Category Archives: Sports

  News and Happenings, Sports

Out at Wrigley Gay Day August 3rd, 2013

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! 

MTM Chicago, is excited to announce the return of Out at Wrigley, the
largest annual LGBT sporting event in the country. 
This year’s game,
which pits the Chicago Cubs vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sat., Aug.
3rd, offers 150 fans the opportunity to purchase VIP Budweiser Patio
seats for $130.00 and an additional 300 seats in right field terrace for
$54.00. 
Tickets are available online at OutatWrigley.com 
“I am very excited about this year’s Out at Wrigley,” said event
organizer Bill Gubrud. “A finalist will receive a recording contract and
we will hold our very first induction ceremony for the National Gay and
Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame. It is becoming an Out at Wrigley Weekend.” 

National Anthem Contest!

Have you ever thought what it would be like to sing the national
Anthem in front of 40,000 people and in front of millions on tv?

Well, here is your chance! Out at Wrigley will be holding a
competition for one lucky and talented person to sing the national
Anthem on Saturday August 3rd at Wrigley Field.

Out at Wrigley will have at least four prelim event dates for you to
choose from to compete. There can be multiple winners at each prelim
event that will advance to the semi-finals. We will have a list of
competition dates for you to choose from!

For more information e-mail info@mtmchicago.com

The beneficiaries for the 13th annual event are the Center on Halsted
and the newly formed non-profit National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of
Fame.
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  Boystown, Gay Bars, Special Events, Sports, Uptown

Best Gay Chicago’s BEST Baseball Kick Off Events

Baseball Kickoff
for Equality is just one week from today!

Tuesday April 3rd –
 Join EQIL at
Sluggers Sports Bar (3540 N. Clark Street) to celebrate Opening Day 2012. Enjoy cocktails,
light bites, and the chance to win door prizes! Baseball tix, anyone?

A $10 donation
includes 2 complimentary cocktails, light bites, and a drawing ticket.
Come meet some new friends and let’s celebrate the beginning of the 2012
baseball season! Get your tickets now for this fun event. 

We look forward to seeing you on April 3 at Sluggers!

THEN  …
Thursday  April 5th!
CREW  opens at 10:00 am of the Cubs home opener.
4804 N. Broadway

Stop by before the game for a complimentary breakfast and drink specials. Come back after to celebrate the Cubs win!

Fun starts  at  10:00 am with drink specials and breakfast. (while it lasts!)
Game time  is  at  1:20

(I never understood those add starting times….does anyone know why?)

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  Andersonville, News and Happenings, Restaurants and Dining, Sports, Uptown

CREW Bar Annual Charity Chilli CookOff Jan 28

NBC 5’S WAYNE JOHNSON RETURNS AS HOST OF CREW’S 2012 CHARITY CHILI COOK OFF

 

Wayne Johnson, food and lifestyle reporter for NBC Chicago, will return as host of Crew Bar + Grill’s Annual Charity Chili Contest on Saturday, January 28th, from 12PM to 2PM.


The annual chili contest lets patrons sample eight different chili recipes for a $10.00 donation to the Edgewater based non-profit, Care for Real. Organized by the Edgewater Community Council, Care for Real is a volunteer operated food pantry and social services group supported by donations from the community. Prizes will be awarded for the best chili recipe, $100 in cash, and the category for best presentation of your chili, the “Nate Berkus award”, which nets a $50 Crew gift card.

 

Crew Bar + Grill

4804 N Broadway

Chicago, IL   60640

Crew Bar + Grill, located at Broadway and Lawrence, is Chicago’s premiere, award winning gay sports bar.  In 2010, Mike Sullivan and Mark Robertson joined the business as co-owners alongside Steve Milford and Brian Wells. Now well into its seventh year, Crew has become a fixture of the Uptown entertainment district with a mix of big games on over 20 HD, flat screen televisions and great food and drinks.

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  News and Happenings, Outside the City, Special Events, Sports

Chicago Series 2011 – 35th Annual NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series is Underway


LAST NIGHT was the Official Opening Ceremonies for the 2011 Gay Softball WorldSeries!

The huge event was in the Grand Ballroom at  Navy Pier and it is estimated there were over 4,000 in attendance!



Athletes from around the country are here for a week of games and special events.  The games are  taking place at three separate complexes in Schaumburg, Elmhurst and St. Charles. Organizers say the games are expected to bring in more than $5 million in business to the city.


Nine Chicago teams are participating with at least one team in each division. The softball tournament consists of  150 teams from 41 cities in North American in five divisions.




 


Many of the athletes  will sing, dance, perform sketch comedy or show other special talents, at the annual NAGAAA Talent Show. This year’s event will take place in the Grand Ball Room at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare with all proceeds to benefit the designated Series 2011 charities.

* CHICAGO SINGER   Michael Scott McBride will be sharing his amazing vocals and music which  can best be described as ‘Gospirational’ with a hint of dance.


Emceed by: Tajma Hall,  You will not want to miss this year’s Talent Show. This will be like no other!


When: August 31, 2011
Show starts at 7:00pm
Where: Hyatt Regency O’Hare Grand Ballroom


Then –


Closing Ceremonies


SERIES 2011, INC. IS ‘TAKING IT TO THE STREETS’ 
FOR CLOSING STREET FAIR IN BOYSTOWN
 “Final Say” and “DJ Bill Bennett” Help Wrap Up
World’s Largest Annual LGBT Sporting Event


When: Saturday September 3
Time: 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Where: Waveland Ave in Boystown between Halsted and Broadway


 



 


The 35th annual Gay Softball World Series (GSWS), wrap-up a week of softball and social events with a closing awards ceremony and street fair in Boystown on Saturday, September 3, from 4:00-10:00p.m.

The event, which is presented in partnership with the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association (CMSA), will take place on Waveland Avenue between Halsted and Broadway streets and feature local cover band Final Say and world-renowned DJ Bill Bennett. 


 



 


“We’re proud to partner with CMSA and the Northhalsted Business Alliance to close out a week of softball and social events in Boystown,” said Ted Cappas, President, Series 2011.
 
“We have received incredible support from the community and are especially grateful to our co-sponsor, CMSA, and Alderman James Cappleman, who understand the significance of this event for our community and our local businesses.”


Series 2011 plans to recognize all of the tournament’s championship teams during the closing event. Additionally, the Chicago Cubs (a Series 2011 sponsor) will welcome representatives from the winning teams onto Wrigley Field on Sunday, September 4 for a special recognition ceremony prior to their 1:20pm game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. That Sunday is also Pride Day at Wrigley, brought to you by the Windy City Times, a Series 2011 media partner.  

ALSO  ON SUNDAY – there is a post game party event at SIDETRACK.  Singer Michael Scott McBride will perform.





Admission is free for all Series 2011 participants and CMSA Members.

Sports enthusiasts and members of the LGBT and greater Chicagoland community are welcome and encouraged to attend the Closing Street Fair for a $5 suggested donation at the gate, which will benefit Series 2011 charity partners.

See more  photos  on 
OUR Facebook  Page –

get up to the date news  on
GSWS Facebook Page



Best Gay Chicago.com
 

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  Andersonville, Benefits, Special Events, Sports

Gay SoftBall World Series Week in Chicago 2011

 Gay Softball World Series  2011 Chicago!

Just  days  away!   Events  begin this Sunday, August 28th starting at CREW. 4804 N. Broadway. Celebrate the end of the Softball Season with a Beer Bust and Fundraiser for GSWS. 2pm – 5pm     Help out the Chicago Gay Softball World Series. It’s 3 hours of Coors Lite for $20. Raffle prizes too.


Opening Ceremonies   08.29.2011   @   Navy Pier – Chicago
Opening Ceremonies for the 35th Annual NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series will take place on Monday, August 29, beginning at 5:00p.m at the Navy Pier Grand Ballroom. It’s going to be  a huge star-studded event!    Admission to the Opening Ceremony is FREE!  But Donations will be accepted, $10 is suggested,  to support the Ben Cohen “Stand Up” Foundation.


Closing Ceremony   will be  Saturday 09.03.2011  @  Waveland Ave – Chicago
SERIES 2011, INC. IS ‘TAKING IT TO THE STREETS’  FOR CLOSING STREET FAIR IN BOYSTOWN
 “Final Say” and “DJ Bill Bennett” Help Wrap Up World’s Largest Annual LGBT Sporting Event
4-10pm.  

Admission is free for all Series 2011 participants and CMSA Members. Sports enthusiasts and members of the LGBT and greater Chicagoland community are welcome and encouraged to attend the Closing Street Fair for a $5 suggested donation at the gate, which will benefit Series 2011 charity partners.




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  News and Happenings, Sports, Summer Fun

35th Annual Gay Softball World Series in Chicago Aug 29-Sept 3



It’s hard to believe that we’re just DAYS  away from the start of the 2011 Gay Softball World Series.  

Chicago is ready and excited to host you and your teammates for an incredibly memorable week!  



The 35th Annual
NAGAAA Gay
Softball World Series

Opening Ceremonies –
Navy Pier

Monday, August 29, beginning at 5:00p.m.


“We can’t think of a better venue and more picturesque setting to host the Opening for the 2011 Gay Softball World Series, said Ted Cappas, President, Series 2011. “We’ve assembled an incredible program for the evening, which will welcome our athletes and feature national and local entertainers alike.”



The GSWS Opening Ceremony will feature a top-notch talent lineup (see attached bios), including Leslie Jordan, star of the stage and screen; Ben Cohen, Rugby World Cup Champion and founder/chairman of the Ben Cohen “Stand Up” foundation; Pandora Boxx, Drag Superstar; and hometown favorites Amy Armstrong, singer and entertainer; and Matthew Harvat, DJ and event producer. 

Sports enthusiasts and members of the LGBT and greater Chicagoland community are welcome and encouraged to attend the Opening Ceremony for a $10 suggested donation at the door, which will benefit the Ben Cohen “Stand Up” foundation. 



MORE DETAILS   AT  CHICAGO SERIES 2011







The 35th annual Gay Softball World Series (GSWS), which will take place in Chicago beginning August 29, will wrap-up a week of softball and social events with a closing awards ceremony and street fair in Boystown on Saturday, September 3, from 4:00-10:00p.m. 

The event, which is presented in partnership with the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association (CMSA), will take place on Waveland Avenue between Halsted and Broadway streets and feature local cover band Final Say and world-renowned DJ Bill Bennett.


Series 2011 plans to recognize all of the tournament’s championship teams during the closing event.  Additionally, the Chicago Cubs (a Series 2011 sponsor) will welcome representatives from the winning teams onto Wrigley Field on Sunday, September 4 for a special recognition ceremony prior to their 1:20pm game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.  That Sunday is also Pride Day at Wrigley, brought to you by the Windy City Times, a Series 2011 media partner. 
 
Sports enthusiasts and members of the LGBT and greater Chicagoland community are welcome and encouraged to attend the Closing Street Fair for a $5 suggested donation at the gate, which will benefit the Ben Cohen “Stand Up” foundation. 
 
The softball tournament, which begins on Tuesday, August 30, is expected to draw 175 teams from 43 cities in North America in five divisions: A, B, C, D and Master’s.  Play occurs at three separate complexes in Schaumburg, Elmhurst and St. Charles, with the championships (Schaumburg Complex) on Saturday, September 3.

GET ALL THE DETAILS   AT  CHICAGO  SERIES  2011!

Find them on Facebook and RSVP





BestGayChicago.com


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  Fitness, Special Events, Sports, Summer Fun

Gay Softball World Series Summer Kickoff Party June 29

The 35th annual NAGAAA
Gay Softball World Series (GSWS)
 is almost here!
 
From August 29 – September 3, more than 165 teams, from over 40 cities across North America, will descend upon the Windy City to play more than 500 games, making the GSWS the largest annual LGBT sporting event in the world!
 
Join them @ Sidetrack on June 29 at 6:00pm for our Summer Kickoff Party, where if you register to volunteer for the Series, you can win FABULOUS prizes that night!  There is no cover charge for this event.
 
·       Grand Prize: “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” NYC Getaway Weekend for two!  Airfare, two-night hotel stay at the luxurious Benjamin Hotel and tickets to the Rokk Vodka-sponsored Broadway smash hit Priscilla Queen of the Desert!
·       Buddy Scooter from Scooterworks
·       Miller/Coors Bicycle
·       (2) VIP Suite Tickets to Melissa Etheridge
·       $100 Sir Spa Massage Gift Cards
 
To enter the drawing, simply register to volunteer during the Chicago GSWS.  We have numerous volunteer needs both leading into and during the week of the Series.  From registering athletes to providing information at the host hotels to assisting at the fields, there is an opportunity for everyone. 

Can’t make the Sidetrack event?  Visit the Series website at Chicagoseries2011 to learn more and to sign up to volunteer.
 
Series 2011 – Participate.  Donate.  Volunteer.  Find them on FACEBOOK.
 

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  Fitness, News and Happenings, Outdoors, Recommended, Retail and Services, Sports, Summer Fun

Best Bike Tours in Chicago! Bobbys Bike Hike

 



Since the advent of the bicycle in the 1860s, Chicago has been distinguished as one of the premier cycling locations in the United States, with such public cycling destinations as Grant Park, Burnham Park and the Chicago Park District’s Lakefront Trail.

Chicago has been  named a cycling capital of the United States by several magazines. The City of Chicago has achieved this goal by investing in bicycling infrastructure and promoting education, awareness and advocacy.

 


Bicycles arrived in Chicago in the 1860s. By 1900, there were 54 bicycle clubs with more than 10,000 members, and it has been growing every year.


 



Mayor Richard J. Daley, was a huge supporter of bicycling. When he was inaugurated, the city had a limited number of bike paths. By the 1970s, Daley’s administration had built a large network of lakefront bike paths, bicycle lanes on the road, a 34-mile (55 km) bicycle route and rush-hour bicycle lanes on Clark Street and Dearborn Street.


Chicago currently has more than 110 miles of on-street bike lanes, more than 30 miles of marked shared lanes, many miles of off-street paths (including the 18.5-mile Lakefront Trail), more than 12,000 bike racks, and sheltered, high-capacity, bike parking areas at many CTA rail stations. Daley has said, “My goal is to make the City of Chicago the most bicycle-friendly city in the U.S.”



 
Since the summer of 2002,
Bobby’s Bike Hike has offered a unique perspective on the sights and attractions of Chicago, incorporating quality information, group interaction, and most of all, fun.

“We provide you a cool, cruiser style bicycle and riders of all ages and fitness levels will find our relaxed-pace tours enjoyable. Bobby’s hand-selected guides make brief stops at Chicago’s most popular sights, providing light-hearted commentary that will keep you entertained and “in the know.”

Whether you live here – or are visiting, Bobbys tours offer something for everyone.


Lakefront Neighborhood tours –


 Rated the best Chicago sightseeing tour of 2010 by Tripadvisor, Most organized bike ride of Chicago by the Chicago Reader, and Best Chicago Tour by Citysearch! This tour is what made Bobby famous, taking you off the tourist beat and onto the quiet neighborhood streets, city parks, and packed beaches of the North Side of Chicago, giving you a glimpse as to how Chicagoans enjoy their beautiful city. Highlights include the Gold Coast Mansions, Oprah’s House, the Playboy Mansion, Lincoln Park Zoo, Old Town Historic District, North Avenue Beach, and the Lakefront. 
 
 City Lights at Night –   Bike through Chicago’s most attractive hotspots at night! Like a party on wheels, we’ll cruise through downtown to see brand new Millennium Park, Museum Campus, and Buckingham Fountain, with its world-renowned light show. You’ll see our favorite jaw-dropping vantage points of the scintillating skyline.



 
And NEW THIS YEAR – the  Bikes, Bites  Brew  tour – Working up an appetite won’t be a problem on this tour! We’ll be sampling from each of Chicago’s four favorite food groups — pizza, hot dogs, cupcakes and beer. You’ll learn the history behind the foods and also get a taste for some of Chicago’s most popular neighborhoods as we cruise through Wrigleyville, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lakeview and Lincoln Park.




Bobby’s Bike Hike continues to set the standard in sightseeing bicycle tours of Chicago.
So come join in the fun – Bobby’s will  be the highlight of your day!
 


Bobbys Bike Hike    (312) 915-0995

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  Celebrity, Center on Halsted, News and Happenings, Sports

Chicago Bulls NBA Player Joakim Noah Shouts ‘Faggot’

WHOOPSIE!  Homophobic Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah was caught on camera shouting “f**k you, faggot” to a fan seated behind him at a Miami Heat basketball game tonight.
 
He used the slur while sitting on the bench after arguing a call with a referee. –  You know he will say “I’m Sorry…..” –  yeah, sorry for being caught on camera!


CBS Sports reports on the episode and the comparisons from some members of the media to last month’s incident with Kobe Bryant.



Noah then appeared to yell a string of profanities and finished with what appears to be the exact phrase that Bryant was fined for using. The only difference: Noah was not addressing one of the officials.



Immediately, NBA analysts and media members took to Twitter to predict that Noah would be fined by the NBA league office. “Because the NBA fined Kobe, you think they’ll have to fine Noah,” CNBC’s Darren Rovell tweeted. “But it’s really the luck of the draw whether you’re caught on TV.” “No question he said exactly what Kobe said,” SI.com’s Zach Lowe added. “Get that $100k ready, Joakim.”

Where does that $100,000  go exactly?  They should donate it to a LGBT rights group!

“I got caught up in the moment,” said Joakim Noah, his explanation for why he used an anti-gay slur during a game on Sunday. Mr. Noah apologized for the outburst, and that’s a start. But the fact that Mr. Noah immediately and instinctively turned to anti-gay language when he was angry and frustrated speaks to a larger, more dangerous undercurrent.  Hate language is more than a bad word – it has real, tangible consequences, and we must hold our role models accountable.

CENTER ON HALSTED said, “We have invited Mr. Noah and the Chicago Bulls organization to get involved in the work we do to provide young people, many of whom are homeless and the victims of hate violence,  a safe place to participate in sporting activities, where they can learn the value of teamwork, leadership, and healthy lifestyles.”



BestGayChicago.com


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  Celebrity, Movers and Shakers, News and Happenings, Outside the City, Special Events, Sports, Theater in Chicago

Johnny Weir April 30th Discount Tickets for BestGayChicago.com Readers

The 2nd Annual
ICE DREAMS TOUR
 with Johnny Weir
comes back to Chicago April 30th!

Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville
735 East Jefferson
Bensenville, IL  60106

an exclusive offer for Best Gay Chicago readers, if you type in promo code “johnnyweir” you can receive half off the ticket price!

There is also VIP seating available which will provide on-ice seating and access to Johnny’s intimate after party where they can meet him!

ICE  DREAMS  TOUR

$1 from every ticket sale goes to American Red Cross: Japanese Disaster Relief fund.

Johnny has even created a special t-shirt to help raise needed monies for Japan.


BestGayChicago.com

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  Community, FREE, News and Happenings, Sports

LGBT Archery in Chicago April 16th FREE Event



The Chicago Archery Center is having a free Rainbow Family Fun Shoot on April 16th from 1-3 PM. It’s the new game in town! Come and see how much fun archery can be for the entire family. All equipment is provided. The address is 1529 W. Armitage (just east of Ashland/Elston), Chicago, IL 60642. There is plenty of free street parking. Chicago Archerycom

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  Benefits, Community, Gay Bars, News and Happenings, Special Events, Sports, Uptown

Crew Bar + Grill Hosts Proud to run Race benefit April 10th

Crew Bar + Grill,
Chicago’s award winning gay sports bar, will host a benefit for the 30th Annual Proud to Run Race on Sunday, April 10th, from 1pm to 4pm.

The Proud to Run Race celebrates gay and lesbian pride and is held on the same weekend in June as the Chicago Gay Pride Parade. This year’s race will be Saturday, June 25th.

For a $20 donation, attendees to the benefit at Crew will take part in an all you can drink beer bust and raffle for various prizes, including a Blu-Ray DVD player and two pairs of tickets to an upcoming Chicago Cubs game.
 
“One of the things that attracted us to the Proud to Run event is that it’s not just a race. It’s also a fundraiser to benefit a couple of charities in the Chicago Area,” said Crew co-owner Steve Milford. This year Proud to run will benefit Pride Youth Services, a North Shore Health Service program for LGBT youth, and the Gerber/Hart Library, a non-profit library focused on Chicago LGBT history and archival materials.  “We love doing these kinds of charitable events that benefit the community, and this particular event is also a sporting event, which is right up our alley,” added Mr. Milford.



 
Last year, the race had over 1,100 participants, and organizers hope to boost attendance by almost 20% to 1,300. Holding events and benefits, like the April 10th beer bust at Crew is one way the organizers hope to reach out to more people in the community. “I’ve run the Proud to Run race every year since I moved to Chicago almost a decade ago. It’s a great way to kick off Pride weekend with friends,” said Dave Davila, a manager at Crew Bar + Grill.  “I hope this year to get some more of my co-workers running with me.”
 
Crew Bar + Grill, located at the intersection of Broadway and Lawrence, is Chicago’s premiere gay sports bar.  In 2010, Mike Sullivan and Mark Robertson joined the business as co-owners alongside Steve Milford and Brian Wells. Now well into its sixth year, Crew has become a fixture of the Uptown entertainment district with a mix of big games on over 20 HD, flat screen televisions and great food and drinks. 
 
Crew Bar + Grill     4804 N Broadway     Chicago, IL   60640

PROUD TO RUN race


BestGayChicago.com

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  Benefits, Boystown, Networking, News and Happenings, Special Events, Sports

Equality Illinois Baseball Social March 31


Join Equality Illinois  and our friends at Sluggers Sports Bar on Thursday, March 31 from 6 to 9pm for a casual social to celebrate Opening Day 2011!

Come meet White Sox great Minnie Minoso (stay tuned for other names to be added!) and enjoy cocktails and the chance to win door prizes. Tickets, which include 2 complimentary cocktails and a drawing ticket are $10 at the door. Come meet some new friends and let’s celebrate the beginning of the 2011 baseball season!



EQIL 2011 Baseball Season Opening Social
Thursday, March 31      6 to 9pm
Sluggers Sports Bar         3540 N. Clark Street in Chicago
Tickets $10 at the door (2 complimentary cocktails and a drawing ticket)


Best Gay Chicago.com

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  Networking, News and Happenings, Special Events, Sports

Equality Illinois Hosts Baseball Season Kickoff Social March 31st


Equality Illinois, the state’s largest organization advocating for full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, is kicking off the 2011 baseball season with a pre-opening day social aimed at bringing together fans of the Chicago Cubs and of the White Sox.


Attendees will have the chance to mix and mingle with current and former baseball players such as White Sox great Minnie Minoso, and meet the editor of the best-selling Baseball Prospectus, Christina Kahrl. Contributing authors to the Baseball Prospectus will also be in attendance.


Attendees will have a chance to win tickets to 2011 season games, team memorabilia, copies of the newest edition of Baseball Prospectus, among other prizes.


The event will take place on Thursday, March 31st from 6–9pm at Sluggers Bar, one of Wrigleyville’s most renowned hotspots, at 3540 N. Clark Street. Tickets are $10 at the door and include 2 complimentary cocktails, light bites, and a ticket for the drawings. 　


 


 　For more information about Equality Illinois, visit Equality Illinois.



Kickoff for Equality



Thursday, March 31, 2011    6:00pm-9:00pm
Sluggers Bar    3540 N. Clark Street      Chicago, IL 60613

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  Boystown, Fitness, Health, News and Happenings, Reccomended Reads, Recommended, Retail and Services, Sports, Uptown

Eat Right Get Fit with the Trainers from World Gym Chicago



Many gay men are obsessed with their body image.

American men spend over-

•$4 billion a year on exercise equipment and health club memberships
•$3 billion on grooming aids and fragrances
•$800 million on hair transplants


•$1 BILLION on male cosmetic surgery procedures, procedures such as pectoral implants, chin surgery, and penis enlargement and procedures such as liposuction and rhinoplasty (nose jobs).

A Playgirl centerfold model of 1976 would need to shed 12 lbs of fat and gain 27 lbs of muscle to be a centerfold of today!   OK- we get –  many of us are obsessed!

But if you have a desire for a great body –  what are you doing about it? And do you know what you are doing?




Are you eating sensible and healthy??

I can’t tell you how many guys I see at the gym, spending as much as 2 hours a pop working out –  then eating garbage food.

Or my favorite, the guy who is on a treadmill with his coffee in one hand and his cell phone in the other!

You have to eat right. It’s about learning to control caloric intake throughout the year, in addition to working out. It is a lifestyle adaption, and many people don’t follow through or don’t  have the knowledge to make the right decisions.

We could write pages and pages of nutritional tips – and that’s what well do in coming months, so this is just the tip of the iceberg. Some of the trainers at World Gym of Chicago  on Montrose shared their thoughts and expertise and a few tips.

I like World Gym because of its comfortable atmosphere. The owner says, “World Gym is not a “health club”, but a gym dedicated to the improvement and maintenance of our members’ health and fitness.

Our philosophy is not to enroll hundreds of new members, induced to sign up by an endless string of “special offers”…but to build a strong base of loyal members and work hard to earn that loyalty in continuum. We have found that this philosophy has created an environment where men and women of all ages, from the “just getting started” to the “top athlete,” all exercise in a comfortable, non-frantic atmosphere. We are a result producing, not stress producing, gym.”

      So here we go –  5 quick tips and pointers –


BASIC RULE #1: Our body weight is determined by the amount of energy that we take in as food and the amount of energy we expend in the activities of our day.


In basic terms, you can not eat more than you expend.  OR you must burn more than eat.  And you have to make healthy choices when you eat. You can’t consume buckets of sugar and fat and expect to get lean and build muscle.

When it comes to Protein;  Drink whey protein 20 minutes before a meal. The Minnesota Applied Research Center in Minneapolis found that the protein consumption caused a much greater loss in body fat than the placebo. The whey protein maintains blood sugar levels, which decreases appetite. And, the protein provides the building blocks your body needs to recover from your exercise program.

You can have TOO MUCH protein. The next time you urinate, take a gander into the toilet bowl. I’m serious.
Now tell me if your urine is bubbly and has a frothy consistency. Like beer.

If you’ve been supplementing your diet with protein in line with a bodybuilding routine, I’m going to bet you that chances are, you have bubbly urine. Now what does bubbly urine imply? proteinuria.

Proteinuria is a medical condition whereby too much protein is ingested for the body to utilize. The kidneys then work overtime to filter out this excess protein, and out it goes through your urine. Excess protein = bubbly urine.



 
2. Go nutty for nuts. Nuts are high in calories and fat – so it might seem strange that they’re a great weight release food. But they are. Researchers from Purdue University found that nuts are high in nutrients and antioxidants, that they help prevent degenerative diseases and that they are linked to reduced body fat. Nuts prevent hunger (consume a handful before going out to eat!), and they take a long time – and lots of energy – to digest. This research is providing new support for the caveman diet – which holds that we should eat nuts, berries, vegetables, lean meats, etc. – just like our ancestors.

3. Green tea is a fat loss miracle. Research from Maastricht University in Holland is making me a green tea believer. Green tea promotes weight release, weight maintenance, improved blood sugar regulation and even decreases abdominal fat! Of course, green tea doesn’t do it alone – you need to combine it with a comprehensive exercise and nutrition program.





 4. SUGAR. Eat foods that are low on the gylcemic index. The glycemic index  measures how fast certain foods increase blood sugars. Foods like white bread are very high on the index, and foods like whole grains are ranked much lower. Those foods that are high on the index seem to trigger fat storage – though researchers aren’t quite sure why. Here’s a list of how some of the most common foods rank .

5. SLEEP. Poor sleep = increased abdominal fat. Researchers from Wake Forest embarked on a multi-year study and found that too little – or too much – sleep led to increased risk of obesity and abdominal fat. 6 – 7 hours a night was found to be ideal.




THANKS  to the trainers  at
World Gym of Chicago ! 

With 7 locations!







Some recommended  reads:



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  Fitness, FREE, Health, News and Happenings, Recommended, Sports, Uptown, Wellness

World Gym Uptown – Ranked Best Gym in North Chicago

The Number One
New Year’s Resolution….

lose weight and/or
get body in better shape! 

Ok, it’s February. 
What have you done about it?

There is no excuse. If you don’t belong to gym or are considering changing gyms, NOW IS THE TIME.

This is the BEST promotion for fitness you will find in Chicago!


Wednesday February 9th.
Fitness Party Promotion  @  World Gym in Uptown
909 W. Montrose    773-348-1212
5am – 11pm (so don’t say you have to work, and can’t make it!)





World Gym is not a health club, but a gym dedicated to the improvement and maintenance of our members’ health and fitness.

“Our philosophy is not to enroll hundreds of new members, induced to sign up by an endless string of “special offers”…but to build a strong base of loyal members and work hard to earn that loyalty in continuum,” says Al, who opened this gym in 1992, but has been in the business a LIFETIME!


“We have found that this philosophy has created an environment where men and women of all ages, from the “just getting started” to the “top athlete,” all exercise in a comfortable, non-frantic atmosphere. We are a result producing, not stress producing, gym.”

World Gym has been voted one of the BEST GYMS IN CHICAGO!  and THE BEST GYM IN NORTH CHICAGO. I have been a member at World Gym for about 8 years now. I can honestly say, it is super clean and constantly updated with the newest equipment and free classes that are always changing and evolving.

On Wednesday February 9th, ALL DAY, World Gym is offering unbeatable promotions!

* 50% OFF on new enrollments, if you mention this article

* 50% OFF memberships, if you mention this article

* Complimentary food, cocktails, and nutritional supplements

So if you have been thinking about a new gym or maybe you just moved here, WORLD GYM has the best facilities, the best prices, and the best perks in Chicago!

Make sure you tell them we sent you!

And watch for   FITNESS TIPS  coming soon from the trainers of World Gym !


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  Benefits, Gay Bars, News and Happenings, Special Events, Sports

CREW’S Chill Contest Raises $1050 for Food Pantry

Crew Bar + Grill
held its 5th Annual Charity
Chili Contest this past weekend, and raised $1050 for the Edgewater based non-profit, Care for Real.  Organized by the Edgewater Community Council, Care for Real is a volunteer operated food pantry and social services group supported by donations from the community. The annual chili contest lets patrons sample different chili recipes for a $10.00 donation.
 
Wayne Johnson, food and lifestyle reporter for NBC Chicago, hosted the event which featured nine contestants with a wide range of chili flavors and styles. The winning chili was submitted by local author of The Screwed Up Life of Charlie the Second, Drew Ferguson, who graciously donated his $100 prize to the Care for Real food pantry.

Crew’s contest also features a design and presentation award, named for out lifestyle designer Christopher Lowell. This year’s entries included a cowboy themed setup, a Glee parody, and a Chicago style stuffed ballot box theme. The Lowell Award winner was Dawn DeGroot with a Las Vegas Casino table theme, complete with a light up Welcome To Las Vegas sign, tuxedo coat and tie.
 
“We are so thrilled with the outcome of the Charity Chili Cook Off,” Steve Milford, co-owner of Crew Bar + Grill, said, “Before the contest, I said I’d be happy if we raised just a little bit more than 2010’s $540, but our customers really came out and supported the event and the Care for Real pantry .  At the end of the day, we doubled the amount of money raised from the previous year.” Crew co-owner, Brian Wells added, “Care for Real has been in the neighborhood doing good work for many years, but they told us that this January was one of their busiest on record. These are tough economic times, and I’m so thankful for the generosity of our customers. They never cease to amaze me.”

 
Crew Bar + Grill , located at 4804 N Broadway , Chicago, IL   60640 (Broadway and Lawrence),  is Chicago’s premiere, award winning gay sports bar.  In 2010, Mike Sullivan and Mark Robertson joined the business as co-owners alongside Steve Milford and Brian Wells. Now well into its sixth year, Crew has become a fixture of the Uptown entertainment district with a mix of big games on over 20 HD, flat screen televisions and great food and drinks. 
 
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  Celebrity, News and Happenings, Outside the City, Sports

Homophobic Hetero Tears up Mario Lopez in Chicago bar Mullets

OH  HELL TO THE NO! 

The Chicago Tribune reported that Police were called last week to Mullets Sports Bar & Restaurant in Homer Glen (out just past Orland Park) to deal with an angry customer who allegedly shattered a framed photo of A.C. Slater, a fictional, mullet-wearing jock played by Mario Lopez in the 1990s television series “Saved by the Bell.”

Tip number one –  with a name like MULLETS, do you think this place is sort of redneck?


“I just don’t like Slater,” the man reportedly told the owner after allegedly yanking the photo from its place of pride above a urinal and smashing it on the floor. The owner told police the bathroom door also was damaged.

I find it interesting that this straight bar had a shrine dedicated to Mario Lopez’s 90s persona above one of the urinals in the bathroom! Hmmmmm…..

Step away from the pitcher of beer  buddy!


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  Outdoors, Sports, Summer Fun

Gay Rugby with Chicago Dragons Saturday Afternoon August 14th

The sport all the gay men
are taling about!

R U G B Y !

Did you know?
The Chicago Dragons Rugby Football Club  is the first rugby club in the Midwest established to invite members from traditionally under-represented groups, particularly gay men, to engage in the world’s third most popular team sport.

Do you like lockerrooms and sweaty jocks? Learn how to chase men around (on a field) this Saturday afternoon with the  Chicago Dragons,  as they host Rugby 101.

They’ll be meeting at Lerner Park (Pratt and Sacremento ) this Saturday  , noon till 3pm,  to give you a chance to learn the ins-and-outs of rugby.  Even if you’ve never played before –  you’ll get a chance to learn about Rugby, the ins and outs of the games and get a chance to meet some really nice guys.  Afterwards the guys will be heading to The Northend for some brewski’s and martini’s.

Please dress in gym clothes with sneakers (cleats if you have them!).
Also, please bring a mouth guard if you have one – they can usually be purchased at a sporting goods store for about $3.

Please make sure to bring proof of age (Driver’s License, ID, Passport,etc). While we are “All Ages.”, you must be AT LEAST 18 years old.

If you know NOTHING about the game, check out their Rugby primer .

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  News and Happenings, Sports

Will Chicago BlackHawks Join Gay Pride Parade Next Weekend?

Will they?
or won’t they?

That is question people are pondering this week. The Chicago Blackhawks have lots of gay fans, and the Blackhawks were recently invited to be a part of this years Gay pride Parade.

Stanley Cup winners the Chicago Blackhawks are taking their giant trophy on parade all over town, marching through bars and restaurants, but will they take it through Boystown?

The Chicago Sun-Times lists  the progress thus far.

• To wit: At last check, the Chicago Gay Hockey Association  was still awaiting a reply to their invite to the Chicago Blackhawks — and the Stanley Cup — to join them at the parade.

• The buckshot: “We’re optimistic, but we know the realistic chances of, say, Patrick Sharp or Jonathan Toews joining us for the Pride Parade are slim,” said CGHA president Andrew Sobotka.

• The upshot: “But who knows . . . our goal of having some of the players . . . skate alongside of us in the Pride Parade was to really let the Blackhawks know that there is a strong interest in hockey within the gay community,” he added.

• The parting shot: “We would be honored to have the Hawks organization show their support by being there,” said CGHA member Tony Tiet. The invite is to all the Hawks players, coaches, broadcasters, front office personnel and even the Stanley Cup itself.

CGHA member David Stefanski told sports blog Puck Daddy  the following: ‘”The Blackhawks have never had a float in the pride parade as far as we know,’ he said. ‘They have a very good opportunity to reach out to a community that they wouldn’t reach.'”

UPDATE! 

Chicago Blackhawk Brent Sopel, his wife, his four kids, and the Stanley Cup will represent the team in Chicago’s Gay Pride parade this Sunday, the Sun Times reports.

Said President John McDonough, who is sending the cup from the NHL Draft in L.A.: “The power of the Cup is incomprehensible, and we recognize the importance of doing this. It’s important for the city and important for the franchise…The Stanley Cup has become the biggest celebrity of all. It has its own personality and charm. We will be proud to participate in the parade. And Brent Sopel is one of the truly great guys. To have the cup part of the parade is just another great part of the celebration.”

Sopel will be marching in honor of the late Brendan Burke, who died earlier this year in a car accident after breaking barriers in the hockey world by discussing his sexuality in Sports Illustrated with his father, Maple Leafs General Manager Brian Burke.
Said Sopel: “When Brendan came out, Brian stood by him, and his whole family stood by him, like every family should. We teach our kids about accepting everybody. Tolerate everybody, to understand where everyone is coming from.”

The Chicago Cubs will also have a float in the parade, for the first time, and Ernie Banks will ride on it.

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