Chicago Midway Opens Its First-Ever Premium Lounge: The Club MDW

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) has reached a milestone in its 96-year history with unveiling its first-ever premium lounge, The Club MDW.

This momentous addition, developed by Airport Dimensions—a global leader in enhancing airport experiences—marks a significant upgrade to the airport’s amenities. The lounge’s opening comes just months after completing the $400 million Midway Modernization Program, part of a broader effort to elevate the travel experience at Chicago’s original hometown airport.

Photo: Courtesy of Airport Dimensions / The Club MDW

The new lounge’s opening was celebrated by Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) in collaboration with Midway Partnership and Airport Dimensions.

“Midway International Airport is an essential gateway for our city, and The Club MDW is a key part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the travel experience here in Chicago for leisure and business passengers,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said at the event.

“Each year, more than 22.7 million people travel through Midway, and we’re excited to be able to offer each of them this new service worthy of our world-class city,” added the Mayor.

Elevating the Travel Experience

The Club MDW, located near Gate B1 in the recently renovated Central Market, offers travelers a serene space to relax with many premium amenities.

Visitors to the lounge can enjoy complimentary refreshments, diverse seating arrangements, and workspaces equipped with charging stations.

Photo: Courtesy of Airport Dimensions / The Club MDW

For travelers needing a break from the hustle and bustle, expansive windows provide sweeping views of the airfield. The lounge caters to passengers looking for both comfort and functionality, serving as a hub for work, relaxation, and socializing.

“Opening The Club MDW is a continuation of the work completed through the Midway Modernization Program, and it is one of many upgrades passengers can expect as we transform Chicago’s original hometown airport,” noted CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee.

Concept and Design

The design of The Club MDW is a striking homage to Chicago’s iconic architectural legacy. The 3,300-square-foot lounge draws inspiration from the city’s renowned Art Deco and mid-century modern styles, incorporating high-contrast monochromatic tones, arched walls, and gilded details that evoke the elegance of the Windy City’s legendary skyline.

Photo: Courtesy of Airport Dimensions / The Club MDW

The combination of marble and metallic accents adds a dramatic flair, blending classic geometry with plush textures to create an inviting space for travelers.

Adding a unique local touch, the lounge features photography by renowned Chicago artists Mark Hersch and Angie McMonigal. Hersch’s work captures the intersection of space and time, blending the past and present in a way that mirrors Chicago’s architectural evolution.

Photo: Courtesy of Airport Dimensions / The Club MDW

His images reflect a lifelong passion for history, art, and science, combining these elements to celebrate the city’s dynamic skyline. McMonigal’s photography, on the other hand, focuses on the intricate details of the built environment, offering bold yet elegant representations of the structures that shape urban life.

This carefully curated aesthetic pays tribute to Chicago’s architectural legacy and offers travelers a sense of the city’s rich history as they relax before their next flight.

Photo: Courtesy of Airport Dimensions / The Club MDW

With its blend of dramatic design elements and artistic inspiration, The Club MDW creates a warm, inviting space that truly elevates the airport lounge experience.

Access and Amenities

Open to all travelers—regardless of airline or class of service—The Club MDW is accessible through a $ 50-day pass or memberships in lounge networks such as Priority Pass and LoungeKey.

Photo: Courtesy of Airport Dimensions / The Club MDW

Passengers can access the lounge for up to three hours before departure, and the space has a capacity of nearly 100 guests. The lounge will operate from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with bar service beginning at 6 a.m.

The project, completed at a cost of approximately $5 million, will employ around 50 full-time workers.

Local Chicago Flavors

In line with the airport’s commitment to celebrating Chicago’s culture, The Club MDW features local products and flavors, offering travelers a unique taste of the city.

Photo: Courtesy of Airport Dimensions / The Club MDW

Guests can enjoy craft beers from Revolution Brewing and Two Brothers Brewing and spirits from KOVAL Distillery.

For food, the lounge provides a selection of dishes catering to early-morning travelers and those arriving later in the day. Breakfast offerings include oatmeal, scrambled eggs, whole wheat blueberry waffles, a “Build Your Own Yogurt Parfait” station, English muffins with various toppings, and mini blueberry muffins. Travelers looking for a lighter start can also choose from a variety of cereals.

Photo: Courtesy of Airport Dimensions / The Club MDW

The all-day menu includes a Soup of the Day, such as a hearty Pasta e Fagioli, and local flavors like Andouille sausage served with bell peppers, onions, and chili lime rice. For vegetarian options, there’s soy-glazed tempeh. Cold plates include refreshing rotini pasta salad and couscous salad, ensuring something for every palate.

This combination of local cuisine and hospitality ensures that The Club MDW offers a true taste of Chicago, making the lounge an integral part of the traveler’s journey.

Photo: Courtesy of Airport Dimensions / The Club MDW

“As a native Chicagoan and small business owner, it is extremely exciting to be a part of the team bringing the first lounge to Midway,” said Marc Brooks, President and CEO of Hyde Park Hospitality, which will manage the lounge’s operations. Hyde Park Hospitality, a certified Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE), is a key partner in ensuring high service quality for lounge guests.

A Key Milestone for Midway

The opening of The Club MDW represents another significant step in Midway International Airport’s ongoing transformation. For travelers, it offers a new level of comfort and convenience.

Sammy Patel, CEO of Midway Partnership, expressed excitement for the airport’s future, saying, “This latest amenity is an excellent addition to our world-class concession program, offering another option for guests looking to relax and enjoy the journey through Midway.”

Photo: Courtesy of Chicago Midway Airport

As part of Midway Partnership’s broader initiatives, the group, along with Airport Dimensions and Hyde Park Hospitality, will make a $10,000 donation to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, further reflecting their commitment to the community.

With the addition of The Club MDW, Midway International Airport is set to elevate its standing as a key player in Chicago’s aviation landscape. The investment in the lounge underscores the city’s focus on providing a world-class experience for travelers and solidifies Midway’s reputation as a gateway not just to Chicago, but to the world.

Airport Dimensions in North America

Chase Sapphire and The Club lounges provide premium experiences for travelers across the U.S., including New York. At John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club partners with Etihad Airways to offer a luxurious space for passengers.

Chase Sapphire’s lounge at New York JFK International Airport / Photo: Courtesy of Chase Sapphire

Meanwhile, LaGuardia Airport (LGA) features the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club, providing another upscale option for New York travelers.

Alongside these, lounges can be found at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) with the Chase Sapphire Terrace, Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) with the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club in Terminal B and The Lounge in Terminal C, and at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with The Club in Concourse F.

Photo: Fireplace at The Club, SFO. Courtesy of Corgan

Other notable lounges include The Club Buffalo (BUF), The Club Orlando (MCO), with locations in both airsides 1 and 4, and the recently inaugurated The Club San Francisco (SFO) at Harvey Milk Terminal 1.

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) offers two The Club lounges in Concourse A and the South Satellite, ensuring travelers can access premium amenities wherever they go.