Chicago's LGBTQ+ Athletic Leagues
Time to Get Active!
Anticipating the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors once more this summer, we are truly eager. Instead of engaging in typical park or lakefront pursuits, why not consider diversifying your routine by exploring the numerous LGBTQ+ athletic organizations and clubs available throughout the Chicago area? Participating in these groups offers an excellent avenue to discover an inclusive environment for exercise and skill development, cultivate a fresh interest, and, most significantly, forge new friendships and connections within the community.
Even though a handful of associations intend to pause operations this season, primarily owing to existing capacity constraints, our research has revealed a significant number of others that are fully operational, actively engaged, and currently seeking new participants to join their ranks!
IMAGERY SOURCED FROM FACEBOOK / STONEWALL SPORTS + CMSA
DIVERSE ATHLETIC ORGANIZATIONS
Stonewall Sports
Website | Facebook | Instagram
How To Sign Up: Email [email&160;protected]
Individuals who regularly visit the Northhalsted neighborhood and its various establishments have likely observed people wearing the distinctive 'Stonewall' sports tee-shirts. Becoming a member of a Stonewall team not only provides an excellent opportunity for social interaction but additionally allows participants to contribute to community betterment by engaging in fundraising efforts for local non-profit organizations through structured athletic events. Presently, Stonewall provides options for Bocce, Bowling, Dodgeball, Kickball, as well as organized group game evenings!
Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association
Website | Facebook | Instagram
How To Sign Up: Register online here
Functioning as the foremost LGBTQ+ Sports league across the Midwest region, Chicago MSA's offerings span a comprehensive range, encompassing activities from Basketball, Soccer, and Kickball, all the way to Ultimate Frisbee, Tabletop Games, and E-sports! Enrollment is conducted annually, which encompasses not only admittance to all their various athletic leagues but also includes numerous chances for social engagements extending beyond purely sporting endeavors. Should your objective be to discover a sense of community and cultivate new friendships, then Chicago MSA represents an entity well worth your investigation.
IMAGES OBTAINED FROM FACEBOOK / QKC CHICAGO + MISS TOTO
PERSONAL DEFENSE & INSTRUCTION
Queer Kickboxing Club Chicago
Facebook | Instagram
How To Sign Up: Email [email&160;protected]
Are you prepared to engage in some rigorous physical activity? QKC Chicago delivers instructional sessions in both Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts, making them available to all individuals while placing a particular emphasis on addressing the requirements of queer, non-binary, and trans persons. To stay informed about their spontaneous events and various programs, it is advisable to follow their social media channels; these offerings consistently feature adaptable scheduling and tiered payment options for those requiring financial assistance.
Rock Evans Fitness (aka Miss Toto)
Facebook | Instagram
How To Sign Up: Email [email&160;protected]
Have you ever contemplated the ease with which Miss Toto, Chicago's very own bodybuilding barbie, executes such dynamic performances within a club setting? This is because this individual also holds credentials as a certified fitness instructor, specializing particularly in the field of strength training. Should your aim be to engage in physical exercise and perspire during the warmer months, we recommend exploring sessions with Rock Evans at Equinox Gym, where group classes are offered each Monday and Thursday; additionally, you can follow their social media accounts for updates on virtual training options and spontaneous private gatherings.
A collaborative effort has seen both QKC Chicago and Miss Toto partner with Molasses Chicago to present their Trans Self Defense Series 2021. This complimentary, recurring biweekly initiative is poised to deliver instruction in personal defense, protest safety protocols, and strength conditioning specifically tailored for Chicago's Black & Brown trans & gender non-conforming population.
Desire to partake in a fitness class alongside a drag performance at a single location? Consider attending the werkOUT: Express 2.0 Class & Drag Show - featuring Khloe Couleé and additional performers - and remember to Enter To Win Tickets!
IMAGERY OBTAINED FROM FACEBOOK / CHICAGO DRAGONS RUGBY
RUGBY
Chicago Dragons Rugby
Website | Facebook | Instagram
How To Sign Up: Register online here
Since its establishment in 2003, the members of Chicago Dragons Rugby have consistently prioritized enjoyment and camaraderie. Both seasoned athletes and newcomers are warmly welcomed by them - indeed, even individuals who have never participated in any sport previously are encouraged to join. Furthermore, this collective regularly organizes a variety of fundraising initiatives and social engagements, such as their yearly drag competition! Beyond the recreational aspects and playful spirit, they demonstrate a competitive prowess on the field, holding the distinction of being a Division IV Member of USA Rugby.
IMAGE OBTAINED FROM FACEBOOK / CHICAGO ROWING UNION
ROWING & OARSMANSHIP
Chicago Rowing Union
Website | Facebook | Instagram
How To Sign Up: Register online for beginner sessions and experienced programs
Irrespective of whether one is a seasoned rower or an absolute beginner, the Chicago Rowing Union provides suitable opportunities for all. The essence of rowing lies in collaborative effort and clear communication, principles that CRU actively instills among all its constituents; this is achieved through the provision of foundational programs for beginners, a comprehensive outdoor training period, and dedicated indoor practice sessions during the winter months for those with greater experience. Furthermore, CRU participates competitively across all skill tiers, notably having advanced to the Gay Games 2018 held in Paris.
IMAGE OBTAINED FROM FACEBOOK / FRONTRUNNERS/FRONTWALKERS CHICAGO
RUNNING & HIKING
Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Chicago
Website | Facebook | Instagram
How To Sign Up: Register online here
Engaging in running and walking, particularly within a city as aesthetically pleasing as Chicago, represents some of the most economical and straightforward methods for maintaining an active lifestyle; however, sustaining personal motivation can often prove challenging without external support. This is precisely where the Frontrunners, recognized as Chicago's official LGBTQ+ running and walking club, provide a valuable solution. Their doors are open to all, encompassing individuals ranging from dedicated runners and casual walkers to those primarily seeking social engagement, across every proficiency level; additionally, they organize the highly acclaimed Proud to Run event annually, which attracts participants from throughout the entire Midwest region.
Team to End Aids
Website
How to Sign Up: Register online here.
Do you have a passion for running and a desire to contribute positively to the community? T2 (Team To) arranges endurance sports competitions with the express purpose of generating financial resources to bolster the initiatives of the AIDS Foundation Chicago. You can register for their Pride Triathlon, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, or alternatively, monitor their official website for announcements regarding forthcoming events!
IMAGE OBTAINED FROM WEB PAGE / CHICAGO SMELTS
AQUATIC SPORTS
Chicago Smelts
Website | Instagram
How To Sign Up: Register online here
When summer arrives in Chicago, the temperatures are typically quite elevated, rendering a refreshing plunge into a swimming pool an exceptionally appealing prospect. The Chicago Smelts, however, engage in activities far beyond mere leisurely dips, boasting more than three decades of expertise as the preeminent LGBTQ+ Swimming Team. The acronym SMELT signifies Sensitive Men et Lesbians Together Swimming, and this organization was originally established with the purpose of fostering unity and providing support to the community during the period of the AIDS epidemic. Instructional courses are provided for novices to facilitate their acclimatization to aquatic activities, alongside rigorous training regimens designed for dedicated fitness swimmers and triathletes.
IMAGE OBTAINED FROM WEB PAGE / CENTER ON HALSTED
VOLLEYBALL
Center on Halsted Open-Gym Volleyball
Website
How To Sign Up: Call (773-472-6469) for more information
Are you unable to commit to an entire playing season, yet still desirous of enhancing your volleyball spiking capabilities? The Center on Halsted offers open-play sessions every Monday and Thursday, which are accessible to any individual for a modest charge or by utilizing a monthly membership! In addition, they facilitate numerous recreational teams; therefore, assemble your group and proceed to the court!
IMAGE OBTAINED FROM FACEBOOK / WINDY CITY CYCLING CLUB
BICYCLING
Windy City Cycling Club
Website | Facebook | Instagram
How To Sign Up: Register online here
The Windy City Cycling Club operates as an LGBTQ+ organization that extends a warm invitation to all cyclists for participation in recreational, paved-road, and off-road bicycle excursions. This collective serves as an excellent means for individuals to connect with others and to engage in initiatives supporting bicycle advocacy and educational programs related to cycling. Even Chicago's harsh winter conditions fail to impede WCCC's activities, as they subsequently arrange both outdoor and indoor leisure pursuits, including skiing, tobogganing, ice skating, bowling, and spinning.
IMAGE OBTAINED FROM FACEBOOK / CHICAGO GAY HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
HOCKEY
Chicago Gay Hockey Association
Website | Facebook | Instagram
How To Sign Up: Register online here
The Chicago Gay Hockey Association endeavors to cultivate an inclusive, non-discriminatory milieu and to offer a comprehensive experience within the realm of adult recreational hockey. The CGHA's offerings are extensive, spanning everything from ice hockey and floor hockey leagues, to dedicated practice sessions, competitive scrimmages, and a range of other related activities. Their primary team, known as The Red Liners, engages in competitions nationwide and notably received commendation from the Blackhawks in recognition of their commendable efforts!
IMAGE OBTAINED FROM FACEBOOK / SECOND CITY TENNIS
TENNIS
Second City Tennis
Website | Facebook | Instagram
How To Sign Up: Contact the program you are interested in joining here
Second City Tennis meticulously arranges various tennis initiatives and associated social events designed to cater to the LGBTQ+ population residing in Chicago. These programs have been provided by them continuously since the year 1987, and their current membership stands at approximately one thousand individuals. SCT presents a diverse array of programs, among which are instructional clinics for novices, indoor doubles leagues held during the winter months, a singles ladder competition for the summer season, and the prestigious Second City Tennis Classic, which stands as the largest regional tournament officially endorsed by the Gay & Lesbian Tennis Association.
IMAGE OBTAINED FROM FACEBOOK / CHICAGO SPIRIT BRIGADE
CHEERLEADING & MORALE
Chicago Spirit Brigade
Website | Facebook | Instagram
How To Sign Up: Register online here
The Chicago Spirit Brigade routinely showcases their acrobatic and tumbling skills at each Pride and Market Days festivity. Comprised of individuals who enjoy camaraderie and are committed to fundraising, this group performs with the aim of benefiting local non-profit organizations that extend direct care provisions to persons confronting significant life challenges. Individuals possessing prior experience in gymnastics, cheerleading, or the performing arts are strongly advised to participate in try-outs, and furthermore, ample volunteer opportunities are available for those who prefer not to perform.
MORE LGBTQ+ SPORTS CLUBS & VENUES
Indeed, this information largely completes our proposed summer agenda. Regardless of whether you opt to become part of a team or a league, or merely choose to offer your encouragement from the spectators' area, Chicago presents an abundance of athletic possibilities for LGBTQ+ individuals to select. We encourage you to emulate their commitment by ensuring you support local non-profit organizations; this can be achieved by consulting our comprehensive guide to LGBTQ+ Activism & Resources In Chicago.