Chicago's Private Neighborhood Clubs (Irving, Bridgeport: university, club, bars)

[chitowner1]

Hey all,

Pretty interested in the private neighborhood clubs that are around Chicago. First came across these when reading about the Hamburg Athletic Club, a club in Bridgeport that the Daley's were members of and is seemingly still active. Seems like a lot of these clubs used to be part political organization and part gang, but now have become more like a drinking club, almost like a vfw hall. I have also heard of Flags Club in Canaryville and Gaelic Fire Brigade in Beverly. Anyone know of any others, or any on the North side?

I also came across another forum talking about these kinds of clubs at 3332 W Irving Park and 3456 W Irving Park, anyone know anything about what those might be?

[NealIRC]

And Garry McCarthy speaks at the City Club of Chicago. Some of these elite clubs, Mayor Rahm is a member of too.

[chitowner1]

Originally Posted by NealIRC

And Garry McCarthy speaks at the City Club of Chicago. Some of these elite clubs, Mayor Rahm is a member of too.

Neal,

I guess I'm thinking more along the lines of neighborhood social clubs, not so much the elite downtown clubs (city club, standard club, union league, university club). Those are all pretty public and easy to find. I guess maybe Hamburg athletic club was an unusual example due to the Daley ties, but I think most of these neighborhood clubs are much more local and social then the big downtown clubs, and much more under the radar (Nondescript buildings, no websites, no solicitation for members, etc).

[NealIRC]

Damn, haven't heard of any of them. Oh well.

[damba]

Originally Posted by chitowner1

I also came across another forum talking about these kinds of clubs at 3332 W Irving Park and 3456 W Irving Park, anyone know anything about what those might be?

FWIW, those are 'key clubs'. Think, after hours club for members to drink/socialize. People in the hospitality industry frequent such places.

[Clark&Addison]

Damba, maybe you can confirm but I'm pretty sure the one at 3332 Irving is called "Fort Irving" and 3456 might just be called "The Key Club", never actually been to either though. From my understanding "Key Clubs" are basically private bars that are open after regular bars close so bartenders and the like have a place to drink.

OP, I think Gaelic Fire Brigade is a social club for Union (aka all) Chicago Fire Fighters. There is also a Northside Fire Brigade, same idea.

Fairly certain there are a bunch of other clubs on the south side like Hamburg Athletic Club and Flags club, pretty sure there is a Canaryville Athletic Club and maybe some in Beverly, I'm from the North Side so not an expert by any means. Sort of like neighborhood fraternities.

On the North side, there is Lakeview Men's Club which is pretty public knowledge and just a private bar near Wrigley, a friend is a member. Also Rodam Social Club is one I have heard of doing some charity stuff. I know there is one called McWhinney Benevolent Association and I think there might be another one on Southport?

I'm sure there are some on the North West side but don't really know anything about them. I feel like I remember an article about one getting in some trouble or something a while back.

[ChiGuy2.5]

There is Room 13 too. You need a password to get in which changes daily.

[Clark&Addison]

Originally Posted by ChiGuy2.5

There is Room 13 too. You need a password to get in which changes daily.

I think room 13 is more of a "speakeasy" than a private club, in that it is advertised, open to the public, and you do not need to be a due-paying member to go there.

Looks like a cool spot though, never been.

[&mpersand]

There's one in Smith Park. The Huron Social Club on the NW corner of Campbell and Huron.

[jjjttt]

I've been a member of Birch Road Cellar, basically a drinking club. They just opened a second location.