In 2009-2010, the Chicago Blaze finished #9 in the National Tournament.
2010-2011 is a season for REDEMPTION!!!
08/28/10: Chicago Blaze DII team will travel to Northwest Indiana Exiles.
vs.
08/28/10: Chicago Blaze DIII team will travel to Northwest Indiana Exiles.
The Chicago Blaze Rugby Club is a brotherhood with committment to excellence. We are one of the few United States teams with its own facilities. We currently compete in the United States Senior Men's Divisions II and III and are a member of the Midwest Rugby Union. The Blaze community is comprised of our mens side, our old boys - the Fossils, our building corporation, associated youth teams, and our fans.
New players are always welcome. Practices are Tuesday and Thursday at 7 to 9 pm at the Blaze complex. Our bar is open on Thursdays following training and on gamedays. Food and drinks are sold at all of our home games. The Blaze complex is located at 13011 W Smith Rd, Lemont, IL 60439.
CLICK HERE for a map.
08/21/10: Blaze defeat Milwaukee Westside Harlequins by a score of 57 to 0. Congratulations to Jamie Lugo for Man of the Match.
08/21/10: Blaze defeat Milwaukee Westside Harlequins 50 to 5. Men of the match were Tom and Rap.
For the first time in history, the Blaze will be fielding two competitive sides. In the fall, 2010 the Blaze will enter a DII and DIII side in the Midwest Rugby Union, USA.
CLICK HERE for the upcoming fall 2010 Chicago Blaze DII and DIII match schedules.
Congratulations to the newly appointed Executive Board. CLICK HERE to for informaiton on our leadership team.
Chicago Blaze featured in RugbyMag.com.
Cheers to the Day family for their generous donation for the Sean Day Pavilion.
CLICK HERE to go to the Blaze on-line store.
CLICK HERE for on-line schedule of events.
CLICK HERE to pay your Fossil dues.
CLICK HERE fore Blazette scoreboard fundraiser. Raised to date is $1,340.
CLICK HERE for sponsorship opportunities.
New players are always welcome,
regardless of skill level or experience.
Please direct your inquiries to:
General questions
President: Erik Otten (708) 882-8323
Captain: Chris Cobb
New players
Recruiting: Brian Lubacz (630) 362-3591
lubaczghr_hotmail.com
Web-related questions
Webmaster: Bryant Scharenbroch bryantcscharenbroch_yahoo.com
Name
Email
Phone
Message
The Chicago Blaze Rugby Complex is located at:
13011 W Smith Road, Lemont IL 60439.
CLICK HERE for the online calendar of events for 2010 Chicago Blaze. Please contact bryantcscharenbroch_yahoo.com to add your event to the calendar.
Divison II Schedule
08/07 Midwest LAU Allstars in Lemont, IL
08/21 Milwaukee Harlequins at home in Lemont, IL
08/28 OFF
09/04 OFF
09/11 at Chicago Condors in Chicago, IL
09/18 Bremer County at home in Lemont, IL
09/25 at Southside Irish in Chicago, IL
10/02 Chicago Condors at home in Lemont, IL
10/09 at Northwest Woodsmen in Schaumberg, IL
10/16 Southside Irish at home in Lemont, IL
10/23 OFF
10/31 PLAYOFFS
11/06 PLAYOFFS
11/13 PLAYOFFS
Note: all match times are 1:00 pm unless otherwise noted.
Divison III Schedule
08/28 at Northwest Indiana
09/04 Lincoln Park at home in Lemont, IL
09/11 at Chicago Riot in Chicago, IL
09/18 Manhattan Shamrocks at home in Lemont, IL
09/25 at Illiana
10/02 Champaign at home in Lemont, IL
10/09 at Peoria Pigs in Peoria, IL
10/16 at Rockford Ravens in Rockford, IL
10/23 Chicago Dragons at home in Lemont, IL
Chicago Blaze 2010 Spring Schedule
Chicago Blaze Fall 2009 Season Review
Since 1982, the Chicago Blaze has been playing competitive Rugby in the Chicagoland area and throughout the United States. The Chicago Blaze was formed in 1982 by merging the Windy City Nomads with the Amoco Rugby Club. The merger was consummated after a couple of beers and meetings in the basement of Pete Thornley house. The key to success was to form an entirely new club. The Blaze retained the colors Blue for Amoco and Red for Nomads. The first Blaze jerseys had the red and blue hoops. Peter Thornley, one of the founding members, was instrumental to The Blazes future by transforming an idea into reality, making the Blaze the first Rugby club in the United States of America to have a Rugby Facility.
Before this transformation the Blaze played on the forest preserve fields at 75th St and Rt 53 in Naperville for a few years, but were constantly harassed by rangers, getting fined for having cans of beer on the sideline and things of that nature. That led to the purchase, by Pete Thornley, of the 9 acre farm on Smith Rd in 1984 for $89,000, but it was six years before the opening match in 1990. In the meantime we played near Midway airport at a school on Narragansett. Today the Blaze own 15 acres of land that supports three fields, with the main pitch having lights, locker room facilities, with showers, and a clubhouse with a bar for post-match socials, parties and events. Development continues with a play area for kids, spectator stands, horseshoe pit, and an ever-improving Rugby facility.
The Blaze quickly became successful in the 80's, winning the Chicago Ball in 1986 projecting the club to its first Midwest Championship appearance. The club was crowned Champions of that tournament getting the invitation to the National Final Four. Players and supporters, totaling 67 people, traveled to Denver for the National Final Four. Unfortunately the club lost narrowly to Denver Barbos in the semi-final, drowned their sorrows then were defeated by Washington the next day. 1986 marked The Blazes first national stage appearance setting the bar for future players. Since then, the Blaze have won Midwest Division I and II Championships. The club rose to the occasion again in 1990 making it to the National Final Four Championships only to have the title; champions elude them once again. In 1996 the Blaze became the Midwest Champions and recently in 2007 the club made the National Sweet Sixteen. Today the club is working towards a National Division II Championship with goals set toward Division I competition.
The Blaze have also traveled abroad on several international tours to England (1989), Ireland (1994), Spain (1999) and New Zealand (2002), with future travel plans to Bermuda and England. The Blaze have also been host to many International sides and players alike. The Blaze welcomes all travelers from across the world.
The Chicago Blaze Rugby Complex is one of the first and finest in the United States. We are indebted to the vision of Blaze Building Corporation. Pete Thornley, one of the founding members, was particularly instrumental to the club's future by transforming an idea of a rugby complex into reality. His purchase of a 9-acre farm on Smith Rd in 1984 for $89,000. From that times it took six years and the first games were played in 1990. Today the Blaze owns 15 acres of land that supports three lighted fields, locker rooms with showers, a pavilion, and a clubhouse with a bar for post-match socials, parties and events. Development continues with a play area for kids, spectator stands, horseshoe pits, and an ever-improving Rugby Complex. The Chicago Blaze Rugby Brotherhood is indebted to the Blaze Building Corporation and we are committed to ensuring our complex remains a premier rugby venue.
The Chicago Blaze Rugby Complex is located at: 13011 W Smith Road, Lemont, IL 60439
President: Erik Otten
Vice President: Bryant Scharenbroch
Treasurer: Staci Gambino
Match Secretary: Bill Weckstein
Secretary: Matt Kittridge
Recruiting Chair: Brian Lubacz
Social Chair: Graham Johnson
Bar Manager: Scott Smith
Brian Aleck
Francisco Alferez
Jake Backhoff
Monroe Barnes
Charles Berra
Dustin Bollinger
John Bramlet
Jason Brusa
William Burke
Roman Carney
Chris Chapman
Craig Clark
Alma Clark
Christopher Cobb
Chris Colon
Nolan Day
Adrian Dee
Rapolos Dikinis
Mike Dillon
Bryce Elliott
Nicholas Fischer
Eric Fleet
Ruben Flores
Mark Flores
Nick Gambino
Kevin Garbis
Patrick Hartigan
Mike Heitzler
Andres Hijar
Lance Houia
Steve Jerman
Graham Johnson
Nathan Kelly
Matthew Kittridge
Craig Koeller
Steven Krause
Kevin Krueger
Jeffrey Lapka
Brian Lubacz
Jaime Lugo
Quinn Macali
Joseph Malik
Rohan McKenzie
Bob McNeel
Kevin Moeggenborg
Kevin Murphy
Patrick O'Connell
Rolf Otten
Erik Otten
Tom Pazdan
Gerard Rapp
Austin Revord
Bryant Scharenbroch
Adam Scheidler
Scott Schiemann
Erin Schrimpf
Todd Skrzypek
Scott Smith
Norm Smyth
Michael Spaeth
Mike Stack
Joseph Swon
Greg Swon
Brian Szwed
Casey Thayer
Johnathan Tinsley
Tyler Vettraino
William Weckstein
Joe Wejman
David Whitney
Erik Wright
Alexander Zavala
David Zdenovec
Michael Zdenovec
Pete Thornley
Walt Rebenson
Chris Cobb
Al Klemp
Mike Kanzler
DII Coach: Lance Houia
DIII Coach: TBA
DII Captain: Chris Cobb
DIII Captain: TBA
DII Vice-Captain: Bryant Scharenbroch
DIII Vice-Caption: TBA
Trainer: Rob Wassalik
We offer multiple levels of sponsorship. Our sponsors can advertise on: website, gameday program, billboards, jerseys, etc. Other options are available. Please contact Bryant Scharenbroch at bryantcscharenbroch_yahoo.com if you are interested in sponsoring the Chicago Blaze Rugby Club. Our most popular packages are:
Program sponsorship options:
$750 for back cover of program and 1-yr link on web, $500 for full page on program and 1-yr link on web, $250 for ½ page on program, $125 for ¼ page on program, $75 for business card (1/8 page) on program, or $25 for minimum contribution Blaze supporter.
Field sponsorship options:
$250 for plague (1' by 1') on blaze picnic shelter, displayed indefinitely
$500 for field sign lining our main pitch (4' by 8'), displayed indefinitely
Website sponsorship option:
$250 for 1-yr link on www.chicagoblazerugby.com
Clothing sponsorship options:
$500 to $1000 for a logo on our game jerseys, shorts, polos, warm-up jackets or pants, or athletic-fit warm-up t-shirt; larger logo space for $1000.
Blaze 2010 Game Program Sponsorship
PLEASE NOTE: THE DEADLINE FOR THE FIRST ORDER HAS EXPIRED, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ORDER PLEASE CONTACT bryantcscharenbroch_yahoo.com AND YOU CAN BE INCLUDED ON THE SECOND ORDER.
When paying via PayPal, please click the the add special instructions to merchant to indicate your the desired size. Contact Bryant Scharenbroch at bryantscharenbroch_yahoo.com with questions.
Shorts and socks are required for all active players.
CLICK HERE for a pdf of the order form with images and sizing chart.
Chicago Blaze Cantebury Kit 2010
Socks - $8
Shorts - $37
Jersey - $50
Polo - $34
Jacket and Pants - $78
The Chicago Blaze Spiritwear store is open.
Purchase all your Blaze gear, such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, blankets, coffee mugs, etc.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE STORE.
Thank you for the Blaze girlfriends and wifes for organizing this fundraiser. We are off to a great start on raising the funds needed for an electronic scoreboard but have not reached the finish line yet.
Goal $1,500 Raised to date: $1,340
Donate $25
Donate $50
Donate $100
Chicago Blaze patches are available for $8 each. Please use this paypal link or contact Bryant Scharenbroch at bryantcscharenbroch_yahoo.com to purchase.
They are iron-on and mandatory for your blazer for anyone on the the 22.
Other items such as warm-ups, ties, t-shirts, shorts, socks, etc. are coming soon.
Patch - $8
The Fossils are the established old boys team of the Chicago Blaze Rugby Club. The team is open to any ex-Blaze player over the age of 35. We also welcome any Old Boys new to the area to join us.
True to Old Boys style, we do not train, we just show up on game day (hopefully before kickoff), scrape the crusted dirt and mud off the boots, wash the cobwebs out of the mouth guard, assemble a starting 15, run some out-dated plays that used to work in our prime and were ready to go.
Old Boys games can range anywhere from 15-30 minute halves and one of the best features is the unlimited substitutions. So whatever your age or your physical ability, you can always get a run, whether its for 5 minutes or the full game.
The Fossils try to maintain a two game spring and a two game autumn schedule usually to coincide with the Blaze schedule. We have annual dues of $100 which includes new Fossil memorabilia for that year. The balance goes to the club to help out with annual expenses.
Of course the best part of being a Fossil is the continuation of the friendships weve made in the past and the new friends of the future. Theres camaraderie of a sport that has no borders. Last, but of course not least, win or loose, theres nothing like having a beer with your mates after walking, limping or even being carried off the field. Ill drink to that and I hope you will too.
For more info on playing for the Fossils contact Norm Smyth at 708-308-8997 or normsmyth_yahoo.com
Naperville youth rugby is open to boys in 6th through 8th grade.
We register through the Naperville Park District, winter and spring programs. The outdoor season runs from April to May. We also hold indoor rugby clinics from November through March at various dates and times.
The team is coached by three Fossils: Graeme Jackson, John Bramlet and Dave Rosenberg.
Contact Graeme Jackson for more information at 630-904 8992 or nzgraeme_yahoo.com
See napervilleparks.org for registration.
Waubonsie Valley Warriors 2009 Illinois State High School Champions.
Email: rsmcneel_yahoo.com
Cell # 630-674-9067
Head Coach
Eamil: KiwiNZ8_yahoo.com
Cell# 630-854-1050
Assistant coach
Guide to Rugby
Chicago Blaze Bylaws
International Rugby Board Laws 2008
All Chicago Blaze members must pay dues. Please use the PayPal link below, or pay Bryant Scharenbroch. All dues and current CIPP registration for the Fall 2010 season must be paid in full by 09/01/10. If you need a payment plan you will need to contact our treasurer, Staci Gambino 630-674-8232 prior to 09/01/10 for payment arrangements.
$100 per season for student or active military
$100 per season for new member
$200 per season for returning member
$100 per season for fossil
Buy Now
Why: To honor and recognize our families and fans for their sacrifices and support over the last year, and to ring in the upcoming 2010 fall season.
What: Family Day at the pitch.The fee is $10.00 per adult, kids ages 0-10 are free, $5.00 for ages 10 to 18. Fees will cover the costs for food (hamburgers, brats, corn, salads,
etc.) and a keg of beer. The bar will also be open. We will have a variety of games for kids. The Blazettes will be running carnival games for the kids with prizes. Adult games will be available. DJ Norm will be jamming tunes. A bonfire will be roaring for roasting marshmellows and weiners. Please bring your tent and camp out for the night on pitch.
When: Saturday, July 31 at noon until August 1, 2010 at noon.
Where: Chicago Blaze Rugby Complex - Clubhouse; 13011 W. Smith Road, Lemont, IL 60439
Midwest Men's Sevens Series Qualifier on June 19, 2010
Divisions: Men's open, Women's open, Boys under 20 and Girls under 20.
U20 Boys and Girls - 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and Qualifier, Men's and Women's - 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Social following final matches.
A portion of proceeds from this event will go to the Illinois Firefighter's memorial.
Please direct inquiries to Bill Weckstein 630-857-6402 or bweckstein_aol.com
Chicago Blaze Rugby Clubhouse
13011 W. Smith Road, Lemont, IL 60439
Midwest Qualifier
Midwest Qualifier Team Registration - $275
Men's Open Team Registration - $225 - FULL
Women's Open Team Registration - $200
U20 Boy's and Girl's Team Registration - $200
Women's Open
U20 Boys and Girls
Firehouse 7s Registration
Firehouse 7s Flyer
Chicago Blaze Fall 2009 Match Reports
Chicago Area Rugby Union
Midwest Union
USA Rubgy
Bremer County
Chicago Condors
Clinton Muddy River
Des Moines
Eastside Banshees
Lincoln Park
Milwaukee Black & White
Northwest Woodsmen
Southside Irish
Wisconsin
Scores
ESPN
Rugbymag.com
Planet rugby
WVRFC
High School
