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Category: Sports Clubs [Edit]
770 N Halsted StSuite 306
Chicago, IL 60642
Neighborhood: Goose Island
(312) 850-8196
Spring League Registration is Open!
Chicago Sport and Social Club's Spring and Summer leagues are open for registration and filling quickly. Register with your team today!
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
36 reviews for Chicago Sport & Social Club
All Reviews
Chicago Sport & Social Club
6/8/2010
My Thursdays this summer are going to be noticeably brighter and more entertaining thanks to CSS!
Last summer I tagged along to my friends' softball games in Little Italy and had a great time just hanging out and watching, and really just being in awe of how cool recreational sports are in your 20's.
This year, a group of my girlfriends and I decided to create a beach volleyball team, sans the guys. What fun!! And Go Recreational Hazard!! We played our first game on North Ave. Beach last week and could not have had more fun. Yes we lost, but so not the point. Just looking at a sea of people playing beach volleyball on the lakefront is a really impressive sight. It's such a great chance to meet new people in a non-bar atmosphere (not that there's anything wrong with that!) and get in shape at the same time.
CSS also made orgainizing our team and getting registered online pretty easy. Their website has a lot of bells and whistles but once you get the hang of it it's fine. The weather hotline is a great idea because, hi! we live in Chicago and it goes without saying the weather is less than cooperative.
Thanks and Yay for CSS!
Listed in: The Newbie Discovers Chicago
Chicago Sport & Social Club
8/3/2010
I just wrapped up playing kickball with this league last week, and honestly, all i can say is meh.
Of course, my judgment is clouded by the fact that we got to the "playoffs" and we had NO REF. We tried calling the hot-line and all we got was a recording. all 4 teams (on two fields at this park) were completely confused about what was going on, until we asked one of the softball refs at the same park where our ref/ump was. 45 minutes after our game was supposed to start, one of the dudes who works in their office shows up, and goes, "sorry! I forgot to schedule refs!!".
Needless to say, we thought that was a bunch of bull. Maybe in the time that it takes to send us a billion worthless and annoying emails, someone could have remembered to schedule some refs. Then he was kind of obnoxious about the whole thing and laughed it off as if it was funny.
No one else thought it was funny.
And since it was the playoffs, we had to play another game immediately after winning our first, and it got dark in the middle of it. So that was nice.
When we did have refs, they made some really crappy calls, and didn't have a great attitude.
I just think that this company could try a little harder to make a better impression. We pay good money to play these sports, and while it's fun, I wish that it had been more organized. Not sure if I'd give them another shot.
Chicago Sport & Social Club
9/5/2010
My favorite place to sign up for indoor-outdoor soccer! Prices are ok-certainly not a deal but they are competitive to other clubs.
They offer a lot of times for a variety of sports and communicate well regarding changes to the schedule, rankings, etc...
Their website is the easiest to navigate as well, you can quickly sign up for any sport you choose.
Chicago Sport & Social Club
2/23/2010
I think for the most part, your experience depends on your team, but there are a few generics that you can rate CSS on...
1) Umpires- ours were LOUSY. They outright laughed at a few girls who were really trying and had no experience, and it got AWKWARD when the embarrassed players called the umps on it. I think he apologized, but it was an "I'm sorry you found it offensive that I was laughing at you" kind of apology.
2) The abundance of emails they send after the season ends. About 5 a week, more around holidays.
3) Not providing refunds for a softball season that went into mid-december. When all of October is rained out, a refund should be given.
S tart a good team to have fun
P layers should know there are different levels, don't be too serious
O rganization is key to having fun
R eally fun way to meet people
T ry a new sport!
&
S tay home if you're really serious about winning
O pen your mind to trying something new
C onsider playing a much-longer than anticipated season
I ntelligent coaches only...you have to be responsible for coodinating
A lways go out after!
L osing a game can just speed up the going-to-the-sponsor bar part
C ool way to stay in shape
L ook into starting a team or joining on craiglist
U mbrella weather will get the game called off
B e prepared to play until you get an email
Chicago Sport & Social Club
6/21/2009
MUCH, much, MUCH better than Sportsmonster...if you have the option for a league, choose CSS or PSG (Players Sports Group). I've found Sportsmonster to be nothing but incompetent: repeatedly, and with consistency.
Great field selection.
Generally good umpires.
Competent scheduling.
Adequate equipment.
Things run *relatively on time.
Well organized.
Easily accessible.
Easy sign-up process/registration.
Lookin' to meet new people? Sign up as an individual. Itching to let your leadership genes flow: sign up a team of peeps. It's summer, it's Chicago, it's fun. Do it. Co-ed rec sports are fun, so just try. They also offer a lot of classes, trips, etc.
It's a win-win. IN terms of co-ed rec sports in Chicago...CSS has the upper hand. Booo Sportsmonster!
Chicago Sport & Social Club
12/23/2009
Flag Football- Mens, CoEd-Various Leagues (2005-2009)
Overall, my experience with the Chicago Sport and Social Club has been lackluster. I have participated in flag football in three social clubs and this is by far the worst. It seems that the club has grown so big that I feel that the teams are sometimes getting treated as numbers. I played in three flag football leagues and a kickoff classic tournament with them since 2005. Our 2005 league was a men's league in Brands Park. The games were at night and we could not see a thing due to the inadequate lighting. Besides that, this turned out to be a decently fun and competitive league except for the cost, which I will get into later.
The second league was a 2008 men's league in Lincoln Park. That fall we received a lot of rainfall and the some of the fields were flooded for the entire season. We played most of our games that season on shrunken fields that were about the size of a small back yard. With seven players, of course it got crowded. However they did move our games to the new turf fields for the last few weeks of the season.
The worst experience of the three was the winter indoor coed league at a Southside facility on 39th and Ashland which I played in the winter of 2009. This facility was dominated by soccer leagues and flag football was the stepchild here. The surface was field turf but they wouldn't allow us to wear cleats. The playing field was very small and dangerous (Out of bounds was a wall lol!!) To top it off, we would try to warm up for our games in the common areas and the attendant, who looked like Steve Urkel, would yell at us to stop, even though we were endangering no one.
Price wise, Chicago Sport and Social Club leagues were very expensive considering the fact that they have the worst facilities. Our teams cost around $80-$115 per person, depending on how many players were on the team. Both Players Sports and In the Zone LLC flag football leagues were considerably cheaper. Player Sports offers a bigger field on authentic field turf, while In the Zone is played on a full size grassy field. Lastly, the competition isn't up the par with the other two social clubs I played in either.
There were some good things about Chicago sport and social leagues. First of all, most leagues had a huge playoff bracket, similar to NCAA basketball, and there were a lot of teams. Secondly, the indoor league has a scoreboard that was pretty sweet. Lastly, the leagues are social, so I have met some people that I still talk with to this day.
Overall, Chicago Sport and social Club falls short, at least for flag football leagues. There are better leagues out there for your money
Pros:
Big Leagues
Lots of Teams
Cons:
Other social clubs are cheaper
Other social clubs offer better facilities
Questionable refs compared to other Clubs
Not the best competition
Chicago Sport & Social Club
11/6/2009
One star in generous. Save your money and time.
This is in regards to the 8v8 Soccer League on the Grass Fields in Lincoln Park
If you like nice, groomed fields... well, you can clearly view these fields from the area that you will be playing.
If you are into sloped fields, playing with multiple city utility pipe covers jutting out of the ground, non-league members who show up each week and dominate matches and generally not getting what you have paid for, this is the perfect league for you.
It is POORLY organized, run and is a borderline scam. The operators have shown no initiative in making amends for any of the subpar aspects of the "league"
One of the basic promises of this league was that all teams, regardless of the "regular season" would participate in the post season tournament. Well, except for the team I was assigned to (and perhaps one other team).
This was something stated several times but they decided not include all of the teams when it came down to it.
** You CANNOT promise people one thing, take their money, then refuse to follow through on that promise **
That is not good business, they do not deserve YOUR business and will not get another dime from me or anyone I know.
Avoid anything to do with this place, please.
Chicago Sport & Social Club
1/27/2009
This is for the Chicago Sport and Social Club Devil's Head Ski Trip. This is an annual one day ski and snowboard trip CSSC takes to Wisconsin.
My roommate and I went together this past weekend and I couldn't have been happier. The whole thing was well organized, fun and pretty darn cheap considering.
Being a new employee, I don't have any time off saved up so my usual jaunt to CO had to be canceled this year. :( So, I decided to make due with a one day trip up to the frozen north. Even being a Colorado buff, I still had a great time at Devil's Head. The runs are obviously shorter and much easier (their idea of a double black diamond is HILARIOUS) but so long as you don't go expecting Colorado you'll have a great time.
The mountain has like 16 chairlifts and around 28 runs which is light years better than Alpine Valley! The CSSC had everything ready for us though from doughnuts and bottles of water in the morning (6am bus trip? not so ideal -- but it was a comfortable bus!) to pizza at night and GREAT movie selections for the trip, basically you can't go wrong!
Chicago Sport & Social Club
3/29/2006
I don't want to be negative, but I really can't stand CSSC. It was designed for "I just graduated from college and landed a job downtown at entry level and I moved to the city and don't know anyone" individuals. What you all don't realize is that you are all being charged a horrendous amount of money to socialize. What I really don't like about CSSC is the push for sports-related activities purely for socializing. I am serious about my sportsmanship and the first and last CSSC league I joined, I regretted. There aren't too many people who take the sports aspect seriously because they are in it to meet people and have fun, not improve the skill.
I'm not trying to put down people from out of state, but if you are willing to pay all that money to play a sport that you aren't serious about just so you can meet people and have something to do, then give your money to me. I'll charge you less and point you in the direction of your local park district who runs various sports leagues at a lower cost. And at least they're serious about the sport and skill level. What you are paying CSSC for is to do all the tedious work for you, like orgamanize social events which there are more than enough of in Chicago (check out Metromix for God's sake!!). But hey, if you got that kind of money and your willing to give it away, then be my guest. You just won't find alot, if any, of serious homegrown Chicagoans in this 'social' group.
Chicago Sport & Social Club
7/5/2007
Absolutely horrible!!! Not so much that their leagues don't run well - which they actually do - it's the for s**t attitude of their staff. We play beach volleyball on Wednesdays with Sports Monster and Thursdays with CSSC up at Montrose.
Our first week at North Ave on Wednesday walking to the Sports Monster beach, we stopped by the CSSC tent by Castaways to ask if they knew how far the Sports Monster nets were. They told us to walk to north side of beach, which didn't sound right but we did it anyway, and guess what - not right! On the north end, it's only CSSC and they told us that they didn't know where any other league played! Are they morons? So we walked back to the south side of the beach and walked past the CSSC tent and found the Sports Monster tables further down beach. They told us that the CSSC people do that all the time and that they know perfectly well who is playing where.
After the match, which we were late for, thanks to the CSSC a**es, we went back to their tent to tell them that we didn't appreciate their antics and that we were paying customers of theirs on another night. They pleaded ignorance but had a little smirk like they thought it was funny.
Want to hear funny? On Thursday nights, CSSC has these two dudes who just sit on the seawall and either talk to each other, IM or are talking on the phone. They never get up. They watch the balls go bouncing past them and just sit there. There is not even a table of information and when they are asked questions, we are told to call the office or check the website. What? They are there each week and can't answer basic questions?!
Again, the CSSC leagues run fine - how tough can it be to throw up a net and put some lines down and get people started? - it's just that their attitude is so crappy that I cannot see spending another dime where it is not appreciated. The folks at Sports Monster, on the other hand, are always so nice and helpful and appear to like the fact that we are playing with them.
Lesson learned!
Chicago Sport & Social Club
12/22/2007
I've played in their 6 person beach volleyball league and their 4 person indoor league, would recommend the former but not the latter.
If you aren't a serious volleyball player, I think the 6 on 6 co-ed beach leagues that run during the summer are pretty great. Lots of heavy drinking, some skin, laid back attitude, big event with hundreds of people playing games near each other.
I played in a competitive indoor 4's league during the winter that left a lot to be desired. No officiating whatsoever. Pretty crappy facility. No real prizes going to the team that won the league. Twice as expensive as a similar sports monster league.
Anyway, both types of leagues are clearly overpriced, but I doubt CSSC's profit margin is any higher than, say, a night club's margin on a vodka and tonic. I think forking over the extra cash to play in CSSC's beach volleyball leagues during the summer is probably worth the premium over sports monster just because they are such a spectacle. Can't say the same about indoor leagues.
Chicago Sport & Social Club
5/12/2009
In terms of Recreational Sports - this is where I look to in Chicago. Yeah, the schedule is usually a little late coming out and yeah it seems like some times there is a level of disorganization but THE OFFICIALS KNOW THE RULES for the most part. I was in a Players league and a ball hit a tree in foul territory which was ruled a ground rule double because it may have come back in to fair territory if there was no tree. The officials are told to hustle and there is always a Supervisor around. I've played in Basketball and Softball and the only thing I have been able to complain about is that some of my teammates think they are Kobe Bryant.
In the long run, you won't get sports all across Chicago much better than from this group.
Chicago Sport & Social Club
3/20/2007
I've gotta say that I strongly disagree with some of the negative comments on here. I think a lot of the experience with CSSC depends on the sport. I can understand if kickball and dodgeball become more about the socializing and less about the sports...but come on, those aren't real sports outside of elementary school.
I joined a soccer team, however, and have found it to be very competitive and a great experience. Yeah, we go out drinking afterwards sometimes, but believe me, we're leaving everything out there on the pitch. For soccer, CSSC has landed some great venues (Montrose Turf fields, for example).
I was new to the city when I joined, and my desire to meet people certainly played a part in getting me to bite the bullet, sign up for an independent team, and clean off my cleats after several years. I'm so glad I did, though. It's not just post- college kids, as other reviewers have stated. I'm 27, and have become great friends with a lot of people on my team....all of whom are older than me.
I haven't really partaken in any of the social activities that CSSC puts on, but for competitive soccer, it's one of the best choices I've made since moving here.
Chicago Sport & Social Club
2/29/2008
Update 3/10/08
Decided to take a bus to the South Side Parade through CSSC. They parked at 116th. The parade goes from 103rd to 110th. Holy drunken LONG walk, batman.
Wait for it, wait for it.......after the parade we were told to be back at the bus at 2:30. We were on bus 4. We see bus 2, 3, 7, 12, 14, 1, 11, 5, 6, 8, 9, Durkins busses, 13.
Call the two contact numbers on the sheet they gave us and no one knows where bus 4 is. We ask to get on bus 7. Bus 7 is "full." Get a call back that BUS 4 IS ON 119TH PARKED AROUND THE CORNER !!! Finally get on at 2:45 and notice that the bus is half full because BUS 4 WAS ON 119TH PARKED AROUND THE CORNER !!!
Livid and now completely sober. Putting the busses in numerical order? No, that would make too much sense, and it would make it too easy for drunken parade goers.
Congratulations Chicago Sport & Social Club, you are officially on THE BANNED LIST.
************************************************** *******************
A couple of incidents via email prompted me to review CSSC...
I played sand volleyball at North Avenue Beach last summer. It was fun but it's kind of hard not to be...I mean it's on the beach, during the summer, lots of young people, etc.
My gripes:
-Staff was unfriendly/ not very helpful
-We never figured out who should have taken down the net/pulled up the lines (winners, losers, both teams?). Personally, I think the staff should have done this.
-The coupons they gave out weren't that great....and the bar was always really crowded. Not worth it in my opinion. Would rather trek to my local watering hole.
A few months ago I got an email from CSSC which included a link to a survey. I attempted to do the survey but it was so poorly put together/unorganized/didn't make sense that I gave up. Hey President of CSSC, don't put your name on an email that includes a crappy survey!
Last gripe--I signed up for an upcoming CSSC event for myself and four friends. I got a confirmation that I was all set. About 2 weeks later I get an email asking me to sign up for it.?? Get your stuff together CSSC!
Will probably play for Sports Monster next summer.
Listed in: THE BANNED LIST
Chicago Sport & Social Club
Updated - 8/31/2009
someones been reading company reviews on yelp ;)
not long after i had posted my last update about this past beach vball season i got a yelp message from the owner offering to right a wrong and arrange a time for me to pick up my teams CSS tees
unfortunately my teammates and i are pretty lazy and i lost the # on top of it all so well forgoe gettin those but the customer service has definitely been noted---thanks CSS
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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7/22/2009
CSS is nowhere near perfect but they have certainly improved since last summer...case in point:
-css… Read more »
Chicago Sport & Social Club
4/26/2008
5 stars based on the climbing class I took in August of '06
I'm very surprised to read Amy L's review, because I had such a different experience. Maybe they have different instructors now?
There were two instructors for the class of maybe 8-10 people. The man seemed to be the person in charge of climbing at the gym (Fitplex? on LaSalle and Division). The girl said she had been climbing for a few years. Both seemed very qualified and were VERY serious about safety. I think I kind of joked about it once, and their response made me feel that joking about safety was about the same as joking about bombs while in line at an airport security checkpoint.
We spent A LOT of time on learning to tie the ropes/attach to the harness. When I took a climbing class at Lincoln Park Athletic club, the kid spent about 10 minutes of the first class on the whole thing. .
The course was about 6 weeks I think, and each week we did a little something different. The final class involved us climbing a route blindfolded, and our partner (the one "belaying" or handling the rope below) was not allowed to guide us. My partner was apparently helping me too much, so the instructor blindfolded her as well! It was a great challenge and a lot of fun.
I took this class with a friend, which was fun, but it's not at all necessary to know someone else in the class.
Listed in: I'm Classy
Chicago Sport & Social Club
4/12/2007
This review is based on the Rock Climbing class they offer at the Fitplex in Old Town (LaSalle/Division). I took the beginning class and was very disppointed. The instructors hurried you through safety procedures to get you certified, rarely did safetly checks (which made being supsended high above-ground by a person you just met that day awfully scaring- especially when they are stil asking the teacher questions).
The teachers were not at helpful or encouraging and hardly watched us individually climb. Instead they made me bad if I couldn't do a hard climb as if I wasn't trying hard enough. The wall at the health club is also not a good set up. There are several more advanced climbers climbing at the same time and the routes are all too close together so you often have to wait for someone next to you to complete climbing since you could get fallen on top of or have to use the same hand/foot holds as them. There was also not enough beginner wall space- lot of overhangs and backlines which are hard to climb your second class. I've heard great things though about the rock climbing classes at the Lakeshore athletic club ( I think that is the name Diversy/Sheffield) and I think I will try it next there.
Chicago Sport & Social Club
2/12/2008
Boxing fitness is my new obsession. I'm taking it at the Fitplex in Old Town. If you are getting married soon and looking for a good way to tone your upper body and get in some good cardio, this will do it.
With that said, you get as much out of a workout as you put in. This is not a kick boxing class, this is just boxing. This class requires focus which is perfect when you are trying to push out all the annoying things going on in your life.
The class is 8 weeks long and only costs $100. All of the equipment is supplied, however, I highly recommend that you get your own gloves. Mine I got on Amazon for $20. Cheap! It's a great workout and you'll leave sweating and feeling pretty bad ass.
For the guys, this class has a ton of girls so if you want to meet some fit girls, give it a shot. Beware though, you might get punched in the face...jk! However, a few guys have told me that it's really helped their coordination.
For the athelete, I know when I was training for triathalons it was important to do one sport outside of the regular training, and I wish I had known about this class then. The intensity can really increase your heart rate and endurance. I've noticed an improvement in my running abilities from taking this class.
There are two levels, beginning and intermediate.
Chicago Sport & Social Club
4/12/2007
I have played in 3-4 seasons of their rec mens basketball, and always found it run pretty well. It is always pretty competitive for a rec league with a real scoreboard, scorer and two refs. The refs arent that good, but, hey, it's rec league.
I could see maybe the co-ed volleyball and softball being social, but my experience with the single sex leagues has been nothing but a competitive environment.
They also get bonus points for being flexible with scheduling (we are in a 6:30-9:30 league, but a significant # of our players could not make 6:30 start times). They made no gaurantees, but said they would work on it. Our schedule came with all late games - awesome assist on their part.
P.S. Sports Monster sucks. Tried it once and will never go back. CSSC is far superior.
Chicago Sport & Social Club
6/7/2007
Been playing volleyball leagues several years and had a great time with CSSC. While it would be nice if they had refs for the games, what they do offer is very organized and well done.
They have a good range of skill levels from volleyball and had fun playing competitive AND just for fun.
The kickball league is more social focused as can be expected, but still well organized, AND it has a referee.
Havnt done any of the social events or parties, they always came off as lame in the advertisements.
Chicago Sport & Social Club
9/10/2009
They do a fine job of organizing leagues. I did beach volleyball through them over the summer along with several friends. We did the 4on4 coed league. It was ran professionally. No equipment shortages. Staff was generally well informed and helpful. We played at Montrose beach and most of the courts were fine. The ones closer to the lake though were a mess. Trash, sharp stones, shards of glass - not good things to step on or dive into. I guess that's not really the organizers fault. Montrose beach in general is just a giant trash heap so I suppose it goes with the territory. I will definitely use them again in the future.
Chicago Sport & Social Club
3/30/2006
I love sports and love to play them on a team so I am all about the CSSC- especially the volleyball leagues and kickball league. It's a great time and there are so many people to meet here. Plus- getting some exercise is always a bonus.
Chicago Sport & Social Club
9/22/2008
i get to approach this from both sides as ive played in leagues for sport and social and also worked thee. for the most part cssc is very organized and reasonable. its probably the best social club sports league in the city considering all the options of where you can play, but may be a tad bit on the expensive side for some. the bar coupons suck...but, eh. the staff generally knows what from what and 9 times out of 10 keep things running smoothly. clearly the best sports they offer are volleyball - volleyball in the summertime on the beach...have you ever seen anything that looked or felt so cool? and flag football in the fall. those are well worth it, plus you meet similar folks of age and careers to mingle with.
plus it never hurts to earn a few extra bucks working as a ref or scorekeeper for cssc, just in case you're looking for a side gig. the bosses i worked with (brian, chris, and colin) were pretty cool and fun. they also throw a well-organized halloween bash, and similar fun but not as organized southside parade shin dig, and a kick ass 3 on 3 basketball tournament.
Chicago Sport & Social Club
8/23/2007
I have had a blast in every league I've played in for them. I have two issues with CCSC; the team fees are too high and the refs have no idea of the rules or what's going on. I think it's a bit pricey to charge $1,000 per team for a softball league where you play only seven games. I understand they have to pay the umpires, who usually are making up their own rules. They also have to pay the field fee's, but I'm sure their profit margin is huge. If they were able to lower the fee's a bit and get some qualified officials/refs I would give them 5 stars.
Chicago Sport & Social Club
12/7/2007
Chicago Sport and Social Club organizes some cool leagues. I bowled in the past and had a great time. I just wish it wasn't cosmic bowling. It's kind of hard to bowl when there's a strobe light in your face. They also offer a variety of other sports to choose from. I'm dying to try dodge ball.
Chicago Sport & Social Club
10/28/2005
I think that if you want a throw back to your college years this would be the place to head to meet new people. I think it would be good if you just moved here especially out of college or want that type of life. I think there are better and cheaper ways to meet some folks in this fair city.
Chicago Sport & Social Club
3/29/2006
I agree and disagree with some of the reviews on here. As for the social aspect of it? I have no problem with people signing up to meet others in a (at least initially) non-bar atmosphere. I've played flag football with the CSSC for the last three years and have not once made an attempt to get a date out of it. What it did do was bring me closer to those on my teams. Most teams are a mish-mosh of friends and friend's friends. You get to a meet a lot of interesting people that way. The sporting events themselves, I found to be quite competitve. I come from a background that took athletics pretty seriously. Being a former Al Bundy-type all star in high school, I've got the competitive streak that I didnt feel was quashed in this environment. Yeah, you'll find those who dont take things as seriously but those people are few and far between. Various bars in the area look to sponsor your team by providing t-shirts/jerseys and also offer drink specials. It's a great way of advertising and bringing in more clientelle. On more than one occasion I found myself sliding my team's table together with another team's table that we played against at Durkin's and talked about the game just played and other subjects. I think in this aspect, the goal of the CSSC was met.
You're empowered to make the most of the situations that you're put in. If you want to play sports somewhat competitvely with your friends and others in your age bracket this gives you the opprotunity. If you're looking to meet new people, you're also provided that opprotunity.
Yeah, this may not be for everyone but I believe the spirit and the idea of the CSSC is in the right place. It's pretty much up to you what happens after.
Chicago Sport & Social Club
10/5/2006
Played beach volleyball at North Ave Beach during Summer 2006. It was a great way to unwind after a long day at the firm. Nothing like having some semi-competitive fun and drinks afterwards to break up the week. I played in a recreational league and found everyone engaged in actually playing.
I would recommend you try it at least once. $80 for 8-10 weeks is a fair price considering all of the fees to rent the courts are paid, games are organized and there are always free pitchers of beer afterwards at a sponsor bar. If you can't afford it, cut back on some $100 nights out at the bar or get a new job!
Chicago Sport & Social Club
3/30/2006
A great organization! I've been playing in the North Beach indoor sand volleyball league for more than a year now. It's a great time. Sometimes you get into minor arguments over rules, because the games are refereed by the teams themselves, but it's not like anyone pulls out a knife. This is an organization I hope to be a part of for a long time to come. Great fun!
Chicago Sport & Social Club
7/18/2005
I've never actually joined this club, but I am definitely considering it in the future. I have subbed for sports games and they've always been well organized with nice people. It's a good way to meet new friends when you first move here, because they allow people to sign up as a team or individuals. The only downfall is it can be kind of expensive -- $75-125 up front -- but it is a good source of entertainment for an 8-week session.
Chicago Sport & Social Club
2/21/2006
I joined this club last summer to play softball with a bunch of friends and we had a blast. I'll definitely be doing it again this summer...it's fun if you get a group to join together, but it's also a great way to meet new people.
Chicago Sport & Social Club
9/7/2008
I played in a coed softball league this summer. I had a lot of fun playing despite CSSC's follies. Some umps were great. Others were pathetic. Somehow CSSC assigned a girl to my team who has no car and lives/works on the far south side. Our games were on the north side. It really screwed my team over to be short one girl for most games. Also there was no communication via CSSC about who our sponsor bar was. We arranged one ourselves. I think $100+ for 6 games was a little expensive with all of the above considered.
Listed in: Everything, The Places I Go Out
Chicago Sport & Social Club
3/29/2006
My friend and I played volleyball with Chicago Sport & Social Club last summer. I'm not the best volleyball player, but I had the best time. It was such a great bonding experience for me and my friends and I actually got some exercise.
Chicago Sport & Social Club
1/21/2008
My roommate and I took a yoga class from Chicago sport & social- ONE OF THE BIGGEST MISTAKES I HAVE MADE SINCE MOVING TO CHICAGO. Now, this has nothing to do with the team sports- I haven't participated in those, nor do I plan to in the future based solely on my experience with them when taking this class.
First of all, the instructor was not educated in yoga. He was a great dancer, and taught a dance class beforehand that looked like fun, but I'm pretty sure he's never taught a yoga class before. I'm wondering if he's ever been to a real yoga class. He was a nice enough guy, but completely inexperienced. Many times he would pause, think for a moment about what to do next, then tell us to do something we had just done. I think we did about 5 different "routines" that we would do over and over again. He would often supplement this by saying "pretend like waaahter is rushing over your body... completely covering your body, in the darkness, pretend you're in your bed... completely relaxed...in the darkness, with waaaaaahhhter rushing over your body"- you get the idea. I've since been to many more yoga classes taught elsewhere by a knowledgeable instructor, and this makes the experience with CSSC's class all the more humorous. It was a complete joke. When I'm paying around $100 for this stupid class you could at least get someone who has done yoga to teach it.
Another complaint: our instructor left one day as we were arriving for the class. WTF?! In his defense, he thought no one was going to show up, since people had gradually stopped coming to this worthless class. But come on, he didn't even wait a few minutes!! We were there on time, and as we were walking in one door, we thought we saw him leaving through another door. Sure enough, he wasn't there, and on our way home, we saw him standing at a bus stop. Cool.
After a lot of bitching and arguing with the contact person for CSSC, we did get a partial refund, so that's where the one star comes from. Otherwise, I would give them a negative rating if I could.
And if you are an employee of CSSC (maybe the one who gives them stellar 5-star reviews on here), I have a request. Could you please have someone drop in on these classes from time to time to just witness the atrocities your customers are paying for? I think it would give you some great insight, and maybe you can lie there for 25 minutes or so thinking about waaaahter rushing over your body.
Chicago Sport & Social Club
3/29/2006
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I had so much fun playing softball last summer. It was a great workout and a great way to make new friends. You don't need to be a superstar to join a league because they offer all different levels. Can't wait to play again this summer!
Chicago Sport & Social Club
10/3/2008
Played in a kickball league with them this summer. Disorganized and overpriced. About 3 cancellations due to rain or rain the night before. Only 1 game actually rescheduled. The CSSC guy who "reffed" our games was very rude and made frequent sexist and inappropriate comments about our team as well as players from other teams. Overall, not an enjoyable experience and it was a complete waste of money.
