The Clubhouse is Closed. The Racetrack is Open. A Greater Illinois and Club Chefs of Chicago Social Experience.

Entry Details

The Chapter partnered with Club Chefs of Chicago to create an energetic and relationship-focused social program: a 90-Minute Kart Enduro at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Illinois. The event will bring together club managers and club chefs for an evening of friendly competition, camaraderie, and conversation outside of their traditional club environments.

Built around the playful question, “Who Really Runs the Club?”, the event places members of the two allied associations on the racetrack for a 90-minute endurance competition. The format encourages teamwork, strategy, communication, and good-natured rivalry; qualities that also define successful manager-chef partnerships within private clubs.

The social experience extends beyond the race itself. The evening includes a reception and a Chef’s Choice Buffet, creating multiple opportunities for attendees to build relationships, reconnect with peers, and meet professionals from the allied association. Combining shared activity with relaxed hospitality allows participants to interact naturally, develop stronger working relationships, and enjoy a distinctive Chapter event.

This idea expands member connection beyond CMAA alone, strengthening relationships with culinary professionals who are essential partners in club operations. It demonstrated that meaningful professional relationships can be built through fun, engaging, and intentionally designed social programming.

Implementation

The Chapter collaborated with Club Chefs of Chicago to plan the event at Autobahn Country Club. The two associations developed a race-inspired program that included a 90-minute kart endurance race, cocktail hour, and Chef’s Choice Buffet.

The event is promoted with a bold, customized graphic that positioned the program as a friendly challenge between club managers and club chefs. The clear, high-energy theme, “The Clubhouse Is Closed. The Racetrack Is Open.” creates excitement and gives members a compelling reason to participate.

Attendees can step away from daily club responsibilities, share an experience with peers, and connect with professionals whose work directly overlaps with their own. The mix of competition, food and beverage, and networking created a relaxed atmosphere that encourages camaraderie and strengthens the relationship between the two associations.  Chapter members are excited; many are also happy to see we are doing something other than golf, because although we work in the industry, not everyone golfs!