WAC History
Originally founded as The Racquetball Club in 1976, we are now one club with eight great locations conveniently located in your neighborhood—down the street from where you live or work. Locally owned and operated, we have a vested interest in the well-being of the communities we serve. Our mission to “make a difference in people’s lives” extends to the businesses, organizations and neighbors that surround our clubs.
Our History
March 28, 1976
A few Milwaukee businessmen co-founded, built and operated our very first club in West Allis. It was originally an 8-court racquetball and social club called “The Racquetball Club.” At the West Allis club in the 70’s you would have found a fireplace, large lounge areas and couches, pull-out bleachers off the glass court, liquor lockers and a single Nautilus machine downstairs. Members enjoyed cocktail and tournament parties while watching national racquetball tours and US champions visit the club.
July 1976
Due to a rapid increase in membership (900!) the club expands to 12 courts and members’ bar.
August 1977
The Racquetball Club Northridge opens with 12 courts and 800 members.
March 1978
The Racquetball Club Waukesha opens with 10 courts a bar, lounge and 900 members.
March 1979
The West Allis Club expands to 16 courts with an outdoor pool and is renamed West Allis Racquetball and Fitness Club.
The Racquetball Club original sign in front of the lot that would eventually become the West Allis club
March 1980
The club owners meet several other club owners in Chicago to form IHRSA – International Health & Racquet Sports Club Association. IHRSA is the most respected club group organization in the industry and is made up of over 9,750+ high quality athletic clubs and 740 supplier companies in 78 countries worldwide.
July 1983
West Allis outdoor pool enclosed. Clubs change name to West Allis, Northridge and Waukesha Athletic Clubs.
November 1985
Waukesha adds indoor pool and whirlpool, expands locker rooms and adds additional fitness space.
1985-1990
Clubs continue to add members, fitness equipment and expanded fitness programs.
1980s WAC staff get together for a fitness advertisement
June 1997
Negotiations begin with Froedtert Hospital and Creative Rehabilitation to develop a new club at the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center in Wauwatosa.
June 1998
The old Club Universe real estate in Greenfield/Hales Corners is purchased and remodeled. Club names change to Wisconsin Athletic Club (WAC).
September 1998
WAC Greenfield/Hales Corners opens.
May 1999
A firehouse from the early 1900s is redesigned to house WAC Wauwatosa.
July 1999
WAC in Downtown Milwaukee opens in the 6th floor of the 411 Building on Wisconsin Avenue.
1993 Aerobics Class at the WAC West Allis
March 2000
IHRSA names WAC “Number One Racquetball Club in the Nation!”
Summer 2000
West Allis and Waukesha remodel and add new fitness equipment.
September 2000
The five WAC’s now total 10,000 memberships, 14,000 members and nearly 300 employees.
September 2001
Staff education program, WAC University, is launched.
October 2002
WAC Greenfield expands with 5,000 square foot addition.
May 2004
WAC Wauwatosa club is expanded to over 45,000 square feet making it the largest WAC club.
June 2005
WAC West Allis adds a personal training studio, a women’s only workout area and becomes the first club in Milwaukee to be open and staffed 24 hours a day.
August 2005
New WAC Business Office opens in West Allis.
October 2006
WAC North Shore opens as the sixth club in the WAC family.
October 2008
WAC Greenfield adds a personal training studio.
August 2009
WAC selected to manage Johnson Controls Fitness Center.
Ribbon cutting commemorating the opening of the WAC North Shore
August 2010
WAC Downtown undergoes a complete remodeling including new equipment.
November 2013
WAC Menomonee Falls opens as a brand new 47,500 square foot complete fitness center including indoor and outdoor pools.
June 2014
WAC designs, opens and manages the Fitness Center at Kohl’s Corporate Wellness Center.
December 2015
WAC Downtown remodels 6th floor and expands to include 7,500 square feet on 5th floor.
March 2016
WAC celebrates 40 years of fun, friends and fitness!
September 2016
WAC Brookfield opens as a 58,000 square foot club featuring an indoor and outdoor aquatic center, gym, innovative personal training studio, four group exercise studios, state-of-the-art fitness areas and adult playground area. (WAC Waukesha Closes.)
May 2019
The WAC purchases the Lake Country Racquet & Athletic Club in Hartland, adding an eighth location and Tennis programming to members.
The WAC Brookfield opened in 2016.
August 2022
WAC Greenfield undergoes an extensive remodel.
December 2022
WAC West Allis remodel converts 4 racquetball courts to fitness and group fitness spaces including an all new indoor turf field.
December 2023
WAC Downtown undergoes a major remodel and the addition of a new Cycle Studio.
April 2024
WAC North Shore undergoes an extensive remodel.
The West Allis Strike Studio was converted from an old racquetball court.