The Midtown Heritage
Ever wonder how our clubs became leaders in tennis innovation?
This is our story.
In the Beginning
Alan Schwartz, an accomplished tennis player looking for a place to play, was unsatisfied with the existing indoor tennis facilities in Chicago in the 1960s.
In 1969, he and his father Kevie Schwartz formed Tennis Corporation of America, and on October 16, 1970, they opened Midtown Athletic Club’s first location, Midtown Tennis Club, at 2020 West Fullerton Avenue in Chicago.
It was the largest indoor tennis club in the world at the time.
Our goals to improve the game of tennis didn't stop there.
In 1973, we began expanding, opening clubs in markets where indoor tennis facilities were most needed based on demand and climate, including additional locations in Rochester, NY; the Chicagoland area; Atlanta, GA; Montreal, Canada; and Weston, FL.
In addition, we:
- Created an indoor tennis environment that mimicks the outdoor visibility so important to the game, perfecting the lighting necessary to make the ball easily trackable.
- Invented Tennis Turf, a cushioned court surface that takes the stress off of players’ joints without affecting the bounce of the ball.
- Developed the National Tennis Rating Program (N.T.R.P), now the industry standard for ranking players worldwide, and gave it to the USTA as an act of goodwill.
- Created the 4-inch baseline, so that it was easier for players and linesmen to see the ball in and out. It has become the standard and was adopted at all major tournaments in the United States.
- Created Tennis in No Time (TNT), the only patented adult beginner tennis program in North America.
- Became the leading provider of Cardio Tennis in the world, and hosted the largest Cardio Tennis event ever with 187 participants.
- Developed a Junior Development Program that became the USTA model for 10 and Under Tennis. Midtown juniors were chosen to play against Novak Djokovic, Andy Roddick, Melanie Oudin, and Lindsey Vonn in front of 22,000 people during the Arthur Ashe Kids Day at the US Open.
INNOVATIVE PROGRAMMING
Our innovative tennis programming is expansive. Whether starting from scratch or looking to improve your performance, we have a level-appropriate program for you.
We developed Tennis in No Time and TenniSchools programs through which over 100,000 players have learned the sport. Our adult lessons, teams and leagues, taught by the nation’s top pros, are designed to fulfill both the competitive and social spirits of all players. Customized to their interests and skill levels, they enable members to focus on improving and enjoying their game.
Midtown’s Junior Development PathwaySM and competitive programs were developed in a similar way; classes teach age- and ability-appropriate skills for players ages 3-18 and follow them through their advanced skills as they grow and thrive.
Our Tennis Explorers program for preschoolers delivers a fun and creative approach to giving 3 and 4 year old kids a great start in the sport, and a boost in developing their motor skills - the foundation of all athletics. Using a careful blend of developmentally sound physical activities, tennis skills, and storytelling in an on-court environment, kids and parents get to play together and have fun.
With such a diverse program offering, our members can focus on advancing their game according to their interests and skill level.
SUCCESS
Over the years, many of the games’ most recognized and revered professionals have graced Midtown’s courts.
From 1983 to 2002, Midtown was the home court of Billie Jean King who has often referred to Midtown Tennis Club (now known as Midtown Athletic Club in Chicago) as the best facility for tennis in the country. Midtown is also where Andre Agassi won his first national junior tournament at the age of 14, where John McEnroe won his first national championship, and where Venus Williams has played.
Other notable Midtown players include Harrison Ford, the Obamas, and Elton John.
And our own Founder, Alan Schwartz, is a former President of the USTA.
Beyond Tennis
We have adopted the strategy of developing existing athletic clubs to improve the quality of life within the communities we operate, effectively maintaining the feel of the neighborhoods in which the clubs are based.
In the 1990s, recognizing the spreading popularity of aerobics and the need for multifunctional fitness amenities, we expanded our facilities to provide for group exercise classes and fitness facilities, and other amenities such as our M Cafes, Kidtown childcare centers, and spas. The new fitness and wellness areas complemented the tennis heritage of the clubs, adding a new dimension that further augmented the Midtown name.
Each location is a place where members work towards their goals, de-stress, recharge, and spend time with their family and friends, and where they feel a sense of comfort. Throughout the years, each Midtown club has built a community of long-term members who connect with each other on a level beyond fitness.
While tennis is still our cornerstone, our fitness and wellness centers complement our heritage, adding a new dimension that further augments the Midtown name.
Visit your local club to learn why so many hold us in such high regard.