Boka Restaurant Group to Open New Restaurant at Chicago Athletic Association

A new dining concept is set to debut in one of Chicago’s most iconic buildings. Boka Restaurant Group will open a new restaurant called The Ives inside the Chicago Athletic Association, replacing the former Cherry Circle Room.

The restaurant is expected to open in May, marking the latest move by Boka as it continues to expand its presence across Chicago’s dining scene. The group, known for well-established restaurants like Girl & the Goat and Momotaro, took over food and beverage operations at the Chicago Athletic Association just over a year ago.

The Ives is being described as a “modern grill room”, focusing on classic American dining traditions with an updated approach. According to the team, the concept aims to blend familiar elements with a more contemporary style, both in the menu and overall experience.

“The Ives is not a reinvention, but a celebration of the enduring appeal of a great American dining room, brought to life through energy, interaction, and a service team that defines the experience as much as the food itself,” said Boka co-founder Rob Katz.

Located along Michigan Avenue, the Chicago Athletic Association has become a major destination for both locals and visitors, known for its mix of historic architecture, boutique hotel experience and high-profile dining concepts. The addition of The Ives continues the building’s evolution as a culinary hub in downtown Chicago.

The restaurant replaces Cherry Circle Room, a long-standing dining concept that helped define the building’s early identity after its redevelopment into a hotel. The shift reflects a broader trend in Chicago’s restaurant scene, where established hospitality groups are refreshing spaces with new concepts to keep pace with changing dining preferences.

For those watching Chicago restaurant openings in 2026, The Ives is positioned to be a notable addition, combining a prime location with one of the city’s most recognized restaurant groups. Its focus on elevated yet familiar dining could appeal to both longtime Chicago diners and visitors looking for a classic experience with a modern edge.

As Boka continues to shape its next chapter at the Chicago Athletic Association, The Ives signals a continued investment in creating destination dining experiences in the heart of the city.

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