Chicago has one of the most active boating and sailing communities on the Great Lakes. From private yacht clubs to casual boat-share memberships and competitive sailing programs, these organizations serve boat owners, buyers, and enthusiasts across Lake Michigan and the Chicago River system.

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This guide lists major yacht clubs, sailing clubs, and boat membership clubs serving the Chicago boating community.

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Chicago Yacht Clubs

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Chicago Yacht Club

Location: Belmont Harbor & Monroe Harbor, Chicago, IL
Overview: One of the premier Great Lakes yacht clubs offering sailing programs, regattas, dining, and marina facilities.
Contact: (312) 861-7777
Website: https://www.chicagoyachtclub.org

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Columbia Yacht Club

Location: DuSable Harbor, Chicago, IL
Overview: Floating clubhouse with sailing programs, racing teams, and marina slips.
Contact: (312) 863-9500
Website: https://www.columbia-yacht-club.org

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Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club

Location: Belmont Harbor, Chicago, IL
Overview: Member-driven sailing club with racing and cruising activities.
Contact: (773) 281-4400
Website: https://www.chicagocorinthian.com

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Jackson Park Yacht Club

Location: Jackson Park Inner Harbor, Chicago, IL
Overview: Long-standing South Side yacht club offering slips, sailing, and social events.
Contact: (773) 288-8989
Website: https://www.jacksonparkyachtclub.org

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South Shore Yacht Club

Location: 7059 S South Shore Dr, Chicago, IL
Overview: Historic club serving South Shore Harbor boaters.
Contact: (773) 363-0250
Website: https://www.southshoreyc.com

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Chicago Sailing Clubs & Programs

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Chicago Sailing School

Location: Monroe Harbor & Belmont Harbor
Overview: Sailing instruction, rentals, certifications, and club membership options.
Contact: (312) 859-9055
Website: https://www.chicagosailing.com

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Northwestern University Sailing Center

Location: Wilmette Harbor (north suburban Chicago)
Overview: Collegiate and community sailing programs.
Website: https://sailing.northwestern.edu

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Chicago Match Race Center

Location: Belmont Harbor
Overview: Competitive match-racing and training center.
Website: https://www.chicagomatchracecenter.org

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Regional Yacht Clubs Serving the Chicago Market

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Lake Forest Sailing Club

Location: Lake Forest, IL
Website: https://www.lakeforestsailingclub.com

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Wilmette Harbor Association

Location: Wilmette, IL
Website: https://wilmetteharbor.org

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Waukegan Yacht Club

Location: Waukegan, IL
Website: https://www.waukeganyachtclub.org

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Why This Matters for Boat Owners

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Most yacht clubs and sailing organizations require:
• Proof of insurance
• Safe vessel condition
• Periodic surveys for resale or coverage

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Great River & Lakes Marine Surveying works with Chicago-area yacht clubs, sailing programs, and boat owners to provide:

• Pre-purchase surveys
• Insurance condition surveys
• Valuation surveys
• Annual condition inspections

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