About the Rotary Club of Gurnee
Serve. Connect. Belong.
The Rotary Club of Gurnee brings together local residents, business owners, professionals, retirees, public servants, educators, and community volunteers who want to make a practical difference in Gurnee and beyond.
We are a service club and a place to connect. Some members join because they want to give back. Others join because they want to meet people who care about the community. Most stay because Rotary offers both.
Who WE ARE
We're your neighbors. Professionals, educators, retirees, and business leaders who believe in giving back.
Whether you’re new to Gurnee or have lived here for decades, Rotary is a place to belong and make a difference.
Diverse. Professional. Service-minded.
Service
Fellowship
We build relationships through weekly breakfast meetings, First Thursday Fellowship, guest speakers, and shared service.
Community
We connect people who care about Gurnee, northern Lake County, and the broader Rotary mission of service above self.
What Rotary Is
Rotary is a global service organization made up of local clubs. Each club brings people together to serve its community, build relationships, support good causes, and participate in larger Rotary International projects around the world.
Rotary in Gurnee
The Rotary Club of Gurnee is the local expression of that mission. We focus on service, fellowship, community partnerships, and meaningful programs that connect members with people and organizations making a difference.
What We Do Locally
Gurnee Rotary supports local nonprofit organizations, youth programs, community service projects, scholarships, food drives, community events, and regional partnerships.
Over the years, Gurnee Rotary members have participated in projects and community activities such as Adopt-A-Highway, Gurnee Days, the Gurnee Turkey Trot, food drives, charitable fundraising, youth exchange, vocational scholarships, and service partnerships with local organizations.
The club has also supported local charities and community partners through fundraising, volunteer service, speaker programs, and Rotary District activities. Our work has changed over time, but the purpose has stayed the same: identify real needs, bring good people together, and help improve the community in visible, practical ways.
Why Join Gurnee Rotary
Rotary is not just a meeting. It is a way to stay connected to the community while doing useful work with people who share a service-minded attitude.
Members can serve on projects, help with fundraising, support students, hear from local speakers, build professional and personal relationships, and participate in Rotary District and international programs.
You don't need a particular job title or background to belong. You need an interest in service, community, and fellowship.
Meetings and Fellowship
Our regular meetings include breakfast, club updates, fellowship, a speaker or program, and time for members to share news, recognize good work, and discuss upcoming service opportunities.
The Rotary Club of Gurnee meets on Thursday mornings at 7:45 a.m., except the first Thursday of each month, at the Suzanne D. Simpson Senior Center inside the Warren Township Center in Gurnee.
Visitors are welcome.
Our History
Serving Gurnee since 1988
The Rotary Club of Gurnee was chartered on April 22, 1988. The club was formed by eight members from the Rotary Club of Waukegan and was originally named the Rotary Club of Gurnee-Waukegan. In 1994, the name was shortened to the Rotary Club of Gurnee.
From its earliest years, the club focused on fundraising, service, and fellowship. Early fundraising events included the Lipizzan Horse Show in 1989, 1950s Sock Hop events with entertainer Ronnie Rice in 1990 and 1991, and the club’s annual charity auction and dinner, which became a major source of support for local charitable giving.
Gurnee Rotary has also participated in Rotary Youth Exchange, sponsored inbound and outbound students, supported vocational scholarships for local high school students, welcomed speakers on community issues, and recognized members for service through club traditions such as Rotarian of the Year.
Visitors and fellow Rotarians have always been welcome, and the club continues to serve as a place for fellowship, service, and community connection.
Chartered in 1988
Serving Gurnee through local fellowship, community service, and Rotary’s global mission.
Thursday Meetings
Breakfast meetings with fellowship, club updates, and speakers from across the community.
Local and Global Service
Supporting Gurnee-area needs while participating in Rotary International service priorities.
Interested in LEARNING MORE?
The best way to understand Gurnee Rotary is to attend a meeting. Visitors, prospective members, and fellow Rotarians are welcome.
Whether you are new to Gurnee, have lived here for decades, or are simply looking for a meaningful way to give back, the Rotary Club of Gurnee is a place to serve, connect, and make a difference.