Make No Little Plans
The Commercial Club of Chicago works to shape Chicago’s future to make our region a better place for everyone to live, work, and do business.
Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago
Focus Fuels Progress.
The Civic Committee works with business leaders, public officials, and other civic and community organizations on game-changing initiatives to promote the social and economic well-being of our region.
AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
Our work continues through the efforts of our affiliated organizations – extending our impact on the City, region, and State.
Civic Consulting Alliance
Kids First Chicago
P33
WHO WE ARE
We are senior leaders spanning the business, education, civic, and cultural sectors — unified by our excitement for the future of Chicago.

Ms. Michelle Collins
President, Cambium LLC
Member Since 1998

Mr. Newt Minow
Senior Counsel, Sidley Austin LLP
Member Since 1974

Mr. Walter Massey
Senior Advisor to the President, The University of Chicago
Member Since 1983

Veterans Working Group
We are helping our companies hire, retain, and support returning veterans.


“For 142 years, the Commercial Club has been the voice and vision of the business and professional communities in Chicago. It has recommended and then collaborated with the political leadership of the City and State to advance those projects that helped make Chicago a great city. Don Perkins advanced this concept when he developed the Civic Committee as an action arm of the Commercial Club in 1983.”
Lester Crown
Chairman Emeritus, Henry Crown and Company
Member Since 1972


“One of the many strengths of Chicago is its diverse and engaged business community. The Commercial Club is an extraordinary venue for us to gain insight in order to help strengthen the fabric of our city.”
Valerie Jarrett
President, Barack Obama Foundation | Senior Distinguished Fellow at the University of Chicago Law School
Member Since 1998

“The Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago provides the experience, perspective and connections that have made our philanthropic efforts and community partnerships at Peoples Gas so successful. It is an absolutely critical resource for leaders of area companies who want to make a real difference in the communities they serve.”
Charles Matthews
President and Chief Executive Officer, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas
Member Since 2016

“The Commercial Club brings together hardworking leaders across Chicago with a shared commitment to use their power for good. Together, members connect, collaborate and influence positive change that fuels the bright future of our city.”
Mary Dillon
Chief Executive Officer, Ulta Beauty
Member Since 2011
145
YEAR HISTORY
375
ACTIVE MEMBERS
1,099
MEETINGS OF COMMERCIAL CLUB MEMBERS
COMMERCIAL CLUB IN THE NEWS
Chicago biz community’s still got it, new Commercial Club chief says
CRAIN’S, 10/20/2022
The Commercial Club of Chicago and Civic Committee Announce New Chairs
07/19/2022
Derek R. B. Douglas Takes the Helm of the Civic Committee and Commercial Club of Chicago
06/06/2022
The Commercial Club of Chicago and Civic Committee Announce New Chairs
07/19/2022
Derek R. B. Douglas Takes the Helm of the Civic Committee and Commercial Club of Chicago
06/06/2022
