Club History
Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.
Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian service. Members have a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities and around the world.
Rotary has been working to eradicate polio for over 30 years, and the Rotary goal of ridding the earth of this disease is in sight. Rotary started in 1979 with vaccinations for 6 million children in the Philippines. Today, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan are the only countries where polio remains endemic. The first Club event to benefit the eradication of polio was held in 1987 and was hosted by Gene Autry. The Club continues to support the Rotary Foundation in its efforts to eradicate polio. each leader is committed to empowering our members to connect and take action, fostering lasting change.