Chicago Griffins Rugby 2024 Midwest Champions
2025 spring matches to the finals coming soon
Griffins History
The Chicago Griffins, a premiere Division 1 Rugby Club, was founded in 1973 by the late Bob “Doc” Kelly, along with Brian Bourke, Mike Elliot, John Carmody, Rick Grigutis, and Tom Powers.
Our A side has had 10 consecutive appearances in the USARFU Division 1 Sweet 16 playoffs since 1997, and 3 Division 1 Final Four appearances (2001, 2003, and 2004). We also played in the Super League from 2007-2012.
Our second side has had many an undefeated season; this includes winning the Midwest B-side Mid-America Championship in 1998. We also participate in the CARFU Cup competition every Spring since its inception in 2009. Our second side won their first championship match back in 1998 in the Midwest B-side Mid-America Championship.
We have an active 7’s side, participating in both Qualifier and Men’s Open side competitions in summer tournaments and have had 3 appearances in the USA Rugby Men’s Club 7’s National Championships in 2008, 2009, and 2010.
Several of our A-siders have represented the Griffins at the CARFU, Midwest, US National and US Maccabiah sides.
For many years we had a third side which has competed in CARFU Division III and finished as the Riley Cup Champion in 2001.
We also have an Old Boys side that plays in several matches a year.
Our players and Old Boys also help coach high school sides, and the Chicago Wapiti RFC, led by Old Boy Sean O’Conor, help to promote youth rugby though seasonal clinics
The club draws players from a wide variety of local and national college clubs as well as many foreign players who are in Chicago working or have come to Chicago specifically to play for the Griffins. We welcome players of all experience and ability.
If you’re interested in playing rugby contact us. We consider ourselves an excellent club as we have several levels of play and allow players to develop while still playing a competitive and disciplined brand of rugby.
Our major club goals are to be competitive on the field and social as hell off the field.
Officers of the Club
ANDREW SUNIULA • HEAD COACH • andrewdon9@hotmail.com
BRENDAN BROWN • PRESIDENT • brendanbrown7@hotmail.com
MATT CRABTREE• VICE PRESIDENT • mcrab6@gmail.com
SHERYL BURY-MICHALS • TREASURER • shedhoppet@aol.com
WEZ PARKES • SECRETARY • heartratesolutions@gmail.com
SEAN COONEY • CRC TEAM REP • spcooney2@gmail.com
ED GIANGIORGI • MEMBER AT LARGE • edgiangiorgi@gmail.com
MICHAEL McCORMICK • MEMBER AT LARGE • michael.l.mccormick.001@gmail.com
GEORGE HOUDE • COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR • george.houde@gmail.com
NICK WALCOTT • SOCIAL MEDIA • nwwalcott@gmail.com
CHARLIE BYRNE • GRIFFIN AMBASSADOR • charliebyrne@sbcglobal.net
Team Training at Columbus Park
TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS 8-10 pm
Team training is held at Columbus Park, 500 S. Central Ave., Chicago, IL. If you are new to the game and want to give it a go, swing on by! All player levels are welcome.
Matches at Schiller Playfield
SATURDAYS
Home matches are usually played at Schiller Playfield located on the corner of Montrose Ave. and Cumberland Ave.
Griffins Albums Vol 1 & 2 Available
Celebrate the history of the Griffins in photos. These albums features teams, players and events from over the years showcasing the amazing photography of Sheryl Bury-Michals and others. The album makes a great gift for Father’s Day, Birthdays or Christmas.
All proceeds benefit the club and serve as a fundraiser.
