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Zurich U.S. headquarters

Built for progress

For over a century, Zurich U.S. has called the greater Chicago area home. We take pride in our past while always looking forward. In 2016, Zurich moved our corporate campus a few blocks north in suburban Schaumburg. Our award-winning headquarters has earned LEED Platinum® certification1, the highest rating from the U.S. Green Building Council. The distinctive design underscores our commitment to resilience, collaboration and innovation.

A head-turning headquarters

With windows reflecting our signature blue, Zurich’s U.S. headquarters often gets noticed alongside Interstate Highway 90 outside Chicago. Constructed of two main bars with a third rotated and stacked on top, the sculptural form is also functional, promoting more interaction and collaboration among employees than a traditional office tower might. The design also bathes work spaces in natural light.

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Outside...

  • 40 acres
  • 13 acres of native savanna landscaping and more than 600 trees
  • Terraces, walking trails and water features
  • Rainwater harvest and reuse
  • Over an acre of green roof space
  • Covered parking with charging stations for electric vehicles
  • Access to public transportation
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Inside...

  • 783,800 square feet
  • Sit-stand desks for about 2,500 employees and contractors
  • Enclaves for small group meetings
  • Automated blinds to optimize natural light and energy usage
  • Social hubs to ease communication
  • Coffee bar and cafeteria
  • Fitness center with classes including guided meditation
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Input: A team effort

Ideas and preferences for our new headquarters were crowdsourced from the more than 2,500 Zurich employees and contractors on our corporate campus. Those ideas were shared with our design partners, including the following:

  • Developer and design-builder: Clayco Inc.
  • Architect: Goettsch Partners
  • Broker: JLL
  • Interior design firm: CannonDesign
  • Landscape design firm: Hoerr Schaudt
  • Interior builder: Executive Construction, Inc.

As proposals were conceived and submitted, dozens of Zurich employees worked in prototype environments for weeks at a time to test which features would best support innovation and teamwork to serve our customers.

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Outcome: Economic and environmental benefits

Unveiled in September 2016, the headquarters became the largest LEED Platinum®-certified structure of its kind in the United States and the only one of its kind in Illinois.2

On the one-year anniversary of Zurich’s headquarters, the company reported a 30% reduction in water and electricity consumption compared with its previous location.

A number of the design ideas submitted by employees are now being implemented in other Zurich offices around the country.

Zurich’s business activities continue to contribute approximately $1.3 billion in economic impact to the Illinois economy annually.3

Honors and achievements

Since opening in 2016, Zurich U.S. headquarters has received multiple honors. Among them:

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KAMP Remembrance Garden

On September 11, 2001, Zurich lost four people—John Keohane, Peggy Alario, Kathy Moran and Lud Picarro—in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In their honor, Zurich created the KAMP Leadership Award and the KAMP Remembrance Garden. KAMP represents the first letter of each employee’s last name.

When Zurich U.S. built its new headquarters, a prominent place next to a reflecting pond was reserved for the KAMP garden. The KAMP Memorial Stone and KAMP Legacy Tree were relocated there from our former campus. In another tribute, our employees voted to name one of the central roads on campus KAMP Drive.

Today, employees often take walking breaks alongside the garden, where the tranquility helps them fulfill another facet of KAMP: Keeping a Meaningful Perspective. That’s something the KAMP namesakes exemplified in their lives and careers.

How Zurich’s headquarters works for your community

In addition to supporting our customers, Zurich’s headquarters has hosted many events and activities supporting nonprofits whose work touches your community.

Learn more

FAQs

Our central office (Zurich Center) is at 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196-1056. The campus is in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, with easy access via Interstate 90 and close proximity to O’Hare International Airport.

Our central office (Zurich Center) is at 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196-1056. The campus is in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, with easy access via Interstate 90 and close proximity to O’Hare International Airport.

Yes. Visitors can park in designated areas near the main entrance. Signs on Zurich Way direct you to clearly marked visitor parking zones, making your arrival straightforward.

Enter through the main visitor entrance and check in at reception. Our team will welcome you, help you find your way, and connect you to your meeting host. We aim to provide a warm, efficient arrival for every guest.

For security, be prepared to show a valid photo ID at check-in. It’s always a good idea to confirm specific protocols or any required documentation with your Zurich host before your visit.

The headquarters was designed by Goettsch Partners and built by Clayco as the design-build contractor. The three-section structure brings in natural light and provides views toward downtown Chicago. This architectural approach reflects Zurich North America’s commitment to transparency and collaboration, creating an open environment that encourages connection across departments and teams. The building features a dramatic glass façade that maximizes daylight, reduces reliance on artificial lighting, and contributes to a welcoming interior atmosphere for employees and guests alike. Expansive sightlines from each section of the building allow occupants to enjoy panoramic views of both the campus grounds and the greater Chicago area, reinforcing a sense of place within the broader business community. Flexible floor plans promote adaptability, supporting a range of workspace configurations. Conference rooms, break areas, and dedicated meeting zones have been integrated throughout the layout, making it easier for visiting partners and clients to collaborate in comfort. In addition, the headquarters’ landscaping and public spaces are designed to blend seamlessly with the building’s clean, contemporary profile, offering visitors an inviting first impression the moment they arrive. This cohesive design affirms Zurich’s goal to offer an environment that supports innovation and forward thinking for everyone interacting with the company.

The building earned a LEED Platinum® certification1 for its sustainable features. It includes a double-wall glass façade, energy-saving horizontal sunshades, and the use of native landscaping to minimize water usage. Smart stormwater management is also in place. Moreover, the design prioritizes occupant health by maximizing daylight exposure and providing enhanced indoor air quality. Innovative lighting systems adjust throughout the day to reduce energy consumption, while maintaining comfort for employees and visitors. Water-efficient fixtures help further reduce environmental impact, demonstrating Zurich’s commitment to responsible resource stewardship. Sustainable materials were sourced during construction, supporting both durability and a reduced carbon footprint. Furthermore, the campus’s landscaping plan reflects a focus on local ecosystems by integrating native plants and pollinator-friendly spaces. Recycling and waste reduction initiatives have been implemented facility-wide, helping align daily operations with Zurich North America's sustainability goals. Altogether, these measures underscore a forward-thinking approach to environmental responsibility and contribute to a positive workplace experience for everyone who visits or works at the headquarters.

The building is designed for accessibility, including accessible parking spots, entrances, restrooms, and elevators throughout the facility. If you have specific accommodation needs, reach out to your Zurich contact prior to arrival, so we can assist.

Visit the Zurich U.S. LinkedIn page for the latest news and updates. For information about our company leadership, and history, see our about us page.

For general inquiries, use the contact options. For questions about your visit, contact your Zurich host directly.

1 The LEED Platinum® trademark is owned by the U.S. Green Building Council® and is used with permission.
2 Civil + Structural Engineer. “Zurich Insurance’s New North American Headquarters Achieves LEED Platinum Certification.” 1 November 2016.
3 Regional Economics Applications Laboratory Institute of Government and Public Affairs, University of Illinois. June 2013.