Chicago Lions Rugby

What Chicago Lions Rugby does

The Chicago Lions Rugby Club is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization (operated through the Chicago Lions Charitable Association, CLCA) founded in 1964 and headquartered at the Lions for Hope Sports Complex, 2637 W Polk St, Chicago, Illinois. The club operates one of the few fully integrated rugby programs in the United States, spanning youth (Rookie Rugby ages 4 through high school), women's senior (15s and 7s), and men's senior (Division 1 and 2, 15s and 7s) teams. Core competitive products include Men's Senior Rugby (16 Midwest Championships, including the 2025 Men's D1 Midwest title), Women's Senior Rugby (2023 and 2025 National 7s Champions), and Youth Rugby, with playing pathways into Major League Rugby via the Chicago Hounds and documented production of USA Eagles athletes.

The organization's technical and operational backbone is the Lions for Hope Sports Complex, a 5G synthetic turf venue with stadium-quality lighting, two locker rooms, a community/weightlifting room, and on-site parking. Live match streaming is delivered through the VEO Live mobile application (iOS and Android), and a Sports Data Scientist (Jake Rafferty, hired May 2025) operates GPS tracking and performance analytics to support player development and injury prevention. Revenue is generated across six streams: corporate sponsorship packages ($2,500-$100,000), one-time and recurring donations through the CLCA (QGIV platform), facility rentals (hourly, half-day, full-day), merchandise sales through RugbyGear.com, events including the annual Keith Brown President's Cup Golf Outing and anniversary galas, and event-specific sponsorships. The go-to-market motion is community-led and event-driven, with digital channels (5,000+ newsletter subscribers, blog, social) feeding grassroots recruitment of players and engagement of sponsors and donors across the Chicago metropolitan and Midwest region.

Name

Chicago Lions Rugby

Legal name

Chicago Lions Rugby Club

Website

https://chicagolions.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1964

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Chicago Lions Rugby Club is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) operating one of the few fully integrated U.S. rugby programs, running youth, women's, and men's senior teams from Chicago's owned Lions for Hope Sports Complex. It serves Chicago-area athletes with a documented pathway to Major League Rugby and the USA Eagles.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Amateur Rugby Club Services

NAICS

Sports Teams and Clubs (711211), Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Amateur Clubs & Community Sports Organizations (MPAKACAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Rugby (Union & League) Leagues (MPAKAAAG), Sports Community Relations & Grassroots Program Management (MPAKAKAJ), Sports Fundraising & Development Services (Foundations, NIL Collectives Support) (MPAKAKAK)

Keywords

• Amateur rugby club
• Youth rugby programs
• Sports facility rentals
• Nonprofit athletic organization
• Rugby league competitions

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorship packages ranging from banner placement at $2,500 to customized packages between $5,000-$100,000. Sponsors receive logo placement on team gear, website exposure, newsletter mentions (5,000+ subscribers), and social media promotion.
2. Donations: One-time and recurring donations to the Chicago Lions Charitable Association (CLCA) supporting youth rugby programming, facility maintenance, and community outreach initiatives.
3. Facility Rentals: Hourly, half-day, and full-day field rentals at Lions for Hope Sports Complex for tournaments, summer camps, corporate events, and community gatherings.
4. Merchandise Sales: Official Chicago Lions merchandise including jerseys, apparel, and accessories sold through RugbyGear.com.
5. Events: Revenue from events including the Keith Brown President's Cup Golf Outing and 60th Anniversary Gala with ticket sales, table purchases, and sponsorships.
6. Event Sponsorships: Individual and corporate sponsorships for the 60th Anniversary Gala and other club events, with recognition in programs and promotional materials.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Chicago Lions Rugby is a nonprofit amateur rugby club providing competitive playing opportunities, coaching, and development pathways from youth (ages 4+) through senior men's and women's teams. It also operates the Lions for Hope Sports Complex, a multi-use 5G turf facility available for rental, and runs fundraising programs through the Chicago Lions Charitable Association (CLCA). Club programming is complemented by live match streaming, merchandise sales, and annual community events.

Product overview

The Chicago Lions Rugby Club is a premier rugby organization offering a fully integrated rugby program from youth to senior levels. Its core product portfolio spans three competitive rugby programs (Men's Senior Rugby, Women's Senior Rugby, and Youth Rugby), a sports facility rental business (Lions for Hope Sports Complex), community fundraising/donation services (Lions Den recurring donations, one-time donations), live match streaming via VEO Live, and special events including the annual President's Cup Golf Outing and milestone anniversary galas. The club operates through its nonprofit arm, the Chicago Lions Charitable Association (CLCA), and competes at the highest levels of Midwest and national rugby.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Lions for Hope Sports Complex: Multi-use 5G turf field facility located at 2637 W Polk St, Chicago, IL 60612, operated in partnership with Chicago Hope Academy for youth sports and community programming.

Products and services

• Men's Senior Rugby Competitive men's rugby program offering both Senior XVs (15s) and Senior 7s teams playing at Division 1 and Division 2 levels in the Midwest Rugby Premiership and Midwest 7s series. Targeted at adult male rugby players (18+) seeking competitive play from developmental to elite levels with pathways to Major League Rugby.
• Women's Senior Rugby Competitive women's rugby program offering both Women's 15s and Women's 7s teams. The Women's 15s team was the 2021 Midwest Champions and the Women's 7s program is a National 7s Champion (2023, 2025). Targeted at adult female rugby players seeking competitive play at Midwest and national levels.
• Youth Rugby Comprehensive youth rugby program spanning Rookie Rugby (ages 4-10, K-3rd grade), Middle School (4th-8th grade), and High School (9th-12th grade). Led by the Director of Youth Rugby and supported by Chicago Hope Academy and other school partnerships. Includes free after-school rugby at middle schools in under-resourced communities through Play Rugby USA partnership.
• Lions for Hope Sports Complex Facility Rental Premier outdoor sports venue rental at 2637 W Polk St, Chicago, IL 60612, featuring a full-size 5G synthetic turf field, two locker rooms, a community/weightlifting room, stadium-quality lighting, and on-site parking. Available for sports tournaments, summer camps, corporate events, and community gatherings. Targeted at event organizers, schools, and corporate clients needing professional-grade sports facilities.
• Keith Brown President's Cup Golf Outing Annual golf outing held every summer on a Friday afternoon, named in memory of past Chicago Lions Rugby President Keith Brown. Brings together current and past Chicago Lions and supporters for a day of golf, with proceeds supporting the club's community mission.
• Live Stream Viewing (VEO Live) Live streaming of Chicago Lions matches via the VEO Live App, available for iOS and Android. Allows fans to follow the Chicago Lions profile and receive notifications for upcoming matches. Targeted at supporters, alumni, and remote fans.
• Lions Den Recurring Donation Program Recurring donation program run through the Chicago Lions Charitable Association (CLCA), allowing supporters to make regular financial contributions that fund youth rugby programs, community initiatives, scholarships, and Lions for Hope Sports Complex operations. Targeted at individual donors and community supporters.
• Chicago Lions Official Merchandise Official Chicago Lions merchandise including jerseys, apparel, and accessories sold through the RugbyGear.com e-commerce store. Targeted at supporters, players, and rugby fans.
• Corporate Sponsorship Packages Tiered corporate sponsorship packages with annual billing. Banner placement sponsorship starts at $2,500; customized comprehensive packages range between $5,000 and $100,000. Benefits include logo placement on team gear, website exposure, newsletter mentions (5,000+ subscribers), and social media promotion. Targeted at corporations and local businesses seeking community-aligned brand visibility.

Named customers6 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Chicago Hope AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded Lions for Hope Sports Complex in 2019 as a multi-use facility partnership. CLCA partnered with Chicago Hope Academy to build the complex providing youth sports and educational programming for Chicago's Near West Side.
• Chicago Hope AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing partnership with Chicago Hope Academy for youth rugby programs and community initiatives at Lions for Hope Sports Complex.
• Chicago Public SchoolsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerField rentals and youth rugby programming partnerships with Chicago Public Schools for field days and mission-driven events.
• Noble Charter SchoolsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for field rentals and youth programming at Lions for Hope Sports Complex.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan ChicagominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partnership for mentorship programs and youth engagement at Lions for Hope Sports Complex.
• Tryline Private WealthminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSenior Team Sponsor providing financial support in exchange for logo placement and brand visibility.
• Token EventsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent sponsor providing support for club events and activities.
• Athletico Physical TherapyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLong-standing sponsor relationship since 1991 when Mark Kaufman started Athletico. Provides physical therapy services and sponsorship support.
• Concord GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor with logo placement and brand partnership.
• LaureusminorGTM or Marketing PartnerYouth Team Sponsor supporting youth rugby programs.
• The Daly BagelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal business sponsor with brand visibility benefits.
• AllstateminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor with logo placement on official team gear and website.
• Ulu CoffeeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSevens Team Sponsor providing sponsorship support for the men's 7s program.
• USA RugbycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGoverning body affiliation for national championships and competitive rugby at all levels. Lions compete in USA Rugby-sanctioned competitions.
• Midwest Rugby Football UnioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTerritorial union that oversees rugby play across the entire Midwest. Lions compete in Midwest Rugby Premiership and Midwest 7s series.
• Chicago HoundscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMLR professional team in Chicago. Lions serve as development pathway with connections for players aspiring to professional rugby.
• Play Rugby USAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial and Emotional Learning curriculum provider for Lions Community Rugby program's free after-school rugby at middle schools in under-resourced communities.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Austin Gilgronis: MLR franchise in Austin, Texas that has historically drawn on local amateur club pipelines. Comparable to the Lions as a U.S. rugby organization with deep community ties, but operating at the professional tier.
• New England Free Jacks: MLR franchise in the Northeast that draws on a regional amateur club ecosystem. Comparable to the Lions in being a rugby organization with deep regional community roots, though operating at the professional tier.
• Seattle Seawolves: One of the most successful MLR franchises, based in the Pacific Northwest. Comparable to the Lions as a U.S. rugby organization with a strong competitive brand, but operating at the professional rather than amateur club level.
• Chicago Hounds: Major League Rugby franchise based in Chicago and the Lions' named professional pathway partner, sharing staff such as Sports Data Scientist Jake Rafferty. Operates one tier above the Lions and serves as the professional destination for club-developed talent.
• San Diego Legion: MLR franchise in San Diego with established community ties and a strong competitive brand. Comparable to the Lions as a U.S. rugby organization built around a regional fan base, though at the professional tier.

Direct peers

• Glendale Raptors / Raptors Rugby: Premier U.S. amateur rugby club based in Colorado with a comparable integrated pathway model — competitive men's and women's senior teams plus a strong player development pipeline feeding into MLR rosters. Closely mirrors the Chicago Lions' nonprofit, community-anchored operating model and championship pedigree.
• Belmont Shore RFC: One of the largest and most storied amateur rugby clubs in the U.S., based in Long Beach, CA, with men's and women's programs and a deep championship history. Comparable to the Chicago Lions in scale, club structure, and sustained national-level competitive presence.
• Life West Gladiators: California-based amateur rugby program tied to Life University with a strong men's competitive side and a recognized pipeline into MLR. Comparable to the Chicago Lions as a development-focused club competing at the highest amateur tier.
• Atlanta Old White RFC: Historic amateur rugby club in Atlanta with men's and women's teams competing nationally. Directly comparable to the Chicago Lions in operating structure and as a regional powerhouse feeding U.S. national team and professional rugby pipelines.
• Old Blue RFC: Long-established amateur rugby club in New York City fielding men's and women's senior sides in USA Rugby national competitions. Directly comparable to the Chicago Lions as a community-rooted, multi-team amateur club competing at the highest non-professional tier.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/chicagolionsrugby
• Instagraminstagram.com/chicagolionsrugby
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/chicago-lions-rugby

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles21 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Chicago Lions Rugby