Net &amp; Paddle Club

(2 reviews)

28.0 mi

Are you a hockey fan, but can't be bothered with necking it out for a Hawks ticket? Or you find…read moreyourself not in the mood to catch a Wolves game. Welcome to the world of the ECHL where anything is possible. The Sears Centre is home to a new hockey club (Chicago Express) where if you want to hear the slashing sounds on the ice or the roaring whistle of a train as a goal is scored; you are more than welcome. Chicago has been lucky enough to be granted with three levels of professional hockey and this is definitely no exception. An Affiliate of the NHL's Blue Jackets, the Express skate with determination and skill that make it perfect to watch while they are growing as professional players. The venue itself isn't overly large and offers pretty much a decent seat from both sides of the rink. The Sears Centre suits the bill for holding the sounds of the ice and the crowd without making you think there could be a concert the next night. Because the Express club is still so fresh and so clean, seats are readily available for every game. We're talking, if you wanted to be bangin' on the glass come this Saturday (or when the next home game is) you'll probably find out that your luck--is in tact. For this particular outing, I ended up sitting rows behind the benches for which I have to admit...I am skeptical and should have opted for the other side but couldn't for the life of me get the ticket site figured out. Ten rows up from the ice is still a pretty sweet view--even if you're somewhat behind the benches. The crowd has taken the Express to heart already which is very warming, because they are a brand new franchise. Loud cat calls, whistles and screams to skate to the center is something that will be of a common fixture for the night. Tickets are definitely affordable. To sit in the lower 100 level tickets start as low as $17, and sitting behind the glass if that is your fancy is only $25. For anyone in need of getting a hockey fix this is a great option to choose from. Parking itself is standard for the Centre, look to spend about $10 to park easily across the way from the arena entrance.

We came here with our 2 year old and some friends and had a good time. They have so much to do for…read morethe kids..train rides, hats, music, intermission activities. It's great for those that can't (or won't ) pay the crazy amount for a Hawks ticket and it's close by. The game was a bit like a high school game but it was still entertaining and you can't beat $1 beers and $1 hot dogs on Fridays. Overall it's something fun to do on a Friday night.

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DuPage Drones

(1 review)

24.8 mi

I have attended several baseball games at the Village of Lisle - Benedictine University Sports…read moreComplex. The DuPage Drones are a new Prospect League Baseball (Collegiate Wood Bat) Team, and they can PLAY BALL! Often scoring 5 runs or more, they "earn" the night's ticket holders a free scoop from their sponsor, the Downers Grove Culver's. The staff is great at planning special theme nights and entertaining with flying drone races, contests, characters in costume, fireworks, and a run around the bases. They have an assortment of #Drones gear available for purchase - hats, T-shirts, pullovers. The concession stands offer a wide variety of food choices for reasonable prices. There are all of your typical choices - hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, beer, etc., but the last time I was there I had a Caesar salad and a frozen Strawberry Margarita - both YUMMY! The stands are filled with folding seats with backs, not just bleachers, so they are comfortable, and there are plenty of tables available for dining use. The restrooms are very clean with hot tap water at the sinks.

Chicago Lions Rugby Football Club

(1 review)

2.5 mi

Not only the best rugby club in Chicago, but also voted top club in the US in 2007.read more

Chicago Bandits

4.7

(6 reviews)

9.7 mi

There aren't enough ways to support women's sports, IMO, so I was thrilled to get a chance to see…read morethe Bandits in action. Fast pitch softball is so impressive. The stadium is new and shiny and felt like being at a minor league field. Parking is easy and it's super accessible from the freeway. While I was there, a volleyball tournament was happening the dome, but there were cops directing traffic and it never felt like there were that many people there, despite the crowds. Well done managing your people and traffic flow. The games are quick and exciting. Definitely worth the trip out to O'Hare.

Talk about a fantastic fan experience, we love the intensity of the athletes, the condition of the…read morestadium and the musical accompaniment. I hope the owners in the league are smart and can keep it going!

Monica Abbott pitches a perfect game against the Dallas Charge during the 2015 season

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Chicago Red Stars

(4 reviews)

3.9 mi

I went to the Red Stars inaugural game last Saturday, and wow are those women good! Even in the…read morerain, on a soaking wet field, they played with so much control and skill. I was explaining to friends that since there are not a lot of paid professional women's soccer leagues in the world, that a lot of the best players come to the US. So this is probably the easiest way to watch really high quality soccer live! Oh, and tickets are really cheap! So if you are a soccer fan, or a women's sports fan you will enjoy going to Red Stars games!

These girls are extremely skilled! I never thought much of soccer until I witnessed a game tonight…read moreand WOW, I definitely have a major respect for this sport and the players now! A few friends and I sat right in front of the brother of one of the player's (Natalie Spilger) and it was awesome to see them interact! She did great and he was right there behind her! It really pulls you further into the game and brings you right onto the field with these girls. Awesome job girls!.. I hope you progress and push Chicago to LOVE soccer and respect it and what you do out there as much as I do now. Tip: Family members of the players tend to sit within section 126 which runs about $30 a seat (you sit right behind the players bench). Although you can get general admission tickets which are $15. At the end of the game a player or two stands back and signs autographs for fans.. This also takes place right below section 126. This venue is extremely kid friendly!

Your Chicago Red Stars lined up and ready to play at Toyota Park!

The Chicago Red Stars getting psyched up for a recent match at Toyota Park

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U.S. Women's National team member Christen Press powers the Red Stars offense.

Chicago Golden Gloves

(3 reviews)

1.9 mi

Great way to see boxing where it begins - in regional gyms. The winners here go on to the…read morenationals. My recommendation is to find some more 'senior' boxing fans who know the history and the stories behind most fighters. Last year a couple of gentlemen made our night by sharing stories of previous bouts.

Man... I have never been to a live Boxing Match. This place had the best of it all. Novices, trying…read moreto throw haymakers and getting winded. The little mismatches where a mad little guy faces an Andre the Giant look alike. Then the infamous knock outs!!! It was really nice to see that Boxing is not a dying sport, at least in this side of town. The event takes place at a gym for St. Andrews Church, but it is great. The Preliminary rounds were $10 to enter and there were 20 fights listed. I was there about 4 hours and had a blast. There's nachos and food if you get hungry and Coronas if you get thirsty. Check this place out... There are bouts now through April on the weekend. Its not too hard to grab a ringside seat... The punches sound better than in the stands.

Chicago Bulls

4.5

(53 reviews)

6.1 mi

Of all the Chicago teams, the Bulls are the one I've seen the least. And that says a lot…read moreconsidering I don't root for the Bear or Sox. The other night I brought my son to just his second Bulls game. We were here a few years ago, which is an eternity in terms of the talent on the court. Gone are the days of miserable Pax/Gar teams (thank God) and replaced by awesome stars like Demar Derozan and Zach LaVine. Aside from the new found talent, I have to say that the entertainment factor here was amazing. As in, leaps and bounds better than any other sporting event we go to (and we go see a lot of games in different sports). The pregame intro is classic, the tv and called timeout skits were terrific and hysterical, and the halftime show was a collaboration of gymnasts and performers that put on one hell of a show. Honestly, I felt like I got my money's worth on non-game entertainment alone (despite not catching a parachuting t-shirt from the rafters)..lol. In addition to the game, I highly recommend getting here early to take in everything the building has to offer. The arena is stocked with Bulls and Hawks championship pennants hanging from the banners. One of their concourses is now home to the once outdoor MJ bronze statue, and we also found the case with Bulls 90's championship trophies. Those brought back fond memories. An exciting team that wins adds a lot of value, I'm not going to lie. But the non-game entertainment factor is phenomenal. Even if you aren't an NBA or Bulls fan, I'd still highly recommend stopping in sometime. GO BULLS!

We had a quick stay in Chicago after a family wedding and just had to come see one of the elite NBA…read moreteams. Bought great seats same day as the game. The venue is beautiful with lots of fast moving concession stands. And the Uber tent is genius! Team lost that day, but we still had fun. I hope to see another game in the future.

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Racine Raiders Football Club, Inc

(1 review)

53.8 mi

Bring the family to a football game great entertainment at a great price can't beat it start a…read morefamily tradition I did with my son great reasonable entertainment awesome concessions

From the owner: The Racine Raiders are a 501c3 not-for-profit organization run entirely by volunteers. Games take…read moreplace on Saturday nights from mid-May through August. Prices are budget-friendly for individuals and families. There are activities for the kids including our Georgie Porgie's R.J.'s Kids Area and our Level Up/Getoffthestreets.org Video Gaming Area. Plus, one lucky boy and one lucky girl will win a bicycle at each home game courtesy of United Commercial Travelers. Full concessions are available including burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, brats, hot dogs, frozen custard, beer, soda, water, and more! Free parking is available in surface lots which allows for tailgating!

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Chicago Cubs

3.9

(150 reviews)

2.0 mi

Let's Go Cubbies!!! Let's Go Cubbies!!!…read moreLet's Go Cubbies!!! Let's Go Cubbies!!! Let's Go Cubbies!!! Let's Go Cubbies!!! Let's Go Cubbies!!! Let's Go Cubbies!!! Let's Go Cubbies!!! Let's Go Cubbies!!! Let's Go Cubbies!!! Let's Go Cubbies!!!

I bought tickets to Mumford & Sons. I found out after-the-fact they were non-refundable. I tried to…read moreengage with the Cubs organization because they delayed the concert time until 10:00 PM (from 6:30 PM) because of storms in the "area". The "organization" waited until the last minute to delay the concert, cancelled the opening acts, paid fines to the City of Chicago ALL to AVOID refunding ticketholders. The Cubs can call it what they will, but it was ultimately THEFT BY DECEPTION! The concert did NOT go on as timed, the opening acts were cancelled, and the Cubs paid a fine to the City of Chicago because it was cheaper than offering refunds. I WILL NEVER set foot in Wrigley, I WILL NEVER AGAIN support the Cubs. The Cubs are nothing more than a money grubbing organization owned by Trump-like billionaires - profit over people. Concerns for concert-goer safety? That's just BS since they have cancelled games for less. This is the last I'll say about the money-grubbing Cubs organization. The Mumford & Sons concert and the Cubs' theft by deception will live with them as I can and am doing concerts elsewhere in the future - just not with them...

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1914 Club

4.7

(23 reviews)

2.0 mi

My girlfriends and I flew from San Diego to Chicago for a book release of In Her Own League by Liz…read moreTomforde. Wrigley Field and The Last Chapter bookshop were hosting her as this was the final book within the Windy City series. The 1914 Club is bougie and absolutely stunning, did you know that it's right underneath home plate, um okay? First the team here is so amazing and friendly, we were given complimentary drinks and a buffet of hotdogs and pretzels and popcorn, I took a couple of plastic cups as souvenirs. Everyone was so accommodating, one of the signature drinks for the book release had rum and I asked to switch it with tequila and there were no issues. I don't know how I could ever go to another baseball game and not think of being at 1914 Club, such a cool experience, also their bathrooms are top notch fancy.

Omg! One of the best experience in my life! Delicious food! All you can eat and drink! Amazing…read moreseat!! highly recommend if you get a chance!

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Food options

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

4.5

(162 reviews)

22.5 mi

Well maintained. Not too crowded…read more Challenging enough on a bike for me. Beautiful and well maintained trails that are well marked. Love it. If you're out of shape this place can whip you back into shape if you let it.

Waterfall Glen is a beautiful display of nature. Trails offer a robust adventure. Two parking lots,…read moreone off of Cass Avenue and the other off of Lemont Road.

Brown-eyed Susan

Creeping bellflower

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East Bank Club

(353 reviews)

5.9 mi

(Kari's Rating 7.5/10)…read more TLDR -Up-to-Date equipment -Work from home spaces -Convenient Healthy Market Came with a friend to hang out on a Wednesday around 5:30pm to see what East Bank Club is all about. After seeing all the crazy amenities which were super cool with a ton of variety, I think the thing that surprised me the most is how up-to-date all of the equipment was and the variety of activities they had for people to enjoy. If you're looking for an all encompassing workout/work space, this is it! They have everything from full-size tennis courts, to a golf simulator-like set up,except you get to hit into an inflatable pillow! They also had plenty of Pickleball courts, and they offer so many different workout group classes.both a wet and dry, sauna, and tons of treadmills and free weights. I was also really impressed that they also had a physical training area. So think something that was my personal favorite and the best thing for Chicago Summers is a beautiful rooftop pool and lounge area. Not only did they have two outdoor pools (one for adults and one for kids) but they also have an indoor pool as well for winter as well as an indoor hot tub! They also had a common area workspace where people can come to take meetings and do their work from home gigs. You could practically move in here haha! As of right now, it is a $750 new membership fee as well as $295 a month, which is a pretty hefty chunk of change if you ask me considering most of the high rises around, have some kind of rooftop pool and workout area. It is cheaper if you join with a domestic partner or if you're between the ages of 16 and 29-see pic for current pricing. They also sometimes host social events which is super fun to meet everyone else in the club, but at the same time I think it is more of an investment in your future and your future health if you can afford it! I will not be joining at the moment, but hey-that could change anytime if I decide I should be on a health kick.

Expensive but worth every penny. A great "country club" in the city. Friendly and knowledgeable…read morestaff.

The Sundeck in season on the East Bank rooftop

Showtime Cycle Studio

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The North Outdoor Pool

Meadowlark Golf Course

3.8

(24 reviews)

15.0 mi

Course was in good shape and staff are friendly. It's unremarkable to play but generally wide open…read moreand easy to walk. Pace was slow. Plenty of carts available. There's a grill setup on hole 4 with all the usuals you'd expect and the porta-potty is accessible from a couple different holes. The clubhouse bathrooms are gross. Price is good.

9-hole course. The staff is very accommodating and nice. No external alcohol allowed, but they do…read moresell snacks and drinks on site. Golf carts available for reservation. The brush around the course is pretty thick because it's located in a forest preserve, making your chances of losing balls higher.

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UIC Student Recreation Facility

(28 reviews)

6.9 mi

Great facility open year around BUT CLOSED FOR SCHOOL…read moreHOLIDAYS! Spa and sauna are super nice. The rec app says there is a Pilates reformer but no classes to sign up. Testing to find out if true.

**UIC Swim Classes: A Budget-Friendly Option for Kids**…read more We enrolled in UIC Swim Classes for our 1.5-year-old and found it to be a solid, budget-friendly option. At $22 per session, the classes offer structured swim lessons at a more affordable rate compared to other local options. There is a chill vibe that works great for a 1st learner, but the level of rigor is lower than Goldfish so we switched there once we got off their wait list. Classes are sold in 5 week packages, and reschedules are not typically allowed. The class structure follows a set sequence of exercises. Instructors are friendly, but engagement is inconsistent. While they guide kids through various activities, the level of encouragement and feedback varies, with some instructors mentally checking out after providing initial directions. The UIC facility itself is quite nice - The water is comfortably warm and there are changing areas. Parking is available but paid for a few dollars. Note that your access is restricted to within 15 minutes of class time, so don't go too early. Though there are fewer opportunities for underwater practice and confidence-building dips, the parent/tot classes are primary about getting your kid comfortable in water. Overall, UIC Swim Classes deliver decent value for the price, though parents seeking a more intensive training that will get kids swimming faster may want to explore Goldfish.