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There are a lot of great guys on this site, but I haven't run into anyone from Chicago, or the surrounding suburbs. I'd really like to coordinate a get-together so that we can meet face to face and talk and eat and stuff.

Sometime in April, perhaps?

Any thought, comments or suggestions are welcome.

Sounds great!!!

Doug

That would be Awesome!

Chicago in da house! hehe

Well, with real estate prices, more like the efficiency...

Anyways, any thought of where?

How about my place? Broadway/Addison. C'mon boys, line up! LOL! Anyway, nice idea. Hopefully this shitty winter will be over by then. Maybe somewhere outside by the lake when it is warmer outside. Lots of little pavilions/picnic areas along the lake. Or maybe Osterman/Hollywood beach, our gay beach?

i'd be down, when and where?

Set a place, time and date... you'll see my ass there!

Well it sounds pretty fun. But don't leave out guys that are like in the same part of the country (albeit Kansas really isn't), but I don't see a Realjock meetup in Wichita coming anytime soon... plus it would be great to see Rene and Doug and a bunch of you guys!

Oh, yeah, good idea. Make it Midwest Meetup.

Oh geee! I am very jealous! I guess I need to make a new thread "the RealJock Southwest meet up"

I would totally be up for some fun on the beach. I'm actually kind of new here to Chicago. I was wondering if anyone knew if there's a gay softball league here. There has to be right? Hit me up with any info you have. Thnks.

I'd be up for this... how about we meet at Crew, the gay sports bar at Broadway and Lawrence for some drinks? Maybe after the start of the Cubs season to catch a game? Great place to watch games,lots of big screens. Crew was voted the best sports bar (gay or non-gay) in Chicago by AOL Cityguide(no they didn't pay me to say all of these great things. They also have great (affordable) food...

I'm in SkiBudz, the gay ski/ snowboard club, the guys at Crew always take good care of us when we have our gatherings/ pre-trip socials there.

It would be great to meet the RJ guys in person.

Sounds like "Crew" would be ideal. Anyone else?

Oh man...I need to go to Chicago to see all you hotties there!

that is a grrreat idea. let me know what the plans are and i will be there!

Myself and Mario will help organize the Chicago Meetup, we thought it would be great to meet all of the RJ guys in Chicagoland (and the Midwest..).
The Meetup will be on Saturday, April 19 from 4PM -7PM at Crew Bar and Grill located at 4804 North Broadway (Broadway at Lawrence)in Chicago. You can get directions and more info about the bar at www.worldsgreatestbar.com .
No cover charge (only charges are for drinks and food), just show up and have a some drinks (the bar also has great food) with some of the guys from RJ.
We thought that this time would work well so guys could go out after.
Please let us know if you are planning on joining us. If there are enough guys, we will let the bar know to see if we can get a reserved table / section etc.
It will be great to meet everyone.

I think it's settled on Crew. I was there last week....on a date!

Thanks ChicGymGeek for suggesting this.
Thanks Patrick for nominating Crew.

Mario.

I'll RSVP Crew is awesome best sports bar definitely. The staff is great, I think one or two of them are members of this site.

I think its a great idea... but I'd encourage whoever is considering facilitating this to give us 2 months notice... will need a month to book a flight from some place like Kansas! Thanks

Count me in, Crew is a great spot. Although it does get a bit crazy on Saturdays sometimes.


Doug

Got in on my calendar...great idea guys!!!!

This is a great idea, realjock members getting together and getting to know one another. I wish that I could join you guys in Chicago because it sounds like fun. Chicago is one of my favorite cities. Every visit to Chicago has been a very pleasant experience for me with the exception of driving the expressway network during rush hour or during road construction season. Despite the driving hassles, Chicago is still a great city with tremendous diversity that never stops changing. How is Donald Trump's new 92 story skyscraper coming along? I would love to join you guys but I am stuck here in dowdy, depressed Buffalo, New York a city that will never change.

Thanks Trenton for taking care of the date and time! I'll have to thank you in person when I'm there and give you big hug.

ChicGymGeek, It will be good to meet you and the other RJ guys (and get a hug I would encourage everyone to invite all of your RJ buddies. I have never counted; but my guess is that there are a few hundred guys in the Chicago area on RJ so we should have a good size crowd.

Possibly we could have these meet-ups on a regular basis if this meetup is successful.

I was at Crew last night to watch basketball, had a great time (great food, awesome beer selection and hot guys..including my husband . It will be great to see everyone.

Dammit. I just moved to San Francisco from Chicago yesteday.

I'll be game for some of that fun. I don't always go out but I could use an excuse to hang out with people in the city one night. Maybe get away for a few. :-)

I'm glad that the response for this has been very positive. And it seems that this has sparked other cities to do their own get-together, which gives me an idea.....

I just got my work schedule and I'm working around that time. I'll see what I can do about switching shifts but it's very unlikely.

So, if anyone encounters other members from Chicago, let them know about our meet-up on April 19th, from 4pm to 7pm, at Crew. Drop them a line, send them an IM, whatever. I'd really like to see how many people we can get, and rub it in the faces of the other cities.

Ha!

Great idea... though I can't make it on the 19th.
How about doing another one in late June, to coincide with Pride weekend? That should allow time for regional people to make plans.

Just don't make it conflict with any PrideBowl (football) events.
http://www.pridebowl.net
Or else make it work with. I don't recall the schedule but I think there's an event at Hamburger Mary and I wouldn't be surprised if there is also one at Crew.

ChicGymGeek saidSo, if anyone encounters other members from Chicago, let them know about our meet-up on April 19th, from 4pm to 7pm, at Crew. Drop them a line, send them an IM, whatever. I'd really like to see how many people we can get, and rub it in the faces of the other cities.

Ha!

Oh crap. I'm coming to Chicago on business....

ON THE TWENTIETH.

If this one's a success, it'd be great to have a monthly one. Let's go guys!!

Oh, I'm definitely planning on future events since there are people in the Midwest that would like to travel to Chicago.

Doing a meet-up during Pride might be a bit too crowded, at least for my tastes. Not that I don't like people, I sometimes can't take everything going on at once all around me. I get overwhelmed.

Beach volleyball would be a great thing to do, or if it rains I know of a place that has INDOOR BEACH VOLLEYBALL! And it has a bar!

If anyone has any suggestions for events, drop me some mail!

If you do do something in Chicago, please let me know... it's only a 4 hour drive from here.

--Adam

Guys, Make sure to invite all of your RJ buddies in the Chicagoland area to the Meetup, here are the details...
The Meetup will be on Saturday, April 19 from 4PM -7PM at Crew Bar and Grill located at 4804 North Broadway (Broadway at Lawrence)in Chicago. You can get directions and more info about the bar at www.worldsgreatestbar.com. No cover charge (only charges are for drinks and food), just show up and have a some drinks (the bar also has great food) with some of the guys from RJ.
I agree with Rene and Mario if this meetup is a success hopefully this can lead to additional activities / meetups. You can say you were at the first RJ Chicago Meetup
This is a great way to meet all of the great (and hot guys on RJ in person! I am looking forward to seeing you on the 19th.
Please let me or the group know if you plan on joining on us. If there are enough guys I will contact Crew to reserve a section.
As a bonus there is a Cubs game that day (vs Pirates) so lots of hot guys should stop by after the game

Aww boo! I'm gonna be in Minneapolis for a diving meet! Crap! Have fun!

A reminder...

The Chicago Realjock Meet-Up is a week from today
The Meetup will be on Saturday, April 19 from 4PM -7PM at Crew Bar and Grill located at 4804 North Broadway (Broadway at Lawrence)in Chicago. You can get directions and more info about the bar at www.worldsgreatestbar.com. No cover charge (only charges are for drinks and food), just show up and have a some drinks (the bar also has great food) with some of the guys from RJ.
It would be great if you can let the group know if you will be at the Meet-Up. If there are enough guys we ask the bar if they can reserve us a section.
Make sure to invite all of your friends and RJ buddies. The Cubs game will have a day home game that day, if you are at the game stop by after for some drinks.
We are looking forward to seeing you next Saturday.

Thanks for the reminder! I'll be there for sure!

Last reminder, guys! If you're in Chicago, or visiting Chicago, our first RJ Meet-up is this Saturday!

April 19th, from 4pm to 7pm, we'll be meeting at Crew, 4804 N. Broadway, on the corner of Broadway and Lawrence. Bring yourself and meet other RJ members face to fabulous face. Drop either me or TrentinChicago a line, or post here on the boards, to say whether you'll be coming.

Hope to see you guys there!

I dropped an e-mail out to my friends to invite them to the meetup on Saturday, a few of them said they are going to stop by.
Send an e-mail to your RJ and non-RJ buddies inviting them to the event on Saturday, it would be great to have as many guys as possible at the meet-up.
I am looking forward to meeting all of you hot guys This should be a great time.

I wanted to let everyone know that the awesome guys at Crew are going to reserve a section for the meetup tomorrow.
I will post some signs that say "RJ" so you can find our group.
I am looking forward to meeting everyone tomorrow.

j/k

So how did you guys like that mini earthquake today?????? Nice huh!

like the way you guys think love to get the guys from Dallas together for a ball game After may 10th the Rangers have been elimated from the Post Seaosn so pleanty of seats. Any DFW guys hit me back

Hey Chi guys,
See ya at Crew on Saturday.

Thanks to the organizers of this afternoon's meet-up. I enjoyed the food and conversation. I look forward to the next one!

Yes it was a very good time had by all!

Here's where we met:



And here's all of us:



[In attendance (L to R) cityguy39, trentinchicago & guest, rozqu, blkswimmer, benignfun, chicgymgeek, dryingoff]


I'm brainstorming for the next meet-up, which should be around the third week or weekend of May. If anyone has any ideas, drop me a line, or if you want to help put one together, no help will be turned away. My hope is that the community feeling that we have online can also be shared off line and in person. Also I'd like to set some meet-ups further down the road to give a chance for others in the Midwest region to travel and come to Chicago if they are interested.

Possible ideas to bounce around for discussion: Market Days, Celtic Fest, Taste of Chicago, outdoor volleyball, indoor volleyball, Whirleyball (if you're from Chicago, you know about this), Gameworks, camping, canoeing.

It was great to meet all the great and hot guys yesterday at the Chicago Meetup, I know that Eric and I had a great time.
Thanks to Mario and Rene for their support and help in organizing the first Chicago meetup.
Thanks to Brian and the great guys at Crew Bar and Grill for reserving a section and throwing in a round of free drinks for us. If you are looking for a great place to hang in Chicago please check out Crew (www.worldsgreatestbar.com). Crew said that they are looking forward to having the RJ guys back.
I am looking forward to the next meetup.

Such a small group! I hope it expands in the future -- I might try to make it to one (but I live over in Indiana).

I have to admit I was dissapointed to see very few guys from RJ(Chicago) show up, but it was a pleasure socializing with all that did. The staff at Crew rolled-out the red carpet with their service and good food.

Hope to see more guys make it in next time... we'll have a blast.

I thought that the turn out was great at the first Chicago meetup, while it would have been great to have more guys join us, we more than compensated with quality
As I mentioned at the event, at the first meeting of SkiBudz (the gay ski club in Chicago) 3 guys showed up (including me). That small group has grown to about 150 guys on our e-mail list and about 50 guys went on our Midwest ski trip this year. What is that saying..."great things start with one determined person" or something like that
I think that the event yesterday was a great start, I am sure that we will have more guys at upcoming events. I think it is tough to take the dynamics of an on-line community and transfer these to the real world, with this in mind I think that the event was very successful. To have 10 guys through the course of the event was great for our first go. I also think that our turn out was higher than several other RJ events in other cities in the past.
For those of you who did not make the event please join us at the next event, it would be great to meet you. Also if anyone has any ideas for future events please let us know, we were talking about various ideas for events such as camping trips, paintball etc.

It was really great meeting everyone at Crew, looking forward to the next one.

Doug

Sorry I dropped the ball on this month, guys, but I've just been busy this month and haven't had the time to put a get-together for May. Let's think ahead.

June. July. August.

Summer. (well, kinda)

Outdoors? (if it isn't raining)

Questions? Comments? Ideas?

Anybody willing to help out?

Just throwin this out there.....yall feel free to come visit me in KY!!!



lol

That would be fun....

Are any Chicago guys planning to go to the Pride Parade on June 29th?

I don't know, but I can tell you we're going to have another meet up in June!

When: Saturday, June 28th
Where: Hollywood Beach
What: Volleyball
Why: It's summer! Duh....
Time: 12pm

So we'll have some beach volleyball action going on. We're talking nets, posts and balls; the whole magilla. Since there's grills in the park area, people are more than welcome to bring supplies and food, or even your own grill for that matter.

Please RSVP as soon as you can, by June 21st if possible, by posting in this forum. Also let us know if you'd be able to bring equipment, grill, food, or whatever.


If in the case of rain, we will meet up at Crew. I'll be checking the weather and post here the day before if it's a go for the rain plan.

Awwww that sounds like so much fun!!

Beach volleyball, that sounds like a riot. I have not played in a few years, but I think I am in good enough shape to still play two on two.

Rene, thanks for organizing this meet-up it will be good to see you and all of the other hot guys (without your shirts on Lets at least double the attendance of the last meet-up (that would be 20 guys). Guys please let us know if you are going to join us.

I wish that I could join you guys. Chicago is one of the best cities in the world. Best of luck with your next meetup, hope you have warm, dry weather.

Atlazeia saidAre any Chicago guys planning to go to the Pride Parade on June 29th?

I'm planning on going to the Pride Parade. Sometimes the crowds don't make it worth it....

Guys, who's coming to the RJ Meet-Up Volleyball?:

When: Saturday, June 28th
Where: Hollywood Beach
What: Volleyball
Why: It's summer! Duh....
Time: 12pm

It would be great to see lot's of hot RJ guys sans shirts at the beach

The last meet-up was great, it would be good to meet all of the RJ's in Chicagoland.

Beach volleyball sounds cool, count me in at least as a spectator/cheery sideline sort of fellow!

I'll be game for that. I have the day off so I can go and hang out there. I'll bring my puppy with me so you all can see her if it's nice and sunny. If it's raining, then she'll stay home.

ChicGymGeek saidI don't know, but I can tell you we're going to have another meet up in June!

When: Saturday, June 28th
Where: Hollywood Beach
What: Volleyball
Why: It's summer! Duh....
Time: 12pm

So we'll have some beach volleyball action going on. We're talking nets, posts and balls; the whole magilla. Since there's grills in the park area, people are more than welcome to bring supplies and food, or even your own grill for that matter.

Please RSVP as soon as you can, by June 21st if possible, by posting in this forum. Also let us know if you'd be able to bring equipment, grill, food, or whatever.


If in the case of rain, we will meet up at Crew. I'll be checking the weather and post here the day before if it's a go for the rain plan.

Yay!!!! Puppy!!!!!!!

I won't be there Saturday but I will be in Chicago with some friends for the parade on Sunday.

Sounds like a fun time, I just hope it's nice weather. If I'm off early I'd love to meet up with the crazy Chicago crew, but I'm definitely a sideline cheerleader.

Puppy80 saidSounds like a fun time, I just hope it's nice weather. If I'm off early I'd love to meet up with the crazy Chicago crew, but I'm definitely a sideline cheerleader.

I'll play a few if someone would be game to hold on to my puppy's leash. That way she doesn't interfere with the game.

I'm still kind of new here, but might be able to make it. Can't remember the last time I played volleyball and have never been to Hollywood Beach

Please let Rene or I know if you are planning to be at the beach for the Chicago meet-up on Saturday the 28th.
We can let you know the meet-up point at the beach.
Invite a friend! This should be a great time.
More information about the meet-up is below:
Guys, who's coming to the RJ Meet-Up Volleyball?:
When: Saturday, June 28th
Where: Hollywood Beach (Lake Shore Drive and Hollywood at the North End of Lake Shore Drive)
What: Volleyball
Why: It's summer!
Time: 12pm
It would be great to see lot's of hot RJ guys sans shirts at the beach
The last meet-up was great, it would be good to meet all of the RJ's in Chicagoland.
Rene' thanks for helping organize this event!

Hey, sorry I missed the first one, never saw anything about it.
I just wanted to let you know that the 28th at Hollywood beach is a great idea...there is a catch....there are only a few poles this year for nets and we are having our annual Queen of the Beach tournament so the VB poles will be occupied most of the day... I think there are Park district permits involved for this.
That being said, there will be a butt load of hot athletic guys out there...

Thanks for the heads-up. I had figured that if the place was crowded and there weren't enough nets, we'd bring our own since you can pick up a set relatively cheaply.

If anyone else is planning on coming, RSVP either by sending me a private message or posting here in this forum topic (I track it).

Hope to see lots of you guys there!

helium said

I'll play a few if someone would be game to hold on to my puppy's leash. That way she doesn't interfere with the game.

I will watch the puppy and play with him!!!!

just caught this thread. hhope you plan something later in the season. sadly, i will be hosting my father's wake in traverse city on the 28th, but would love to make the trip to chi the next time you boys get together! have fun at the beach!

Sign me up! I'll be there!

TrentinChicago saidPlease let Rene or I know if you are planning to be at the beach for the Chicago meet-up on Saturday the 28th.
We can let you know the meet-up point at the beach.
Invite a friend! This should be a great time.
More information about the meet-up is below:
Guys, who's coming to the RJ Meet-Up Volleyball?:
When: Saturday, June 28th
Where: Hollywood Beach (Lake Shore Drive and Hollywood at the North End of Lake Shore Drive)
What: Volleyball
Why: It's summer!
Time: 12pm
It would be great to see lot's of hot RJ guys sans shirts at the beach
The last meet-up was great, it would be good to meet all of the RJ's in Chicagoland.
Rene' thanks for helping organize this event!

Not to worry, I'm planning other stuff for July and August and beyond.

what's with all of the sideline / cheer section etc. etc. v-ball players??? for the meet-up This is volleyball at the gay beach not the professional mens volleyball tour I say the more that play the better...I am not that great at volleyball (probably because I played in social leagues, was more interested in drinking beer than learning all the rules etc... play or no play, I am looking forward to seeing everyone next Saturday.
The rain day "back-up" location for the meet-up will be Crew (www.worldgreatestbar.com) on Broadway. There is no volleyball but we can drink beer and play Golden Tee..
Please shoot me or Rene an e-mail or message to the group if you are going to join us so we know how many to expect.
I am looking forward to seeing everyone next weekend! A big thatnks again to Rene for organizing these events, I nominate him for the "RJ Social Director" for Chicago

If you have mentioned or dropped me a line saying you're going, I will pass along my cell phone number in case you get lost and can't find us. I will be determining a central point where we can initially meet and then go from there.

Also, does anyone have and can bring a sand volley ball net and ball? There is going to be a volley ball tourney up there that same day, and just to be on the safe side, we should have our own net so that we can indeed play. I have a couple of frisbees that I can bring, but if anyone wants to bring a football or anything like that, you're more than welcome.

Hey guys, sorry I can't make the beach party sounds like fun, have a drink for me!

Doug

Does not look like I will be able to make this one.

I'm just looking ahead, and Saturday's forecast, at the moment, is scattered thunderstorms. I'll keep watching the forecast, and if by Friday afternoon it hasn't changed, I'll post here that we'll go with our backup plan of Crew.

Again, if anyone has a beach volleyball net to spare, please let me know.

I just hope it doesn't rain on the parade.

So, it's 4pm, and according the weather forecast, there are thunderstorms for pretty much the whole day except for a window of two hours. I don't think we'll be able to go outside and play tomorrow, so we'll go with our back-up plan and meet up at Crew.

Crew Bar and Grill located at 4804 North Broadway (Broadway at Lawrence). We'll go from 12p - 3p. Here's the link to a handy-dandy map:

[url]http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=4804+N+Broadway+Chicago,+IL&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=0.001036,0.001743&ie=UTF8&ll=41.970579,-87.659655&spn=0.007722,0.013947&t=h&z=16&iwloc=addr[/url]

Hope we can find everyone in the pre-pride-fest

We will put some signs out on the table so everyone can find the group at Crew tomorrow.
The Cubs / Sox game is at 2:55 if you want to stick around to watch the game. Crew was voted the best sports bar in Chicago by one of the ratings... it is a great place to watch a game with lots of TV's, a great beer selection, good food plus cute gay gays
If you arrive at Noon we should not have a problem finding a seat.

If you want to drop me an e-mail I can send you my cell phone so it will be easier to find us. I will check about 8 AM tomorrow morning before I head out (I am meeting a friend for breakfast before the event).

We are looking forward to a great event tomorrow and hope that there is a great RJ turnout!

I'll go to Chicago! Who wants to pay for gas??

For your foolish yet charming self? I'd gladly!

TrentinChicago said
The Cubs / Sox game is at 2:55 if you want to stick around to watch the game.

Should I wear my cubs jersey to stay on your good side! I'll have to see how awake I am after work. Maybe I can make it

Looking forward to seeing everyone at Crew Today for the 2nd meet-up today at Crew (Broadway and Larwence) at Noon.
Since the weather looks good you might find us on the outdoor patio.
I made some signs that I will put on the tables, we should be easy to find (I promised Rene I would not bring the really bad banner I made for volleyball . I'll be wearing a Cubs shirt today (but then the whole bar probably will .
Grab a friend, stop by and have a beer or grab some lunch while you start your Saturday, it would be great to meet everyone.
Happy Pride Weekend everyone!

I'll be at work hating you bastards for having the day off! Have fun and make sure to post some pics!

Well, unfortunately, we didn't have that much of a turn-out yesterday because of the weather. That is, if people went to Hollywood beach anyway despite the forecast. Just a few of us at Crew, but good time was had anyway.

Sorry if people did end up going to Hollywood Beach and didn't see me or anyone else there. We'll do beach volleyball next month for sure.