It takes a lot to make somewhere an elite sports city. Massive crowds cheering in unison from the ballpark on hot summer nights. The camaraderie throughout neighborhood sports bars and tailgating lots before a Bears kick-off. Stadium-wide sing-alongs of the celebratory anthem after each Blackhawks goal. A city’s willingness to live and die by their team.
So it is no secret that Chicago is a vibrant and passionate sports town with unrivaled tradition. Some of the most legendary and internationally recognized sports teams in the world thrive in Chicago, so no visit would be complete without attending a professional game. But if spectating isn’t the only thing you’re into, Chicago has a plethora of physical activities to choose from that will keep you moving and sweating 365 days a year.
Spring and summer sports
Chicago Cubs baseball
With two of the most historic franchises in Major League Baseball, no visit to Chicago in the spring and summer months would be complete without tickets to the “ole ball game.”
Nestled within the Lakeview neighborhood sits the second oldest ballpark in America — Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. In 2014, Chicago celebrated Wrigley Field’s 100th birthday and in 2016 the Cubs won the World Series, ending a century-long drought (and breaking a curse, according to local legend).
Renovations to the ballpark have taken the fan experience to the next level. Before heading to this beloved mecca for a game — or a stadium tour — get your pre-game drink on at the sports bars that line Clark, Addison, and Sheffield avenues in Wrigleyville. Once here visit Gallagher Way, a lively entertainment complex just outside the ballpark, and of course, get the prerequisite pic with the bright red marquee.
Chicago White Sox baseball
On Chicago’s South Side sits another one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball and winner of the 2005 World Series — the Chicago White Sox. The home of the Sox, Guaranteed Rate Field, sits just south of the Loop in the Bridgeport neighborhood, where local standbys offer great eats and cheap drinks.
Prior to the game, pay a visit to Ricobene’s and get ready to bite into what has been deemed “The Best Sandwich in the World” by USA Today — the breaded steak sandwich. Or grab a drink at hip gathering places like Reggies Chicago (a combination bar/music venue with a convenient Sox shuttle) or Maria’s Packaged Goods and Community Bar to meet the locals before heading over.
Chicago Fire soccer
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world, so no sports city would be compete without a pro soccer club. The Chicago Fire, named for the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, won the MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup in their first season, as well as the U.S. Open Cups in 2000, 2003, and 2006. They’re known for their wildly enthusiastic fans, who will have you standing and cheering right alongside them. In 2020, the Chicago Fire began their historic first season at the city’s iconic Soldier Field.
Summer sports and recreation
If you’re looking to get off the bench and get into the game downtown, go rock climbing at Maggie Daley Park or roll out your mat and stretch-out at a free yoga during summer workouts at Millennium Park. For even more fun in the sun, take advantage of the city’s 18 miles of lakefront trail, perfect for biking, jogging, or rollerblading with the expansive Chicago skyline as your backdrop. Along the Lakefront Trail, you will find numerous beaches that dot the coastline. Rent a volleyball net and grab some friends for a game of beach volleyball at North Avenue Beach or rent jet skis, kayaks, or flyboards for an adventure on Lake Michigan with Chicago Watersport Rentals. And don’t miss the highly anticipated NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend that takes over the streets of downtown with two days of action-packed racing, live music, and more.
Fall and winter sports
Chicago Blackhawks hockey & Chicago Bulls basketball
You’ve probably heard about the Chicago Blackhawks…you know, the six-time NHL Stanley Cup Champions? How about the six-time NBA World Champions Chicago Bulls?
Now that we’ve got the bragging about our sports dynasties out of the way, let’s talk logistics for watching our winning NHL and NBA teams. The Blackhawks and Bulls call the United Center home and its convenient Near West Side location near downtown has a number of spots to watch the action. Whether you have tickets to the game or not, head to “the UC” early to get pictures in front of the iconic statues of Blackhawks legends Bobby Hull and Stan Mitka outside the arena. Inside, you’ll find the popular statue of former Bulls star Michael Jordan, one of most famous basketball players in the world.
Find fellow fans in the area at The Ogden, Kaiser Tiger, The Crossroads Bar & Grill, or the legendary Billy Goat Tavern. After the game, make a pit stop at the Goose Island Taproom for an exclusive craft beer selection that you won’t find anywhere else in the city, or go for a nightcap along Restaurant Row, the hip stretch of Randolph Street filled with bars, lounges, and award-winning eateries.
Chicago Sky basketball
If you’re looking for more basketball, you have to check out the Chicago Sky. The city’s WNBA team plays at the Wintrust Arena in the South Loop, packing the house with fired-up spectators during each home game. The team is famous for their long-running hot streaks, like their four playoff appearances in four years, and sending players to Olympic games around the world.
Chicago Bears football
When the summer season begins to wane and the leaves turn red and gold, there is one thing on the minds of every Chicagoan — football, American football that is, and one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises begins to fill the seats at Soldier Field faster than almost any other team in the league.
If you’re lucky enough to snag a ticket, you won’t be disappointed. Make sure to tailgate before the game begins in the Soldier Field parking lot — a weekend ritual for superfans. You will see people cooking hot dogs, cracking open beer, and raising their cans to the “Monsters of the Midway” aka da Bears! If you’re in town on a weekday, you can take a behind the scenes tour of Soldier Field and learn about the historic and modern-day “stadium in a park” that also serves as a landmark dedicated to the men and women who served in America’s military.
Year-round sports and recreation
For visitors coming to Chicago during the winter months, there are plenty of indoor activities to get your sports fix. The Chicago Sports Museum is filled with iconic memorabilia from some of the most defining moments in Chicago’s sports history including the famed Bartman Ball and Sammy Sosa’s corked bat.
If you are looking for a workout, pay a visit to Brooklyn Boulders — a massive facility with giant climbing walls, yoga classes, a weight room, and cardio equipment.
Or if gaming is on your mind, For the Win Chicago is an adult arcade filled with over 130 interactive games that covers everything from basketball and football challenges to a six-hole mini golf course! More interactive fun awaits at SPiN (an underground ping pong social club and lounge) and Pinstripes (both bocce ball and bowling are on the menu here).
When you’re ready to eat, make a reservation at these sports-fan favorites: Michael Jordan’s Steak House, Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse (the statue of the famed broadcaster is a celeb hotspot), or Ditka’s Restaurant for a classic Chicago steak.
