The city of Chicago loves its sporting clubs. The Sox, Cubs, Bears and Blackhawks top fan lists, but since Chicagoans can do little more than watch these clubs in action, participatory sports are enormously popular. Consider Chicago's archery clubs. Some are dedicated to skill building while others promote bow hunting. Regardless of the group into which you fit, pick the club that's right for you and get involved.
Lincoln Park Archery Club
This semi-private club with outdoor and indoor ranges is located in the thriving Lincoln Park neighborhood. Hunting arrows and crossbows are prohibited, but that's where limitations end. Shooting styles include Barebow, Freestyle Limited and Freestyle Unlimited. Participate in tournaments based on your skill level after receiving archery instruction--if you need it--in addition to equipment recommendations from members. The club operates year-round---even during legendary Chicago winters.
Chicago Park District Archery Association Clubs
Chicago Park District and the suburban park districts participate in the Junior Olympic Archery Development program, a national initiative promoting instruction and competitions for kids with an interest in this sport. Kids climb these ranks as they advance: Yeoman, Junior Bowman, Bowman, Junior Archer, Archer, Master Archer, Expert Archer, Olympian, Silver Olympian and Gold Olympian. JOAD isn't the only child-focused archery club the Chicago Park District supports; staffers also help kids with disabilities to prepare for archery events held at National Junior Disabilities Championship.
United Bowhunters of Illinois
Located about 30 miles southwest of Chicago's Loop in suburban Bolingbrook, United Bowhunters encourages and supports legal game hunting. The private archery club is set amid 33 wooded acres, offers N.F.A.A.-sanctioned field archery ranges, one of which earned five stars from the National Field Archery Association, elevated platforms and a 30-target 3D course. UBI's heated clubhouse means year-round shooting and there are "for kids only" activities as well.
University of Chicago Archery Club
Pay quarterly dues of $10, as of 2010, to join the Archery Club at the University of Chicago if you're a student, faculty member or alumni. Current members will be happy to teach you safety tips; however, the Club does not retain a professional instructor. Join this club if you don't want to invest in equipment until you're sure you love the sport. AC at UC loans out re-curved bows, arrows, targets, safety equipment, stabilizers and sights. "At the moment, Archery Club is entirely for fun" the club's website states, but members have their eyes on future competitive events.
Area-wide Archery Clubs
The BlackHawk Field Archers Club, located near Rockton, sponsors events and tournaments for archers of all ages. The Chicago Bow Hunters club pairs hunting with range archery. Kishwaukee Archers, Inc. welcomes families to indoor and outdoor ranges and while the drive is a bit further, check out Pekin Archers and Sauk Valley Archers Clubs, Dixon, the birthplace of Ronald Reagan, if you live closer to these towns than Chicago's Loop.
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