A radio frequency (RF) coil for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes a first end ring section containing a plurality of openings and a second end ring section containing a plurality of openings. A plurality of rungs is disposed between the first end ring section and the second end ring section. Each rung has a first end connected to the first end ring section and a second end connected to the second end ring section. Each rung can also include a plurality of openings. The openings in the end rings and rungs reduces eddy currents and improves RF performance of the RF coil.