Charles J. Klees Golf Shop at 65th and Stony Island, 1915

Charlie Klees in front of the original Jackson park Shop - 1930

The first Charles J. Klees graduated from John Marshall Law School in 1909, but suffered an eye disease that caused partial blindness and forced him to choose another profession. A Chicago real estate business man, C. C. Chattell, approached Charlie with the idea of opening a golf club manufacturing business. At the time, golf clubs were custom made by Scottish craftsmen.

Chattel retired from the business in 1915 and Charlie expanded his line to include manufactured clubs such as Spalding, Wilson, and Kroydon. He married the bookkeeper, Louisa Stegmeyer, in 1920, and they had a son, John, in 1921. Unfortunately, Charlie contracted tuberculosis and died in 1927.

Charlie is showing Louisa how to swing a golf club.

Charlie's wife, Lousia, ran the shop through the Depression selling clothing, sporting goods and even radios to stay afloat. Her son, John, worked along side. After serving in WWII, John became a full partner in the business in 1946, the year his son, Charlie, was born.

Charles J. Klees Golf Shop and Golf School - 1930's

The original shop burned to the ground in March of 1956, and was re-established at 87th and Bennett later that year. Klees Golf stayed in the South Shore until 1968 when John moved the shop to 87th & California serving our south side customers another 31 years.

Klees Golf Shop at 87th and Bennett - 1960's

John's son, Charlie, named after his grandfather, grew up in the business and took over the helm in 1999. He and his wife moved the shop to its current location where it continues to offer a unique combination of personal service, equipment expertise, and a full line of clubs meeting any golfer's needs.

The current Klees Golf Shop on 104th and Western