History & Mission

Lee O’Connell first hit Peoria’s radar as a guard for the Bradley University Braves in the 1972 NCAA Tournament. Fresh from Korean‑War duty, he planted roots—and a dream—on four humble tennis courts, shaping them into The Clubs at River City, a fitness playground that has hosted pro tournaments and countless workouts for more than five decades. 

O’Connell pioneered senior classes and the nation’s first stand‑alone youth fitness center. Partnering with local hospitals, he launched cardiac‑rehab and physical‑therapy programs, while charity races and St. Jude tennis classics proved sweat can power hope. 

Today his son, daughter‑in‑law, and granddaughter keep the lights bright and the courts busy—still family‑run after fifty years—honoring Lee’s creed: build community, hire the best, and always play with heart.

Guided by a simple mantra—hire great people and serve every age—Lee O’Connell kept chiseling fresh firsts. 

He rolled out Peoria’s inaugural senior‑fitness classes, opened the nation’s first stand‑alone youth training center, and, with local hospitals, launched early cardiac‑rehab and physical‑therapy programs. 

His reach stretched beyond the Clubs at River City; charity 5Ks for Family House and St. Jude tennis classics turned sweat into support. Today, the O’Connell family protects that spirit, keeping Peoria moving and connected.

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