The Season Starts Saturday at RLS!
The Chicago Griffins RFC will open its 2026 season opener this Saturday, Aug. 22, against ancient rivals Detroit Tradesmen RFC in a home game at Red Lobster Stadium.
The two clubs have been battling it out for top spots in the Midwest Premiership League Eastern Conference and Detroit is coming off a third place finish in the US Rugby 7s club championship this summer.
The Griffins and Tradesmen have been meeting on the pitch since the 1970s and enjoy a mutual respect. Last year, the two teams were virtually tied in the conference points standing with 24 points each. Midwest standings continue to show Detroit with a win over the Griffins in an Oct. 11 match even though the final was ruled a 38-38 tie. The referee erred in not recording an extra point kick for the Griffins and a review showed that the kick was good.
Saturday’s kickoff time is 1 p.m. central time. Dan Frankenfeld out of Minnesota is scheduled to referee.
The weather forecast looks great for the Griffins first match. As always, there is plenty of free parking with a social on the sidelines following the game. And, as always, the Griffins could use your support! Join in the beginning of what could be another championship season!
Golf Outing A Smashing Success
The 2026 Bud Skuba Memorial Golf Cart 500 was a great success due to the efforts of Golf Commissioners Todd Dumstorf and Kurt Wiebe and Social Chair Ryan “Beech” Beecher.
A field of 70 golfers took to the links at the Arboretum Golf Club in Buffalo Grove Aug. 16 and many stayed until dark. The start was delayed for more than 30 minutes due to circumstances beyond our control but after that, things rolled right along. The weather was great, with a breeze that cooled things off.
An amazing raffle assembled by Beecher included top shelf bourbon, Patron tequila, Irish whiskey and fine wine. A first class golf bag also was raffled off. The proceeds from the raffle go to support the club. A 50/50 raffle also raised money for operating expenses.
Joining in the fun were T.J. Royce and Chuck Gilman and son of the Chicago Rugby Club Frogs who partnered with Ron Estrada of the Chicago Hounds. It was great to see them out on the course and imbibing at the 19th hole.
Many thanks to Jamie, the course manager at Arboretum, for setting up a logistically demanding outing!
Old Boys Gather at Russ Sage Celebration
More than two dozen Griffin Old Boy assembled at the Russell Sage Celebration of Life Aug. 15 to commemorate his legendary life and times as a long-time player and club supporter. About 125 family members and friends attended the celebration at Hackney’s in Glenview. Russell died in April following a long battle with MDS, a type of blood cancer.
Old Boy Jimmy Long told the assembly how he and Russell went to Lake Forest High School and played football there and then went on to play for the Griffins. Old Boy John Smyth recalled how Russell was a dynamic and creative person, designing a medical device that is used today in hospitals around the world. Long had another story to tell which will be posted on the Griffin Old Boys Facebook page.
The Old Boys and spouses in attendance:
Charlie and Nancy Byrne; Mike Chapiesky; Tom and Jan Dawson; Ed Dixon; Carl Dittmer; Todd Dumstorf; Buzz Frank; Eddie Giangiorgi; Dave and Karen Grantham; Jerome Guerriero; Curt Hacker; George Houde; Jack Kratzmeyer; Sam and Rhonda Levy; Jim Long; Dave May; Steve Merdinger; Ed and Sheryl Michals; Chris Nolan; Ken Paulson; Cole Telling and daughters.
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