Griffins Old Boys
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Griffins History
how it started
The Chicago Griffins, a premiere Division 1 Rugby Club, was founded in 1973 by the late Bob “Doc” Kelly, along with Brian Bourke, Mike Elliot, John Carmody, Rick Grigutis, and Tom Powers.
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.
Our second side has had many an undefeated season; this includes winning the Midwest B-side Mid-America Championship in 1998. We also participate in the CARFU Cup competition every Spring since its inception in 2009. Our second side 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 many years we had a third side which has competed in CARFU Division III and finished as the Riley Cup Champion in 2001.
old boys and new players
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.
Griffins Timeline
1973
The Chicago Griffins Rugby Football Club was established by Bob “Doc” Kelly, Brian Bourke, Mike Elliot, John Carmody, Rick Grigutis, and Tom Powers. This marked the beginning of the club as a premier Division 1 rugby team, laying the foundation for its enduring presence in Chicago’s rugby community.
1997
Started a run of 10 consecutive appearances in the USA Rugby Division 1 Sweet 16 playoffs.
2016
The Griffins finished fourth in the regular season of the National Division I Midwest League, but upset the top-seeded Chicago Lions in the semi-finals. They narrowly lost the Midwest Championship final to Metropolis (29–27), earning a runner-up position and qualifying for the 2016/17 Gold Cup.
2021-2025
2x Division 1 Midwest Champions and qualified to compete at USA Rugby's D1 National Championship Final Four for multiple seasons. The club also celebrated its 50th anniversary (2023), marking five decades of rugby in Chicago.
Timeline
The Griffins finished fourth in the regular season of the National Division I Midwest League, but upset the top-seeded Chicago Lions in the semi-finals. They narrowly lost the Midwest Championship final to Metropolis (29–27), earning a runner-up position and qualifying for the 2016/17 Gold Cup.
Timeline
2x Division 1 Midwest Champions and qualified to compete at USA Rugby's D1 National Championship Final Four for multiple seasons. The club also celebrated its 50th anniversary (2023), marking five decades of rugby in Chicago.
Timeline
The Griffins finished fourth in the regular season of the National Division I Midwest League, but upset the top-seeded Chicago Lions in the semi-finals. They narrowly lost the Midwest Championship final to Metropolis (29–27), earning a runner-up position and qualifying for the 2016/17 Gold Cup.
Timeline 8
2x Division 1 Midwest Champions and qualified to compete at USA Rugby's D1 National Championship Final Four for multiple seasons. The club also celebrated its 50th anniversary (2023), marking five decades of rugby in Chicago.
TIMELINE
The Griffins finished fourth in the regular season of the National Division I Midwest League, but upset the top-seeded Chicago Lions in the semi-finals. They narrowly lost the Midwest Championship final to Metropolis (29–27), earning a runner-up position and qualifying for the 2016/17 Gold Cup.
Timeline 8
2x Division 1 Midwest Champions and qualified to compete at USA Rugby's D1 National Championship Final Four for multiple seasons. The club also celebrated its 50th anniversary (2023), marking five decades of rugby in Chicago.
TIMELINE
The Griffins finished fourth in the regular season of the National Division I Midwest League, but upset the top-seeded Chicago Lions in the semi-finals. They narrowly lost the Midwest Championship final to Metropolis (29–27), earning a runner-up position and qualifying for the 2016/17 Gold Cup.
Timeline 8
2x Division 1 Midwest Champions and qualified to compete at USA Rugby's D1 National Championship Final Four for multiple seasons. The club also celebrated its 50th anniversary (2023), marking five decades of rugby in Chicago.
Griffins board
Griffins Albums Vol 1 & 2 Available
Celebrate the history of the Griffins in photos. These albums features teams, players and events from over the years showcasing the amazing photography of Sheryl Bury-Michals and others. The album makes a great gift for Father’s Day, Birthdays or Christmas.
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