CHICAGO ROWING UNION

Our Mission

The mission of the Chicago Rowing Union is to promote the sport of rowing to the LGBTQ+ community and allies. We provide inclusive educational and competitive programs that foster teamwork, personal growth, health, and fitness. Learn more about us in the Chicago Tribune.

2025 Rowing Season

About Our Programs

Chicago Rowing Union (CRU) offers training sessions, participates in competitive regattas, and practices as a club 2 or 3 times a week. (You can read more information about our regular club programs here, and sign up for our mailing list for news about other special CRU hosted events. )

New members without experience must enroll in our Learn to Row program or complete a comparable program at another club before qualifying to join our Novice program. Experienced rowers and coxswains are welcomed to join the club anytime during the season as are collegiate rowers and coxswains home for the summer.

All CRU programs are adult (18+) Master’s sweep-rowing programs.

Winter Indoor Training (Winter)
Registration is open NOW for Jan-March 2025
Register by clicking here.
WIT runs from January through March (for brand new and experienced rowers alike) in preparation for our spring/summer/fall outdoor season. The sessions are at the Dammrich Rowing Center on Monday and Wednesday Evenings. The fee is due up front, and will go towards machine and room rental costs. It’s a great way to get fit before the spring season, and if you’re new to rowing, you can spring right into your water based Learn to Row session in the spring!

Learn to Row (Spring)

CRU has been offering Learn To Row classes since 2006. CRU is works closely with the Skokie Park District, and is in partnership with Northwestern University Rowing Crew to provide an affordable opportunity to row to the community.

Our Learn to Row classes begin as soon as our regular Outdoor season opens in the spring. Along with our expert coaches, experienced CRU members assist the Learn to Row programs, so that beginners will have a safe and fun time on the water.

Outdoor Season (Spring, Summer, Fall)

Our outdoor season runs from April through October. usually on Monday and Wednesday evenings, with an additional practice on the weekend for our competitive team.

Regatta Season (June - November)

Our regatta season begins in June with short distance (sprints) commonly held in the summer, and longer regattas (head of the river) races held in the fall. The Competitions are held in Chicago, the Midwest, around the country, and even internationally.

Location

The Dammrich Rowing Center 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. There is parking available at the boathouse. 3220 Oakton St.Skokie, IL 60076(847) 674-1500, ext. 2200

The North Shore Channel is a man-made waterway that extends northward from River Park, just south of Foster Avenue, to the Wilmette Locks at Lake Michigan near the Baha’i Temple. This straight canal with a slow current and few power boats is ideal for race practice, newer paddlers, and rowing shells.

To learn more about the rich history and vibrant, yet vulnerable ecosystem of the North Shore Channel and the entire Chicago River, visit the Friends of the Chicago River website. For real-life water quality data, visit H20 NOW Real-Time Water Quality Monitor.

Physical Requirements

Rowing is one of the best sports for all ages and levels. Rowing provides a low-impact full-body workout. That said, it is a very demanding sport that requires teamwork and commitment to attend practices and races.

There is an old crew adage: “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.

Volunteering & Fundraising Requirements

CRU is a volunteer-run organization dependent upon our members to keep the organization running. All members are required to volunteer throughout the season to get the work done.

Tasks include preparing the boats and equipment for winter storage and the beginning of the spring season and helping with regattas, Learn to Row, social gatherings, and other activities. Members are also expected to participate in fundraising activities.

History

Chicago Rowing Union (CRU) is proud to be the Midwest's one and only LGBTQ+ rowing organization - one of a few such clubs in the world. Founded in 2005 by 12 rowers as a team to compete in the 2006 Gay Games hosted in Chicago. Originally named Qrew Chicago, the clubs’ name changed to Chicago Rowing Union in 2009.

Our membership is a diverse group of people 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 from the LGBTQ+ community is not a requirement – we are open to everyone who supports our mission, wants a challenging workout, and desires the rewarding experience of camaraderie and teamwork.

CRU and USRowing

Chicago Rowing Union is an active organizational member of USRowing.