Chicago Junior Curling League FAQs
When is the season?
Curling generally runs from early October to mid-April. Ice at the Chicago Curling Club facility requires accommodating temperatures to be optimal for play. The Junior Curling league will play on Sundays at 10am beginning in October 2023. We will have Learn2Curls and practice time starting in October as well.
How many practices are there per week?
Junior Curling runs in 6 week sessions and meets once a week. There will be practice ice available on Wednesdays.
When is registration and how does it work?
Registration for the 2023-24 curling season is available on our website. Additionally, participants' parents/guardians must sign a waiver, prior to getting on the ice
How long does practice last?
Practice will last an hour and half which will include warm ups, skills drills, strategy chats, game play and post-game socializing.
Who will instruct?
Members of the Second City Curling Executive Board and members of the Chicago Curling Club volunteer to instruct the Junior Curlers. Elements of play will be broken down and taught to the individuals at the beginning of each session, followed by game-play.
Who manages the league?
Second City Curling is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) based in Northbrook, IL and runs the Chicago Junior Curling League. The mission of Second City Curling is to promote and grow the sport of curling in Northern Illinois, focusing on providing area youth with educational and experiential opportunities that connect them to the future of curling.
What is the student to instructor ratio?
For safety reasons, there will be a maximum of 8 students per instructor at any time on the ice.
What is the cost and what is included?
There is no fee for junior relatives of regular Chicago Curling Club members. The league session will be 6 weeks for $150 which includes instruction, equipment and snacks. Learn2Curls are $25 and include beginning curling instruction and snacks.
What equipment is needed?
Though it is a game on ice – shoes are worn for play. Brooms and sliders are provided. Each curler just needs a pair of athletic shoes that are completely free of dirt and debris, as that can damage the ice and impede play (bringing a change of shoes just for curling is a good idea). Warm clothes are recommended! Curling shoes and equipment can be purchased from preferred vendors, if so desired.
Does my child need a helmet or mouth guard?
The majority of players do not use a helmet or mouth guard, but you are welcome to do so.
How are teams put together?
Curling teams have 4 members and play opposite another team of 4 members. Junior teams are balanced with the available player skills to make the games as viable and fun as possible. It is not unusual for the junior league play to be made of “pick-up” games, for the most part. As the participants become more skilled and attendance more predictable, regular teams and bracketed tournaments may be formulated.
What is a bonspiel? Do the teams travel?
There may be opportunities for junior curlers to hit the road on occasion for tournaments – known as bonspiels. These are weekend events usually involving an overnight stay and a nominal participation fee (with meals and entertainment included.) There will always be clear information provided in advance.
Will the junior curlers be participating in bonspiels?
We will be watching for bonspiel (tournament) opportunities, depending on levels of interest but have our eyes on:
What are the opportunities to be competitive?
There is a Junior National system in which Chicago Curling Club members have participated. We will watch for interest and ability to enter this competitive set! Further information can be found at: http://go.teamusa.org/2yeW6t0
My child has a disability. Is there a place for him/her?
Curling is a phenomenal sport played by all ages and skill levels. We are happy to accommodate needs in any way we can.
Curling generally runs from early October to mid-April. Ice at the Chicago Curling Club facility requires accommodating temperatures to be optimal for play. The Junior Curling league will play on Sundays at 10am beginning in October 2023. We will have Learn2Curls and practice time starting in October as well.
How many practices are there per week?
Junior Curling runs in 6 week sessions and meets once a week. There will be practice ice available on Wednesdays.
When is registration and how does it work?
Registration for the 2023-24 curling season is available on our website. Additionally, participants' parents/guardians must sign a waiver, prior to getting on the ice
How long does practice last?
Practice will last an hour and half which will include warm ups, skills drills, strategy chats, game play and post-game socializing.
Who will instruct?
Members of the Second City Curling Executive Board and members of the Chicago Curling Club volunteer to instruct the Junior Curlers. Elements of play will be broken down and taught to the individuals at the beginning of each session, followed by game-play.
Who manages the league?
Second City Curling is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) based in Northbrook, IL and runs the Chicago Junior Curling League. The mission of Second City Curling is to promote and grow the sport of curling in Northern Illinois, focusing on providing area youth with educational and experiential opportunities that connect them to the future of curling.
What is the student to instructor ratio?
For safety reasons, there will be a maximum of 8 students per instructor at any time on the ice.
What is the cost and what is included?
There is no fee for junior relatives of regular Chicago Curling Club members. The league session will be 6 weeks for $150 which includes instruction, equipment and snacks. Learn2Curls are $25 and include beginning curling instruction and snacks.
What equipment is needed?
Though it is a game on ice – shoes are worn for play. Brooms and sliders are provided. Each curler just needs a pair of athletic shoes that are completely free of dirt and debris, as that can damage the ice and impede play (bringing a change of shoes just for curling is a good idea). Warm clothes are recommended! Curling shoes and equipment can be purchased from preferred vendors, if so desired.
Does my child need a helmet or mouth guard?
The majority of players do not use a helmet or mouth guard, but you are welcome to do so.
How are teams put together?
Curling teams have 4 members and play opposite another team of 4 members. Junior teams are balanced with the available player skills to make the games as viable and fun as possible. It is not unusual for the junior league play to be made of “pick-up” games, for the most part. As the participants become more skilled and attendance more predictable, regular teams and bracketed tournaments may be formulated.
What is a bonspiel? Do the teams travel?
There may be opportunities for junior curlers to hit the road on occasion for tournaments – known as bonspiels. These are weekend events usually involving an overnight stay and a nominal participation fee (with meals and entertainment included.) There will always be clear information provided in advance.
Will the junior curlers be participating in bonspiels?
We will be watching for bonspiel (tournament) opportunities, depending on levels of interest but have our eyes on:
- Kettle Moraine Junior Bonspiel
- Waltham Exchange
- Junior Intra-Club Championship (Exmoor and CCC)
- USCA Junior Camp
- Waltham Junior Bonspiel
- USCA Junior National qualifiers
What are the opportunities to be competitive?
There is a Junior National system in which Chicago Curling Club members have participated. We will watch for interest and ability to enter this competitive set! Further information can be found at: http://go.teamusa.org/2yeW6t0
My child has a disability. Is there a place for him/her?
Curling is a phenomenal sport played by all ages and skill levels. We are happy to accommodate needs in any way we can.
