THIC was founded in 1987 by a group of Pediatric Cardiologists from the University of Chicago, NorthWestern University (Children's Memorial Hospital) and Loyola University. These physicians, all of whom had professional appointments at their respective institutions, felt that they could provide optimal care for their pediatric patients in a differently structured environment. They created THIC at Christ Hospital Medical Center in Oak Lawn, IL, in anticipation that a dedicated pediatric hospital would be built in the near future. This hospital was completed in 1998. The name, Hope Children Hospital, was selected by a group of parents whose children had received care at this hospital.

THIC evolved and grew. Recognized training programs in Pediatric Cardiology and Pediatric Cardiac Surgery were added. After the merger of Evangelical Hospital System and Lutheran General Hospital to form Advocate Health Care, THIC began a close cooperation with the Pediatric Cardiology Section of Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. At this point of time, THIC has 16 Pediatric Cardiologists and 4 Pediatric Cardiac Surgeons, covering all subsections of this field.

Research sections were added. First the Maurice Lev Congenital Heart and Conduction System Center(click), then the Cardiac Molecular Biology Section (click). These sections have pure research and teaching functions and they are maintained by a nationally recognized research staff.