In 2009, Forbes Magazine ranked Chicago as one of the three best cities in the U.S. for singles. While the city affectionately called "the world's biggest bar and grill" offers plenty of nightlife among its wine bars, bistros and concert venues, it also provides a slew of daytime adventures for the city's singles with a more active lifestyle. If you've tired of the pub crawls and happy hours around the Windy City, try slipping on a pair of sneakers and meeting other singles in a more sporting atmosphere.
Co-Ed Sports
In a study done by the University of Bristol in England, scientists found that better football players were considered the most attractive by women. "Athletic prowess may be a sexually selected trait that signals genetic quality," said Justin Park, who headed the study. So what better way to woo the opposite sex than to show off your athletic prowess.
The Chicago Sport and Social Club sponsors co-ed recreational sports leagues, so Chicago singles can compete with each other in fun games like floor hockey, volleyball and dodgeball. The club also sponsors charity and social events to provide more rounded opportunities to meet new people.
Hiking
The Forest Trails Hiking Club was founded in 1942 by an osteopathic physician as a fitness club for like-minded active Chicagoans. Since then, the club has morphed into a social club for hikers, and sponsors day hikes throughout the Chicago area and into Wisconsin and Indiana. You can join the club on a 12-mile hike through Castle Rock State Park or the Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve and spend hours sharing conversation with new people in a casual yet active setting.
Dance
Former contestants on "Dancing with the Stars" have been quick to point out what a great workout the dance routines are. In Chicago, you can combine that workout with the sexiness of dancing tango at one of the many tango classes or milongas. Tango in Chicago separates its classes into those for singles and those for couples, and the American Tango Institute encourages singles to come alone and find a partner at its monthly milongas.
Adventure Sports
You'll find no shortage of outdoors adventures in Chicago, from kayaking on the East River to scuba diving off of North Beach. Highlife Adventures is an outdoor club in Chicago exclusively for singles. The organization plans everything from yoga on the beach to ultimate frisbee games and kayak flotillas. You could call it a dating service, except Highlife Adventures leaves it to you to find others with common interests.
Other Clubs
Regardless of your favorite sport or activity, there's likely a club in Chicago that caters to it. If you're a golfer, play a round and join a mingler hosted by the Chicago Singles Golf Association. The Racqueteer Tennis Club will pair you with another single for a league of mixed doubles play. The North Shore Yacht Club has sailing lessons and weekly regattas with open parties for singles afterwards. SportsMonster organizes co-ed recreational leagues in soccer, basketball, softball and a slew of other sports and games.
Member Comments