Royal IGC has a rich history, beginning in 1788. Doctrina et Amicitia was founded: a meeting place where revolutionary committees were formed, during times when this was even forbidden by the Napoleonic rule. In 1922, this club merged with the Sociëteit de Groote Club, founded in 1872, whose aim was to 'promote sociable intercourse between its members in well-appointed premises'.

This newly merged club suffered badly in and after the Second World War and so a further - but rich - merger took place with the Industrial Club, which had already moved into our current premises 'Industria' in 1916, brought a good solution. Both clubs decided to continue their social life in the premises of the Industrial Club, together under the well-known name 'Industrieele Groote Club' (IGC). To this day, our Club still occupies the parterre and the first and second floors. Furthermore, in 2013, we were granted the designation "Royal" and have been since then called "The Royal Industrieele Groote Club".