CRU is sponsored by:
 |
Founded in 2005 by 12 men as a team for Chicago’s Gay Games, Chicago Rowing Union (CRU) is proud to be the Midwest's one and only LGBT rowing organization, and one of three such clubs in the world. Our membership is a diverse group of men and women, from varied backgrounds, age ranges and experience levels. Whether you are a seasoned rower or new to the sport, we have a spot for you! And being gay is not a requirement – we are open to all. Anyone that wants a great workout and a true sense of camaraderie and team work will enjoy membership in our club.
Originally named Qrew Chicago, the team’s name changed to Chicago Rowing Union in 2009. Our season runs from April through October, with annual winter indoor sessions, and competitions in the Midwest, around the nation and even some international races too!
Dammrich Rowing Center
3220 W. Oakton, Skokie, IL
This facility houses indoor rowing machines and rowing tanks to simulate on-the-water practices. It is next to the Chicago River and includes boats and a launch onto the North Branch of the Chicago River. Need a lift? All of our practicing squads offer car pools from various city neighborhoods.
Each member’s monthly dues pay for professional coaching, race entry fees, and hotel stays when necessary as well as boat insurance, rental and equipment. Each member is responsible for purchasing their own uniform, meals while traveling, and airfare to designated regattas (participation optional). Group ordering of uniforms is done in the spring at an approximate cost of $60.
Below is a list of our rowing programs, dates and associated dues for 2010. Use the buttons to the right to make payments via Paypal.
| Program | Dates | Dues | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learn To Row Session A |
4/24, 4/25, 5/1, 5/2, 5/8, 5/9, 5/15, 5/16 Saturday 8:00 am - 10:00 am Sunday 8:00 am - 10:00 am |
$ 160 | Sold Out |
| Learn To Row Session B |
4/24, 4/25, 5/1, 5/2, 5/8, 5/9, 5/15, 5/16 Saturday 10:15 am - 12:15 pm Sunday 10:15 am - 12:15 pm |
$ 160 | Closed |
| Learn To Row Session C |
7/31, 8/1, 8/7, 8/8, 8/14, 8/15, 8/21, 8/22 Saturday 9:00 am - 11:00 am Sunday 9:00 am - 11:00 am |
$ 160 | Closed |
| Annual Membership Fee | Required for all Novice, Returning Novice, Club or Competitive members. Does not apply to Learn To Row participants. |
$ 50/yr | |
| Novice | Jun 8 - Oct 30 Tuesday 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Thursday 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
$ 65/mo | |
| Club | Apr 12 - Oct 30 Monday 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Wednesday 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
$ 65/mo | |
| Competitive | Apr 12 - Oct 30 Monday 5:15 am - 7:15 am Wednesday 5:15 am - 7:15 am Friday 5:15 am - 7:15 am |
$ 95/mo |
Refund Policy: The $50 membership fee is non-refundable. Monthly dues must be paid prior to the first day of practice for that month. If a rower chooses to terminate their membership they may discontinue payment of monthly dues, however, partial monthly refunds will not be issued. As Learn-to-Row seats are limited, refunds cannot be made for LTR classes after the program has begun.
CRU participates in several races throughout the year, mostly taking place from June through October. Most races happen on weekends. For local (Midwest) races we usually leave late afternoon on Friday or Saturday and return the following day. For races that are farther away we usually fly out early on Friday and return depending on your schedule. CRU covers one hotel stay evening during these trips (except international travel). Airfare (when applicable) and meals are not covered.
Any rower interested in joining Chicago Rowing Union should contact us via e-mail: chicagorowingunion@gmail.com. New members without experience must enroll in our Learn to Row program, or complete a comparable program at another club, before joining our novice team. Experienced rowers and coxswains are welcomed to join the club during the season. Please contact us via e-mail to get involved.
We welcome collegiate rowers and coxswains home for the summer, looking to stay in shape and active in the sport during breaks. We also welcome newly graduated rowers who wish to continue in the sport.
We recommend that you consult with your physician before joining, as this sport can be incredibly tough and demanding on the body.
Rowing is a very demanding sport that absolutely requires teamwork and commitment to attend practices and races. There is an old crew saying that goes "You are only as good as your weakest rower." Therefore, we push ourselves as a group for constant improvement. The rewards both physically and mentally are amazing; not to mention the camaraderie that is built among the team.
|