Dreaming of WITS Summer Reading by Kari Blak
May 31, 2025 at 10:00 am
No matter what type of meeting space you require, the Chicago Athletic Association’s iconic and adaptable spaces are ideal for achieving great things. Our halls have a legacy of making history, and are ready to help you make your own.
Ten years ago today, we reopened these doors. Not as a private club — but as a home for the curious, the bold, the local, the traveler.
We honor where we came from — and we toast to where we’re going. Thank you all for being part of our story♥️
May 27
For when you need to cool off this summer, meet us in the Game Room - our original billiards room where friendly competition meets classic suds and grub🍻
Walk-ins welcome. Good times guaranteed.
May 15
We met the incredible team behind Hyde Park & Co. at a vendor fair here at Chicago Athletic Association and instantly fell for their androgynous, small-batch scents made in Chicago. We loved them so much, we partnered to create a signature CAA scent.
Now they are bringing their candle-making magic to our house on May 22—and you`re invited. ✨
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll mix your own custom scent, pick a 12oz vessel, and design a label to match. Come get creative and leave with a candle that’s uniquely yours.
Link in bio under events calendar✨
May 14
We were proud to host Scratching—a bold, multidisciplinary performance by @tinkatonk (Katinka Kleijn of the @chicagosymphony)—as part of @expochicago’s In the City programming.
In this powerful and immersive piece, Kleijn explored the cello as an extension of the body, building layered soundscapes through amplified movement and gesture. Referencing a provocative quote from conductor Sir Thomas Beecham, Scratching challenged ideas of ownership, agency, and sound—using both body and instrument as tools of expression.
Presented in collaboration with @esschicago and produced by @eknierim, Scratching left a lasting impression on all who experienced it.
May 5
Nothing quite like that first moment stepping into a room full of your loved ones✨
📸: @madiellisphoto
Apr 29
🌷Spring is finally here—and with it, longer days, warmer temps, and the perfect excuse to get outside and explore Chicago!🏃♀️ Meet us Thursday, April 24 at 6PM for a guided running tour through the Loop, inspired by the historic 1909 Plan of Chicago. 🏙️
Led by tour guide @allison_b_yates, this curated route highlights iconic downtown locations tied to the visionary Daniel Burnham—legendary architect and proud member of the Chicago Athletic Association.
✨ Discover the city through Burnham’s eyes as you hit the pavement along the Chicago Riverfront and beyond.
Link in bio & all paces welcome!
Apr 22
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of @dontfretart, a visionary artist whose work brought wit, humor, and a distinctly Chicago voice to the streets and hearts of our city.
We are honored to have collaborated with Dont Fret on a special project for the Chicago Athletic Association, featuring his unique interpretation of our logo on limited-edition mugs and buttons. His ability to blend humor, humanity, and storytelling into every piece made this partnership one we’ll always treasure.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the creative community he inspired. Thank you, Dont Fret, for leaving behind a legacy that will continue to speak volumes far beyond Chicago.
In honor of his memory, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these mugs will be donated to Marwen, an organization that offers free visual arts education to Chicago youth from under-resourced communities, empowering the next generation of artists.
Apr 18
Get ready for a rootin’ tootin’ good time!
Grab your partner 🤠and join us for our quarterly Skate Rink Pop-Up on Saturday, April 19th! 🛼✨ This time, we’re going all out with a rodeo-themed skate party, so get ready to channel your inner cowboy or cowgirl! 🌵🐎 Wear your best western gear, including cowboy hats, bolo ties, and anything that fits the theme. 🤠 Enjoy exciting performances and shop with our western wear vendors.
Link in bio!
Apr 5
Proud to be part of the @sofarchicago community, bringing live music to unique and secret settings 🎶✨ On April 5th, we’re turning our historic basketball court, Stagg Court, into an intimate concert venue for a night of unforgettable performances. Three diverse acts, one legendary space—get ready for a truly immersive experience.
🎟️ Head to the link in our bio for tickets and to see what other events are happening in April!
Mar 30
Celebrating opening day with a nod to history! ⚾ Our logo has proudly made its mark in the world of Chicago baseball, a timeless symbol of the city’s passion for the game.
Mar 27
Settle in and stay awhile. With rich wood paneling, intricate fireplaces, and timeless charm, the Drawing Room is perfect for unwinding with a good book or great company.✨
📸: @zachhammer.co
Mar 20
Morning light streaming into our beloved Founders Room ✨ Featuring intricate woodwork and a historic library, this suite exudes timeless charm.
📸: @bylindseycole
Mar 12
🎉 Happy Birthday, Chicago! 🎂🏙️ We’re proud to be part of this city’s history. Here’s to 188 years of iconic architecture and a spirit that makes Chicago one of a kind.
📸: @dieegoedu
Mar 4
PLANET HER is back!🪐💫
For the third year in a row, @refinecltv is bringing PLANET HER to the Chicago Athletic Association on Friday, March 28, in honor of Women’s History Month!💖
More than a market, PLANET HER is a movement—a celebration of the women who shape culture through art, music, and entrepreneurship. Expect an out-of-this-world night bazaar featuring incredible Chicago-based women makers, artists, and musicians. Plus, DJ sets by @momamimusic & @francesca__eva to keep the vibes high all night long! 🎶🔥 Join us for a night of community, creativity, and cosmic energy.
#PLANETHER #WomensHistoryMonth #RefineCollective #SupportWomenOwned #ChicagoEvents #WomenWhoCreate
Feb 21
Looking for a Valentine’s Day gift that’s cozy, classic, and full of charm? Our online store has the perfect picks whether it’s for your Valentine, Galentine, or a little self-love.❤️
🎁 Curated gift sets—perfectly packed for the ones you love
🔥 Our signature robe—for cozy mornings and even cozier nights
☕ CAA mugs—because coffee tastes better together
🕯️ Blankets & candles—set the vibe, stay awhile
🏛️ Vintage-inspired keepsakes—a little piece of history, wrapped up with love
Shop by clicking “online store” in our bio.
Feb 5
🎶Fireside With at Chicago Athletic Association #🎶
Join us for Fireside With on March 11th, celebrating Chicago’s rich and diverse music scene presented in partnership with @hooliganmagazine, @chirpradio, and @lumpenradio. This intimate series brings together captivating performances and conversations with some of the city’s most innovative artists, set against the backdrop of the historic White City Ballroom. Performances by:
✨Tasha, recently casted in Illinoise, the Tony-nominated Broadway adaptation of Sufjan Stevens’ iconic album Illinois.
✨J Bambii, a Southside artist, educator, and community builder. Known for founding The Brown Skin Lady Show and Come Together, she’s currently crafting her debut album, Black American Beauty.
Tap the “Events Calendar” link in bio to learn more.
