Application Process for Full Membership

The River Forest Tennis Club depends on members who value the self-directed, working tradition of the club and who want to engage in the varied athletic, social and volunteer activities it has to offer. The membership process enlists those most familiar with the Club – it’s members – to actively and considerately perpetuate its growth. As such, application to and membership in the RFTC is at the invitation of current, active members. The Club hosts a Winter Party for members and their guests, to provide prospective newcomers the opportunity to become familiar with RFTC.

Applications for active and junior active memberships are accepted once a year in the late winter. Applicants must be sponsored by two RFTC member couples with two additional couples serving as references. The Board of Directors selects the new member class from these applications in late April, after meeting briefly with all the applicants. Membership in RFTC is limited to 225 families and the number of openings varies each year. Applicants should be prepared for a two year process, as the number of applications in any one year may exceed the number of openings.

Membership Classifications

Two classifications of full memberships are available to new members: Active and Junior Active. Both entitle members to full use of the Club. Junior Active membership applies to those couples where one of the applicants is over 21 but not yet 32 years of age. When that member reaches 34, the couple is asked to “fly up,” or join another new class and repeat the first summer of fun all over again. Since Junior Active dues are 2/3 that of full members, it is financially advantageous for those who qualify to apply as Junior Actives.

In addition, there are three types of one-season memberships available: Senior, Collegiate and Junior Privilege Holders. Eligibility is dependent upon age and school attendance. All Privilege Holders have full use of the courts and pool during the day while Senior and Collegiate Privilege holders have extended access after 4:30 PM.