City Cast

Explore Olympia Fields During BMW Championship

Sidney Madden
Sidney Madden
Posted on August 16
The 2003 U.S. Open at Olympia Fields Country Club

The 2003 U.S. Open at Olympia Fields Country Club. (Matthew Stockman / Getty)

Pro golfers like Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler are in Olympia Fields for the BMW Championship through Sunday. Headed to the south suburb for the tournament? Here’s what else to know.

The village grew from the Olympia Fields Country Club, which was created in the early 20th century. Once known as the largest private clubhouse in the world, Olympia Fields has hosted two U.S. Opens. The area also has one of the wealthiest Black-majority populations in the U.S.

Poet Taylor Byas grew up in the area and shared her recs. And City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran sprinkled in some spots, too.

Something to Eat

Perros Brothers Gyros has Chicago food staples like the classic Polish and Italian Beef as well as Philly steaks, catfish, and ribeye sandwiches. Batters & Berries has a rotating french toast special each week, and Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream gives out a free birthday scoop.

Something to See

For its size, Olympia Fields has a surprising number of parks. Visit Sgt. Means or Tolentine parks for nature and recreational sports. Tolentine Park also has a garden maze and a sensory garden playground!

Something to Do

Iron Oaks Environmental Learning Center holds family-friendly events, and summer camp. It brings a little adventure to the Midwest with wall climbing, ropes courses, and other activities.

+ Byas’ poetry collection, “I Done Clicked My Heels Three Times,” is out Tuesday.

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