Lee O'Connell playing NCAA Men's Basketball for Bradley University

Lee O’Connell’s Legacy: A Journey of Love and Innovation in Peoria

Lee O’Connell's arrival in Peoria via Chicago's south side, where he played for the Bradley basketball team in the 1954 NCAA tournament, marked the start of his love affair with the city. After his stint in the Korean War, he chose to settle his family in Peoria and began building the Clubs at River City.

O'Connell transformed four tennis courts into a thriving fitness center, hosting professional tennis tournaments and serving the community's various fitness needs for over 50 years. His son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter manage the club to this day.

Revolutionizing Fitness: The Legacy of the Clubs at River City & the Peoria Area

O’Connell's leadership and vision to have the best club and attract the best employees resulted in numerous groundbreaking initiatives. 

He introduced the first senior fitness classes, the first free-standing youth fitness center in the US, and initiated cardiac rehabilitation and physical therapy programs in partnership with local hospitals.

O’Connell's generosity extended beyond his club, supporting local fundraisers such as the Family House 5-kilometer race and the St. Jude gymnastic and tennis tournaments. He was a man of the community and treated his staff like family.

Today, O’Connell's legacy lives on in the Club at River City and the community he cared for so deeply.

Lee O'Connell with grandchildren at the Clubs at River City

OUR MISSION

At our core, we are dedicated to providing exceptional service. We believe that your priorities are our priorities. Whether it's increasing your energy, improving your health, boosting your happiness, shedding some weight, building strength, finding inspiration, or enhancing your overall quality of life, we are here to support you every step of the way.


Contact Information

info@clubsatrivercity.com

 Athletic Club: (309) 693-5700

8603 N. University Peoria, IL 61615

Monday – Thursday: 5am – 9pm
Friday: 5am – 8pm
Saturday & Sunday: 7am – 6pm

 South Tennis: (309) 693-5710

1700 W. Altorfer Dr. Peoria, IL 61615

Monday – Thursday: 5am – 8pm
Friday: 5am – 6pm
Saturday: 8am – 12pm
Sunday: 8am – 12pm

North Tennis: (309) 693-5700

1527 W. Altorfer Dr. Peoria, IL 61615

Same as North Tennis Hours

Kid’s Club: (309) 693-5700

8615 N. University Peoria, IL 61615

Monday – Thursday: 3:30pm – 6:30pm
Saturday: 9am – 3pm

Kids Club Academy: (309) 693-5757

8615 N. University Peoria, IL 61615

Monday – Friday: 6:30am – 5:30pm

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