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Sports & Hobbies groups near Vernon Hills, IL

Grab a Game - Suburban Soccer

Barrington, IL

Grab a Game - Suburban Soccer

For adult soccer players of all skill levels, our group offers weekly events including pickup games, clinics, and mini-tournaments in the Northwest Suburbs. Want to play without committing to an entire season? Our group is perfect if you're new in town, just visiting, or have been here for years and want to add a game to your schedule. Grab a Game is also a great way to meet other players or join a team. You will play with friendly people just like you who want a good game while having some fun and improving their skills. We look forward to seeing you on the court or field!

What can I expect with Grab a Game Soccer? 
We welcome new players every week and we love our regulars! A paid host at each event guarantees everything is well-organized and you get the most out of your playing time.

Whether it’s a pickup game, clinic, or tournament, please feel comfortable signing up by yourself or with a friend. We work hard to create an atmosphere where you can have fun playing with a bunch of strangers.

Most of our events are open to all skill levels (from beginner to competitive) and we do a great job of creating even teams so that you don’t have to worry about all the beginners on one team and all the pros on another.

Who is Grab a Game? 
Grab a Game is a division of Chicago Sport and Social Club (chicagosocial.com) and is run by experienced and passionate players who have successfully organized leagues, tournaments and pickup games for many years. Chicago Sport and Social Club is the leading U.S. company that organizes, markets, and operates adult recreational sports and social events. 

Check out all of our Grab a Game groups: Basketball Broomball Dodgeball Flag Football | Floor Hockey | Kickball  | Chicago Soccer | Suburban Soccer | Social Sports | Softball Tennis Volleyball

5628 members · Public

Grab A Game - Suburban Volleyball

Barrington, IL

Grab A Game - Suburban Volleyball

For adult volleyball players of all skill levels, our group offers weekly events including pickup games, clinics, and mini-tournaments. Want to play without committing to an entire season? Our group is perfect if you're new in town, just visiting, or have been here for years and want to add a game to your schedule. Grab a Game is also a great way to meet other players or join a team. You will play with friendly people just like you who want a good game while having some fun and improving their skills. We look forward to seeing you on the court!

What can I expect with Grab a Game Volleyball?
We welcome new players every week and we love our regulars! A paid host at each event guarantees everything is well-organized and you get the most out of your playing time.

Whether it’s an open gym, clinic, or tournament, please feel comfortable signing up by yourself or with a friend. We work hard to create an atmosphere where you can have fun playing with a bunch of strangers.

Most of our events are open to all skill levels (from beginner to competitive) and we do a great job of creating even teams so that you don’t have to worry about all the beginners on one team and all the pros on another. We often have multiple courts where we can match you up with other players at your level.

Who is Grab a Game?
Grab a Game is a division of Chicago Sport and Social Club (chicagosocial.com) and is run by experienced and passionate players who have successfully organized leagues, tournaments and pickup games for many years. Chicago Sport and Social Club is the leading U.S. company that organizes, markets, and operates adult recreational sports and social events. 

Check out all of our Grab a Game groups: Basketball Broomball Dodgeball Flag Football | Floor Hockey | Kickball  | Chicago Soccer | Suburban Soccer | Social Sports | Softball Tennis Volleyball

906 members · Public

Grab A Game - Suburban Basketball

Lake Zurich, IL

Grab A Game - Suburban Basketball

For adult basketball players of all skill levels, our group offers weekly events including pickup games, clinics, and mini-tournaments. Want to play without committing to an entire season? Our group is perfect if you're new in town, just visiting, or have been here for years and want to add a game to your schedule. Grab a Game is also a great way to meet other players or join a team. You will play with friendly people just like you who want a good game while having some fun and improving their skills. We look forward to seeing you on the court!

What can I expect with Grab a Game Basketball?
We welcome new players every week and we love our regulars! A paid host at each event guarantees everything is well-organized and you get the most out of your playing time.

Whether it’s an open gym, clinic, or tournament, please feel comfortable signing up by yourself or with a friend. We work hard to create an atmosphere where you can have fun playing with a bunch of strangers.

Most of our events are open to all skill levels (from beginner to competitive) and we do a great job of creating even teams so that you don’t have to worry about all the beginners on one team and all the pros on another. 

Who is Grab a Game?
Grab a Game is a division of Chicago Sport and Social Club (chicagosocial.com) and is run by experienced and passionate players who have successfully organized leagues, tournaments and pickup games for many years. Chicago Sport and Social Club is the leading U.S. company that organizes, markets, and operates adult recreational sports and social events. 

Check out all of our Grab a Game groups: Basketball Broomball Dodgeball Flag Football | Floor Hockey | Kickball  | Chicago Soccer | Suburban Soccer | Social Sports | Softball Tennis Volleyball

298 members · Public

Grab a Game - Touch Rugby

Northbrook, IL

Grab a Game - Touch Rugby

For adult touch rugby players of all skill levels, our group offers weekly events including pickup games, clinics, and mini-tournaments. Want to play without committing to an entire season? Our group is perfect if you're new in town, just visiting, or have been here for years and want to add a game to your schedule. Grab a Game is also a great way to meet other players or join a team. You will play with friendly people just like you who want a good game while having some fun and improving their skills. We look forward to seeing you on the pitch!

What can I expect with Grab a Game Touch Rugby?
We welcome new players every week and we love our regulars! A paid host at each event guarantees everything is well-organized and you get the most out of your playing time.

Whether it’s a pickup game, clinic, or tournament, please feel comfortable signing up by yourself or with a friend. We work hard to create an atmosphere where you can have fun playing with a bunch of strangers.

Most of our events are open to all skill levels (from beginner to competitive) and we do a great job of creating even teams so that you don’t have to worry about all the beginners on one team and all the pros on another.

Who is Grab a Game?
Grab a Game is a division of Chicago Sport and Social Club (chicagosocial.com) and is run by experienced and passionate players who have successfully organized leagues, tournaments and pickup games for many years. Chicago Sport and Social Club is the leading U.S. company that organizes, markets, and operates adult recreational sports and social events. Check out all of our Grab a Game groups: Basketball | Broomball | Dodgeball | Flag Football | Floor Hockey | Kickball | Chicago Soccer | Suburban Soccer | Social Sports | Softball | Tennis | Volleyball

404 members · Public

RnR Motorcycle Riders

Vernon Hills, IL

RnR Motorcycle Riders

The  focus of the group to ride with other motorcycle enthusiasts.  Some of the rides will be highway based, while others may be long stretches of low traffic roads where we can take in the scenery and natural environment. Rides will be anywhere from 25 to 75 miles and some rides will extend a bit further. Riders of all types are welcome. 


Bottom line is you must know how to safely operate a motorcycle. We ride with streetbikes, cruisers, dirt bikes and others.


Experienced Riders may push a little faster, but we will all encourage safe riding practice and skills. Members will be given as much notice as possible for rides. There will be some short notices due to our wonderful Midwest weather restrictions.


We also strongly encourage all RnR riders with sport bikes to also join our companion group RTRC at:


https://www.meetup.com/RTRChicago/


RTRC is a road and track group for sport bike enthusiasts, where you have an opportunity to really open it up on the track safely. RTRC rides with track groups STT and Motovid and you'll get the chance to not just watch some awesome motorcycle racing, but also participate in it! It's a great adrenaline rush and release!


Two groups means twice as many opportunities for fun rides! Our event organizers in both groups know our way around the tri-state area. See all that our states have to offer, and make lots of new friends in the process!


Welcome aboard, and ride safe always!

417 members · Public

Suburban Adventures

Buffalo Grove, IL

Suburban Adventures

Suburban Adventures extends a warm welcome to lesbian women of the Suburbs. Our focus is to provide fun, entertaining, educational and social events for like minded women of the community without the need to go to the city. We welcome as members both singles and couples of the lesbian community. Our Meetups will run the gamut including brunches, dinners, movies, clubs, walks, hikes, snow tubing, skiing, bowling, sporting events, cultural events, bike rides, charitable events, meet & greets, etc. We will always strive to support those vendors, businesses and organizations that are gay owned or operated and to spend our dollars when possible within the LGBT Community.

We will also support the initiatives and equal rights of the Community. Additionally, we will always try to keep you informed of information that supports our community as well as those people or organizations that may have opposition to the progress of our community for equality. However we will not become a platform for any political movement other then to keep you informed.

The focus, direction and philosophy of Suburban Adventures will remain that of the organizers. We always welcome and value any comments that you can send directly to the organizers of the group. We also reserve the right to modify, change or delete any postings that are believed by the organizers to be counter to the planned direction of the group and remove or block any members at the discretion of the organizers.

Our philosophy and focus on our core values has given us great strength, momentum and praise from our members as our group has grown to over 1,200 members in 8 years. We look forward to continuing with a great and fun group for all of our members.

Our very best to all.

Karen - Organizer

Laurie - Co-Organizer

1802 members · Private

Vernon Hills Fun People 20s-30s All suburbs cityfolks welcom

Vernon Hills, IL

Vernon Hills Fun People 20s-30s All suburbs cityfolks welcom
This group is exclusively for those 20 to 39. Don't lie about your age that is strange. NO racism or sexism welcome. No exclusion of people based on any identity! FOR all events with a limit on attendance I.E. a reservation it is first come first pay payment only accepted in advance In addition if we are counting on you show up -> 2 times no-shows and they will be removed -> 3 times last minute cancellation and they will be removed\*\*\* Last minute = 24 hour before start time I am new to the area and felt a lot of groups had waitlists so I thought I would make one too. ACTIVITIES DOGS and other pets are welcome too Meet up with dogs. My dog is a husky. Let's get the dogs together and have a good time. This group is for people who love nature and their pet is good with other people and dogs. We are doing active activities but a dog birthday party is not out of the question. Sports tennis, ping pong or table tennis, skyzone Eating Games board games wine and dining people Going downtown Concerts Primary focus of activities will be after 9-5 and different times throughout the weekend. We will host activities across the suburbs Chicago and more. By participating in any event or activity organized by the "Vernon Hills Fun People" meetup group (hereinafter referred to as the "Group"), you, the participant, expressly acknowledge and agree to the following: 1. **Assumption of Risk**: You understand that participating in the Group's events or activities, including but not limited to hikes, may pose inherent risks, dangers, and hazards. These risks may include, but are not limited to, personal injury, sickness, disability, death, or damage to personal property. 2. **Waiver and Release**: You hereby release, waive, and discharge the Group, its organizers, co-organizers, assistants, event hosts, sponsors, partners, affiliates, and their respective agents, representatives, and successors from any and all liabilities, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever, directly or indirectly arising out of or related to any loss, damage, injury, disability, sickness, death, or any other harm that may be sustained by you or to any property belonging to you as a result of participation in the Group’s events or activities. 3. **Medical Clearance**: You affirm that you are in good physical condition and do not suffer from any known disability or condition which would prevent or limit your participation in this Group's events or activities. You acknowledge that it is your responsibility to consult with a physician prior to and regarding your participation in any of the Group’s events or activities. 4. **Responsibility for Expenses**: You acknowledge that if you become lost, injured, or incapacitated during a Group event or activity, you will be responsible for all costs associated with any search, rescue, or medical care that you may require. This includes, but is not limited to, transportation, legal fees, and medical or hospital expenses. 5. **Entire Responsibility**: You agree that if you choose to participate in any Group event or activity, you do so entirely at your own risk and discretion. You voluntarily assume full responsibility for any risks or loss, property damage, or personal injury, including death, that may be sustained by you or loss or damage to property owned by you as a result of participating in the Group. By attending and/or participating in any events or activities organized by the Group, you are affirming that you have read and understood this Limitation of Liability Clause and that you are agreeing to its terms. If you do not agree to these terms, you should not participate in any events or activities organized by the Group.
600 members · Public

Chicago Area Barefoot Running

Highland Park, IL

Chicago Area Barefoot Running

COME AND LEARN TO ENJOY RUNNING WITHOUT SHOES!



Previously considered by many as an "extreme sport", barefoot running (BFR) is now becoming recognized as a more healthful alternative to shod running. Many "joggers" are surprised to learn that BFR is both accessible to the non-elite and enjoyable by the non-masochist!



Commonly asked questions about BFR:



Q: Why would I want to run barefoot?



A: Because you will learn to stop "jogging" (bouncing up & down) and start RUNNING, the smooth gait evolution has designed your body for, mile after injury-free mile.



Q: Will BFR make me a faster runner?



A: You will run slower at first but as proper technique is learned speed will return. BFR's main contribution to speed is keeping you uninjured and running and therefore in high aerobic fitness.



Q: Are "minimalist" shoes such as Vibram Five Fingers an acceptable alternative to BFR?



A: No, not for beginners. The tactile and proprioceptic feedback from your bare soles is critical for the rapid learning of proper movement and muscle memory. VFFs and their ilk are very likely to lead to injury with beginners. After ~six months of true BFR, judicial use of minimalist footwear may be indicated on extreme terrain or in very low temperatures.



Q: What's this Barefoot Running Clinic going to cost me?



A: Nothing.  The cost is zero.  I will never try to sell you anything.



Q: Then why are you doing this?



A: My running life has been so transformed by BFR I simply wish to share the joy with as many people as possible. That's it. No other motives.



Q: Are you a running coach?



A: Not by any stretch of the imagination. I have never coached any runners, not even one.



Q: Then what makes you an expert?



A: I have been running almost exclusively BF for more than eleven years, summer and winter. To my knowledge, I have the longest BFR career of anyone in the Chicagoland area.



Q: Great! How do I get started? 



A: Sign up for one of my workshops!

208 members · Public

Dating & Opposite Sex Connections for Liberal Singles 50+

Gurnee, IL

Yes, this is a dating group for people 50+ who are looking for one or more real, long-term relationships or friendships with members of the opposite sex. It is a group for those of us who STILL desire serious, mutually supportive companionship and maybe intimacy, even in our older age. I started this group because I am spending Way too much time alone and would like at least one closer relationship with a male that extends beyond a meetup event! Our purpose here is to bring opposite sex members together based on things in common. First Things First: I have used the term “liberal” because that is the best descriptor of my views. This is a dating and relationship group, not a political group, but it is pointless to date people whose views we feel are seriously misinformed or ultimately destructive. If you think Trump won the last election, would vote for that criminal again, are an “anti-vaxxer”, a Q-Anon believer or believe the “far-right” media, this is NOT the group for you. This group is also not tailored to any particular religion. If you have fundamentalist, very literal religious type beliefs, this is also not the group for you. But for all others: WELCOME! This group has a more general purpose than a strict dating group in that it seeks to forge “opposite sex connections” for those 50+, but the specifics of those connections may not fit any conventional mold. The reasons for my wording are several: In our age group, you can’t assume where a man or woman is at with regard to intimacy. I’d personally like intimacy in a relationship, but many people, both men & women in my age range, are done with intimacy. This is usually due to the effects of aging on our bodies & minds. And some people have simply had enough of conventional “dating”, but still would like ways to connect with the opposite sex with friendship or interests. So here you can traditionally “date”, just make friendships, or do both if you find the connections! Since I’m still interested in “dating”, as well as making valuable male friendships, I want this group to bring members of the opposite sex together to figure out what they have in common & how they might connect. You can’t assume what a person is looking for until you find out about their personality, values, interests & many other attributes – and until they tell you! And that takes a little time…time that I hope to allow for in multiple meetup events I’ll call “socials”. The idea is that we make connections where we can ultimately get together OUTSIDE of meetup events – where most of life happens anyway! This group is looking for people who want honest & serious connections, even if those connections are limited in scope. We are all TOO OLD to look for new friends or relationships that don’t have the potential for long term. We are too old to waste time by not bringing our best to a possible new connection: showing kindness, honesty, thoughtfulness & respect. This goes for friendships, as well as dating/relationship attempts. LET’S BE REAL: Most of our lives are already behind us. We’ve seen some friends die & may now be managing some medical conditions. Most of us got heavier due to aging & we LOOK older! But do you still want more good human connection and are able to do some things?? Well, join the club! Making any decent connection TAKES TIME & should be valued for the long-haul, since we may not have time to find these connections again. The point is to make the REST of our lives less lonely & more enriched with people we can relate to! To find connection, even if it’s not in the conventional ways. You might get lucky & find the traditional relationship you might desire. OR NOT. In the meantime, let’s find the ways we can enrich each other and find out what we have in common. HERE ARE JUST A FEW EXAMPLES OF POSSIBLE CONNECTION: Before you even think about “dating” someone, see if you have anything in common & if you feel a potential connection. Can you have a good conversation with this person? Do you share a number of common interests, or perspectives? Are you finding a sense of humor in common? We will have our “socials” where we find some of this out. The point is, you can find the WAYS in which you relate to someone: maybe intellectually, maybe humorously, maybe in shared activities, maybe in just feeling comfortable to hang out & relax together. We aren’t looking for Mr. Right or Mr. Goodbar (he died in the 80s), so we can focus on how we DO connect, and not worry about the ways in which we don’t. We want to find people to relate to OUTSIDE of meetup events, as well as AT meetup events. I want to enrich my life with more friends, companions & “dating” (if possible). Other singles meetups have been great to have, but you simply CANNOT get to know anyone well if you’re limited to events. Don’t you want someone to know about YOU & YOUR life? Not just make very superficial chatter at one meetup event after another? Part of the purpose here is to get to know opposite sex members well enough that someone knows a reasonable amount about your life (& visa versa). How else can you be helpful with feedback for your friend, or provide any mutual support? You have to KNOW somebody some! And of course, you look for hobbies or interests in common that you can share together. Maybe you’re both interested in art, music, afternoon outings, nature…whatever! Maybe you could use a partner to join you for “walk & talks”, where you get exercise while catching up with your lives. Maybe you find a physical connection where you both feel comfortable with mutual affection or even intimacy. Maybe you just want to go to dinner together and come back home and relax in front of the TV for a while! And maybe you can encourage each other to keep up with the seemingly endless tasks & responsibilities of life. IT’S ALL LEGAL! So to hell with the conventional definition of relationships at this age. This is NOT a “get married” group, or promising to find your “soul mate” or “the one”. I don’t believe in those fairy tales. I made this group simply so that those of us who are serious & still desiring the closeness of a real relationship, or good friendships, COULD CONNECT! You can have a serious relationship with someone without a marriage certificate and without living together if you wish. It’s up to YOU TWO to determine how you want to configure your relationship. Keep those parts of your life that are working intact, and negotiate with your partner how and when you want to see each other. Determine which interests you want to share and how you want your time together spent. The key is that you’re serious about a long-term relationship, or friendship, and are willing to provide mutual support & continuity…IF the two of you connect. I stated “IF” because you simply cannot know if you connect with another person until you take the time to get to know them. Just be respectful and honest with the other person and know your own boundaries – so you don’t misrepresent what you can offer. \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ We will have very low-pressure “socials” where we meet, make introductions, find out about interests, hobbies, and how a person would like someone to possibly fit into their life. There doesn’t need to be some exact script for how two people try to connect. How you connect can be determined over time, over multiple “socials”, and will need to be flexible enough to work for both parties. You’ll need to use the art of gentle negotiation and a little trial & error! These socials will allow males and females to get a sense of each other and try to get that often subtle read on possible chemistry on a variety of levels. The best way to even just get a “feel” for other people is in a light-hearted, but structured format and I intend to provide some structure in conversation. AND IT HAS TO BE DONE LIVE. Screw social media! Screw dating apps that are full of SCAMS! They don’t work! We’ll be meeting LIVE & talking about all kinds of things, including what you might be looking for! We know you can’t just meet new people and find some instant connection. It takes TIME to get to know anyone, so there is NO PRESSURE to delve into something UNTIL you get to know someone pretty well. BUT YOU AIN’T GETTIN’ ANY YOUNGER, HONEY!! So if you’re looking for something other than just a sporadic activity with a meetup group, or a con game with a dating site, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE! To be a member of this group, you MUST fill out the short questionnaire, the same as you would for any dating site. This is where you will provide an introduction to yourself. You MUST have a picture of your face so we know who you are. You also MUST be fully vaccinated and preferably “boosted”. Lastly, know that I created this group to find better connections IN MY OWN LIFE. I did NOT create this group to make a buck -- like several other “dating” groups. I pay good money to have any groups at all! And you will NOT be steered to a dating site; there are no con games here!
40 members · Public

Grayslake Buckette Club

Grayslake, IL

Grayslake Buckette Club

Buckette Club is a new idea that I would like to try out with two or three small groups of women who live in Grayslake. My idea is to "Re-invent book club and invent your life!"

Are you visiting Meet-Up hoping to find a group of new friends that, over time, will become wonderful old friends who understand you, support you, and encourage you to live your best life? If you are interested in making the most of the rest of your life, filling it to the brim with the "good stuff", broadening your horizons, learning new things, trying out interesting hobbies, and planning it all in the comfy, laughter-filled presence of other optimistic women, please join us!

This will, of course, involve delicious food and drinks; wine and appetizers, coffee and cake, nachos and beer...whatever floats your boat!

I have written a book called "Buckette Club" which gives a basic outline on how to start your club, and then provides lists of ideas for your bucket list that you can score and discuss. Visiting Venice, going to a Bears game, learning how to crochet, going strawberry picking this summer. The lists are just a jumping off point. Maybe you've always wanted to go blueberry picking instead! Or go on a safari! Conversations can go in any direction. You can all share your experiences, ideas and information.

I would like to provide the books free of charge in hopes that you will give me honest feedback about your group's experience. Have you ever wanted to be a guinea pig, beta tester, or focus group member? If so, please join us so that you can cross that experience off your bucket list! The secret sauce to this idea is "encouragement". Not only are you building your own list, you are going to be listening carefully and encouraging your friends to pursue their own dreams!

Depending on who responds and their schedule preferences, these groups could meet during the day or evening. I would love to attend your first get-together at a restaurant, but eventually you may prefer to take turns hosting at your houses.

There are a few things that may dissuade you from joining:
- Club meetings are meant to be a time of fun and relaxation and must be run with the following caveat: "No complaining." (Whining, crabbing, etc.) This is not the place to talk about your latest diet, how badly you need to go to the gym, how your kids are driving you crazy, or the nightmare that is your ex-husband's new wife. You get the idea...this is not your normal conversation/gripe club. If someone veers off into negativity, the others are encouraged to point this out and get the conversation back on track to fun!
- Has anyone ever called you a Negative Nancy or a Debbie Downer? Then this group may not be for you.
- If you need to be cajoled into participating or exhibiting enthusiasm for other people's interests, this group may not be for you.

I will pay the meet-up fees for six months while we see how this goes. I've noticed that a lot of meetups draw from very large geographical areas and I definitely believe that these groups should be more local. Long-term friendships, the kind where you can call up and meet for coffee on a moment's notice are easier when you live in the same community. Grayslake is the first place I'd like to start, but then I would love to have other groups try the idea out in other NW suburban towns.

If you think you "get it" and would like to start a group with some women you already are friends with I can provide you with books. I have printed 100 to give away...first come, first served!

The "No Flake Policy" is particularly important to these small groups. Pleeease don't sign up and take up one of the spaces if you are not going to follow through and attend the first few meetings. Yep, I called it a meeting because if you are asked to drive car pool, or invited to a Tupperware party, it's much easier to say, "I can't. I have a meeting that night" than to say you're going out with friends. In reality, it should bear very little resemblance to a meeting! :-)

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at: bucketteclub@gmail.com

Thanks for your interest!

111 members · Public