Our Mission
CLCA, in partnership with Chicago Hope Academy, is committed to:
- Completing our premier sports complex for youth and others in Chicago's Near West Side.
- Providing accessible youth sports and mentorship programs to empower the next generation.
The Lions for Hope Sports Complex is more than a field—it s a safe, community-centered space where athletics and learning come together to create opportunities for youth. Through partnerships with Chicago Hope Academy, other schools, and community organizations like North Lawndale Recreation Association and UCAN, we provide mentorship programs, structured sports camps, and a clear rugby development pathway
History of the Chicago Lions & CLCA
Founded in 1964, the Chicago Lions Rugby Club has grown into one of the Midwest s most successful rugby programs. Between 1966 and 2000, the team secured 16 Midwest Championships before advancing to the Super League, where they reached the 2007 Championship game. The Lions also found success in Rugby 7s, winning 15+ Midwest Championships and claiming the 2007 National Championship. The club expanded further in 2018 by launching a Women s team, which went on to win the Midwest Championship in both 15s and 7s in 2019, marking an unprecedented achievement in American rugby.
In 2007, Lions President Keith Brown partnered with Chicago Hope Academy founder Bob Muzikowski, recognizing a shared mission to provide transformative opportunities for Chicago s Near West Side youth. Their collaboration led to the creation of the Chicago Hope Academy Eagles Rugby team, which won its first state championship in 2015 under the guidance of Chicago Lions coaches.
As their partnership grew, the Lions for Hope Field was established, providing a dedicated space for youth rugby development. The success of this initiative set the foundation for the Lions for Hope Sports Complex, an ambitious project designed to provide high-quality athletic and educational opportunities for the local community.
The Development of the Lions for Hope Sports Complex
In 2008, the Chicago Lions and Hope Academy built their first rugby field at 2341 W. Roosevelt Road, leveling and sodding the land with the help of students and players. Though the field served as a home for both organizations for years, high leasing costs made ownership unsustainable. To secure a permanent home, the Chicago Lions launched the Lions for Hope Benefit, raising funds to support future development.
A breakthrough came in 2013 when Chicago Hope Academy acquired 15 acres of land in North Lawndale, just blocks from the original field. The purchase allowed for the construction of a full-sized rugby field, an Olympic track, and future school expansion. In 2015, the Chicago Lions and CLCA took a major step forward, entering a formal partnership with Chicago Hope to acquire 50% ownership of an eight-acre parcel between Polk and Taylor Streets.
The project gained widespread community and government support, culminating in a successful zoning change in 2018 that allowed for the creation of a youth-focused, rugby-centric community facility. The complex will feature two state-of-the-art artificial turf fields, both equipped with lighting for evening play. Plans may include a seasonal dome over the primary field to enable year-round programming. Beyond rugby, the Chicago Lions and Hope Academy have also helped revitalize Altgeld Park, converting its athletic field into artificial turf for use in rugby, football, soccer, and youth baseball. Additionally, the Lions
with the help of Hope Academy have utilized The Hope Student Activity Center as an indoor training facility, further expanding opportunities for athletes in the Near West Side. A Lasting Vision for the Community.
The Lions for Hope Sports Complex is more than an athletic facility—it is a safe, structured environment designed to empower youth, expand life opportunities, and strengthen social capital. By providing high-quality fields, mentorship programs, and strong community partnerships, the complex will give at-risk children the same access to sports and education that suburban communities take for granted.
Through continued collaboration with Chicago Hope Academy and community organizations, the Chicago Lions remain committed to developing leaders, building community engagement, and offering a pathway for success both on and off the field.
Our Partners
Chicago Lions Charitable Association
PO Box 532
Northbrook, IL 60065