What’s New

Does your work from home soundtrack need a refresh? Patrixia, our latest Chicagoan of Note, is a DJ who dominates the digital club space. She’s so good at getting the digital party started that it’s how she makes a living. Part of that comes from hosting free DJ sets on Twitch three times a week, and today you can catch her spinning from noon-3 PM. If you like what you hear, tune in again Wednesday from 11 AM-2 PM or Friday from 8-11 PM. Maybe even . . . subscribe? (MC)

Join Auntie’s Coffee, SunPhillage, and Heartthrob Productions for their annual marketplace and variety show High Tea Chicago, which promises local small business vendors, a dance party, and a focus on the “queer canna-enthused community and their allies.” A portion of proceeds benefits Chicago House and its programs including housing, health, employment services, and specific care to trans people and people living with HIV. Doors and the market open at 3 PM, with the variety show starting at 4:30 PM. It’s all hosted at Bourbon on Division (2050 W. Division) and tickets for entry are available at Eventbrite. Attendees must be 21 or older. (SCJ)

Monday Night Foodball takes over the Kedzie Inn (4100 N. Kedzie) tonight with a special menu of “Fast Food Favorites” courtesy of Taylor Hanna and Sebastian Vargo of Vargo Brother Ferments. Go to Tock to preorder items like Hanna and Vargo’s RibWich (a pork sandwich with pickles, onion, and smokey sauce on a bun from Loaf Lounge), in the spirit of the McRib, and a chopped salad that takes its inspiration from Portillo’s version. A limited amount of walk-in food will be available for purchase, starting at 5 PM. (SCJ)

New homeowner of an older home? In case you don’t have the innate skills of, say, Norm from This Old House, you may want to look for advice about doing things like getting your electrical system up to date. Enter the Chicago Bungalow Association, who offers free resources to people who own all kinds of Chicago palaces (energy efficiency is not just for bungalows). Today’s free 6 PM webinar, “Repairing and Updating Your Old Wiring” is led by experts Butch Holst and Tom Hoyne, and includes a demo on how to replace a light dimmer or switch. Is it simple enough to DIY or do you need to call an electrician? Ask Butch and Tom! Register for Zoom access at the Chicago Bungalow Association website. (SCJ)

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The 2022 Bank of America Chicago Marathon announced its defending champions’ return as the event continues to build on its comeback to global racing. Ruth Chepngetich (KEN), Seifu Tura (ETH), Tatyana McFadden (USA) and Daniel Romanchuk (USA) will be at the helm of this year’s elite field with a strong contingency of the world’s best athletes vying to dethrone them. The stage will be set for a fierce competition up front, highlighting Chicago’s long tradition of record chases, fast times, and gripping finishes.

“We’re thrilled to welcome our defending champions back to Grant Park this fall,” said Carey Pinkowski, Executive Race Director of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

“Chicago has a storied history of head-to-head competitions, world records and some of the best elite racing in marathon running. This year’s competition, which also includes American half marathon record holder Emily Sisson and American half marathon champion Conner Mantz making his debut, is going to bring much energy and enthusiasm to fans and spectators. We are ready for October 9.”

Image Credit: Chicago Event Management

Defending Champions Return

Chepngetich, the 2019 World Marathon champion and the fourth fastest woman in the history of marathon running, started on a world record pace at the 2021 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, dropping her pacer eight miles in while racing against the clock. She decelerated over the second half of the course but had enough to take the crown in 2:22:31.

Chepngetich, who is self-coached, kicked off her 2022 season with a win and a course record at the Nagoya Marathon (2:17:18). She recently dropped out of the World Championships Women’s Marathon due to health issues but is ready to take to the streets of Chicago and defend her title.

Unlike the fast pace set by Chepngetich, Tura ran a controlled strategic race last fall in the elite men’s race, waiting until 38K to pull ahead and win the biggest race of his career so far. Tura, who holds a 2:04:29 personal best, clocked 2:06:12 to win last year. His 2022 season includes a personal best in the half marathon, 58:36, and a second-place finish in the Paris Marathon. Following last year’s victory, Tura noted that he was not prepared for warm weather, but that he was “determined to fight to the very end.” Tura’s determination may make him just the fifth man in Chicago’s history to win twice in a row.

Image Credit: Chicago Event Management

In the wheelchair competition, McFadden, whose nine titles make her the most decorated athlete in Bank of America Chicago Marathon history, returns to contend for her 10th win. McFadden boasts 20 Paralympic medals, including eight gold medals, 24 World Marathon Major wins, including four consecutive Grand Slams (first place in Boston, Chicago, New York City, and London in the same year), and has broken six world records in track and field.

Romanchuk, a two-time Paralympian, completed the Bank of America Chicago Marathon hat trick with a victory last fall and returns to pursue a fourth title. Romanchuk rose to the top of road racing in 2018, and his campaign continues today. At the 2020 Paralympic Games, he took home a gold on the track and a bronze in the marathon.

Image Credit: Chicago Event Management

Sisson and Mantz Headline Strong American Field

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has a long history of welcoming America’s best runners across its finish line, stretching back to Joan Benoit Samuelson setting the American record en route to her victory in 1985. Khalid Khannouchi dominated at the turn of the century with four victories, including both world and American records, Deena Kastor clutched the win in 2005, and Galen Rupp stole the show in 2017. Last October saw five American men and seven American women finish in the top 10, a feat that highlights the strength of U.S. distance running. This year’s field includes several top American runners, including Emily Sisson and Conner Mantz.

Sisson, a six-time national champion and the American half marathon record holder (1:07:11), could put the American Marathon record (2:19:12) in jeopardy as she races to break the tape in Chicago. Sisson stands out as one of the most dominant American women on the track and the roads, making her Olympic debut in the 10,000m at the Tokyo Olympics and her marathon debut in 2019 in London. Sisson ran the fastest ever marathon debut by an American on a record eligible course (2:23:08), and she set an Olympic trials record in the 10,000m on the track (31:09) in 2021, breaking a record that stood for 17 years. This October marks Sisson’s first appearance in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

Mantz, known for his front-running style and capacity to handle pain (referred to as the “Mantz pain chamber”), made a splash on the collegiate level, winning the NCAA Division I Cross Country championships in 2020 and 2021, and earning his first U.S. title in the half marathon in 2021. Mantz’s time in the half marathon, 1:00:55, ranks him ninth on the all-time American list of half marathon performances. Mantz, an exciting newcomer to welcome to the marathon distance, could conquer the American marathon debut record, 2:07:56, set in 2019. Mantz is coached by 1994 Chicago Marathon runner-up, Ed Eyestone.

Image Credit: Chicago Event Management

The Elite Fields

In addition to Sisson, Celestine Chepchirchir (KEN), Vivian Kiplagat (KEN) and Haven Hailu (ETH) are among some of this year’s elite women hoping to prevent a repeat victory from Chepngetich. Meanwhile, Laura Thweatt (USA), Sarah Sellers (USA) and Sara Vaughn (USA) lead a strong delegation of American women. The women’s field also includes Diane Nukuri (USA), Ursula Sanchez (MEX), Carrie Verdon (USA) and local favorite Kristen Heckert (USA).

In the men’s competition, Tura will be chased to the line by compatriots Herpasa Negasa (ETH), Dawit Wolde (ETH), Asrar Abderehman (ETH), Ugandan Olympian Stephen Kissa and Kenyan Benson Kipruto. The men’s field also includes sixth place finisher in 2021 and local elite Colin Mickow, Hiroto Fujimagari (JPN), John Korir (KEN), Frank Lara (USA) and making his debut, Patrick Tiernan (AUS).

Image Credit: Chicago Event Management

In the women’s wheelchair competition, McFadden will face strong competition from 5000m world record holder Susannah Scaroni (USA), three-time AbbottWMM series title winner Manuela Schär (SUI), Jenna Fesemyer (USA), Yen Hoang (USA) and Christie Dawes (AUS).

On the men’s side, Romanchuk will be challenged by Marcel Hug (SUI), third place finisher last fall Aaron Pike (USA), Sho Watanabe (JPN), Kota Hokinoue (JPN), and Rafael Botello (ESP). Hug stands out as the biggest threat to Romanchuk. Hug won four gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, and he won the Chicago Marathon in 2016 and 2017.

Featured Image: Chicago Event Management

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Saturday was an eventful day for the Chicago Bears, who ended up closing practice to the public due to weather conditions.

There were a few different concerns when it came to injuries for guys like Khalil Herbert and Jaquan Brisker, but a lighter note surfaced when practice neared its end: All Pro linebacker Roquan Smith had returned to the practice field.

Officially ending his “hold-in,” after requesting a trade, Smith participated for the first time since the start of training camp and is now amidst his ramp-up period, according to head coach Matt Eberflus.

By ending his hold-in, Smith has vowed to play out the remainder of his contract this season before free agency begins next year. Smith said, “I’m betting on myself,” just as many other professional athletes have done. Now, the only question is, do the Bears value him enough to give him an extension if he plays well in 2022?

One topic that will now be a storyline until next March is whether the Bears will give Smith the franchise tag come next offseason, but Smith didn’t seem too upset by that idea.

Roquan Smith did not balk at the idea of the Chicago Bears using the franchise tag on him in 2023.

When asked about the possibility of the franchise tag in his media session, Smith’s eyes actually perked up a bit, he smiled, and then said “the franchise tag is going to be a nice number next year.”

He didn’t reject the idea, even in the least bit. Instead, it almost seemed as though he would welcome the idea of that guaranteed money. For those wondering, the franchise tag for linebackers in 2022 is just under $19 million.

Smith ended that part of his session by saying that when they get there, they’ll get there. But for now, he’s focused on this season and being the best teammate he can be.

“My focus has shifted to the season, so that’s what I’m focused on right now. It’s been an amazing four years and, hey, five, why not make it special? So, that’s my plan… My full intention is to play this season and whatever happens happens. Whatever it is I have to go through this season, I’ll do it chin up, chest out, sunsets, no regrets.”

It was somewhat surprising to hear Smith seem fine with the franchise tag, especially since the last go-around with that method wasn’t too kind for the Bears. No one will forget how it turned out for Allen Robinson, after contract talks stalled. Robinson didn’t exactly look thrilled to be playing for Chicago last season.

But, Smith has handled himself pretty well over the last week or so. He has been there for his teammates and coaches, deciding not to totally hold out from the organization. He’s been all class, from what anyone can tell.

Should Smith have another big year, the Bears will have to seriously consider a long-term deal — at least, more seriously than they did this offseason, based on Smith’s feelings.

If this defense can finish as a top-15 unit in 2022, despite being marked as a non-competitive team by many, it will mean Smith has had a phenomenal season and the defense has held up their end of the bargain.

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It finally happened. Roquan Smith was on the practice field for the Chicago Bears, having ended his “hold-in” over contract negotiations.

In the end, a deal did not get done. Talks are over with, and Smith is going to bet on himself this year.

While initially it is a positive, and fans are thrilled to see the team’s best linebacker on the field again, not everything about this end result is sunshine and rainbows. Sure, Smith is back for the 2022 season — but that’s it, for right now.

He intends to play out this year, and you better believe he wants a payday by the end of this season. But, Ryan Poles has already given his two cents on what he believes Smith is worth. So, while it’s nice to have him back, fans cannot expect this thing to end on a high note come the 2023 offseason.

Getting Roquan Smith back is a positive, but the end result may not be so fruitful for the Chicago Bears.

Let’s not forget one major part of this thing: Smith did request a trade. That happened — and it happened for a reason. When speaking to the media Saturday, Smith called the entire situation very “distasteful” on the organization’s part.

We cannot pretend that he won’t open up to his teammates about those negotiations. Maybe he does keep them to himself, but his emotions were apparent throughout this process. There is no doubt he was hurt by the conversations between he and the Bears.

As I have said before, his teammates pay attention to these types of things. This is a brand-new regime under Poles. What happened with Smith speaks volumes to the other guys — and mentally, some of them may wonder whether or not Poles values them long-term. It can become a mental game, full of questions, for some of these guys.

If Smith is able to come to an agreement with the Bears on a deal next offseason, then maybe all is forgiven and forgotten. But, the way he felt he was treated should be noted, because that might just affect some of his teammates.

The other aspect of this entire situation is if the Bears opt to use the franchise tag on Smith next year, how that affects him and his teammates. We’ve seen it turn bad in recent history, with a guy like Allen Robinson basically quitting out there on the field after things went sour with the Bears.

Smith has seemed to handle this thing well, by all accounts, and even seemed open to the franchise tag when talking to the media Saturday afternoon. But, these things can turn badly in a hurry.

Just because Smith is back, for now, doesn’t mean the future is brighter for the Bears. Long-term, Chicago should choose to keep Smith around. Not many would argue that the Bears are better off without him, so we’ll just have to put this situation on the back burner for a few months and see how it all plays out.

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Chicago Vinyl Connection celebrates one year of bringing independent record sellers, vintage vendors, and music lovers together with today’s latest edition of their nomadic gatherings of good times dealers. Thousands of new and used albums will be for sale this afternoon at Chicago Vinyl Connection 010 from a long list of locals, including South Rhodes Records, Beverly Phono Mart, and Shady Rest Vintage and Vinyl. Your shopping will have a soundtrack courtesy of DJs Backpack Beatz, Kida Darling, Nosha Luv, and Elijah Horton. Plus, there is a raffle boasting special prizes from all of the vendors, including Marz Brewery, the hosts of the event. It’s free to attend (bring cash because you’ll want to buy records!) and happens from noon-5 PM at Marz Community Brewing Company’s Taproom (3630 S. Iron). (SCJ)

Summer in Chicago offers no shortage of music opportunities. We mentioned it on Friday, but today is the last day for Ruido Fest in Union Park (1501 W. Randolph). Associate editor Jamie Ludwig describes the festival as “intentional and visionary” and praises its “eclectic international lineup”. Hip-hop legends Cypress Hill are headlining! There’s plenty more to check out at this expansive and all-ages festival with a focus on Latin alternative music, including Goyo, Maldita Vecindad, Angelfuk, and more. Single-day passes cost $105.74 to $260.24. Gates open at 12:45 PM today and you can see the full music lineup on Ruido’s website. (MC)

They’re back and they’re taking over this time! Robot Riot, Chicago’s premiere (and only) robot fighting competition league is back with their first in-person (in-robot?) event since 2019. Robot Riot features tabletop-sized robots, many made by the human “coaches” that accompany them, vying for victory by destroying the other machines that get in their way. It’s cog to cog combat, and if you feel inspired to join the fun but haven’t yet created your own R2D2 or Number Five, the organizers will have “loaner bots” available for you to try. The competition happens from 2-5 PM today at Metropolitan Brewing’s tap house (3057 N. Rockwell) and is open to all ages. Beer and food will be available for sale. If you’re planning on bringing your own little world destroyer out of the garage and into the ring, give the Robot Riot folks a heads up by emailing [email protected]. (SCJ)

Looking for some musical fun without making it an entire day? Check out Peaches at Metro tonight. This electroclash pioneer drew on the histories of riot grrrl and homocore to create a groundbreaking sound and stage show that challenges gender and sexual norms. She’s celebrating the 20th anniversary of her debut, The Teaches of Peaches, which contributor Monica Kendrick argues is “more important than ever.” Tickets are $40 ($35 in advance), and you must be 18 or older with proof of vaccination. Show starts at 9 PM with Sophie Powers opening. (MC)

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