Top Summer Sports Leagues In Chicago

Beach Volleyball

Oak Street Beach, North Avenue Beach, Montrose Beach
www.chicagosportandsocialclub.com

It's a familiar sight on the lakefront path - as you pass the sands of North Ave. beach, it's nothing but volleyball nets for what seems like a mile. Chicago Social's volleyball has several leagues on each night of the week, all starting in the first week of June. League play is available for men, women and co-ed.

Ultimate

Located throughout Chicagoland
www.ultimatechicago.org

Ultimate, as the sport is officially called (Frisbee being a trademarked term), is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. With football-sized fields and all the cutting of soccer, Ultimate involves a lot of running. Players who can master the subtle angles of throwing will find that the barbeque backhands they grew up with are replaced with forehands, hammers, and even craftier trick throws from salty vets in the league. And sportsmanship is at a premium, since the sport's number one rule of "Spirit of the Game" precludes any referees (players make all their own calls and choose to contest if they disagree). But don't worry – with three tiers of play, curious newbies can jump in and learn the rules from the hundreds of returning players.

Softball

Located throughout Chicagoland
www.playerssports.net/softball

One of the most ubiquitous sports in Chicago, Softball seems to take up every possible inch of green. Players Sports Group runs one of the biggest outfits in Chicago. Leagues run from May through August, and include several levels of competition. The Muscle Milk Challenge league ups the ante – the best teams from each of the different leagues will compete in a one-day tournament to find the best of the best.

Basketball

Located throughout Chicagoland
www.chicagosportandsocialclub.com

Everyone wants to get their D-Rose on after the Bull's huge season, and Chicago offers plenty of opportunities to get in on the action. Leagues through Chicago Social are played at locations throughout the city, including Walter Payton College Prep and DePaul's Ray Meyer Center. League games are 5 on 5 and a both co-ed and men's leagues are available.

Kickball

Gill Park, Chicago
www.sportsmonster.net

For those looking for a reason to get outside who aren't exactly jocks, kickball might be the kind of sport you need. Hand-eye coordination is obviously not a requirement, and catching a dodgeball is a bit easier than even the biggest of softballs. Of course, don't think the league is full of beer bellies and the last picks of gym class – plenty of weekend warriors like to mix their casual with their competitive. Sports Monster offers a number of programs starting in the first two weeks of June, mostly at Gill Park.

Dan Morgridge is a writer in Chicago's Ukrainian Village. He enjoys eating and drinking above his means, finding new music, and socially conscious hedonism.