building is spectacular. Checked out the library on the 4th floor, the center piece is an elephant been hunted by two lions. I looked at it and though that it reminded me a lot of the real estate business. This place is amazing, check it out.

Ok, my earlier critique was tough and i still stand by my comments. But i will also admit its much better and service has mostly improved significantly. The crusty bartender in the rendezvous still lacks a personality and doesn't recall he's providing a service. But let's move past this. The club is a wonderful experience and i enjoy using it often. Lunch in the Lincoln ball room is an exciting adventure back to yesteryear. The service is incredible and quality is always top notch. Love the salad bar Dining at the wigwam is classic charm. Love the wine list and menu. Great place to impress your client. Great place to go for lunch, dinner or drinks.

Everything was great here! Perfect location! Great accomodations! The Union League is classy and sophisticated! Nice size rooms, comfortable beds, robes, necessities (lotion, shampoo and conditioner which is a big plus for my hair). Was a little surprised there wasn't a fridge for my left over Italian Village, but whatever... Nice size pool. The women's changing area was amazing and had everything I needed and then some.Nail polish remover, make- up remover, Cliff bars etc. Whirlpool. First class all the way. Brunch was not bad either!

Wide variety of salads, cured meats and fresh seafood including raw oysters and crab claws from the cold salad bar. Simple yet sufficient menu for lunch. I heard the halibut was amazingly fresh and perfectly cooked. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the food for lunch.

I stayed here for a few days while attending a conference at the same location. Location: Great. Staff: excellent, very friendly and conversational. Facilities: okay. Room: Okay. Food: Okay. WiFi: Bad. It wouldn't be my first choice to stay if I were to return to Chicago for another visit but for the occasion it worked.

ROOMS: Rooms were clean, and big. With muted, natural tones and very traditional decor. The bathroom was a little smaller than I expected. Sometimes with hotel bathrooms--even in nice ones--you can tell they don't clean the tub with elbow grease, but that is NOT the case here. The bathroom was spotless. DECÓR: The decor is very consistent throughout, that Rustic Old-American, Declaration of Independence type of feel. I thought it was cute, it's certainly not my style but it works for their purposes. BAR: We went to drink at one of the bars, and it was beautiful, it looked like someone's study. The drinks were extremely boozy and very tasty. BRUNCH: The Brunch was very good, with a wide selection of fruits, jams, and meats. I particularly enjoyed the omelette bar, which was fast and had an enormous array of potential add-ins.

Would have been nice, even with the dated furniture, if my room didn't already have an 8-legged occupant. I won't even get into the paper thin walls and loud neighbors.

We had our daughter's wedding ceremony and reception at the ULCC. If I could choose 10 stars I would. From our first contact by email to loading our car to leave at the end of the weekend--every member of the ULCC staff showed professionalism, courtesy and went above and beyond for us. One example of the level of courtesy happened this morning when I came down to the first floor cafe. An employee was vacuuming and noticed I was perplexed. I asked when the cafe would be open and he responded that it wasnt open on Sundays. Immediately asked me how he could help. I responded that I wanted a diet coke and he offered to go down a floor to a soda machine and get me one. Now, nowhere else in the universe does that happen. Just at the ULCC. I only wish I could remember his name to thank him again. Our contact Ken returned emails promptly, answered questions fully and volunteered his help at every turn. He is polite, professional and knowledgeable. Generous attitude throughout--from the planning process until the end of the dinner at the reception. His experience is invaluable. Recommendations for vendors were spot on. Brianna provided our hotel room reservations . Emails answered promptly. All questions answered fully. Friendly and knowledgeable. The reservation process for our family and our guests was easy-peasy thanks to Brianna. Beyond the employees there is THE ULCC. Entryway is inviting and beautiful. Old school charm. Wood, stone, brass, painting, sculptures. Everywhere you look there is history and a calming ambiance. We felt immediately at home. Ceremony, cocktail and reception rooms were all more amazing than the last. Fireplaces and vaulted ceilings and gorgeous, rich Christmas decorations. A warm, welcoming feel. Details throughout--an express elevator for our guests to get from the cocktail area to the reception--extra accessories for the ladies room--always someone available to answer a question or offer to help. The food at cocktail hour and the reception were top notch. Delicious. Menu cards on each plate. Staff continuously available to help. Raves from family and friends. Hotel rooms are newly remodeled and beautiful. Understated elegance. From start to finish our experience at ULCC was exceptional. We highly recommend having a wedding or any event at ULCC.

This is our first time staying here. It has been wonderful. Celebrating a monumental birthday over the weekend. Friday night in their Presidential suite which was catered. The two servers/bartenders did a fantastic job. The second night we were in one of the private rooms for more people. The food & service were first rate as the party had a lot going on & everything seemed to be executed perfectly. Highly recommend The Union League Club.

The WORST hotel I've stayed in Chicago!! I do not recommend this hotel to anything. The hot water was LUKE warm, the refrigerator was molded, the heat did not work, and the staff does not know how to follow up when an issues arises. I WILL NEVER STAY AT THIS HOTEL AGAIN!! WORST STAY EVER!!

Stuffy Clean room Outdated policies (no jeans or what ever) Free internet Front desk deficit - upon check out, there was a line and no one behind the counter. After 10 minutes I decided to leave as I had plans. Never seen a hotel without front desk staff.

A friend of mine took me here a couple years ago. It is a classy club, we went for an after work social hour. There are beautiful ballrooms and Monet paintings in here (originals) - and you can have hotel rooms at a discounted rate if a member. The conference rooms and office space are nice as well. We considered a membership but lived far enough away from the loop that we didn't think we'd get our membership's worth. A nice place, definitely recommend checking it out if in the area.

Stunningly beautiful, old world club that does it right whether you are a member or a guest. I have been here a number of times now, for a wedding, an authors signing, a reception, and each time I marvel at the beautiful old historic building with an art collection that rivals only the Chicago Institute of Arts. Built in the 1800's this building, has been part of the Chicago Financial District for over 130 years, first welcoming only men but more recently the women of Chicago to have a place to host meetings, dinners, enjoy the library, work out or even to swim in the Olympic sized pool which was revolutionary during the inception. I also like that this is one club, if you are a member, that has beautiful rooms that you can stay in for a reasonable rate if you need a place to stay in the city or to house guests. Perfect for this suburban girl who sometimes needs a place to lay her head! The members are terrific, making you feel at home and I love just talking to them as they come from all walks of life and businesses so it is a great place to network and to meet new people. And the staff go out of their way to learn your name, and get you anything that you might need to make your visit more enjoyable. Gotta love membership in a private club! Like any private club, there are dues and fees and you have to pass an interview process and be recommended for membership but that is to be expected. Those rates can be found on their website. I also like that they support three charities with the members dues as well. All in all, this piece of Chicago is rich in history and lore. Boy if those walls could talk I'm sure the stories they would tell would entrance us all!

The Union League is an old-fashioned club where you can imagine a bunch of bigwig rich guys sitting around on old leather couches and smoking cigars. I have been here for a couple of elegant receptions over the years. The service is so efficient, as the wait staff swoops down on empty plates and glasses. If you ever get invited, put on a nice outfit and live the high life for a few hours.

Attended an event here with a friend. The event was nice but this building is spectacular. I didn't take any pics because I was so busy enjoying myself but the architecture was wonderful to behold. They also handled the event very well. Champagne and hor d'oeuvres. Wonderful salad and entrees and a beautiful dessert bar. I also saw a couple of the hotel rooms and they were nice too. More spacious than I thought and nicely decorated. Also the building has a parking garage and parking was validated which I very much appreciated.

I've been here for a number of events. The food is always good as is the atmosphere and service. The only thing I don't like, and I mean I hate, is that you have to check your coat. Drives me crazy.

I was just here for a few hours to grab a few drinks and watch the World Cup with some members of this club. But as much as it pains me to say it, it was really quite nice and almost made me want to join. The space is pretty and functional, with lots of different kinds of space for different purposes. The location is extraordinarily convenient for those who spend time downtown but don't have an office or apartment here. And the service was unusually good; our waiter was attentive, knew when to stay away and when to be helpful, and sometimes fulfilled our requests even before we thought of them. Now I'm not actually going to join -- but I can see why others do.

I'm not in my 80's and I dress pretty funky and yikes, I'm a member here! Yep, my Dad was a member for many, many years. A few years ago my sister and her husband joined and me and my hubs followed suit. The ULC is a gem in the financial district of Chicago. As a member we get wonderful room rates even during convention times. I love that the the sleeping rooms are not cookie cutter. They come in varying sizes but all have nice amenities including great mattresses and bedding. Some of the furniture is dated but in a cool way. Once we had a room that had an end table with a lamp built into the table. :-) Their gym is legit. Three floors that include a lap pool and basketball court. Yep, a basketball court in an old building in the loop. Way cool. You can also order breakfast by the pool. Even cooler. Service is here is traditional old school. Most of their servers are career servers and have been here for many, many year. Their special dinners are wonderful. The holiday lunches with carolers is my favorite. Their bar with the popcorn machine is charming. I saw Madeline Albright speak here and Rod Blagoavich too! Then, they have an amazing library and interesting artwork throughout the lower floors. Yeah, I'm a fan.

The Union League Club of Chicago is every bit a bastion of tradition and history. Its founding was in 1879, and it certainly smells like it's been around that long. Old-man funk permeates every inch of the building. A few times a year, one of the Senior Directors of my firm insists on taking me here for lunch to "catch up." While it's very kind of him (which I appreciate) and he means well, stuffy places oozing testosterone and reeking of Republicans are just not my scene. He's been a member for about 30 years and he's treated like a king here. As a woman, I just don't feel comfortable here. I always get the stink eye by the old timers here, and in general, a lot of the members seem uptight. Often when I'm here for lunch, I'm literally the only woman in the dining room besides the hostess. I don't ever recall having a female server--that's how old-school this place is. The food is super boring and bland, unless things like club sandwiches and salads made with iceberg lettuce give you a boner. God forbid there's any flavor in the food lest it stops some eighty-year old's pacemaker. No sir, Mr. Howe III, of Dewey Cheatam & Howe, likes his food like he likes his women: risk-free, inoffensive, and unimaginative. The staff is unfailingly polite, almost like they're terrified someone will rip them a new one if they make a mistake. I kind of feel sorry for them. My plate today still had the ticket on it from the kitchen when it was served to me, but I just crumbled it up and tossed it to the side. Okay, so sexism, conservatism, and mediocre food aside, this place isn't all bad. The art collection is totally impressive, with over 800 works (including a Monet!) and pieces are often lent to museums. The Union League Boys and Girls Club has been in existence for almost 100 years and has done a lot of good for the community through its philanthropy. I know I'm stuck going here at least a few times a year until the Senior Director retires, so I guess I'll just have to suck it up.

It's been said that you join the Union League for one reason and stay for another. That couldn't be more true. I was drawn to the business center because it had 6 kiosks and 5 private offices each with complimentary phone, printer, and computer and the Club has WiFi everywhere. The meeting rooms on the 8th floor are perfect for meetings whether its 4 people or 40. These were all good reasons for joining, and I use those things regularly but it is the people and the events that keep me engaged and make me proud to be a member. The Club sponsors three foundations: Civic & Arts, Boys & Girls Club, and the Engineering Foundation. Members can donate their time and/or money and be actively engaged in the good work these groups do. Also, the Public Affairs committee is very active in local politics and policies. The Speakers are fantastic. We've recently had General Patraeus, Sandra Day O'Connor, and are expecting Condoleezza Rice next month. The art collection is extensive and features a Monet. The building itself is beautiful (as evidenced in the photos) I've never been one to shy away from socializing and the Rendezvous, the 4th floor bar, is always hopping. The Club also hosts regular scotch and wine tastings, parties (Homecoming and the Winter Ball are two of my favorites), and a slew of other events. The Club is -gasp- affordable for younger members so don't be afraid to inquire about membership rates. The people are -double gasp- friendly and even, dare I say, open minded?! This is a great place to make friends, get involved, conduct business, and even to get in a workout.

I was a member at the Union League Club for a few years and it does a lot of things well. The "Club" aspect and the "hospitality" aspects, it does as well as anywhere else in Chicago. If you like the idea of a place you can go and just hang out in a quiet atmosphere (most of the time), if you like the idea of watching boxing the way it was meant to be watched (wearing formal wear, in a temporarily converted formal dining room, with all your best buddies and buckets of good beer), if you support the idea of the UNITED States of America, it's a stalwart in all those areas. If you're a businessperson, or part of the professional class (banker, lawyer, doctor), it's a great place to make contacts, network and host professional events. That said, the Union League Club isn't for everyone. Even if you make good money, have good pedigree, know how to mind your Ps and Qs, and like club atmospheres, there are reasons you may not want to join the Union League Club. If you don't wear at least business casual clothes to your job, it will make it difficult to take full advantage of the cub due to dress codes. This applies to a lot (though not all) of technology professionals. Sure you could dress just for the Club, but do you really want to dress differently just to conform to their standards? If your ideas are more progressive than mainstream compared to Chicago politics, it may not be a great fit. They won't look down on you or cause you problems, but you won't find them lining up to support causes you believe in, either. The Union League is very civic-minded, and if you're going to join a civic-minded club, it kinda makes sense to be able to agree with them often enough that you feel your efforts are helping and being helped. If your ideas on society put an emphasis on open access and transparency above comfort and friendship, not just politically but as a way of setting up public life, you may not feel like it's a great fit. The premier example of this is the raw pride the Union League Club exhibits in the Harold Washington Library. Unlike most recent major public libraries, Harold Washington is about being an imposing citadel, defending the books from attack. The regular library is deep inside - you don't see books for a while after walking into the library. A more modern, humanistic library would make the information feel much more accessible. All that said, the Union League Club is a great institution. It's not very modern, but it serves some good purposes for the city, state, and even nation. Check out the building during an open-to-the-public event (they host some occasionally), and if you fit the profile seriously consider joining up. If you don't fit the profile, there are other ways to make an impact in this city.

What a great club! The décor is elegant and the cuisine outstanding. The luncheon buffet was excellent with many options. If you have time you may want to view the extensive library and reading rooms. I was there for a business meeting, and would gladly go back there again for a corporate event. M. Jalili

I may be biased, but I think the ULC ranks high among the enduring cultural institutions of the City of Chicago. These days it's hard to find a business that has retained its integrity and passion for customer service for 130 years, either locally or internationally. The Union League Club has earned the distinction of being the #1 city club in the country, and is hell-bent on retaining that title; thankfully, for the members, this is being achieved by working twice as hard, rather than trying to glide by on doing what has already earned the desired results. It should be noted that while the Union League Club is, in appearance, a private club and hotel, its impact on the history of this city, state, and even national politics has been undeniable. Since the founding of the ULC, the movers and shakers of the region have met within its walls to discuss policy, and major movements in the social and political spheres of this country. So, if you are looking for a unique social experience in the Chicago area, check out the club; become a part of Chicago history. It's members-only (or guests of members), but those who sign on have access to what amounts to a cruise ship, mated with an art museum and a political and social melting pot - smack dab in the middle of the downtown area. Members have access to a three-story athletic department (equipped with a 21st floor pool with arguably one of the best views of the city); multiple gourmet dining options; over 20 stories of art in what amounts to one of the largest private collections around; a world-class private library; a regular roster of notable speakers from all realms of politics, academia, and popular culture; and full calendar of social events involving the major cultural institutions of the city.

This is a really special place and if you are interested in joining a private club in Chicago, it should be at the top of your list. The club was founded in downstate Illinois to prevent another "split" in the Union. Today we run and privately fund 4 inner city boys and girls clubs to help inner city kids and we have a terrific foundation to award scholarships in the arts and sciences to inner city kids as well. Not just a great place to visit, for many, this is their home away from home. It is the largest private hotel in the world, has reciprocity (guest privileges) with 200 other private clubs around the world, has the largest art collection in the Midwest outside of the Art Institute, and roughly 200 social and business events per month. With multiple floors of athletic facilities including personal trainers, and a staff that will treat you like family, you need to check this place out. Not only am I grateful to call it my home away from home, but I have met the most amazing and kind people working here and members whom I consider myself lucky to befriend. Don't let the building or events you go to overwhelm you----look at joining---you and your family will love it as mine have.

It was a beautiful place for a reception. Definitely would recommend it. It's one of Chicago's treasures. I was hired as the photographer for a charter academy and was surprised by this venue's beauty.

I have no idea how to feel about this place - I was here for a two-day meeting, but am not sure if I am fancy enough to belong here. The artwork in this place was amazing - if you go, always take the stairs - it's a free museum-quality experience. I was shocked by the size and quality of the gym facilities - if you stay overnight, be sure to bring workout clothes. One last thing - don't even think of wearing jeans here - there's a strict dress code in the main parts of the building. This is a place that makes you feel like a grown up - just make sure that you are grown enough to be here. (I'm still not sure if I am).

The Union League Club won an award as the best city club in the nation. It is absolutely 100% deserved. It's an island of civility in the city. Great food at several dining options. The nicest floor staff possible. Beautiful health club, as is all of the club. Great place to meet friends and colleagues for business or social purposes. The business services in the library (computers, private rooms in which to work, and the staff) cannot be beat. Fabulous artwork everywhere.

We stayed with the Union League club for 5 days during our trip to Chicago. They are reciprocal with our club so we were really looking forward to our stay. It's a little tough to get in and out of the area but I guess for an out of towner EVERYTHING in Chicago is hard to get in and out of. The ULC was in a nice area of town and within walking distance of just about everything. We ate the breakfast buffet, lunch in the main dining room, and also room service. We had a few issues getting our room service right but everything was corrected as requested. The breakfast buffet was beautiful and delicious. Dress is business casual unless you're under 12. Anything goes if you're a kid. The main dining room is BEAUTIFUL and the food was delightful. Service there was great. They have an amazing library at this club. We were able to check out several movies and books. They had a media area that allowed you to use the computers and internet as well. Our room was nice but not as exquisite as our club. I think a little updating would go a long way. Our view was a building down a dark street. Not what I was expecting. The pool was closed during our entire visit so I can't give any information regarding that. The womens locker room was okay. I had to call each day for a key code to get in. I found it strange as the locker room was on the 22nd floor and I can't imagine a lot of vagrants coming up there for a shower. It was just a big inconvenience to have to call for a number, write it down, and keep the paper with me in case I needed to reenter that day. The mens locker room was always open and unlocked. A nice club, decent service but always seemed for fall just short of perfect.

We had our wedding reception at ULC this past June and could not have been more pleased with every aspect of the evening. When we were initially looking at venues over a year ago, we almost immediately selected ULC after meeting with Mari Gordon. She is a true professional and we we could tell that she clearly knew what she was doing. She would be able to handl all of the day-of logistics without us needing to hire another outside event planner to do so. The few months leading up to the wedding were of course stressful and overwhelming, but Mari offered a lot of guidance, suggestions and overall was a great resource for me. She is very organized, super responsive and was always willing to help. The night of the reception could not have gone any better. The service was impeccable, the food was amazing (we had guests asking for the plates of a few people who didn't show up) and the night just ran so smoothly. Just to give an example of their service, my dad wasn't sitting at our table when the main entree was served but they did serve everyone else while he was away. Within 10 seconds of him sitting down, a server brought his meal over. It's as if they were watching his every move! Very impressive. We cannot recommend ULC highly enough for a wedding or any large special event. If you are looking for somewhere that will truly make your planning process so much easier, this is the place to be.

I don't even know where to start- with the multi million dollar art collection (also where I saw my first Monet) or with the breathtaking architecture and interior design that screams "I will satisfy that OWP (old white people) need, yet invite that modern feeling of luxury into your hearts. " Phenomenal spa and pool (ladies and men have their own respective areas [also filled with art]). Just visit if you can. Its just not enough to put words down on a piece of paper (or Yelp page).