Welcome to FBC Chicago
Welcome to Freedom Boat Club Chicago! Freedom Boat Club is the easiest alternative to boat membership, with all the joy and benefits of boating and none of the hassle. Our boat club is designed for folks who want to access a versatile fleet of boats on a regular basis, at an affordable cost of entry.
Our members have access to a diverse fleet of pontoons, bowriders, pilot houses, center consoles, wake surf boats and more with locations at Montrose Harbor, The Ogden Slip in Streeterville and Burnham Harbor. Reserving a boat is made easy with an app-based system, which allows members to select the boat of their choice with a click of the button and arrive at the dock to a fully cleaned vessel ready to hit the water.
No boating experience is required as our membership includes unlimited basic training by our Coast Guard Certified Captain to get you the skills you need to enjoy the open waters. Our friendly staff takes care of everything you need to enjoy your time on the boat – from the moment you arrive on the dock to the moment you return to shore.
Whether you want to spend more time with your friends and family, want to dive Lake Michigan wrecks, love to fish, or just want to hang out in the Playpen, Freedom Boat Club Chicago has the boat in our fleet that’s right for every occasion. The boat is waiting. Why are you? Join Freedom Boat Club Chicago and experience the smart alternative to boat ownership or renting! Start the process by submitting your information above.
We Take Care of It All...Including the Boats
We’ve taken care to select a variety of quality boats. And we always keep them clean and maintained. We also take care of the storage, insurance and repairs. So you can just focus on the fun!
Pay a 1x Entry Fee and Monthly Dues
Just pay a 1x entry fee and choose one of our membership plans. Boat every day of the year. Or just weekdays. Some clubs may even have 3 and 6 month plans. And you can change your plan as the need arises.
Get Unlimited Training from Licensed Captains
Your safety is our No. 1 concern. So we give all our members unlimited training with certified captains. And if you wish to boat in a new location, they’ll show you the waterways.
Take Any Boat Out as Often as You Wish
Reserve a boat by phone or online. Then go fishing, tubing or head to a restaurant with friends. When you’re done, just bring the boat back and pay for the fuel. We take care of everything else!
- World’s oldest and largest membership boat club with over 30 years of experience
- Reciprocal access to 400 Locations in the US, Canada and Europe
- We take care of the maintenance, cleaning, repair, insurance and storage
- Fleet (which varies by location) includes bowriders, pontoons, offshore/inshore fishing boats (center consoles), deck boats and wake boats
- Insurance coverage of liability, hull and machinery
- 1-on-1 training by licensed captains
As members of Freedom Boat Club, we have all the fun of boating without any of the work of owning a boat. We don't even have to pump our own fuel! The staff is friendly and unbelievably helpful. The boats are beautiful. And, our summer has been sublime with hours of boating on the lake and river -Jill W.
We have always had a great experience. All the great perks of having your own boat with none of the headaches! - Katie F
I have nothing but great things to say about this Club. Having access to Lake Michigan at a moment’s notice is a true luxury. There are many boats to choose from and the staff is more than accommodating. Overall, the concept of reserving a boat, going out for 3-4 hours and returning without hassle is as easy as it gets. Whether cruising the coastline up north or having lunch in the "pen" downtown overlooking the skyline, there are endless options. This is a truly unique opportunity and I recommend it to anyone who loves boating! -Andrew A.
This club is great if you don't want the headache of owning a boat and keeping it afloat! These guys do all the work and you can take out a boat which fits what you want to do with your time on the water! I especially love the Jeanneau NC 795 because it is really easy to drive and can fit a family in comfort and style without compromising performance. Not to mention the staff here is extremely friendly, professional, and always wants to make sure you have the best time possible on the water!!! Wade C.
The staff is great, we've had nothing but great experiences at FBC. We even used one of our reservations last fall for the Captain's Quarters Party Dock to hold our wedding ceremony! This has been well worth it, especially since we both were not accomplished boaters before we joined! – Roy R.
The pricing structure is much like a country club. You will pay a one-time entry fee and monthly dues based on the membership that you choose. Connect with the club nearest you to learn more about membership options and current promotions!
Reserving a boat has never been easier. Simply log in to your reservation dashboard and choose your desired date, vessel, and time slot.
Freedom Boat Club is truly unlimited boating. We allow up to 4 rolling reservations at any given time. Simply put – you can have 4 reservations on the books. Once you use one, you free one up. You may book up to 6 months in advance!
Number and type of boats will vary by location. Connect with the club nearest you to learn more about the local fleet.