By Pamela Carr
Vice Chairperson & Secretary
Kane County GOP
Across the country, a growing number of high school students are embracing conservative values, and at the heart of that movement is Turning Point USA (TPUSA)—the nation’s largest conservative student organization. Founded by Illinois native Charlie Kirk in 2012, TPUSA exists to educate young people about the importance of limited government, free markets, and American freedom through grassroots activism and campus organizing.
Now, with over 3,000 college and high school chapters nationwide, Turning Point’s high school division has recently undergone a powerful rebranding—Club America. This initiative is rapidly expanding its reach, with over 1,000 high school chapters already established, making it the most impactful high school conservative movement in the country.
What Is Club America?
Club America empowers high school students to become leaders in their schools and communities. It provides them with the tools to organize student-led chapters, promote pro-America ideals, and take part in exciting activism and educational events.
The organization employs 48 full-time field representatives across the nation to help launch and support chapters, host events, and provide resources to student leaders. Each chapter is as unique as its student members—some clubs focus on faith, others on business and networking, and some even organize large assemblies and host nationally recognized conservative speakers like Riley Gaines and Brett Cooper.
Club America is open to public, private, and homeschooled students and operates under TPUSA’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, allowing it to remain nonpartisan while still advancing the values of individual liberty, free enterprise, and limited government. This distinction allows it to reach schools and communities traditional political organizations often can’t.
Meet Erik Troe: Leading Club America in Chicagoland
To help expand Club America in Northern Illinois, TPUSA has tapped Erik Troe, a Young Republican Precinct Committeeman from Naperville Township. With a degree in Economics from the University of Illinois, Erik brings both passion and professional insight to his new role.
Growing up in a Ron Paul-supporting household, Erik once leaned Libertarian, but he now champions a broader conservative movement. As Club America's field rep for much of the Chicagoland area, Erik is focused on growing the organization’s presence—particularly in Kane County, where currently no chapters exist.
He’s responsible for developing chapters in public, private, and homeschool high schools north of Batavia Township. His mission is clear: Get more students involved, engaged, and empowered to lead.
Why High School?
High school is a formative time when students are exploring their beliefs, worldviews, and political identities. According to recent data from the Center for American Political Studies at Harvard University, Gen Z is showing a noticeable shift toward conservative values, particularly around issues like free speech, parental rights, and national identity.
Club America taps into this shift by helping students:
- Build leadership skills
- Engage in local government
- Participate in voter registration
- Attend city council and school board meetings
- March in parades and show their pride in American values
- Network with organizations like the Young Republicans, especially here in Kane County
Schools Already Participating
Some of the high schools currently involved with Club America in Northern Illinois include:
- Naperville North
- Wheeling High School (Charlie Kirk’s alma mater)
- Glenbrook North
- Lake Park
- Maine South
- Wheaton Academy
- Riverdale
- Bartlett
- North Chicago
Erik is actively working to establish chapters at both St. Charles East and North High Schools and would love to coordinate with the Kane County GOP on a voter registration drive in partnership with St. Charles Township.
How to Start a Club America Chapter
Starting a chapter is simple and student-driven. Here’s how it works:
- Visit clubamerica.com/chaptercharter to apply.
- You need at least 3 students (under 18 requires parental permission).
- Secure a teacher/sponsor to host meetings.
- Obtain administrative approval from the school.
For homeschoolers, it’s even easier—only parental approval is needed.
Once chartered, students determine how often they meet and what activities they pursue. Events can include:
- 9/11 remembrance ceremonies
- Hosting nonpartisan conservative speakers
- Service projects
- Networking events
- Leadership development sessions
- Attending national conferences such as AmericaFest
The Time Is Now
Illinois students can pre-register to vote at age 17, and with more youth leaning right, it’s critical we engage them now. Club America gives students a platform to explore their values, find their voice, and prepare to lead—not just in school, but in life.
Erik Troe’s goal? To bring Club America into every high school in Kane County. But he can’t do it alone. If you're a parent, teacher, or student—or if you simply care about the next generation of leaders—consider helping start a chapter in your area.
Let’s ensure the values of freedom, faith, and personal responsibility are alive and well for generations to come.
To get involved or learn more, visit:
Visit: clubamerica.com/chaptercharter
Contact Erik Troe directly at [email protected]
