Who needs a membership contract rules in Illinois?

Issued by Illinois Attorney General (Physical Fitness Services Act), at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.

2 of the 20 kinds of business in Illinois

Contracts must allow cancellation within three business days, and prepaid memberships are backed by escrow or proof of financial responsibility the Attorney General accepts. From 2026 the Act also limits how lifetime memberships are advertised. Keep contracts to the Act’s terms before selling the first one.

Checked Oct 17, 2026 against the agency’s page.

Step 4 of 6: Get the permits for your kind of business

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by Illinois Attorney General (Physical Fitness Services Act).

Sources and dates

815 ILCS 645, Physical Fitness Services Act. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.