These are the "BADDEST, BADASS BROADS from Asstown!!!…read more THANK YOU YELPERS for turning me on to the "Rollers"!! Last night was my first bout, I'm still hoarse from cheering!!! We went for my daughter's 26th birthday party, there were 10 of us family and friends. Even "grandpa" went! WHAT A BLAST!!! Everyone loved it! I haven't picked a favorite team yet (It's a toss up between the "Hell's Belles" and the "Double Crossers". Sorry girls but I just can't pick one!! But my husband was VERY fond of the "Double Crossers". In particular, Nina Millimeter" (I think it was the guns on her tush)!!! The birthday girl loved "Kola Loca" of "The Fury" and even got her autograph on a poster that read "blood is the new pink"! LOVE IT!! These girls are "tough" athletes. I was worn out just watching them! We understood the rules pretty fast, the announcers were excellent and fun! Beer, snacks, and team merchandise are available at the stadium. There's a "Party Bus" that meets at the Cobra Lounge and takes you to the Cicero Stadium. Next time, I think my husband and I will "do" the bus (even though we'll probably be the oldest ones on there)!!!

There are very few things that would get me out to Cicero (sorry to all you Cicero loving fans) and…read morethe Windy City Rollers is one of them! I have to admit that after sitting through a game I still don't understand roller derby, but then again I'm still trying to figure out the rules of football. But these gals wear fun outfits, sparkly makeup, and have some seriously amazing coordination skills! It all looks so fun, well besides the falling down a lot part. My only regret is that I didn't buy a Hells Belles red tee, but I know I"ll be back to get one. Go Hell's Belles!

I have been a member of All Sports Series since its inaugural season and I cannot describe how…read morehappy I have been with the league. It is by far the most organized of all the leagues I have played in in Chicago, it caters to almost any athlete out there with its multiple sports leagues in the summers and specialized sports leagues like basketball, coed kickball, and floor hockey throughout the year (I have personally played in every mens summer all sports league, the coed summer all sports league, and every basketball league), it has special features no other leagues have like stats/video highlights/power rankings, and the commissioner just seems to love what hes doing and makes it very personable and fun league. I highly highly recommend All Sports Series to anyone who loves sports leagues in Chicago and the midwest

From the owner: We are a premium service that offers different types of sports leagues that include stats, jerseys,…read moreweekly video highlights, power rankings articles and more! Currently we have Leagues throughout the Midwest and are expanding in the near future to various regions around the Country!

My daughter had her very first volleyball clinic and loved it. The gym is great with plenty of…read morespace to breathe and places for the parents to sit and watch from a distance. When I tried looking up volleyball teams however I don't like their website. I don't know if it's me or if it's just hard to navigate but I would have signed her up for a team after the clinic and the girl said go to the website. I did that and couldn't find any information. So maybe the could offer it to us instead of making us search for it. That's why I gave it a 4 stars. They need to follow up with the players afterwards to make it a 5star!!

My daughter has had a great experience at 1st Alliance. It was one of only seven clubs in the…read morecountry with a team ranked in the top 30 in each age group nationally.

The Tennis League Network has been an incredible way to connect with other players in the city and…read moreget more time on court. The app is intuitive, personalized, and designed to create a truly unique player experience. It's also seamlessly integrated with other major tennis sites and channels. I highly recommend this league to anyone looking to get back into tennis, whether casually or competitively. Match scheduling is flexible, the player community is very active, and the division-based format is thoughtfully structured. The organizers are engaged, responsive, and clearly invested in the players' experience. I'm really glad I discovered this nationwide league--it's helped me grow my tennis network and keep pursuing my passion for the game!

Joining ChiTown Tennis is one of the best decisions I've made since moving to Chicago a few years…read moreago. I've already played 50 matches since joining in May! They quickly sort you to a league that's right for you, so I've played many competitive and fun matches. It's a great way to build a tennis community, and I couldn't recommend it more! Whether you're just picking up the game or returning to it after years off, it's a great choice. I wish I would have joined sooner!

This volleyball facility is truly amazing. It's huge, clean, and has such a cool vibe , the…read moregraffiti and overall atmosphere make it feel fun and welcoming right away. But what really stands out is the people. Everyone is kind, supportive, and genuinely invested in the kids. I've personally seen shy, quiet girls come in and, over time, grow into confident, happy young athletes. That kind of transformation doesn't happen by accident . It speaks volumes about the environment the owners have created. They're giving these girls so much more than just a sport. They're building confidence, encouraging friendships outside of school, and creating something positive for them to focus their energy on. It's healthy, productive, and honestly feels like a lifestyle in the best way.

2.5 stars. Major…read moreissue is a lack of parking. Get there early or end up parking in the overflow lot a mile away. Also, no outside food or drinks including coffee. I'm fine with the food part, I'll walk to my car and eat my food in my car. But forcing us to drink their crappy coffee is just rude. And it's crap coffee. Also, what's with playing the nation anthem before a volleyball tournament for 14 year olds? Do we really need to do that? On the plus side, the facility is clean and the bathrooms are as well. So many of these facilities have 1toilet and they host an event with hundreds of people. Just ridiculous.

I've been playing indoor volleyball with this sports league for several years now. I find this…read moreleague to be a little more organized than CMSA. The games are mostly at Center on Halsted, but if there are too many teams in a season there's overflow courts at secondary locations (we've had to play at Inter-American Magnet School and Welles Park in the past). I started out not knowing anything about volleyball, but there are a handful of people willing to help you learn and build skills. Sometimes your team may be offered a mentor if you ask. AAC also offers open gym sessions on Saturday mornings (fall/winter/spring). Games are on Tuesdays and Wednesday nights. Dues and team fees are certainly lower than CMSA. There are changing lockers on the 3rd floor by the courts. The only thing that I might comment on is that the rules for this league may vary a bit from other leagues or official NCAA rules. But that it caters to player safety and the venue (there's long nets separating the courts so it mitigates interference). But I will say this - the organizers are pretty prompt in responding to and addressing any of your concerns. This league also offers Beach Volleyball on Monday nights (at Montrose Beach) - it's less crowded than the Friday night league.

Athletic alliance of chicago (AAC), chicago's finest sports association. They hold indoor…read morevolleyball, beach volleyball, indoor floor hockey, indoor football, table tennis, darts and women's bastketball leagues. Check their website for more info and schedule of activities at www.athleticallianceofchicago.com

Wow! What an outstanding program and assembly of the best managers and coaches I've ever seen. My…read moredaughter has played for 3 different travel teams since she was in 4th grade and Flow is by far the best well rounded program that we've seen. Margaret is the program director, she sends frequent emails on scheduling and is very easy to contact with questions or concerns. Communication is very well organized at flow and if you've ever been on a team where communication is a problem, then you will really appreciate this as we did. Kori is a former WNBA player and Coach! When the girls practice she plays with the girls, and shows the girls exactly how she wants the girls to do the exercise. Kori is an amazing sight to see, dribbling through the legs, around the back, spinning, fade away shots, no look passes etc etc. When the young girls get to see this in person it creates a whole different atmosphere. It would be like if Michael Jordan started a kid basketball program and also played with the kids. I know that is a strong reference, but after you see Kori run a practice, you will know what I mean. The passion and attitude that she passes on to the girls is truly a unique experience. Kori spent 10+ years as a coach or player in the highest level of competition in the WNBA and Division 1 college basketball, so you know that the drills being run and the daily practice plan are far far above any other program. Kathy is a true fundamental technician of basketball. She once spent 90 minutes straight with my daughter having her perfect her shot. Every week she'd give my daughter a drill to do at home and my daughter does it! She also offers a kind of 'tough love' to the kids, she pushes them but she knows how far to push them without pushing them off the cliff. And she always follows it up with positive criticism in a way that empowers the girls. Truly a fantastic coach that genuinely cares about her players. The assembly of these coaches all in one program is something I've never seen. When practice is over you can see the smiles and empowered confidence of the girls as they walk out of the gym. Another truly unique aspect is that after each tournament, the coach sends an email with a paragraph about each players performance- what they need to work on, what they did good, what the coach would like to see more out of them. My daughter never had a coach that did this before and its just another tool that Flow uses to engage the kids and boost their confidence. Another amazing aspect is that there are girls of all different talents in the program. There are certainly girls that have a high level of talent but there are also girls that have a lot of room for improvement. I've watched these beginner players evolve into strong and confident basketball players at such an accelerated rate. It's because of the coaches and drills and the overall direction and leadership of the program. Very impressive. I honestly was going to wait to put my review of Flow in until after my daughter got into high school, selfishly because I was worried about more people discovering this hidden gem of a program. But I just can't withhold it any longer out of good conscience.

We had participated on two other travel teams before coming to Flow Basketball. For various reasons…read morethe other teams were not what we were looking for: a disciplined approach to skill development and improvement in a competitive and fun basketball environment. That was four years ago and our daughter continues to enjoy playing this sport under the guidance of Coach Hlede. Goals are discussed at the beginning of the season. Practices are challenging and well organized and Korie is very open to working one on one in a particular area with the players to ensure they improve their moves. Another plus is that the gyms we use are closer to home thus making the commute easier for our busy family.

I am no expert on roller derby's; however, I do know that I had fun here. The set up was good,…read morepretty good viewing all around, just get there early enough if you want a seat. The sound was good, the event was fast paced and fun and they explained how it works pretty well also. I had been to another derby where they just kind of launched you into it without much explanation, and for a person who had no idea what was hapening it was confusing. The concessions at the Coachlite were very reasonablly priced and they have beer, PBR to be exact, extra points for excellence awarded there. Overall, a fun experience and I would recommend going at least once to say you did at least. For only $12 at the door, worth it.

Compared to a previous roller derby that I had been to in Aurora, this one is MUCH better. The…read moreskating was fast paced and the hits were hard. For anyone new to the derby scene, watch and listen carefully, because they do a great job of explaining the sport. It was definitely a great time, but I'm still biased towards the banked tracks I've been to in Arizona.

Whether it's the Winter Olympics getting you interested in curling or general curiosity, Windy City…read moreCurling Club is a fun activity to do with friends. I don't know a lot of people that have done this first hand, but now that I've tried it, I see the appeal of it being a sport that I enjoy watching and participating in. There are three lanes to play on, and the staff are friendly ambassadors of the sport. If you've never played, you are made to watch a short instructional video. You'll also need to sign a waiver before participating. There's a learning curve to curling, but once you're on the ice, it's fun. The instructors do a great job of teaching you the lingo, the skills, and get you started with relative ease. For those that are not as flexible or have knee issues, they have sticks to help push the rocks. Everything is provided by the club to play so just bring some comfortable clothes and a light jacket. I don't know of any other curling places so scratch that itch and see what it's all about!

You have to try it out! This place is awesome, welcoming,…read moreand makes you want to hang out all night. Rebecca is straight to the point and a great coach.

I've been swimming with the Chicago Smelts for more than seven years. And for seven years, the…read moreSmelts have been a second family. I've seen countless friendships forged and have even attended a few Smelts weddings--including a couple who met on the team. I've also seen people across ages, swimming abilities, socioeconomic backgrounds, geographic, ethnic and religious backgrounds come together to swim and cheer each other on. We have hardcore competitive athletes and causal fitness swimmer who come to practices when they can. They've all been welcomed and, generally, treated with respect. We have a big team, but it doesn't feel that way. The camaraderie exists at the lane level and the team level. You can be as involved as you want--whether simply attending practices from time to time or helping plan the annual pride parade decorations. The only expectation is that you be nice and swim. I mean, you need to know how to swim and follow lane etiquette, but let's start with you joining us for a practice. Pop by and decide for yourself if you want to join. Hope to see you there!

Wow a 1 star review and the things said in that review are extremely upsetting. First off if you…read moreneed to mention the word insecure 4 times in a review it makes me question how insecure they may be themselves. I am an aquatic professional and not only have I been a part of a few masters swim teams I have also been in charge of a few. The biggest thing about the chicago smelts is how unique they are. Here are few interesting facts about the Smelts: 1. Most masters teams are a program within a club, gym, YMCA, etc. Smelts is it's own entity 2. It is a non profit organization. It is not about making money and if any money is left over we always give back to the community. New lane lines to an out door pool we frequent, money to help with the swim team at Gill park, donation made to other local charities. We even do fundraising at events to help raise extra money for this reason. 3. It is run by volunteers. Everyone who coaches puts their time and energy in for the team. it is run by a board of members and not one single coach is paid. This means they do it because they love it. It's not just another job for them. 4. It's a family. Lots of teams I've seen it's people paying for a service. You go in, get your coached workout and then leave. That's it. Do not expect that from this team. There are some pretty close connections with the members of this team. Best friends formed, marriages, etc. have been created through this team. Some people rely on the friends they have found on this team as if they were family. There are always non sponsored events happening. Once a month a group of people plan a monthly 5K. Do we always get along with everyone, NO. Why should you. There are a ton of people on this team and if everyone got along with everyone then I think we would have found world peace by now. Gill park is a park district pool we utilize but it is not ours. We have no control of how the locker rooms, showers, pool area is run. That is all up to the Chicago Park District. We do our best to try and help out. Remember the raising money I talked about earlier well that's helped pay for some of the improvements made in the facility. We do what we can to help out but in the end it's up to the City of Chicago. I have been on this team for about 6 years and never have I seen a group of committed individuals as this one here. when you talk about goals for state meets many people do not list their times as their goal but how many new people they can meet in the weekend. If you are looking for a team that has no passion, you just want to go in and out without making friends along the way, you want everything to be done for you and want nothing to do with anything that requires the littlest bit of your time and energy outside of the pool then this may not be the place for you. We are about living life, making friends, having fun, and enjoying adventures together.