The Chicago Griffins, a Division 1 Rugby Club, was founded in 1973 by the late Bob "Doc" Kelly (the single most important factor in the founding of the team), along with Brian Bourke, Mike Elliot, John Carmody, Rick Grigutis, and Tom Powers. The Griffins would not exist today had it not been for these players.

Our A side has had 10 consecutive appearances in the USARFU Division 1 Sweet 16 playoffs since 1997, and 3 Division 1 Final Four appearances (2001, 2003, and 2004). We also played in the Super League from 2007-2012.

The B side has had many an undefeated season; this includes winning the Midwest B-side Mid-America Championship in 1998.Our B side, in addition to playing in Fall matches, participates in the CARFU Cup Competition every Spring since its inception in 2009. They won their first championship match back in 1998 in the Midwest B-side Mid-America Championship.

We have an active 7's side, participating in both Qualifier and Men's Open side competitions in summer tournaments and have had 3 appearances in the USA Rugby Men's Club 7's National Championships in 2008, 2009, and 2010.

Several of our A-siders have represented the Griffins at the CARFU, Midwest, US National and US Maccabiah sides.

For a number of years we had a C side which competed in CARFU Division III and finished as the Riley Cup Champion in 2001.

We also have an Old Boys side that plays in several matches a year.

Our players and Old Boys also help coach high school sides, and the Chicago Wapiti RFC, led by Old Boy Sean O'Conor, help to promote youth rugby though seasonal clinics

The club draws players from a wide variety of local and national college clubs as well as many foreign players who are in Chicago working or have come to Chicago specifically to play for the Griffins. We welcome players of all experience and ability.

If you're interested in playing rugby contact us. We consider ourselves an excellent club as we have several levels of play and allow players to develop while still playing a competitive and disciplined brand of rugby.

Our major club goals are to be competitive on the field and social as hell off the field. To join our tradition please contact us by e-mailing our Recruiting Chairman Sean Cooney at spcooney2@gmail.com