Alan Schwartz and Steven Schwartz to Be Inducted Into the 2027 HFA Hall of Fame

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. 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.

Hall of fame recognition

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.

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.

Steven schwartz leadership

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.

• Some of his key contributions include:
• Leading the evolution of Midtown into a collection of luxury athletic clubs and sports resorts
• Continually reinvesting in facilities, programming, people, and member experience
• Bringing a hospitality-driven perspective to the industry
• Transforming Midtown Athletic Club Chicago into a lifestyle destination

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.