Alan Schwartz and Steven Schwartz Named to 2027 HFA Hall of Fame

The father-and-son duo, who shared a willingness to continually rethink what an athletic club can be, will be honored March 10 during the HFA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at The HFA Show 2027 in Las Vegas.

^{Alan Schwartz (left) and Steven Schwartz (right) are being inducted into the 2027 HFA Hall of Fame for the mark they have made in the tennis and luxury club market.}

For more than five decades, Alan G. Schwartz and Steven L. Schwartz have helped shape the evolution of the modern athletic club, building a legacy rooted in sports, innovation, hospitality, and community.

That shared impact will be recognized March 10 when Alan and Steven will be inducted into the HFA Hall of Fame during The HFA Show 2027 in Las Vegas.

The Schwartzes are members of the six-person 2027 HFA Hall of Fame class.

“Alan and Steven Schwartz have each made an extraordinary and lasting contribution to our industry,” said HFA Interim President and CEO Greta Wagner. “Alan was a true pioneer who helped establish the foundation for the modern athletic club, challenging conventional thinking and creating opportunities that extended well beyond tennis. Steven has built on that legacy while establishing himself as a visionary leader in his own right, continually raising expectations for what a club can offer and redefining the intersection of fitness, hospitality, and community. Honoring them together is especially meaningful because their individual achievements, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to innovation represent the very best of our industry.”

Building a Foundation in Tennis

In 1970, Alan and his father, Kevie Schwartz, opened Midtown Tennis Club in Chicago, then the world’s largest indoor tennis club. The venture became the foundation of Tennis Corporation of America (TCA), an enterprise that expanded into multipurpose athletic clubs, corporate fitness, and wellness management. Alan served as CEO and chairman until 1995, building a company that became a major force in the club industry.

He was the president of the National Indoor Tennis Association and was active in the formation of HFA (formerly IHRSA).  He led the effort to develop the IHRSA Institute, the formal manager and owner training program first offered at Michigan State University, and led the effort to develop the Industry Data Survey with an independent accounting firm to enhance the credibility of the club industry with financial institutions to make getting loans easier for club owners.

His influence extended well beyond Midtown. A eight-time national championship tennis player, Alan served as president of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) from 2003 to 2004 and as vice president of the International Tennis Federation, helping advance the sport nationally and internationally.

He helped develop the National Tennis Rating Program, championed improvements in tennis facilities and instruction, and played an important role in creating the US Open Series, created the USTA mission statement that is still used today, and led the development and construction of the Indoor tennis facility at the Billie Jean Kings National Tennis Center, and the effort to gain a AAA bond rating for the USTA.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

After building his early career in hospitality, including serving as director of development for Hyatt Hotels, Steven joined Midtown in 1987 and became CEO in 1995. Recognizing opportunities to broaden the traditional tennis club model, he led the company’s evolution into a collection of luxury athletic clubs and sports resorts where fitness, recreation, wellness, hospitality, and social connection come together in a comprehensive member experience.

Under his leadership, the company evolved from a tennis-focused business into a recognized leader in the premium athletic club market. Today, Midtown operates eight locations across the United States and Canada.

Steven spearheaded a major redevelopment of the company’s flagship property, creating a destination that integrates world-class fitness and racquet sports, boutique exercise studios, swimming, spa and wellness experiences, upscale dining, and a luxury boutique hotel.

Steven has also contributed to the broader industry through service on the board of the Health & Fitness Association. He also is actively involved with community organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Chicago Run, The George Eastman Museum, and the Chicago Architecture Center.

Alan passed away on December 2, 2022 at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy spanning business, sport, and community service. Together, Alan and Steven represent two generations of leadership and a shared willingness to continually rethink what an athletic club can be.

Celebrating Six Trailblazers Who Shaped Fitness

Alan and Steven will be formally inducted into the HFA Hall of Fame on March 10 during the opening night of The HFA Show 2027 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The HFA Show takes place March 10-12.

Tickets to the ceremony are available as an add-on to registration to The HFA Show. Proceeds from HFA Hall of Fame ticket sales benefit the HFA Foundation, supporting research and grants designed to help the fitness industry build healthier communities.