Tyler Jandron spent the 2020 baseball season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, and his outlook on the grueling recovery process was that it couldn’t have come at a better time.

Thousands of players were left searching for opportunities on the field after seasons were suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic. For Jandron, the year off allowed him to focus on his return to the mound free of guilt that he’d be missing a season.

“It benefitted me,” Jandron said. “Once I understood that no teams were playing and things shut down, I took it as an opportunity to get ready for this year.”

Managers in the independent leagues measure time in dog years.

In terms of players’ development, 12 months are really like seven years. It might sound like a dramatic comparison, but the point is taking a year off can derail a player’s career.

When the Frontier League suspended its 2020 season, some teams held local events for players to continue their development. The Joliet Slammers were one of four teams that participated in the Champions Cup in Joliet. The modified schedule gave Frontier League players and free agents from MiLB-affiliated teams an opportunity to play.

After a year of scrapped seasons and disarray, what’s the explanation for the increase in players getting called up to affiliated ball in 2021? There’s more than one, but the first thing to consider is workload.

“This year has been very aggressive,” Slammers manager Aaron Nieckula said. “Part of that has to do with the pandemic last year and the way it shut down minor-league baseball.”

Nieckula, in his first season with the Slammers, estimates that his team and the Frontier League as a whole are ahead of the typical number of players that are pulled into affiliated baseball in a standard year.

Schaumburg Boomers manager Jamie Bennett, who has been with the organization since 2011, said the league already has reached its yearly total. The Frontier League is a little over halfway through the regular season.

Pitchers in independent baseball have always been targeted the most by affiliated clubs because of workload management.

Every organization has a different philosophy, but once pitchers reach their set number of innings and starts, they’re shut down. Every year, a pitcher will throw around 15 to 20% more than he did the year before.

The limited number of reps pitchers in affiliated baseball had in 2020 significantly affected their workload, which has led to more opportunities for independent-leaguers.

“Coming from affiliated ball, I told them this year is great timing and will be a great opportunity for many of you,” Nieckula said. “Just know there are going to be scouts and evaluators out at most of our games.”

The three major independent leagues are the American Association, the Atlantic League and the Frontier League.

The Atlantic League is an older league made up mostly of former major-league and Triple-A players. The American Association is in the middle of the pack. The Frontier League is geared more toward young players looking to develop.

Jandron spent a year in affiliated baseball after signing a minor-league deal with the Diamondbacks in 2018 and getting assigned to the Missoula Osprey. He was released after one season and signed with the Slammers in 2019.

When MLB cut its farm teams to 120, eliminating 40 cities as affiliates, there was a rush of players and coaches in search of jobs. They turned to the independent leagues.

Nieckula said 25% of his team is made up of players with affiliated-baseball experience, and that’s fairly standard when looking at rosters across the Frontier League. Many former affiliated players landed in the Atlantic League or the American Association.

Still, the axing of 40 affiliates led not only to an increase in talent in the leagues but interest from scouts, as well. The pandemic made it easier to be seen by scouts online.

Jandron didn’t come into the 2021 season feeling prepared. Not many players did, even if they were some of the few who were on the field last year.

What 2020 taught players is that the opportunity to go from independent baseball to affiliated baseball is more real than ever.

“I don’t think we had one guy picked up in 2019,” Jandron said. “To see four guys get picked up early off our team, it shows that they’re looking. They’re always going to be looking.”

Read More

A man was charged in a Far South Side shooting that left one person injured.

On Aug. 4, around 6 p.m., Albert Smith, 35, allegedly shot a man multiple times in his body, Chicago Police said.

The victim, 25, was taken to Roseland Hospital where his condition was stabilized, police said.

Smith was arrested almost immediately following the attack when he was identified as the shooter, police said.

Smith was charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a discharged firearm, police said.

Smith was also charged as an armed habitual criminal, meaning he received, sold, possessed or transferred any firearm after having been convicted at least twice of a felony or any weapon or substance-related crimes, police said.

Bond was scheduled for Aug. 7.

Read More

Chicago Blackhawks: It is time to trade Dylan Strome away by Vincent Parise

Next1 of 3Prev post

Use your (arrows) to browse

Chicago Bulls (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)

With the departure of old management last season, the Chicago Bulls felt strongly as an organization that they found their ideal fit in the Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley campaign that was about to take place in Chicago. The front office was aggressive right away and they acquired a proven coach in Billy Donovan. A lot of people would now credit him with helping their star player in Zach Lavine take the next step.

While Zach Lavine had personal success through the season, the team did not stun the rest of the league with their 31-41 record. They finished 11th in the East and fell just short of the playoffs yet again. Before we get ahead of ourselves though, let’s not forget the end of the season acquisition of Nikola Vucevic who averaged 21 and 11 with the club to wrap up his season.

That was yet another strong move by the newly renovated front office. The Bulls then fell into what looked to be like trouble amidst terrible lottery luck. Nonetheless, the Bulls felt like they got a promising 2nd round pick, a pick that many executives around the league believed was a late 1st rounder in Ayo Dosunmu.

Just when free agency started, you just had this feeling that the boys upstairs would put their heads together and make a push to bring championship-contending basketball back to Chicago where it belongs.

The Chicago Bulls made some big moves so far this offseason to improve 2021-22.

I have listed the free agency moves made by the Bulls, given their negotiated contracts as well as my own personal front office grade. Grades consist of money, organizational fit, scheme, how effective these players can be, and what set of skills they showcase that makes them a great fit for Chicago. These are the grades for player signings and the front office as a whole:

Next: Player signing grades

Next1 of 3Prev post

Use your (arrows) to browse

Read More

Ingrid Padilla, her 6-year-old son and husband brought their dog Coco out to Montrose Dog Beach on a sweltering Saturday afternoon.

The Blue Island family usually walked Coco to a field by their home, but the heat called them to the lake.

“She also needs contact with other dogs,” said Padilla, shrouded in a white T-shirt while petting her pit bull.

Six-month-old Coco is one of many dogs adopted during the pandemic. Now, with COVID-19 restrictions easing, these puppies are ready to mingle.

Nina Molina

Churchill Dog Friendly Area

1825 N Damen Ave.
Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily

In the 4-year-old Labradoodle’s mouth was a tennis ball. Friday panted excitedly, tail wagging in the air, as he zig-zagged among the other dogs at Churchill Dog Friendly Park on a scorching Sunday afternoon.

Churchill Field Park is just off the 606, a walking path that runs above and through Humboldt Park, Logan Square, Wicker Park and Bucktown. The outdoor haven is home to a baseball field, a grassy field and a popular dog-friendly area.

“This park is mostly paved, so it never, ever gets muddy,” said Roivin Ryan, a 59-year-old Wicker Park resident. “And they have a lot of nice people and nice dogs here.”

The play area also features a doggie drinking fountain, pools for pups to cool off and complimentary poop bags.

“Someone that comes here belongs to the Midtown tennis club. So every couple of days they bring a giant bag of used tennis balls here,” Ryan said, motioning to the neon green balls scattered across the pavement.

Dog owners must have a permit and tag issued by a participating veterinarian for each dog.

A full list of rules and regulations for bringing your dog can be found at churchilldogpark.com/rules-regulations.

Nina Molina

Montrose Dog Beach

601 W Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL
Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily

Mag and Paul Hurley have been coming to Montrose Dog Beach, also known as “Mondog,” for 20 years. Reclining on the sand, the North Center couple explained how the wide, enclosed area and shallow waters make this the perfect place for their 3-year-old dog Bode to cool off and make some canine friends.

“They can run around and play with other dogs. They can swim,” said Paul Hurley. “On a hot day, instead of going to a park and dying, we can be out here by the water.”

Nina Molina

Tabitha Roder, from Elmwood Park, was eyeing a dog beach in the north suburbs until she realized a membership costing $50 to $75 was required.

Fifteen-month-old corgi Max tugged on his leash, kicking up sand to get toward the water.

“This is our first full summer with him,” said Roder. “We’re trying to get out more and just let him socialize.”

Nina Molina

The Dog Beach is free, but Dog-Friendly Area (DFA) tags are required for all dogs. The tag costs $10 per year.

Check out these other dog parks in the city. They all follow Dog-Friendly Area rules that can be found at chicagoparkdistrict.com. All the parks listed are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Calumet Dog Friendly Park
9801 S. Avenue G

Wiggly Field Dog Park
2645 N Sheffield Ave.

Jackson Bark
6000 S. Lake Shore Drive

Read More

Sitting on a picnic blanket scattered with snacks and art supplies, three teens chatted in the shade at Churchill Field Park.

“Since the pandemic started, I’ve just been walking here all the time. It’s this home away from home,” said Natalee Hapaniewski, 18, from Wicker Park. “I like how open it is in the middle of the city.”

Churchill is one of many parks just off the 606, the 2.7-mile elevated trail on the North Side.

“It’s a common space for us to hang out and not be cooped up in each other’s houses,” said Gabbie Cannon, 17, from Logan Square.

It’s a common feeling these days, and the Chicago area has plenty of places where that urge can be indulged.

Nina Molina/Sun-Times

The Morton Arboretum

Art and nature often coexist at this sprawling green haven in Lisle. For its new exhibit, “Human+Nature,” five of South African artist Daniel Popper’s sculptures of touchable human faces are scattered around the grounds for a scavenger hunt.

“It’s about a 3 mile hike to all the sculptures,” said Sarah Sargent, manager of interpretation and exhibits. (You also can drive or ride a tram.)

“We are looking forward to seeing how it looks in all different seasons.”

The Morton Arboretum

The arboretum also has a 10-acre Children’s Garden, and for adults, there are beer and wine tasting events.

“For our wine tasting in May, we sold out with nearly 800 people,” said Jenelle Hardtke, manager of special events. “People are ready to feel a bit more normal.”

The arboretum also hosts Arbor Evenings at 6 p.m. on Thursdays through Sept. 4, with activities and live music.

“From the start of the pandemic, the Morton Arboretum was considered an essential service. As people were forced inside, we were that safe haven for them to get out into nature,” Hardtke said.

The arboretum is open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset. Admission ranges from $8 to $16; children under 2 are free. Memberships are available.

Palmisano Park

On the site of a former quarry in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood, visitors now can fish, climb boulders or paddle a kayak — and, in some spots, still have a view of downtown.

“The land has changed from a coral reef to a quarry to a landfill and now to a park,” said Dennis Gonzalez, the park’s manager. “It’s a beautiful thing because it’s transformed and given the community something.”

Irene Tostado/Chicago Park District

The park, 2700 S. Halsted St., has 1.7 miles of trails across wetlands and fields and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

“It offers new and old residents an opportunity to explore nature and the city,” Gonzalez said. “They can engage in a variety of activities in a unique outdoor setting.”

Irene Tostado/Chicago Park District

Garfield Park Conservatory

Visitors signing up to visit the Garfield Park Conservatory’s newest special exhibit may find themselves being led around by a teenager from the Urban Roots docent program.

“Artist’s Garden Still Life in Real Life: Charles Ethan Porter” pays homage to the landscape and still-life artist. Besides leading visitors through the exhibit, the teen docents will provide background information, according to Mattie Wilson, director of programs and interpretation for the conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave.

Porter’s paintings will be re-created by plants in the gardens. Admission for the exhibit is $5; visitors must make a reservation.

Brian Rich/Sun-Times

“Imagine what the paintings would look like coming out of a vase or a planter,” said Mary Eysenbach, director of conservatories for the Chicago Park District. “It’s kind of a ‘live, still life.'”

The Garfield Park Conservatory requires reservations, though general admission to the gardens (not including special exhibits) is free. Reservations are added each day at 10 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Hours are Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Brian Rich/Sun-Times

Chicago-area residents can also check out:

o Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe.

Visitors can walk through the 385 acres of gardens that boast millions of plants and flowers.

Cost: No per-person admission, but non-members pay $10 to $30 to park, depending on the day.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

o William W. Powers State Recreation Area, 12949 Avenue O, Chicago

On Wolf Lake by the Illinois-Indiana state line, the 160-acre site has spots for picnics, hiking, fishing, boating and hunting waterfowl.

Admission: Free

Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. to sunset

Read More

Nothing tops holding a coho with the Loop as a backdrop or catching and releasing a smallmouth bass across Lake Shore Drive from the Buckingham Fountain.

This list of top fishing spots is Chicago-focused. Nearby out-of-state favorites are for another day. In Illinois, those 16 and older need a fishing license. Options are a resident one-day ($5.50), resident senior ($7.75) or resident ($15). A Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp ($6.50) is needed if fishing for salmon or trout on Lake Michigan. If buying online, tack on extra charges.

1. Montrose Harbor: History clings to the top fishing spot in Chicago from the deadly seiche of 1954 to Ken Maggiore becoming first to catch two Illinois-record fish on the same day (burbot and lake whitefish on March 22, 2017).

Fishing there can be as eclectic as its history.

Depending on conditions, fishing is done inside the harbor, around the revetment around the peninsula or on the breakwall known as “The Horseshoe.”

Fishing varies by season.

In spring, the focus is coho, especially by those practicing the Chicago tradition of powerlining (propelling, generally with a fire extinguisher, a line with multiple hooks on it far out into the lake.). In April, the tradition of netting smelt at night hangs on, even though virtually no smelt are netted any more.

In summer, in recent years, the focus turns to freshwater drum and the occasional trout. In rare instances, there’s some summer perch fishing.

In fall, the big focus is on Chinook, which can top 20 pounds, doing their return to harbors.

In winter, well, most winters, there is surprisingly good ice fishing for panfish.

Rock bass and bluegill are available inside the harbor nearly year-round.

A bonus is the best view of downtown Chicago from the south side of the harbor.

The Chicago powerline and lakefront fishing (powerlining) Facebook page is a good place to gain advice. For bait and fishing supplies, Park Bait at (773) 271-2838 is open March through November or December.

2. LaSalle Lake: Want a chance at a 50-pound fish or a 50 fish day? The cooling lake south of Seneca is your spot. It’s not about the ambience by any stretch (this is the antithesis of the North Woods); it’s about the fishing. As a perched lake, LaSalle is designed to cool water for a power plant. Outstanding fishing is a byproduct of the warm waters. Numerous blue catfish have been documented heavier than 50 pounds. Boaters and shore anglers do well on a wide spectrum: blues, hybrid striped bass, bluegill, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and yellow bass. Experienced shore anglers use bicycles and various contraptions to navigate the miles of shoreline. Boaters should check at (815) 357-1608 around 6 a.m. on whether the lake will be open for boats (winds regularly close the lake to boaters). Have supplies — bait, food, drinks — before arriving. The lake is open March 15 to 10 days before waterfowl season opens in October.

3. Ice fishing the Chain O’Lakes: Fishing on the Chain is good most of the time, but ice fishing, which usually lasts three months or more, is the most egalitarian, and you don’t have to fight the boat traffic and personal watercraft of open water. In ice fishing, you can go nearly anywhere, which is why I call it egalitarian, when the ice is good. At the start of every ice fishing season, I update access points for the ice, generally it’s $5 parking or you need to patronize the business. For tackle, bait and information, check with Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch — (815) 395-0813 — or Dave’s Bait in Crystal Lake — (815) 455-2040. Check conditions at the Fox Waterway Agency (foxwaterway.com).

4. Charter fishing Lake Michigan: If you want the perfect Chicago fishing photo, pick a charter and go. There is something special about doing a classic fish-holding pose with the Loop as the background. The primary catches are lake trout and coho with the occasional Chinook to 30 pounds, acrobatic steelhead and big brown trout. It’s a chance at a lifetime fish, here at home. The late Marge Landeen caught the Illinois record Chinook (37 pounds) out of Waukegan in 1976. Deva Vranek caught the Illinois-record brown (36 pounds, 11.5 ounces) off Chicago in 1997. Charters go out of North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor, Waukegan and Chicago (Montrose, Diversey, DuSable, Burnham harbors).

5. Wading the Kankakee River: Smallmouth bass are the favorite target for waders at Kankakee State Park, where there are 10 miles of public shoreline; but others chase walleye at low light or catfish any time. The community holes are the mouth of Rock Creek and around Warner Bridge. Rock Creek is very scenic with waterfalls, and the lower end is a favorite for families to chase crawfish. The Kankakee River Trading Post — (815) 933-9652 — has bait, tackle and camping supplies in Altorf on the eastern edge of the park.

6. Wading/shore fishing the Fox River: Especially in the low water of summer, much of the fishing effort is focused below the remaining dams. In the western suburbs, virtually every town has significant public shoreline. Smallmouth bass and catfish are the top targets. For boaters, flathead catfish have become a major target at night, a special time to be on the water. Dicky’s Bait in Montgomery — (630) 675-4371 — has tackle and bait.

Sun-Times file photo

7. Chicago River downtown: From shore, anglers fish from the south shore of the main stem, sharing the Riverwalk with other users, to catch a wide variety of fish, most commonly bluegill, channel catfish, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and perch (in winter). For boaters, the top spot is the area around the big discharge at the Merchandise Mart. It’s the most unique fishing spot in Chicago. The topper is afterward visiting one of the fancier establishments on the Riverwalk for a drink or dinner carrying your gear.

8. South Side perch in winter: In winter, the top fishing in Chicago is a collection of spots on the South Side, such as at Steelworker Park, nearby quasi-legal slips and spots around Calumet Park and the Calumet River. For boaters, the best spot can be all the way to the Ford plant on the Calumet. Refuel at the Skyway Doghouse at 95th and Ewing, or Calumet Fisheries on 95th. Bait and tackle are available at Henry’s Sports and Bait — (312) 225-8538.

9. Shabbona Lake: The 318-acre impoundment in DeKalb County is the most intensely fished lake in Illinois per acre, yet it continues to provide lots of fish and a great variety: crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, hybrid striped bass and muskie (the lake has produced four Illinois records over the decades). The site has the best concessions in the state, including food, bait, meals and boat rental. Reach Boondocks at (815) 824-2581. If going with family, a stop at the Dairy Joy Drive-In in Hinckley is the cherry on top.

10. Smallmouth bass at Monroe and Burnham harbors: In recent decades, smallmouth bass (a sight feeder) steadily improved as the water cleared on Lake Michigan, largely because of the filtering impact of invasive mussels. There’s something righteous about catching a smallmouth with Buckingham Fountain to your back or at the good drop-off at the Shedd Aquarium. Parking is tough, so take public transportation or be prepared to circle Solitary Drive searching for meter parking or to use one of the many parking lots around Museum Campus.

Read More

Omar Rodriguez wore his quarantine pants to the Forge, an outdoor adventure park in Lemont, and after three hours of climbing high ropes courses in the simmering 90-degree heat, they were slick with sweat.

“It was definitely a really cool experience, but I recommend wearing shorts,” said Rodriguez, 26, from Park Forest.

It was the first time Rodriguez had been climbing and his girlfriend, Carol McNeal, 22, tagged along. Besides the ropes course, both flew across a quarry lake on the Forge’s 1,100-foot zip line.

“Being strapped up gets rid of the fear when you’re that high,” Rodriguez said.

Besides ropes courses and zip lines, options at the 300-acre Forge include climbing towers, laser tag, canoeing, kayaking, yoga and trails for biking, hiking and running. There also are special concerts and festivals throughout the year.

Nichole Shaw/Sun-Times

The park opened last July during the pandemic and has seen a steady buildup of guest registration, especially with availability of the vaccine increasing.

At the Forge “anyone of any age or ability can come out and experience authentic outdoor recreation and personal challenge in a friendly environment,” said co-founder Jeremie Bacon. “So basically, it’s a place to come to get out of your comfort zone a little bit, but you know, but be surrounded by people who are like-minded and have a sense of community.”

The park is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday for special concerts, gourmet dining, and night climbing. An art walk featuring Chicago artists is scheduled for Aug. 22.

Nichole Shaw/Sun-Times

Julian Brodsky, a 13-year-old summer camper, zip lined from one side of the park to the other in the morning to start his day before trying out the kayaks and then arts and crafts.

“Zip lining is really windy,” Julian said. “It’s kind of nerve-racking getting up there, but once you’re on the line you go pretty fast — and it’s really cool. The zip line is my favorite part of camp, because I like being really high and flying down.”

Admission to the park is free, with activities priced individually. Special opportunities include a $70 zip line, climb and dine package popular among young adults from the city. The Forge also offers a night climbing program at $50, almost half the price of a $90 day pass, which gives full access to all activities.

Nichole Shaw/Sun-Times

“The last couple years and the pandemic, too, reminded me of how important it is to get back out in natural spaces and connect with the environment,” said Kylah Muhammaed, 40, from Bolingbrook.

“The more you’re outdoors, the more you observe things, which is what I’m trying to help my kids understand. The Forge checked all the boxes for a novel outdoor experience. What was especially nice is that they have training courses to let people try out new things safely before engaging in activities full-on.”

Her 7-year-old son, Hasan, said his favorite part of the Forge was racing his older brother on a two-tower adventure that featured circular rungs.

“I’m the snake from Chinese astrology and also a scorpion, and I felt like I was those signs when I slithered up and down the circle rings,” Hasan said.

Nichole Shaw/Sun-Times

Here are some other adventure opportunities in or near Chicago:

• Go Ape
  Western Springs
  Actitivties: zip lining, high ropes courses and axe throwing
  Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day
  Phone: (800) 971-8271
• Boundless Adventures
  Bristol, Wisconsin
  Activities: zip lining, high ropes courses and night climbing
  Hours: Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  Phone: (262) 287-0933
• Edge Adventures Rum Village Aerial Park
  South Bend, Indiana
  Activities: zip lining and high ropes courses
  Hours: Wednesday through Monday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Tuesday
  Phone: (800) 590-8347
• Ultimate Ninjas
  2916 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago
  Activities: America Ninja Warrior indoor obstacle courses and gym space
  Hours: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  Phone: (773) 877-3524
• Brooklyn Boulders
  100 S. Morgan St., Chicago
  Activities: indoor rock climbing and fitness classes
  Hours: Monday and Friday noon to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  Phone: (312) 268-0002

Read More

Paige Vogenthaler and Bill Hinderman have been on many strolls through Humboldt Park and passed by the swan-shaped boats floating on the lagoon.

“We walked around this area many times and said we are going to do it one of these times,” Hinderman said.

They were finally able to take a ride in the swan boats in July as pandemic restrictions eased.

Vogenthaler said it was a relaxing outing on a warm summer day, and they look forward to doing it again.

Couples or families can take a swan-shaped pedal boat — or paddle boat, as some places call them — for a quiet trip around the Humboldt Park Lagoon. Wheel Fun Rentals has 15 boats available for $11 an hour for adults and $6 an hour for children. The boats can fit up to four riders, with pedals for each rider.

It is the perfect activity for families looking for a relaxing weekend activity, manager Nick Lee said.

“It is for whoever is looking for a fun activity to do outside and not [be] stuck in their home,” Lee said.

Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

In Des Plaines, the Lake Park Marina also offers pedal boat rental. The marina added swan-shaped boats this year, although it also rents paddle boats without any theming, said Brian Panek, superintendent of revenue facilities for the Des Plaines Park District.

The swan boats cost $24 an hour, while the normal paddle boats cost $21 an hour. The swan boats hold up to five people and allow for customers to pedal through Lake Opeka.

“The kids like [the swan boat] a lot more than just [a] plain boat,” He said. “They have paid for themselves already in half a year.”

Even though the marina is near O’Hare Airport, the lake remains tranquil and peaceful in the paddle boats, he said. Lake Park Marina also offers sailboat and kayak rentals.

Chicago Cycleboats offers its own version of pedal boats that cater more toward bachelor and bachelorette parties, manager Brady Ruel said.

This spin on a pedal-powered boat allows for groups of up to 26 fully vaccinated passengers to take a boat on the Chicago River and bring along whatever food and drinks they like. Each person sits at a table but instead of barstools, there are bike seats and pedals beneath them to propel the boat.

“People get to just play their music and have drinks while pedaling down the river,” Ruel said. “It’s just a different, active way for people to explore the city.”

Even though music will be blasting and drinks served, don’t underestimate the workout involved, he said.

Patrons do not have to pedal the full two hours; each boat is equipped with a small motor that can take over if needed. There is also a point where the boat will stop in front of the Chicago Skyline so that people in the group can take photos.

The Cycleboats are an opportunity to admire the architecture along the Chicago River, although those who want to focus solely on the workout are free to, Ruel said.

“Occasionally we will have a group that pedals the entire time. One time we had a group that was just SoulCycle instructors, and they were really into it,” Ruel said.

While the average customer tends to be 21 and up, Cycleboats are open to all ages, Ruel said.

Chicago Cycleboat rentals start at $550. It also offers nighttime firework boat rides on Wednesdays and Saturdays, where the boats will pedal to the end of the river and watch the Navy Pier fireworks.

Read More

A luscious field of flowers on Northerly Island tends to be ignored by most visitors and even locals, but one tour of the city makes it a highlight.

“This secret secluded spot was absolutely beautiful,” Nancy Calahan said after seeing it on her two-hour tour of Chicago.

All seven people on the tour cited this field as their favorite part, hands down. They never would have been able to reach that spot and all of the other locations on the tour, such as Buckingham Fountain and Soldier Field, if they had not been riding Segways.

Chicago Segway tours are a way to learn more about the history of Chicago and to experience parts of the city most guided tours do not have time to cover on foot.

Not only for tourists, Segway tours have become a great activity for Chicago residents since the pandemic began, said Shannon Morris, general manager of Magic Carpet Glide Segway Tours.

“While in years past we have had international tourists, this year we are seeing quite a bit of locals joining us, the staycationers,” she said.

Magic Carpet specifically offers a two-hour tour around Grant Park and along Lake Michigan, led by a tour guide and showing secluded spots such as the flower garden.

Tour guide Mike Perrino said each time he leads the tour it’s a bit different, and he learns something new about Chicago. One of his favorite facts to share is that there is an average of one Dunkin’ per square mile in Chicago.

“We have been to Chicago many times and there were some surprises in the tour we never knew about or had seen before,” said Madison Linz, who took the tour with her father, David Linz.

Other companies, such as Absolutely Chicago or Bike and Roll Chicago, offer other tours throughout the city, most costing between $45 to $70 depending on the length and location. Some other tours include seeing the nighttime fireworks over Navy Pier or learning about the gangster history of Chicago.

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

“It’s a really beautiful way to see the skyline and learn about the best attractions, and about a lot of history that Chicago has,” Absolutely Chicago Segway owner Brittany Carswell said. “This is our way of opening Chicago’s front doors to any visitor and to locals.”

One of her favorite tours is the Insider Tour, where people learn about the “good, bad, weird and ugly stories of Chicago.” Carswell said a story she finds particularly interesting is about a man who lived under a Chicago River bridge for years, tapping the electricity from it to power everything from a space heater to a PlayStation.

While the history is fascinating, Carswell said, many guests also just have a great time riding Segways, a vehicle most people usually do not get to try out.

“I think the coolest thing about the Segway is it is multigenerational. I have 80-year-olds riding with their children and grandchildren,” Carswell said. “It is something that is hard to get with a lot of activities, something that a 12-, 20-, 50- and 80-year-old can all have fun together with.”

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

Read More

This summer, Tiana Theiss is back to doing what she loves — diving into the sand to bump the ball for her beach volleyball team.

She started a new league this summer for Players Sport & Social Group, which she joined five years ago. They are among hundreds of players once again packing Montrose Beach on Wednesdays.

It’s all so different from last summer, when the lakefront — and leagues — were shut down.

Provided

“Right now, I think people are just happy to be here, and they’re not as much concerned with winning games,” said Theiss, 33, of Wicker Park. “We’ve all had such direly different experiences from the pandemic, and we’re all kind of grieving what we’ve passed through and celebrating a resurgence of normalcy.”

Chicago Sports and Social Club, Players Sport & Social Group and Simply Social Sports all offer adult volleyball, kickball and softball leagues — and all weathered tough times during the pandemic.

Ben Shimon, founder of Simply Social, used the downtime to rehab his website, “which has been a huge help for new registration. The Delta variant is throwing a wrench in this a little bit, but teams are signing up like crazy. Half to a quarter of my teams are brand new. This summer, I now have the most leagues I’ve ever had, with 25 new leagues and 3,500 members.”

Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

Sports is the best way to meet new people and make friends, many players say.

“Human connection is so vitally important and sharing a sport in common is one way to bring people together — it’s an automatic ice breaker,” said Jennie Berger, 42, who lives in the South Loop. “You get to know these people by having the love of the sport in common. It’s still a very divided place that we live in — our country and our world. So to have people come together in one space for the same purpose is wonderful.”

Berger, a real estate investor, moved to Chicago from Tennessee in November 2019. In June, she joined Chicago Sports and Social to play sand couples volleyball with her boyfriend on North Avenue Beach.

Chicago Sports and Social Club has registered roughly 25,000 members this year, with most sign-ups occurring since the city’s full reopening, according to president Chris Hastings.

This summer, Players had close to 20,000 participants in its volleyball, beach volleyball and kickball leagues. An average year, including all seasons, typically registers about 40,000 participants, said Dave Reid, vice president of sports and business.

“It definitely feels a lot more normal and you forget the pandemic while you’re out there,” said Jesse Sherr, 40, of Hamlin Park, in his 15th year with Players. “It feels like nothing has changed from a couple of years ago. It feels great to get outside and be able to do this with my friends, have fun and compete in sports.”

Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

“Ditch all those apps,” said Simply Social kickball player Daniella Titone, 27, a Gold Coast resident. “To me, the best way to find a partner is through sports — you see what you’re going to get. I know people get nervous about meeting people, but sports really do bring people together. It’s just about being able to push yourself and put yourself out there and learn something new.”

It worked for Aldriene Estacion, 32, who met his wife in a Simply Social league. After 10 years as a player, he’s now a kickball umpire.

“People go to play a game and the real fun is socializing afterward,” said Estacion, who lives in Albany Park.

Games and bar activities after playing are not the only highlights of these leagues. Most offer special programs and events throughout the year, like Chicago Sports and Social Club’s recent Volleywood, a music festival and volleyball tournament on North Avenue beach.

“The moral of the story is people need to be connected to people,” Shimon said. “We need to see each other, touch each other and possibly hook up with each other. Chicago is the most fun city in the world and sports leagues are a rite of passage.”

Read More