Celebrating 50 Years of the Wisconsin Athletic Club

In 2026, we proudly celebrate 50 years of strength, community, and transformation. What began in 1976 as a humble eight-court racquetball and social club in West Allis has grown into Wisconsin Athletic Club, a vibrant, locally-owned fitness family with eight full-service locations across southeastern Wisconsin. Through decades of evolving classes, upgraded facilities, and dedicated team members, we’ve helped thousands of members build healthier habits, forge friendships, and reach their wellness goals. As we mark this golden milestone, we look back with gratitude and forward with excitement for what the next 50 years will bring.

Explore the 50-year timeline below.

Racquetball Club Opens

MAR

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1976

The Racquetball Club Opens

The first club opened in West Allis as an eight-court racquetball and social club with lounges, fireplace seating, cocktail parties, tournament events, and visits from national racquetball champions.

WAC Celebrates 50 Years

1970s

Early Expansion

Growth Era – 80s

July 1983
Club Names Changed
The West Allis outdoor pool was enclosed for year-round enjoyment, and the clubs were renamed the West Allis, Northridge and Waukesha Athletic Clubs.

1983–1990s
The Growth Era
The clubs continued expanding with more equipment, growing fitness programs, and increasing membership. The Northridge club retires.

The Growth Era

Early Expansion

1980s

Wisconsin Athletic Club

The WAC Grows to 5 Clubs

May 1999
Wauwatosa Club Opened
WAC Wauwatosa opened inside a redesigned early-1900s firehouse, bringing a unique historic setting to the club experience.

July 1999
Downtown Club Opened
WAC Downtown opened on the 6th floor of the 411 Building, offering a convenient fitness option in Milwaukee’s central business district.

WAC Grows to 5 Clubs

Wisconsin Athletic Club

1999

A New Millennium

A New Millennium

October 2002
Greenfield Expanded
WAC Greenfield expanded with a 5,000-square-foot addition to support growing training needs.

May 2004
Wauwatosa Expanded
WAC Wauwatosa expanded to more than 45,000 square feet, becoming the largest WAC club at the time.

June 2005
New Spaces at West Allis
WAC West Allis added a personal training studio and a women’s-only workout area.

August 2005
Business Office Opened
A new WAC Business Office opened in West Allis to support growing operations.

A New Millennium

WAC Grows to 5 Clubs

2000s

North Shore Opens

Renewal & Reinvestment

August 2022
Greenfield Remodeled
WAC Greenfield completed an extensive remodel, refreshing fitness and training spaces.

December 2022
West Allis Added New Spaces
WAC West Allis transformed four racquetball courts into new fitness and group fitness spaces, added an indoor turf field, and built four outdoor pickleball courts.

December 2023
Downtown Remodeled
WAC Downtown completed a major remodel and added a new Ride Studio.

Renewal & Reinvestment

Lake Country Added

2020s

Building for What’s Next

We’re Building for What’s Next

April 2024
North Shore Remodeled
WAC North Shore completed a significant remodel with updated spaces and expanded training options.

September 2024
Wauwatosa Expanded
WAC Wauwatosa expanded again, adding a lower-level fitness floor, Lotus Studio, Ride Studio, and an indoor turf training field.

Building for What’s Next

Renewal & Reinvestment

2020s

WAC Celebrates 50 Years

50th Anniversary Events

We’re celebrating all year long with a lineup of special events, limited-time experiences, and fun surprises designed to bring our community together. From longtime favorites to brand-new offerings, there will be something to look forward to in every season. Check out what’s coming up!

This page will be updated regularly, so be sure to check back often as new events and ways to join in the celebration are added throughout the year.

WAC Hockey Game Night

Friday, February 20