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CMC History

The Chicago Mountaineering Club is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1940 and incorporated in the state of Illinois as a not-for-profit corporation February 14, 1985. The Chicago Mountaineering Club actively supports the Mountaineering Foundation of Chicago (MFC). Although the sport of mountaineering has changed drastically in the 60 years of the club, the mission and the member’s passion for mountaineering have remained strong.

The club was started by a group of climbers at the University of Chicago but has grown to include members throughout the country. The club has a rich history and is proud of its many and diverse members who have achieved many first ascents for all climbing disciplines including alpine, rock, and ice.

The Stettner brothers are arguably the most well known members of the Chicago Mountaineering Club. Jack Gorby, a former President of the Club and current President of the MFC, finished his book that details the Stettners and their contribution to the Chicago Mountaineering Club and mountaineering in general. The book, which was released in April of 2003, is filled with interesting and exciting stories about the brothers and the Club.