Oak Brook Racquet and Fitness Club closing May 31

WESTMONT – The Oak Brook Racquet and Fitness Club has announced it will officially close its doors May 31.

The club’s owners, Gregg and Patti Pill and Paul and Cindy Stark, made the announcement in a letter to its members earlier this month. In the letter, the owners said the decision was not made lightly, but two main factors ultimately forced their hands.

One reason was the club is surrounded by auto dealerships, which limited its ability to grow.

“This situation has severely limited our ability to grow the business further,” the letter stated, adding that the Laurel BMW of Westmont Drive plans to buy the building and property. “Businesses that cannot grow eventually die,” .

The other reason listed in the letter was the decreasing trend in using an independent fitness club. Member acquisition and retention had become difficult and consumer spending was tight. Additionally, larger and lower-cost operators were taking over any potential growth, according to the owners.

“Simply put, clubs like ours are being squeezed out,” the letter said. “It’s too bad, but that’s the business reality of our industry right now.”

Mayor Ron Gunter called it a shame to lose a “jewel” like the Oak Brook Racquet and Fitness Club.

“That business has been there since the early ’70s. And it always has been the premier tennis club,” Gunter said. “You hate to see something with that long of a history and tradition leave.”

Gunter, who also serves as the executive director of the Park District, said the biggest loss will be the tennis courts and pool.

But he believes the property will be developed by the car dealership and won’t just sit vacant for years to come.

The club will remain operational through May 31 and will continue to provide drills, leagues, personal training, small-group training and the classes.

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