Chicago Lions scrumming against the Detroit Tradesman

Contact Us

We here at the Chicago Lions are dedicated to growing the sport of rugby in our community while also fielding two of the best regional teams at the Division 1 level. If you're interested in joining our community or learning more about our club's plans for the future, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Why Should I Join the Lions?

60 Years of Excellence

Founded in 1964, the Chicago Lions have established a reputation as a perennial powerhouse. Not only in the Midwest but across the U.S. With countless Midwest Championships and a recent 2021 Division 1 Sevens National Championship under our belt, we're a program on everyone's radar.

Our Platform

Whether your goals are to fine-tune your skills or you have aspirations of playing at a higher level, the Lions can help you get there. We're a well-established program that has sent dozens of players to Major League Rugby, the Premier Rugby 7s, and has even had a few Chicago Lion Alums earn caps for the USA Eagles. Whatever your goals are, the Lions are the Chicago rugby team that will help you reach them.

Expert Staff

Nothing is more critical to an individual player's development than the support staff surrounding them. Whether it's personalized coaching, a comprehensive strength and conditioning program, or access to medical trainers, we provide our players with all of the resources they need to excel.

Be a Part of the Lions Community

  • Looking to join one of the premier men's rugby programs in the United States? Well, you've come to the right place. Our Men's senior side is an ideal environment for any athlete looking to improve their game and compete at a higher level. Between our expert coaching staff, close relationship with Major League Rugby teams, and our top-of-the-line facilities, our Chicago rugby club is dedicated to developing you into the best rugby player possible. 

  • The Chicago Lions Women's Rugby team offers players the opportunity to test their skills and push themselves to the next level. In 2021, the Lions earned Midwest Champion status and have proven themselves a formidable force both regionally and nationally. With an excellent coaching staff, state-of-the-art facilities, and incredible support from fans across the Midwest, you can look forward to growing and developing your skills in an atmosphere that promotes excellence on and off the pitch. If you’re looking to play women’s rugby in Chicago, we’re the place to go!

  • Looking to play youth rugby in Chicago? Consider the Lions.

    At the Chicago Lions, we take pride in offering a comprehensive youth rugby program that spans all age groups and levels of experience. From our Rookie Rugby program catering to ages 4-10, to Middle School, and High School, we provide a seamless pathway for rugby development unlike any other club in the US. If you’re interested in joining our Youth program, we urge you to reach out to us today!

  • As the Chicago Lions, we have a vision to grow the sport of rugby throughout not only our local community but across the United States. As our youth players grow and graduate from the Lions program, they’ll take with them the rugby knowledge, experience, and memories they made here, which they can then share within their own communities. In order for that to happen, there needs to be a space in our community for everyone to play the game we love.

    That’s why in 2019, in partnership with Chicago Hope Academy, we opened the gates to the Lions for Hope Sports complex. A multi-use 5G turf field. Giving us the environment necessary to grow the sport of rugby locally. If you’re interested in learning more about our non-profit mission or how you can help support our Chicago rugby team, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates.

Chicago Lions FAQ

  • Looking to play rugby in Chicago? You’ve come to the right spot.

    If you're interested in playing for the Lions, go ahead and fill out the contact form below. One of our recruiters or coaches will get in touch with you, and we can provide you with more information about our program.

    Whether you're looking for a competitive training environment or just wish to get the occasional game in, we have something for you.

  • We hold our training sessions and play our home games at The Lions for Hope Sports Complex, located at 2637 W Polk St, Chicago, IL 60612. The Lions for Hope Sports Complex, which opened in the fall of 2019, offers a full-size 5G turf field, two locker rooms, and a community/weightlifting room on the premises. Not only is it the best facility in the Midwest, but it's the perfect environment for athletes to further develop their game.

  • To further our mission of growing rugby locally in the Near Westside of Chicago, our nonprofit branch relies on generous donors. When you choose to donate to the Chicago Lions, that money goes directly back into the community by way of supporting our coaches, travel expenses, and of course, teaching the youth of our community all of the joys the sport of rugby has to offer.

  • We're always on the lookout for new sponsorship opportunities. If you or your business believes in our mission and would like to discuss a potential partnership, please fill out our contact form below.

Let’s Get In Touch!