Medinah, Illinois
Nestled in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Medinah, Illinois, is an unincorporated community in DuPage County. Medinah is home to the world-class Medinah Country Club, which has hosted numerous PGA and USGA tournaments.
It is neighbored by the three villages of Roselle, Itasca, and Bloomingdale along old Chicago–Galena highway between Route 19 and 20.
Early history
Early settlement, Meacham periodThe area now known as Medinah was first settled in 1833, during a period of westward expansion when pioneers moved into DuPage County seeking farmland and new opportunities. The first settlers included families like the Meachams and Houghs, who established homesteads and farmland in the region. The community initially went by names such as Meacham's Grove—a reflection of the prominent Meacham family—and was characterized by rural farms and small, scattered settlements.
The Chicago and Pacific Railroad reached the area in the late 1860s, further connecting the community to Chicago and fostering growth.
Modern history
Medinah periodThe community of Medinah is named after the Medinah Country Club. In the 1920s, a group of members of the city of Chicago's Medinah Temple moved into the area, then known as Meacham. Together, they built a country retreat and 54-hole golf course, aiming to make it the best golf course in North America. The club had 1,500 members in the late 1920s; the Great Depression and World War II drove membership down until the postwar period, when membership recovered to the present-day 600.
In 1999, a group led by Jack Roeser and backed by Senator James Philip attempted to bring a charter school to Medinah. The proposed Thomas Jefferson Charter School was met with NIMBY opposition by local residents. The charter school ultimately ended up opening on the northwest side of Chicago busing students from the northwest and west suburbs.
Within the last 30 years, the growth of the Chicago metropolitan area has brought more people to the surrounding areas. In spite of this growth, Medinah has remained adamant in retaining its identity, occasionally conflicting with state agencies and other municipalities with regards to utilities and services. A recent point of contention was the widening of Medinah Road to five lanes—after vocal protests, IDOT agreed to widen the road to only three lanes.
Post office history
The first post office in the area opened as Meacham, Illinois in 1874, located in a general store. The community was named after the Meacham family, who were among the first settlers, and an unofficial but commonly used early name for the community was Meacham's Grove, Illinois. This post office served the community until 1937.In 1937, the post office was relocated to the train station, continuing to serve residents and visitors. The community's name was officially changed from Meacham to Medinah in 1924, a name derived from the nearby Medinah Country Club, which became a prominent local landmark. The train station post office operated until 1963.
The current Medinah Post Office was opened in 1963 and has been serving the community since then. It remains the primary postal facility for Medinah, providing essential services to residents and local businesses to this day.
Geography
Medinah is located about 23 miles west of downtown Chicago. The community center is located just south of the Medinah Metra Milwaukee District West train station at the corner of Medinah Road and Irving Park Road. Medinah is known for its large properties, with many homes situated on lot sizes of nearly an acre or more. This gives the town rural characteristics, while still being close to shopping and expressways for easy travel. The boundaries of Medinah are more properly defined by the boundaries of its surrounding incorporated cities, but can be approximated by the Elgin-O'Hare Expressway to the north, Plum Grove Road to the west, Lake Street to the south and the Medinah Country Club to the east.Demographics
According to the 2015 American Community Survey Medinah has an estimated population of 2,097 people and 744 households. The racial makeup of the area was 93.6% White, 1% African American, 5.2% Asian, and 0.3% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.5% of the population. The median age was 42.8 years. The age distribution was as follows; 24.9% were under the age of 19, 14.9% were between 20 years and 39 years, 43.6% were between 40 years and 64 years, and 16.6% were over the age of 65 years.The median household income was $132,917. The area had an income distribution in which 1.16% of households earned less than $25,000 annually; 15.19% of households earned between $25,000 and $49,999; 33.47% of households earned between $50,000 and $99,999; 16.40% of households earned between $100,000 and $149,999 and 33.79% of households earned more than $150,000.
Sports
Medinah is home to the Medinah Country Club, which hosted the USGA US Open in 1990, 1975, and 1949. Medinah also hosted the 1999 and 2006 PGA Championships, as well as the 2012 Ryder Cup and the 2019 BMW Championship. Medinah will also be hosting the 2026 Presidents Cup.Education
Medinah Elementary School District 11 operates three schools in Medinah, the Medinah Primary School, Medinah Intermediate School, and the Medinah Middle School. In addition, the community of Medinah has a park district that operates several parks within the community. In addition, Lake Park High School District 108 operates the eastern campus of Lake Park High School on Medinah Road south of the community center.Infrastructure
Transportation
Medinah has a station on Metra's Milwaukee District West Line, which provides daily rail service between Elgin, Illinois and Chicago, Illinois.Governance and public safety
As an unincorporated community, Medinah does not have its own municipal government. Local administration is provided by the DuPage County Board and Bloomingdale Township.Police: Law enforcement and patrol services are provided by the DuPage County Sheriff's Office.
Fire and EMS: Fire protection and emergency medical services are primarily provided by the Bloomingdale Fire Protection District No. 1, which covers a 15-square-mile area including Medinah and parts of surrounding villages. Some western portions of the community are served by the Roselle Fire Protection District via an intergovernmental agreement with the Village of Roselle.
Religious and cultural institutions
Medinah Baptist ChurchOne of the earliest and most cherished landmarks is Medinah Baptist Church, established in March 1841 as the Baptist Society Church. This venerable congregation has been a cornerstone of faith and community service for generations. The church’s first non-circuit pastor arrived in 1848, the same year it built its first dedicated building. Its Sunday School program began in 1851, fostering spiritual growth and community bonds.
Over the years, the church may have undergone reorganizations or splits, reflecting the dynamic history of its congregation, but it has remained a beacon of hope, faith, and fellowship for the community.
Hindu Society of Metropolitan Chicago
Adding to Medinah’s cultural richness is the Hindu Society of Metropolitan Chicago, a distinguished non-profit organization. Founded in the 1960s by Indian immigrants, it traces its origins to small gatherings in homes, sharing recitations of the Bhagavad Gita, bhajans, and spiritual discourses. Officially incorporated in 1968, and renamed Hindu Society in 1973, it reflects a vibrant and growing Hindu community.
In 1987, the society moved into its magnificent Hari Om Mandir on Medinah Road. The temple’s architecture is truly a sight to behold—an exquisite structure that beautifully blends traditional Indian design with modern elegance. Its intricate carvings, vibrant colors, and grand domes make it one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the region, inspiring awe and reverence among visitors and devotees alike.
Shree Swaminarayan Temple – Chicago
Inaugurated in 1998, the Shree Swaminarayan Temple I.S.S.O in Medinah is distinguished as America’s first Shikharbaddha Swaminarayan Mandir—an authentic, domed temple that is a marvel of spiritual architecture. The temple houses divine murtis of Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan, Radha-Krishna, Narnarayan Dev, Laxminarayan Dev, Shivji, Parvatiji, Ganeshji, Hanumanji, and Suryaji, welcoming people of all faiths with open arms.
This temple was born from a divine vision of His Holiness Acharya 1008 Shree Tejendraprasadji Maharajshree during his first visit to Chicago in 1978. What began with just a few families grew over two decades into this magnificent temple—a true testament to faith, dedication, and community spirit. The construction of this Shikharbaddha Swaminarayan Mandir was a monumental achievement, realized through divine grace and the tireless efforts of countless volunteers.
Today, the temple serves as a vibrant spiritual hub for the Indian community across the Midwest. It hosts weekly satsang sessions, daily sermons, and a variety of cultural and social events—including weddings, fundraisers, and community banquets—all imbued with a sacred aura that inspires devotion and unity.
The grand installation ceremony of the idols drew thousands from across the USA, UK, Australia, and India. Devotees from diverse backgrounds—Catholics, Muslims, Buddhists, and Hindus—visit regularly for the divine darshan of Lord Swaminarayan, exemplifying the temple’s role as a place of universal harmony and spiritual awakening.
Wooded enclave aesthetic
Medinah is characterized by a "wooded enclave" atmosphere that distinguishes it from the more densely developed suburban municipalities nearby. The community’s identity is closely tied to its geography; residential lots often exceed one acre, supporting a dense canopy of old-growth oak and hickory trees. Due to the area's extensive wetlands and the relative lack of heat-trapping pavement, the community frequently experiences heavy morning fog, particularly during the autumn season.Meacham Grove Forest Preserve
The ecological center of the community is the Meacham Grove Forest Preserve, a 445-acre sanctuary. This site holds significant biological importance, as it contains some of the last remaining high-quality oak savanna and ephemeral wetland ecosystems in Northern Illinois.Flora and fauna: The preserve provides a habitat for state-endangered species and offers a landscape for hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography.Topography: The preserve includes the Meacham Grove Nature Preserve, designated for its rare plant communities and its role as a critical drainage basin for the region.Preservation: The unlit nature of the grove at night contributes to the area's rural character, maintaining a segment of the original Illinois landscape that remains unaffected by modern light pollution.Infrastructure and rural ethos
A defining characteristic of Medinah is the deliberate absence of traditional suburban infrastructure, specifically sidewalks and streetlights. This is a purposeful choice by residents intended to maintain a rural atmosphere and a high degree of residential privacy.This approach to community planning has led to historical conflicts with state agencies, such as the Illinois Department of Transportation. Residents have consistently advocated against certain "modernization" efforts, such as the expansion of multi-lane roads and the installation of concrete walkways, which are viewed as a threat to the community's independent character and natural aesthetics.
Notable sporting figures and visitors
Historical association with professional golfWhile Medinah is a quiet residential community, its world-renowned golf courses have made it a focal point for some of the most famous figures in professional sports. The following individuals are associated with the community through their historic performances and appearances at the Medinah Country Club:
Bob Hope: The legendary entertainer and avid golfer was a prominent honorary figure in the Medinah community. Celebrated for his Power & Mental Toughness, Hope was a frequent guest at the club, often appearing in charitable exhibitions and alongside professional legends during major tournament weeks to promote the sport.
Sam Snead: Renowned for possessing "The Perfect Swing," Snead’s history in Medinah is highlighted by his performance in the 1949 U.S. Open. He finished as the runner-up with a 72-hole total of 287, missing out on the championship by a single stroke.
Tiger Woods: The only player to win two major championships at Medinah. He first won the 1999 PGA Championship with a score of 277, and later dominated the 2006 PGA Championship with a record-tying 270.
Ben Hogan: A master of Ball Striking, Hogan competed in the 1949 U.S. Open at Medinah. Despite still recovering from a near-fatal car accident earlier that year, he remained a presence on the leaderboard, finishing in the top 10.
Jack Nicklaus: Often cited for his Power & Mental Toughness, Nicklaus was a fixture in Medinah for decades. In the 1975 U.S. Open, he finished tied for 7th with a score of 289 and returned for the 1990 U.S. Open.
Gary Player: Acclaimed for his Fitness & Bunker Play, Player secured a major victory in the community during the 1988 U.S. Senior Open. He carded an even-par 288 and won the subsequent 18-hole playoff with a 68.
Tom Watson: A master of Links Golf, Watson established a tournament record at Medinah during the 1975 U.S. Open by shooting 135 over the first 36 holes. He later returned for the 1990 U.S. Open, finishing tied for 18th.
Arnold Palmer: Famous for his Aggressive Play, Palmer’s association with Medinah was cemented early when he competed in the 1961 Western Open. He remained a lifelong ambassador for the game and a frequent visitor to the community for exhibition matches.
Michael Jordan: A long-time frequent visitor and former member of the Medinah Country Club, often sighted in the community during his tenure with the Chicago Bulls.
Geoff Ogilvy: Professional golfer and lead architect for the 2024 course restoration, who spent extensive time in the community overseeing the modernization of Course No. 3.
Babe Ruth: 1930 was his baseball peak—highlighted by his famous rounds at Medinah.