History

The Oak Brook Chapter of Trout Unlimited was formed in 1973 in order to allow TU members in suburban Chicago to join together and promote Trout Unlimited’s mission to conserve, protect and restore coldwater resources. Oak Brook Chapter serves TU members in southern and western suburbs of Chicago and downstate Illinois.

Oak Brook TU has been a persistent advocate for and contributed money and volunteer energy to coldwater conservation projects nationally, regionally and in its home state. It has helped with conservancy projects from the shores of Lake Michigan and Superior to the Ozarks of Missouri. Oak Brook TU has supported TUDARE (Trout Unlimited Driftless Area Restoration Effort)—TU’s current flagship Midwestern stream program—through operating grants and monetary contributions, volunteer efforts and planning collaboration with local government partners for projects in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.

The Chapter regularly takes part in conservation projects to restore trout habitat. We are very proud of our youth education programs, which include our free Fly Fishing Classes, Trout in the Classroom program for middle and high school students, TU Teens and support of the Illinois Council of Trout Unlimited Youth Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp held annually on the banks of Michigan’s famed Au Sable River.

Read more information about our conservation and youth education program history.