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.

Past Oak Brook TU Chapter Presidents:

2023-present
Dave Carlson

2019-2023
Willie Beshire

2017-2018
Dave Lunardini

2016
Rick Ralph

2014-2015
Stan Zarnowiecki

2009-2013
Greg Prosen

2005-2008
Marvin Strauch

2004
Doug Greenwood

1998-2003
Wally Bock

1992-1997
Joe Hammon

1989-1991
Ed Michael

1984-1988
Steve Johnson

1982-1983
Ken Hoganson

1981
George Crane

1978-1980
Scott Abel

1977
Dave George

1976
Bill Zeeman

1974-1975
Jerry Reich

1973
Allan Johnson