Queer Sports Leagues in Chicago

The Chicago Pride League is a co-ed Friday night bowling league (5-player teams) with cycles through fall. Active for over 30 years and one of the country’s largest LGBTQ+ bowling leagues, it emphasizes community and charity fundraising (with themed social nights) .

Stonewall Sports Chicago’s bowling league operates in winter and summer seasons, providing a fun, friendly environment for LGBTQ+ players of all skill levels .

Windy City Cycling Club (WCCC) is Chicago’s LGBTQA+ cycling organization. Open to all and 30+ years old, it offers weekly group rides, multi-day trips, and social events that foster camaraderie among LGBTQ+ cyclists .

Stonewall Sports Chicago holds dodgeball leagues year-round (winter and summer), welcoming players of any skill level in a social, supportive setting .

Stonewall Sports Chicago’s kickball league runs in spring and fall, providing an inclusive version of the traditional game for LGBTQ+ community members and allies .

The Queer Kickboxing Club Chicago offers free outdoor kickboxing/MMA training sessions in Chicago, led by a veteran instructor. It emphasizes a fun, inclusive fitness experience and welcomes participants of all ages and backgrounds .

The Athletic Alliance of Chicago (AAC) offers a badminton doubles league on Sundays at Center on Halsted and Warren Park, welcoming recreational through advanced players .

Stonewall Sports Chicago offers an inclusive bocce league each spring and fall as part of its LGBTQ+ sports program .

The Athletic Alliance of Chicago includes a darts league among its inclusive LGBTQ+ sports offerings .

AAC has introduced a doubles pickleball league (played at Warren Park) to its lineup. Leagues run roughly 10 weeks, organized by skill level, and welcome players of all abilities .

Frontrunners Chicago is a premier LGBTQ+ running and walking club (part of International Front Runners). It provides weekly social runs and training programs for people at all fitness levels, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for fitness and socializing .

Stonewall Sports Chicago supports a member-facilitated running club in addition to its team sports, providing group runs for fitness and community-building .

CMSA’s original sport is softball. It offers open (co-ed) and Women’s+ leagues each summer, plus an additional open “Fall Ball” league, making it one of CMSA’s largest and most popular sports .

The Chicago Smelts is an LGBTQ+ U.S. Masters swim team (predominantly gay and lesbian) founded in 1988. The club promotes fitness, friendship, community, and competition; membership is open to everyone (including gay-friendly straight swimmers) with skill levels from beginners to former college athletes .

Second City Tennis organizes tennis programs and social events for Chicago’s gay and lesbian community. Founded in 1987 and affiliated with AAC since 2013, it has ~900 members, offering summer singles, winter doubles, and hosting the annual Second City Tennis Classic (a GLTA tournament) .

AAC’s beach volleyball league runs Monday evenings in summer (June–August) at Montrose Beach, with over 70 teams in divisions from recreational through advanced .

AAC’s indoor volleyball league (year-round) is one of the organization’s core programs, providing a diverse, welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ athletes .

Sand volleyball (beach volleyball) is one of the sports hosted by Pride Sports Chicago, offering LGBTQ+ athletes a welcoming environment and seasonal play options .