Chicago Lions Rugby

National Seven-a-Side Champions 2021

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Read about the Sevens Champions 2021

Chicago Lions Rugby

The Lions are one of the only rugby clubs in the USA to have a fully-integrated rugby program starting with Rookie Rugby (ages 4-10), and continuing through Middle School, High School and Senior Rugby for both Men (Division 1 and 2) and Women (Division 1). The Lions also field competitive Sevens teams at High School and Senior levels, run after-school rugby programs in area Chicago middle schools, and recently-opened Nollman Field at the Lions for Hope Sports Complex, a rugby-specific community sports facility on Chicago Near West Side.

The Lions have an elite and experienced coaching staff and are fortunate to also have a full-service training staff partnership with AthletiCo for training sessions and matches. The Lions are a true community rugby club, with a large and engaged alumni group, a full social calendar, and deep involvement in our community.

Whatever you are looking for in a rugby club, the Lions are able to provide.

Please check our senior rugby options (men and women, 15s and 7s), youth and community rugby, the Lions for Hope Sports Complex, social and community events, Lions gear, and the history of the club.

We also regularly update through our active social media. Please contact us with questions or comments.

Chicago Lions Rugby

Established in 1964, the Chicago Lions are a premier rugby club in the Midwest and a consistent powerhouse in the USA for over 50 years.

chicagolionsrugby

Official Instagram for Chicago Lions Rugby, the premier rugby football team in Chicago, IL, USA. Twitter: @clrfc FB: Chicago Lions Rugby

#LionsWin A solid first home stand of the year as

#LionsWin A solid first home stand of the year as the Women’s D1 and Men’s D2 put up bonus point wins and the Men’s D1 falls in a heated Chicago Derby. Thanks to all the family, alumni, and supporters who made it out today! #backinblack

It’s another Lions game day weekend, and it’s

It’s another Lions game day weekend, and it’s a 3 team home stand, as all the senior sides will be on show tomorrow at Lions for Hope Sports Complex! Make sure to come out to see all the rugby action and celebrate the first Lions Alumni Day of the Fall! #backinblack

Make sure to come out this weekend for Lions Alumn

Make sure to come out this weekend for Lions Alumni Weekend, as all 3 senior sides are at home! Games start at 11 AM and action will be going on all day! #backinblack

This week's Lions Womxn's Player Spotlight is one

This week's Lions Womxn's Player Spotlight is one of the original Lions 15s Womxn's players and second-generation Lion, @bt_hersh!
Hometown: Naperville, IL
College: I didn’t play for a college, I started playing with North Shore when I was 18
Position: Hooker
Favorite Rugby Memory: When the team first started we found out like two weeks before our first game, so we had to scramble to get together enough people to drive up and play the Amazons. It was such a wild game because we only made the trip with 14 people and during the game, we went down to 13 because of a sin bin and then down to 12 because someone got a concussion while the player was out. It was a hard-fought match but we came out on top in the last minutes. It was such a display of the heart and drive on the team, we all felt like we had something to prove and we were ready to see what we were really capable of in the right environment and culture.
Proudest Rugby Accomplishment: Our undefeated 2019 season and winning Midwest Rugby Union, we grew so much as a team throughout the season by focusing on getting 1% better at every training session and match and it really paid off.
Why The Lions: My dad’s an old boy so I grew up going to Lions matches. The idea of being a part of the history of the club my dad played for was inspiring and the opportunities I’ve been fortunate enough to have since joining have renewed and bolstered my love for the sport. When the chance to wear the same kit he did presented itself, it just made the most sense. The coaches that I’ve played for during my time with the club were the first ones to see my potential at hooker, which was the position that my dad played. My coaches pushed me out of my comfort zone to give it a try and once I put on the 2 jersey, I never looked back! #backinblack

Congratulations to our @athletico_pt Lions of the

Congratulations to our @athletico_pt Lions of the Match from this past weekend!
Men’s D1 - @jontoriumi
Men’s D2 - @hutton_brew
#backinblack

Tough road trip for the Lions Men’s sides, as bo

Tough road trip for the Lions Men’s sides, as both teams run into a hard running Pittsburgh side #backinblack

It’s another Lions game day weekend as the Men’s teams head on their biggest road trip of the season to Pittsburgh! Thanks to our road trip sponsor Palmer Beverage Systems! #backinblack

This week's Lions Women's Player Spotlight is 7s v

This week's Lions Women's Player Spotlight is 7s veteran and 15s rookie @mariah1441!
Hometown: Bartlett, IL
College: @illinoisstateu
Position: I have played a wide variety of positions. First two years of college with @isuwomensrugby, I played full back. Last two years I played scrum half. For @icasrugby I played lock for one day and fly half for the rest.
Favorite rugby memory: This is difficult since there are so many. I would have to pick getting to go to Nashville for 3 years with ISU and my parents getting to come out. 2 days in Nashville with a bunch of rugby people brings on a lot of memories
Proudest rugby accomplishment: Making it to the elite 8 with ISU my freshman year of college. Our coach did an amazing job of teaching a lot of individuals with little knowledge about the game. Why the Lions? The culture and atmosphere that the lions have is amazing. I always knew I wanted to be apart of the lions after college. The coaching staff and players and are amazing. The chemistry carries over onto the field. #backinblack

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Latest News

National Sevens Champions 2021

The Chicago Lions Rugby are National Sevens Champions for 2021. Read the Captain’s and Coach’s reports plus watch the final video.

Annual Keith Brown Golf Outing 2021

The Annual Keith Brown Golf Outing 2021, the Chicago Lions’ annual golf tournament, was held on Friday, June 25th.

Here for Good – Fundraiser

As we are all on hold for rugby, we still have a small need to raise funds for items like utilities, maintenance, payroll, and insurance. We have joined Jupmode Supply’s Here for Good campaign to support small businesses and non-profits.

Lions Awards Banquet 2020

In February 2020, over 120 Lions players and supporters gathered to celebrate a historic 2019 at the Annual Lions Awards Banquet.

Midwest Champions 2019

Coached by Dave Clancy and Bruce Snyder, the Chicago Lions Men and Women are Midwest Champions, creating rugby history. Come and play for the Lions!

Sports Complex – J. Tyke Nollman Field

Saturday, September 21st, 2019 was a historical day for the Chicago Lions as we revealed the...

Chicago Lions Merges with Chicago Wapiti

Chicago Lions Rugby merges the Chicago Wapiti Rugby Football Club to expand its youth...