Father and son to be honored for two generations of visionary leadership that redefined the modern athletic club and continues to influence the future of fitness, sports, and hospitality.

Washington, DC–October 12, 2026–Few families have left as significant a mark on the health and fitness industry as the Schwartz family. For more than five decades, Alan G. Schwartz and his son, Steven L. Schwartz, have challenged conventional thinking about what an athletic club can be, creating a business that has influenced generations of club operators and helped establish a new standard for fitness, recreation, hospitality, and community.

On March 10, 2027, the Health & Fitness Association (HFA) will honor their extraordinary individual contributions and shared legacy by inducting both men into the Health & Fitness Hall of Fame during the opening night of The HFA Show 2027 in Las Vegas.

The HFA Hall of Fame recognizes the visionaries, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders whose contributions have transformed the health and fitness industry. The induction of Alan and Steven Schwartz celebrates two generations of leadership, from the pioneering development of the modern athletic club to the continued evolution of luxury fitness and hospitality under Steven’s direction.

“Alan and Steven Schwartz have each made an extraordinary and lasting contribution to our industry,” said Greta Wagner, HFA Interim President and CEO. “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.”

Alan G. Schwartz: A Pioneer Who Helped Shape an Industry

Alan Schwartz’s influence extended far beyond the clubs he created. An entrepreneur, accomplished athlete, and passionate advocate for tennis and physical activity, Alan helped establish the business model and operating principles that would influence the development of athletic clubs across North America.

In 1970, Alan and his father, Kevie Schwartz, opened Midtown Tennis Club in Chicago, then the world’s largest indoor tennis facility. What began as an ambitious tennis venture became the foundation of Tennis Corporation of America (TCA), an enterprise that expanded into multipurpose athletic clubs, corporate fitness, and wellness management.

At a time when the industry was still developing, Alan was among the leaders who first recognized the need for clubs to learn from each other and train future leaders. He also pioneered the idea that a tennis club should commit to creating tennis players through programming for beginners and groups with a focus on relationships and social connections. His emphasis on member experience, professional management, financial discipline, and innovative programming helped demonstrate that athletic clubs could evolve into sophisticated, sustainable businesses. He was the President of the National Indoor Tennis Association and was active in the formation of 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 contributions to tennis were equally remarkable. A nationally accomplished player who won eight national championships, Alan became one of the sport’s most influential advocates and innovators. 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.

Alan served as president of the United States Tennis Association from 2003 to 2004 and as vice president of the International Tennis Federation, helping advance the sport nationally and internationally. His contributions earned him induction into numerous tennis halls of fame and recognition as “Mr. Indoor Tennis” by Tennis Magazine.

In 2007, Alan received Club Industry’s Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the advancement of the fitness business.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Alan was deeply committed to education, philanthropy, and community service. He gave generously of his leadership and expertise to numerous organizations and was widely respected for his mentorship, integrity, and willingness to share his knowledge with others in the industry.

Alan passed away on December 2, 2022, at the age of 91, leaving a legacy that continues to influence the businesses and leaders he helped inspire.

Steven L. Schwartz: Redefining the Intersection of Fitness and Hospitality

Steven Schwartz has carried forward his family’s entrepreneurial tradition while establishing a distinctive vision that continues to push the boundaries of the health and fitness industry.

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 Steven’s leadership, Midtown has grown into a recognized leader in the premium athletic club market, with eight locations across the United States and Canada. His approach has emphasized far more than expanding the business. He has continually reinvested in its facilities, programming, people, and member experience, bringing a hospitality-driven perspective to an industry historically focused primarily on exercise and recreation.

Perhaps the most ambitious expression of that vision is the transformation of Midtown Athletic Club Chicago. 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.

The project challenged traditional distinctions between health clubs and hospitality businesses, demonstrating how fitness could become the centerpiece of a broader lifestyle destination. It also reflected Steven’s willingness to make significant investments, embrace new ideas, and rethink long-established operating models to meet the changing expectations of consumers.

Steven’s influence extends beyond Midtown’s properties. His approach to club design, service, programming, and hospitality has helped inspire a broader industry shift toward premium, experience-driven fitness environments where members come not simply to exercise, but to connect, recharge, and make fitness part of their everyday lives.

A respected voice in the global health and fitness community, Steven has also contributed his leadership as a member of the HFA Board of Directors and through his involvement with organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Chicago Run, The George Eastman Museum, and the Chicago Architecture Center.

Today, Steven remains actively engaged in leading Midtown and advancing its vision, continuing to explore new ways to integrate fitness, wellness, sports, and hospitality. His career reflects a commitment not simply to preserving a successful family business, but to continually reinventing it and helping shape what the next generation of athletic clubs can become.

Celebrating Two Generations of Industry Leadership

Together, Alan and Steven Schwartz represent an exceptional legacy of entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation. Alan helped pioneer a business model that expanded the possibilities for athletic clubs. Steven has taken that foundation in new directions, demonstrating how fitness can anchor an elevated hospitality and lifestyle experience.

Their induction recognizes not only what they have built, but also their influence on countless club owners, operators, and industry leaders who have drawn inspiration from their vision and achievements.

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

For the first time, the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner will take place on opening night, immediately following the Kick-Off Party, bringing the global health and fitness community together to celebrate the pioneers, innovators, and leaders whose achievements have shaped the industry and whose influence continues to inspire its future.

The stories and contributions of the inductees will also be celebrated throughout The HFA Show 2027, giving attendees an opportunity to recognize the individuals whose leadership has helped build the industry we know today.

Sponsorship opportunities and tickets to the HFA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner are available as add-ons to registration for The HFA Show 2027. Proceeds benefit the HFA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to advancing industry research and supporting programs that help HFA member clubs and studios improve community health.

Additional members of the 2027 HFA Hall of Fame class will be announced in the coming weeks.

Sobre a Health & Fitness Association

The Health & Fitness Association (formerly IHRSA), a global community of industry leaders, is the only worldwide trade association providing a unified voice for the community of leaders who operate health and fitness facilities, offer professional guidance on physical activity, and provide the tools and equipment to do so to the millions of fitness facility members who understand that exercise improves their physical and mental health. Through advocacy, education, and research, the association speaks to opportunities, challenges, and changes that are moving the industry into a new era.

Founded in 1981, the association publishes a monthly magazine, Health & Fitness Business, and operates The HFA Show, the HFA European Congress, and the Fly-In and Advocacy Summit. The association also partners on events around the world, including Fitness Brasil, ChinaFit, Wellness & Fitness LATAM, SPORTEC Japan, and SPORTEC Thailand, Follow the Health & Fitness Association on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.