Are you familiar with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)? Yeah, me neither. At least I wasn’t until the last two weeks when they controversially interspersed themselves into the Winter Olympics.

It started when Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva tested positive for a banned substance, She should have been immediately disqualified from skating in the Women’s Figure Skating event. In fact, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) did exactly that. An appeal was then filed. The CAS overruled the IOC and allowed Valieva to skate. Their reasoning was all the evidence had yet to come in at that time. They were also concerned that not allowing her to compete could do damage to her mental health.

Their decision affected every skater in the competition. We saw how that turned out. At the end of the event, all four of the top skaters were in tears. So much for caring about athlete’s mental health,

Next, the CAS became involved in another controversy involving the Team Figure Skating medal ceremony.

The Russian team easily won this event. But, the awarding of the medals was held up due to Valieva’s positive drug test. Sitting in limbo were the United States and Japan teams that finished second and third in the even. Getting up on the medal podium is something these athletes have worked their entire lives to achieve. It looked like these two teams were going home without their silver and bronze medals.

The United States filed an appeal. The case went to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. They met for more than two hours yesterday. The appeal was denied. The U.S. and Japan skaters will not only get their opportunity to stand on the podium, but they’ll also be going home empty-handed.

No medals will be awarded until the case against Valieva is decided. That will most likely take months. What harm would have been done if the two teams had been allowed to take home their current medals? I’m sure if it turns out they get the higher award, they would have no issue with turning in the medals and trading up. But, once again the CAS rules against the best interests of the athletes.

The 2022 Winter Olympics ends today. The good news is the work of the Court of Arbitration for Sport will also end. See you folks in four years. You won’t be missed.

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Rheingold ad featuring Nat “King” Cole

Slipping into another “mild” week of trivia and beer dinners, with a new release or two. But we are coming up to Mardi Gras next Tuesday, and the weekend before, so keep an eye peeled.

This has only tangentally affected the Chicago beer world, but Portland, Oregon’s Hair of the Dog brewery has announced it is closing after nearly 30 years in business. Alan Sprints started the brewery to focus on strong, bottle-conditioned ales and lagers, and was ahead of the IPA curve. Its popular beers had a picture of a dog on the label, like Fred barleywine and Adam strong ale. Most of its ingredients were sourced from farms and hop yards withing 350 miles of the brewery. They don’t seem to have made it to the Chicago market, but I’ve picked up a few in trades and in Indiana on my way to Dark Lord Day. Sprints has said he has no interest in selling to a corporation, and will keep the doors open until all his supply runs out.

Monday, February 21

3:00 – 7:00 pm • Country Grill Chicken Truck
Evil Horse Brewing Co., 1338 Main St., Crete, IL (708) 304-2907 Map
Country Grill Chicagoland is a food truck company offering rotisserie chicken and ribs fresh from the spit, homemade salads and pretzels.

5:30 – 8:30 pm • Indoor Disc Golf Putting League
The Church Street Brewing Co., 1480 Industrial Dr. Ste. C, Itasca, IL (630) 438-5725 Map
This past January we finished our first Indoor Disc Golf Putting League Tournament! Want to be a part of the next league? Join us for the next event on February 21st. Sign-up starts at 5:30 pm and the team-partner draw starts at 6:00 pm. This tournament will go from February 21st to March 28th. Come play every Monday to win! For more details come to the taproom and check it out for yourself.

7:00 – 9:00 pm • Monday Night Trivia
Une Année Brewery/Hubbard’s Cave, 6343 W. Gross Pointe Rd., Niles, IL (847) 635-0655 Map
Free to play general trivia on the patio or in the taproom with Pub Trivia USA. Prizes to top teams! So much fun. We usually get a great turnout so reservations are always helpful!

7:00 – 10:00 pm • Weekly Trivia @ Pilot Project
Pilot Project Brewing, 2140 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago (773) 270-5995 Map
Join us in the Pilot Project Heated Tent for free pub trivia every Monday!
Beer Special: Every player will receive one free 4oz taster of beer, booch or cider.
Reservations Available on Tock

Tuesday, February 22

11:00 am – 10:00 pm • Two Brothers Fan Appreciation Day!
Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway, Aurora, IL 630-393-2337 Map
& Two Brothers Tap House, 30W315 Calumet Ave., Warrenville, IL 630-393-2337 Map
We really like 2’s here at 2 Bros, so it only makes sense that we should do something fun on 2/22/22!
And we’re taking the opportunity to show our appreciation to you, our fans.
With that in mind, we will be offering all year-round pints for $2.22 all day long at both Two Brothers locations on Tuesday, February 22nd.
Plus, we’ll be releasing a brand-new beer: Double Domaine. Think the OG Domaine DuPage on steroids.
We’ll also have a fan raffle, where you can win things like gift cards, t-shirts, signs, etc.
It’s our little way to say thank you, so let’s celebrate a bunch of 2’s!

4:00 – 9:00 pm • Support Urban Farming
Haymarket Pub & Brewery, 737 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 638-0700 Map
Every Tuesday join us at the brewpub and order a Big Mick Burger + 12oz pour of Harold’s ’83 Honey Ale + a shot of Wolf Point Bourbon for $25 and we’ll donate $5 to Urban Growers Collective.
Urban Growers Collective currently operates eight urban farms across 11 acres in the city of Chicago. On these farms, Urban Growers Collective’s job training and education, food access, and community engagement programs support health, economic development, healing, and creativity. The Green Era Renewable Energy and Urban Farm Campus in Auburn Gresham will serve as a centralized hub for workforce development, education, food access, and community well-being.

6:00 – 7:15 pm • Hops on Over to Flapjack
Flapjack Brewery, 6833 Stanley Ave., Berwyn, IL (708) 637-4030 Map
Head on over to Flapjack Brewery and learn all about brews! This upcoming Tuesday, February 22nd, Brewmaster Paul will teach you the 101 on beer pairing, and the art of craft beer. Snacks will be included!
Questions? Call the Berwyn Park District at (708) 795 2892
Register Here.

6:30 pm • Tuesday Trivia: Shameless
One Allegiance Brewing, 10215 S. Harlem Ave., Chicago Ridge, IL (708) 529-7067 Map
Join us on Tuesdays for a night of trivia dedicated to various popular TV shows, movies, and themes! First Tuesday of every month is general knowledge trivia.
Each game is free to play!
First place winner will receive a $30 OAB Gift Card and other prizes include a beer to go. There is no entry fee to play trivia.
Trivia starts at 7pm but come in to register at 6:30pm so you and your team can grab a couple drinks before the games start!
See you soon for some fun, games and prizes!

6:30 – 8:30 pm • The Hangover Trivia
Chuck’s Café Darien, 8025 S. Cass Ave., Darien, IL 331-431-4000 Map
Join us on 2.22.22 for a special night of trivia all about The Hangover! This night will encompass all the Hangover films!
Great prizes awarded to the Top 3 teams plus great drink specials all night long!
Look out for some specialty priced margaritas as this event is happening on National Margarita Day!
Reservations suggested: 331-431-4000.
Drink specials:
$2 Domestics | $2 PBR Drafts | $8 Flights
$3 Imports | $4 Well Spirit One & One’s

7:00 – 9:30 pm • Trivia Night in Skokie
Sketchbook Brewing Co. – Skokie, 4901 Main St., Skokie, IL (847) 588-0652 Map
Trivia courtesy of Pub Trivia USA. No cards, teams will play on their phone apps. Prizes for the winning teams: $35 for 1st place, $25 for 2nd, $15 for 3rd. Pop up Latin American cuisine from Libertad from 5:30-8:30p!

7:00 pm • Brewery Bingo
The Open Bottle Lockport, 16437 159th St., Lockport, IL (815) 293-6350 Map
Brewery Bingo is back! Over the next 5 months, we’re partnering with a new brewery every Thursday at 7pm for our monthly Brewery Bingo! No more sneaking into bingo halls for you!
Every week, we’ll have a draft beer on special and prizes from a variety of local breweries.
Here’s who’s up:
February – Half Acre Beer Co.
March – Old Irving Brewing Co.
April – Goose Island Beer Co.
May – Mikerphone Brewing
It’s Bingo with breweries you love & fantastic prizes for you to win!
HOW TO PLAY:
Imagine a Bingo card. Now replace the B-I-N-G-O with five breweries and the numbers replaced with their most popular beers. We’ll spin our bingo balls ’round and ’round until a random ball decides to set itself free. We call out a beer, you look at your bingo card, and then place a bottle cap on your card if you’re lucky. Get 5 in a row and win a prize! In between rounds, there will be penny pours, good music and even better times. Must be 21+ to play.

7:00 – 9:00 pm • Trivia Night at Black & Gray
Black & Gray Brewing Co., 311 Barrington Ave., East Dundee, IL (224) 484-8200 Map
Join us for weekly trivia!
Questions cover all subjects (Current Events, Geography, History, Movies, Music, Pop Culture, Science, Sports), and you play as a team. No limit to team sizes, so bring all the friends you want.
The top teams will win gift certificates to be redeemed on a future trivia night.

7:00 – 10:00 pm • Movie Night
Pilot Project Brewing, 2140 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago (773) 270-5995 Map
Bad Boys hosted by Funkytown Brewery ($2 off FT beer)

7:00 – 9:00 pm • Trivia Night at Alter Brewing Downers Grove
Alter Brewing Co., 2300 Wisconsin Ave. #213, Downers Grove, IL 630-541-9558 Map
Come out for our General Knowledge trivia night and join your host as they quiz your teams through two full hours of general knowledge trivia, including awesome themed bonus rounds and music rounds!
While we’re testing your wit, Alter Brewing Company will be keeping you fueled up with craft brews all night, PLUS the top teams will win bragging rights and prizes, so bring your friends, family, and even your enemies (if they’re good at trivia) to increase your chances of winning. Feel free to order in delivery from one of the awesome local restaurants (we highly recommend Dan’s Pizza!) to enjoy during the event, as well.
Due to limited capacity, reservations will be taken for indoor tables the time being – simply email [email protected] to reserve a table for your team.
Please follow ALL Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions put in place by the venue, and here are a few extra tips:
1) Please bring your own pen/pencil. Our host will have pencils just in case, but it would be best to use your own for everyone’s safety & comfort.
2) The questions will be read by your host over our PA system, but may not be displayed on a screen if one is not easily available.
3) Any and all rules/restrictions are subject to change.

7:00 – 9:00 pm • Breaking Bad Trivia Night at Pollyanna St. Charles
Pollyanna – St. Charles, 106 S. Riverside Ave., St. Charles, IL (630) 549-7372 Map
Been a while since you had your last fix (of trivia)? We can help with that…at Breaking Bad Trivia Night!
Sean with Baig of Tricks Entertainment will be quizzing you through four increasingly harder rounds of questions over every season of the hit show while Pollyanna keeps you fueled up with craft brews all night, PLUS the top teams will win bragging rights and prizes, so bring your friends, family, and even your enemies (if they’re good at trivia) to increase your chances of winning. Feel free to order in delivery from one of the awesome local restaurants to enjoy during the event, as well.
Be sure to get there early and snag your team a spot and fuel up with some drinks, see you soon!
Please follow ALL Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions put in place by the venue, and here are a few extra tips:
1) Please bring your own pen/pencil. Our host will have pencils just in case, but it would be best to use your own for everyone’s safety & comfort.
2) The questions will be read by your host over our PA system, but may not be displayed on a screen if one is not easily available.
3) Any and all rules/restrictions are subject to change.

Wednesday, February 23

11:00 am – 9:00 pm • Give Back Fundraiser for Footlight Players Theater
Zorn Brew Works Co., 605 E. 9th St., Michigan City, IN (219) 243-7157 Map
Wednesday, February 23rd, Zorn Brew Works Co. will be giving back to Footlight Players Theater. Zorn Brew Works will be donating 20% of all food sales during Open Mic Night.
The Footlight Players are an innovative group of actors from across the region presenting musicals, plays, concerts and special events year-round.

12:00 – 4:00 pm • Work From Here Weekdays
Riverlands Brewing Co., 1860 Dean St. Unit A, St. Charles, IL (630) 549-6293 Map
Wednesdays…the half way point to the weekend. Let us help make the work week a bit better with our Work From HERE Wednesday special!
Each week, come by with your work team, laptop, paper work….or just your self…and enjoy $2.00 off full pours of any of our 16 taps.
On occasion, we’ll have food trucks or pop-ups to supply your mid-day hunger cravings. Otherwise, bring lunch or order delivery from one of our local St. Charles neighbors.

5:30 pm • Abita Pint Night
Chuck’s Café Burbank, 6501 W. 79th St., Burbank, IL 708-229-8700 Map
Join us for Abita Pint night. Order a Pint of Abita and get to keep the glass! While Supplies Last, One per Customer.

6:00 pm • Church Street Brewing Tap Takeover at Shooter’s Taproom
Shooter’s Bar Grill, 4007 E State St., Rockford, IL 815-399-0683 Map
Join Shooter’s Taproom, above Don Carter Lanes, as we welcome Church Street Brewing Co. to our next Tap Takeover. Peace

6:00 – 8:00 pm • Ale Trail Night
Rt 66 Old School Brewing, 110 Bridge St., Wilmington, IL (815) 476-2220 Map
Join the heritage Corridor Ale Trail from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. for special giveaways and learn how to use the 2022 Heritage Corridor Ale Trail passport to win exclusive prizes by visiting local breweries.

6:00 – 8:00 pm • Brews Brushes and Besties – Sew Hop’d -St.Patrick’s Day
Sew Hop’d Brewery & Taproom, One Union Special Plaza, Ste. 113, Huntley, IL (815) 701-8819 Map
Your ticket includes a beverage, tax and tip. Click on event photo for all options to paint
12” Wood Tray- handles provided $45
Gnome on canvas or Wood choose
Any design from St. Patrick’s Day, Easter or Spring $40
To register email [email protected]
Various payment options availability

7:00 – 10:00 pm • Half Acre Beer Pairing Dinner
Sidecar Supper Club & Beer Garden, 12 N. River St., Batavia, IL (630) 406-9200 Map
5-course beer dinner featuring Chicago-style street food. $75 includes tax and Half Acre swag to take home. Tickets through Eventbrite at the Facebook event page.
Join us for our 4th beer dinner of the season with one of our favorites!
5-course beer dinner with Half Acre Beer Co. featuring Chicago-style street food.
$75 includes tax and Half Acre swag to take home.
1st Course – 12 oz can of Fader
Elote – Fire roasted corn, taking, house crema, cojita cheese, lime, and a little bit of heat.
2nd Course – Tend IPA
Classic Beef Pastie – Root vegetables, carrots, potatoes, rutabaga in a hand pie with house curry ketchup and truffle aioli.
3rd Course – Double Daisy Cutter
Chicago Dog – Housemade Chicago Hot Dog inspired Crunch Wrap – SUPREME!
4th Course – Orin
Italian Bao – 48hr Sous-vid short rib and gairdinera. Served in a boa bun with more gairdinera
Dessert – Parfait Hut
Bananabread Cake Shake( It is national banana bread day) made with Kimmers Chocolate ice cream

7:00 pm • SNL Alumni Movie Trivia
The Brass Tap, 14225 95th Ave. Ste. 400, Orland Park, IL 708-226-1827 Map
Saturday Night Live produced lot of funny and amazing actors. Join us for a night of SNL Alumni Movie Trivia. It’s free to play and prizes are awarded to the top teams. Call the bar now to reserve your table.

7:00 – 9:00 pm • The Office Trivia at Brothership Brewing
Brothership Brewing, 18781 S. 90th Ave., Unit E, Mokena, IL 708-995-7014 Map
We’re looking for Dunder Mifflin experts to join the fun in Mokena!
Try to outwit other teams while enjoying a night out, beer, and trivia … sounds like a fun Wednesday night.
Top teams win prizes.

7:00 – 9:00 pm • Trivia & Tacos @ the LV Taproom!
Harbor Brewing Co., Lake Villa, 136 Cedar Ave., Lake Villa, IL  Map
General Trivia hosted by Chicago Trivia Guys starts at 7pm!
Authentic Mexican Food from Mijo’s will be served starting at 5pm!

7:00 – 9:00 pm • Trivia Wednesdays at Black Lung!
Black Lung Brewing Co., 2217 N. Illinois 83, Round Lake Beach, IL (224) 643-7204 Map
We have trivia every wednesday with Dancing in the Rain DJ! Come have a tasty craft beer and win a cool prize, if you’re good enough;) This is free trivia!

7:00 – 9:00 pm • Stump Trivia Quiz
Ten Ninety Brewing Co., 1025 Waukegan Rd., Glenview, IL 224-432-5472 Map
IN-PERSON trivia is back at Ten Ninety Brewing Company! Wednesday nights have never been better! Join us for two free, fun, rounds of trivia beginning at 7pm & 8pm.
We will be using our new digital scoring system. Each team will designate one person to submit answers on your team’s behalf. No need to write anything down by hand, no need to stand up, and no need to turn in a paper answer slip!
Remember – venue capacity may be limited, so please call ahead to RSVP!
More info: here.

7:00 – 9:00 pm • Trivia at Lo Rez Brewery
Lo Rez Brewing and Taproom, 2101 S. Carpenter St., Chicago (888) 404-2262 Map
Hosted by Paul Durica from the Newberry Library
1st place – case [ yes that’s 6 four packs ] of rotating beer
2nd place – gift certificate to share with your team next round
3rd place – round of drinks for your team!
$5/pp to compete! Max of four per team. Trivia begins on March 23rd and will be every 4th Wednesday of the month. Brainstorm those team names to impress Lo Rez!

7:00 – 9:00 pm • Sneak Preview Beer Dinner
Old Town Pour House, 1419 N. Wells St., Chicago 312-477-2800 Map
In preparation for Friday’s Goose Island tap takeover, Old Town Pour House will be offering a 5-course beer dinner on Wednesday and Thursday, February 23 & 24. Guests will enjoy a dynamic menu paired with exclusive brews, and the chance to hear from Goose Island brewers directly. Tickets are limited to 40 people. Seating is at 7:00 pm.
Beer Dinner Menu:
Welcome Beer – Sofie
First Course – 2020 Bourbon County Old Forrester Birthday Bourbon Stout
Pork Belly: Bourbon County Stout braised, crispy pork belly, sunny side up egg, berry jam, brioche toast points
Second Course – Matilda
Baked Oysters: jumbo lump crabmeat, leeks, pancetta, pine nut breadcrumb
Third Course – 2017 Gillian
Wagyu New York Strip Carpaccio: egg, capers, red onion, baby arugula, mustard horseradish sauce, fresh cracked black pepper, Parmigiano-Reggiano, grilled ciabatta bread
Fourth Course – 2021 Double Barrel BCS
Braised Elk Short Rib: Bourbon County Stout braised, creamy Parmesan grits, fingerling potatoes, baby carrots, shallots, turnips, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, Bourbon County Stout au jus glaze
Fifth Course – 2021 Fine Old Rum Barrel Stout
Chocolate Stout Cake: Fine Old Rum Barrel Stout cake, peanut butter mousse, bananas, walnut crumb
Tickets for the Tap Takeover and Beer Dinner are sold separately here.

Thursday, February 24

Monk’s Pub Tap Takeover
Monk’s Pub, 205 W. Lake St., Chicago 312-357-6665 Map
Join Funkytown Brewery at Monk’s Pub for a Tap Takeover.

2:00 – 6:00 pm • Twisted Hippo Taproom & Eatery Blood Drive
Twisted Hippo, 2925 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago (708) 844-7768 Map
Next Thursday (February 24th), our collective toil and trouble with the good people of Chaos Brewclub coalesce as a Chaotic Fantasy. The winners of a homebrew competition judged by the Hippo, Chaotic Fantasy is a new-fangled Cold IPA shining with all the alchemic intertwining of Vic Secret, Citra, & Cluster hops. Assertive bitterness, bright tropical citrus, and a tempered malt bill are all given the stage by a classically clean lager yeast. Thanks to the sweethearts at CHOAS for letting us scale and share this beer with you. It’s a true glass of gold. Available on draft and in cans.

3:00 pm • Revolution Tap Takeover RESCHEDULED
Prestige 6249 Tap Room, 6249 S. Cass Ave., Westmont, IL (630) 963-9733 Map
Update: We are rescheduling our Feb. 17 Revolution Deep Wood Series Tap Takeover to today at 3pm. Beers are enjoyed more when everyone had the confidence to get home safely. The Prestige 6249 Tap Room crew apologizes for this inconvenience. 
Come by and enjoy some of these amazing barrel-aged brews.
Draft beer menu will include:
2020 Ten Year Beer
2020 Mineshaft Gap
2021 Blackberry Finn
2021 Dark Mode
If you need a breather, we’ll also have Rev Pils Chicago Pilsner.

3:00 – 9:00 pm • Nashville Hot Chicken Thursday!
Wildrose Brewing Co., 1104 E. Main St., Griffith, IN (219) 595-5054 Map
It’s Thursday…..you know what that means.
Due to popular demand we’re serving up Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches every Thursday. Topped with Chef Mike’s homemade slaw and pickles and paired with a side of fries for just $10!
We are now also offering up a less spicy version for those who can’t handle all the heat. Both the spicy and less spicy will be available only while supplies last. These have been extremely popular the last few weeks so you don”t wanna miss out!

5:00 – 7:00 pm • Keep The Pint Night at Main Street Pub
Main Street Pub, 466 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn, IL 630-790-1734 Map
Swing through Main Street Pub on Thursday, grab yourself a pint of Maplewood’s finest and take the glass home!

5:00 pm • Barrel Aged Mania
Half Day Brewing Co., 200 Village Green, Lincolnshire, IL 847-821-6933 Map
Join us at 5pm for Barrel Aged Mania!
Try our 2021 Barrel Aged Beer On Tap Or Take Home a 2-Pack!
Featuring our 2021 Limited Release Warrior Paint, 2021 Double Coffee Warrior Paint & 2021 Barrel Aged Cake Double Pastry Stout.
Available in 5 & 10 oz pours while supplies last.

6:00 – 8:00 pm • Rhythm n’ Brews Music Bingo
On Tour Brewing Co., 1725 W. Hubbard St., Chicago 312-796-3119 Map
MUSIC BINGO NIGHT, ANYONE?
Test your music knowledge at our first ever “Rhythm n’ Brews” music bingo night Thursdays through February from 6 – 8 PM! From behind-the-scenes tour tickets to 4-packs of our delicious beers, there are a ton of prizes to be won. Grab a bingo-loving buddy, a beer and escape the cold weather for a guaranteed fun night.
HOW TO PLAY:
No sign-up necessary. If you’re itching to play, let a bartender know when you arrive and they’ll give you a bingo sheet. Rhythm n’ Brews Music Bingo is on a come-and-go basis but the longer you stay, the better the chance you have of winning!

6:00 pm • Cruz Blanca Tap Takeover
Roots Handmade Pizza, 1924 W Chicago Ave., Chicago (773) 645-4949 Map
Join us at Roots West Town for a tap takeover with Cruz Blanca on Thursday, 2/24 at 6pm featuring the following beers:
Rey Gordo– Heaven Hill barrel-aged Imperial Stout
El Train– American IPA
Palm Shade– Tropical IPA
Vamos– Vienna Lager
We will also be raffling off a Cruz Blanca gift basket to lucky winner!

6:00 – 9:00 pm • Arts & Drafts: Justin Bickus
Riverlands Brewing Co., 1860 Dean St. Unit A, St. Charles, IL (630) 549-6293 Map
Arts & Drafts, our monthly local artist showcase and exhibit, finally makes its return this February with local artist and educator, Justin Bickus.
Throughout the month of February, an exhibit of Justin’s work will be on display all over our St. Charles brewery. Come by, view his work, and get info on purchasing the pieces you like.
On Thursday, Feb 24, stop by for a meet and greet with Justin here at the taproom from 6 to 9pm. He’ll be creating custom coaster art and discussing his work one-on-one with visitor as time allows.
Attendees of ALL artistic levels are highly encouraged to bring their own art supplies and create coaster art while they’re here. We’ll include our favorites on our social media channels and perhaps even pick a few for a new collage we’re creating.
We’ll also have live music by the New Vintage Strings Quartet and fresh Kayak Pils on draft and in can to-go.

6:00 – 8:00 pm • Dry City Trivia
Dry City Brew Works, 120B N. Main St., Wheaton, IL (630) 456-4787 Map
Trivia at Dry City! Themed trivia every Thursday!

6:00 – 9:00 pm • Take Flight Thursdays
Riverlands Brewing Co., 1860 Dean St. Unit A, St. Charles, IL (630) 549-6293 Map
Thursdays seem lame until you realize they’re really FRIDAY EVE. To celebrate come sample some of St. Charles’ hometown beers and SAVE.
Every Thursday*, from 6pm to close, we’ll take $2.00 off flights of four 5oz pours. This is the PERFECT date night opportunity, or a chance to just try out some of our 16 taps all at once.
We also have a rotating calendar of pub games each Thursday, including our monthly trivia nights, shuffleboard tournies, and (weather permitting) patio disc golf putting. Check our weekly events for more details.
*Excludes holidays or other special events

6:00 – 9:00 pm • Revolution Tap Takeover
Mackey’s Hideout, 2601 S. River Rd., McHenry, IL (815) 363-7040 Map
Come out to Mackey’s Hideout to enjoy some Revolution Brews! You can find our classic styles on tap with several Deep Woods variations as well.

7:00 – 9:00 pm • Sneak Preview Beer Dinner
Old Town Pour House, 1419 N. Wells St., Chicago 312-477-2800 Map
In preparation for Friday’s Goose Island tap takeover, Old Town Pour House will be offering a 5-course beer dinner on Wednesday and Thursday, February 23 & 24. Check the event listing for Wednesday for full details.

7:00 – 9:00 pm • Schitt’s Creek Trivia Night
Miskatonic Brewing Co., 1000 N. Frontage Rd, Darien, IL (630) 541-9414 Map
Hello bebes…now is not the time for pettifogging! Hide your diamonds, hide your exes…Schitt’s Creek trivia is coming to Miskatonic!
Joeyfrom Baig of Tricks Entertainment will be quizzing you through four increasingly harder rounds over every season of the hit show while Miskatonic keeps you fueled up with their fantastic selection of craft brews!
Trivia is always free to play, but we’re not just playing for fun – the top teams each night take home some awesome prizes!
Please follow ALL Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions put in place by the venue.

7:00 – 9:00 pm • The Office Trivia at Buckledown Brewing
BuckleDown Brewing, 8700 W. 47th St., Lyons, IL 708-777-1842 Map
We’re looking for Dunder Mifflin experts to join the fun in Lyons!
Try to outwit other teams while enjoying a night out with beer and trivia … sounds like a fun Thursday night.
Top teams win prizes.
If you can’t make it to The Office trivia night. join us weekly on Tuesday nights for General Knowledge trivia.
Emceed by Chicago Trivia Guys.

7:00 – 9:00 pm • Holzlager Trivia
Holzlager Brewing Co., 150 S. Eastwood Dr., Woodstock, IL (815) 308-5901 Map
Come test your knowledge with our weekly Holzlager Trivia Nights! Our Trivial Pursuit-inspired game focuses on 5 topics: Entertainment, History & Geography, Science & Nature, Art & Literature and Sports & Leisure. Stay tuned for our monthly special-themed trivia nights!

7:00 – 9:00 pm • Ted Lasso Trivia
One Lake Brewing Co., 1 Lake St., Oak Park, IL (708) 434-5232 Map
“Futbal is LIFE!” Come show off your knowledge of everything Ted Lasso!
Join Sean with Baig of Tricks Entertainment as he quizzes your teams through two full hours of trivia over both seasons of the hit show! Top teams will win bragging rights and prizes, so bring your friends, family, and even your enemies (if they’re good at trivia) to increase your chances of winning.
Gather your team and reserve your spot here.

7:00 – 10:00 pm • FeBREWary with Rock 95.5
Empirical Brewery, 1801 W. Foster Ave., Chicago (773) 654-1565 Map
Join us in the taproom on Feb. 24th for a live broadcast with Maria Palmer of 95.5 Chicago Rock Station! There will be giveaways all night, including FREE BEER! It’ll be a night full of music, prizes, and a damn good time. Show starts at 7pm and will go until 10pm. Mark your calendars, folks. This will be a night you won’t wanna miss.

7:30 – 9:00 pm • Thursty Thursday Elephino Trivia
Side Lot Brewery, 110 Slocum Lake Rd., Wauconda, IL 847-714-2584 Map
Join M.C. Hill & Elephino Trivia every Thursday night at Side Lot Brewery for Team Trivia. Free to play & fabulous prizes to win.

Posed by professional model.

By Nicole Johnson, for Six Brown Chicks

I was married to Charles for 4 years; Yvonne had been my best friend since high school.

Last year, I caught Charles and Yvonne in our marital bed.

Here’s what happened.

I’m a traveling nurse, and I frequently work out of town.

At the halfway point of my out-of-state assignment, my supervisor told me that my services were no longer needed, as the surge of expected patients had not arrived.

I was coming home two weeks early, and to be honest, I was excited.

I bought lingerie at the airport to surprise my husband when I got home. After all, his birthday was right around the corner.

The Uber dropped me off in front of my home at a little past midnight.  I was dead tired as I dragged my suitcase to the front door. I turned the key, turned off the alarm and dragged my suitcase up the stairs and into our bedroom.

I turned on the lights and found Yvonne asleep, with her arm draped around my husband. He was naked. She was naked. But I was the most vulnerable one in the room.

I picked up the suitcase and hurled it at Charles. The suitcase handle hit Charles in the head, the wheel hit Yvonne in the nose and her blood was everywhere.

Charles, startled, yelled at me: “What are YOU doing here?”

Yvonne apologized frantically, blood trickling from her nose, while she tried to find her clothes and her purse. But Charles just glared at me as a knot formed on his forehead.  “What are YOU doing here?,” he demanded again.

And I almost explained myself until I realized that I didn’t have to; I didn’t have to give an explanation about walking into my own home and standing in my own bedroom without phoning him first.

But shifting blame is a classic Charles move—there he was in bed with my so-called best friend, but my AUDACITY to come home two weeks ahead of time was the ultimate sin.

What am I doing here? I thought to myself. I was in a daze; just standing there as if my mind couldn’t register what my eyes were seeing.

Posed by a professional model.

Yvonne was my best friend, the shoulder I cried on when I had a miscarriage. “God will bless you with a baby,” she reassured me.

Yvonne was my rock when the cracks began to show in my marriage.

Like that time Yvonne took me to Starbucks and we sat in her car for an hour as I detailed, painfully, how Charles just doesn’t seem to be into me (or our marriage) anymore.  

Yvonne sat there with big, honest eyes and reassured me that we were just hitting a rough patch and that Charles would come around. Now I know that Yvonne WAS THE REASON why Charles was being distant from me in the first place.

How long have Charles and Yvonne been playing in my face like this? I wondered.

As Yvonne slithered out of my house leaving dots of blood behind her, Charles told me that his infidelity wasn’t ‘anything serious,’ and that he just slept around because I worked all the time. And, that he specifically slept with someone close to me because ‘she reminds me of you,’ he said, as if I gave him permission to use Yvonne as my stand-in.

I didn’t respond because in that moment I knew Charles wouldn’t be in my life anymore so whatever he said didn’t matter.

I got my suitcase off the bed—Charles flinched out of fear as I grabbed it—and I rolled it back down the stairs. Yvonne was outside without shoes waiting on an Uber, I guess. I walked past her, unlocked my car, threw my suitcase into the trunk and sat there as I my warmed the engine.

Charles was in the doorway, wrapped only in a sheet, begging me to come back inside and talk.

My face was streaked with tears.

I stared at Charles, and I asked myself, could I walk away from him, and from everything in that house that was mine? Yes, I could walk away, and I would be a much better woman if it did it.

As I peeled away from the house, I caught a glimpse of the shoeless Yvonne walking back inside.

I crashed at my parent’s house for a month.

Then I got a lawyer and a therapist.

My therapist told me that I’m not obligated to forgive Charles and Yvonne, and that I should not feel guilty for leaving the marriage.  

My focus is repairing myself, to that end, Charles and Yvonne are distant memories. They have both reached out to me, but I have not returned their calls/texts. I don’t need their excuses or apologies; I have taken charge of my closure.

Today I’m happily divorced. I have a new apartment; a stable job assignment and I’ve been on a few dates with a decent guy. I’m still in therapy and I won’t let a failed marriage interfere with my future love blessings.

Going forward, I’ll always choose myself, my sanity and my inner peace—and I’ll do whatever it takes to maintain it.

Thank you for reading.

On Thursday Feb 10th Jo Jo Siwa Fans all around the Chicagoland area came out to enjoy a night full of bopping and twisting with the now 18 year old superstar. The sold out concert was hosted at the all state arena, one of the largest indoor entertainment facilities in the Chicagoland area.

The Nickelodeon superstar known for her colorful style , large bows, and upbeat music didn’t let fans down with her song and outfit choices for the night. In true JoJo fashion, she opened the show wearing a sparkly two piece number with matching high top kicks. What was notably missing was her famous side ponytail and hair bow that we’ve grown use to seeing over the years. Instead, she rocked long wavy tresses that swung to the sound of the music for most of night.

Although there were several exciting moments throughout the concert from the surprise ballroom dance routine to the random mic tricks. A crowd fav was definitely seeing the Chicago sport’s themed costumes dripped in glitter and moment we got to see JoJo put her famous bow back in her hair.

Nickelodeons JoJo Siwas Dream Tour tickets are on sale now. To learn more and purchase visit http://jojodreamtour.com

There are times in life when even the most well-meaning people make decisions and are actually following their hearts when in reality they are leaving their brains behind.

Anyone familiar with the hit show Seinfeld most certainly remembers the Soup Nazi! Please let me participate in a little creative indulgence. I can just hear Chicago’s politicians and the ACLU telling the people of Chicago and its law enforcement officers, “NO STOP AND FRISK FOR YOU!”

Back in 1968, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in a landmark case called Terry vs Ohio that indeed police officers are allowed to stop individuals without probable cause for an arrest providing that the officers can articulate a REASONABLE BASIS FOR THE STOP AND FRISK. In other words, if the officer has a reasonable suspicion that the person has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a crime. It also ruled that the officers may perform a quick search of the person’s outer clothing for weapons if they have reasonable suspicion that the person is armed and presently dangerous.

Now we skip to August 7, 2015, when in the great wisdom of Chicago’s politicians including then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel and his top cop Garry McCarthy decided to enter into an agreement with the ACLU that essentially buried Stop and Frisk in Chicago. The agreement states that Stop and Frisk would be replaced by a new and cumbersome report called (ISR) Investigatory Stop Report. The report on average takes individual officers anywhere from 40 to 45 minutes to fill out and is later reviewed by a retired Federal Judge. So what was essentially a five to ten minute stop and frisk right Chicago’s cops in order to let’s say, to stop suspicious persons in an alley at 3:00 a.m. now are facing 40 to 45 minutes filling out reports to justify why they stopped suspicious individuals? Needless to say, street stops plummeted in Chicago by at least 80 % and have come nowhere near the past numbers before the agreement was ratified.

Cops will tell you that the best preventative measure against shootings and most especially drive-by shootings is street stops and the stop and frisk rule. Since that agreement went into effect 22,706 people have been shot and 4,333 homicides have occurred within Chicago’s city limits. The experience and expertise of Chicago’s cops working Chicago’s streets have been replaced by a Federal judge working from home picking over the few investigatory stops in a clean wholesome environment. It’s mind-boggling to me that hundreds of criminals are arrested and released in Cook County and Chicago almost immediately either by no bonds, low bonds, or the hilariously incompetent home confinement monitoring ankle bracelets. Home confinement by definition of Cook County officials would seem to mean the code word Plant Earth. There are over 100 criminals in Cook County on home confinement who have been charged with murder or attempted murder and hundreds more for violent crimes who are released back into the communities they have preyed upon. Yet they are released time and time again with little or no accountability or punishment, but stopping them on the streets using the Supreme Court-ordered ruling is somehow a violation of their rights, and just to throw in another excuse card, the ACLU says it’s profiling.

Profiling is a word that literally scares the hell out of timid politicians who would not know a Latin King or a Gangster Disciple from circus clowns. Something needs to change, and something is very rotten and it’s not Denmark. Chicago’s victims and future victims need common sense leadership. To not punish criminals and bad behavior just gets you more of it and Chicago is a prime example of that for sure.