The International Propeller Club, Port of Chicago
OUR VISION – Build relationships, create opportunities, attract investment
- Chicago Propeller Club is the home of maritime industry networking in Illinois, the Great Lakes and Mid-West inland waterways regions.
- Our aim is to make a positive difference welcoming professionals from all segments of the maritime industry.
- We believe a resurgent Chicago Propeller Club can strengthen our maritime community, building closer relationships, creating opportunities for our members while driving investment into Chicago and the Mid-West from a $3trillion global industry.
- At the heart of our ambitions is to raise awareness of the importance maritime here in the Mid-West as fundamental to trade as well as job and wealth creation.
- We want to raise awareness of Chicago’s status as America’s principle interior trade route to the St Lawrence Seaway, the Atlantic, the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico.
- We further aim to celebrate Chicago’s rich maritime heritage from its earliest days as a fur trading port to becoming one of the busiest ports in the world in the early 20th century.
A REVITALIZED CLUB
- The Chicago Propeller Club was first established in 1933 and is a chapter of the US headquartered International Propeller Club of the United States, giving our members access to largest maritime networking organization in the world representing more than 70 clubs and 5000 individual members.
- The Chicago Propeller Club is being revitalized and reconstituted in 2024 after being dormant for 10 years. Under new leadership, drawn from some of the leading maritime organizations on the Great Lakes, the club is planning four major networking events. This will include events around National Maritime Day on May 22 and the American Great Lakes Ports Association Conference in August.
- Our membership is diverse and our first ‘kickstarter’ events in the autumn of 2023 welcomed businesses and organizations ranging from Government agencies including Illinois International Port District, the Ports of Indiana, the US Coastguard, the St Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation and the US Commercial Service to shipping lines, barge operators, lake carriers, boatyards, marine equipment manufacturers, freight forwarders, stevedores, law firms, insurers and professional services companies.
- Membership starts from $150 for an individual while corporate members start at $1000 bronze $3000 Silver, $6000 Gold. For more details contact: chicagopropellerclub24@gmail.com
LATEST NEWS
- Chicago Propeller Club welcomes Brooke Picillo Baldassari to the Board
The Chicago Propeller Club is delighted to welcome Brooke Picillo Baldassari to its Board of Directors. As a former US Navy Lieutenant and Merchant Marine …Read more “Chicago Propeller Club welcomes Brooke Picillo Baldassari to the Board”
- Chicago Propeller Club announces refreshed boardThe Chicago Propeller Club is pleased to announce a refreshed Board for the 2026–2027 term.🔹 Ben Pinnington, Founder of Polaris Media, steps into the role …
Read more “Chicago Propeller Club announces refreshed board”
- Chicago’s Maritime Leaders Call for Greater Unity and Visibility
The Chicago Maritime community needs to work together more than ever and be proud to talk of its successes, leading voices in the industry have …Read more “Chicago’s Maritime Leaders Call for Greater Unity and Visibility”
- HDR joins Chicago Propeller Club as a bronze-level sponsor
We are delighted to announce that HDR Inc. has joined the Chicago Propeller Club as a bronze-level sponsor. The latest partner to join our expanding chapter, HDR has forged …Read more “HDR joins Chicago Propeller Club as a bronze-level sponsor”
- Chicago Propeller Club President Chris Carr named International Propeller Club member of the year
Congratulations to our President Chris Carr for being named International Propeller Club member of the year.Chris collected the award at the International Propeller Club convention … - Calling maritime professionals working in Chicago, the MidWest and Great Lakes!
We’re delighted to report you can register now for the next Chicago Propeller Club event on October 29 🍾 🥂 🚢 Our final event of …Read more “Calling maritime professionals working in Chicago, the MidWest and Great Lakes!”
- Chicago Propeller Club hears maritime industry rallying cry from MARAD acting administrator
The United States has entered a new era of maritime strength, the head of the Maritime Administration told the Chicago Propeller Club’s flagship summer event at Chicago Yacht Club. - JD Fields confirmed as drinks sponsor for August 13 Great Lakes VIP Reception
We are delighted to announce JD Fields & Company, Inc. as the official drinks sponsor for our Club’s flagship summer event – the Great Lakes …Read more “JD Fields confirmed as drinks sponsor for August 13 Great Lakes VIP Reception”
- Chicago Propeller Club backs veteran-led maritime initiatives
The Chicago Propeller Club is proud to be increasing its support for seafarer charities and veteran-led businesses as part of its wider mission to serve …Read more “Chicago Propeller Club backs veteran-led maritime initiatives”
- InSpectre Solutions International joins Chicago Propeller Club as silver sponsors
We are pleased to announce that InSpectre Solutions International has joined the Chicago Propeller Club as a silver-level sponsor. Based in Dana Point, California, InSpectre …Read more “InSpectre Solutions International joins Chicago Propeller Club as silver sponsors”
- A Memorable Maritime Day Luncheon Cruise
We would like to thank everyone who attended the Chicago Propeller Club Maritime Day luncheon cruise with City Cruises On what was a terrific day, … - Join Us for the Chicago Propeller Club’s Maritime Day Networking Cruise – May 22
We are delighted to share that on May 22 we will be hosting an exclusive Maritime Day Networking Cruise in partnership with event sponsor City …Read more “Join Us for the Chicago Propeller Club’s Maritime Day Networking Cruise – May 22”









