Chicago Grip Association

[Scott Styles]

I know there a number of Chicago area gripsters. Would there be an interest in creating a Chicago area grip association, one that meets up once a month on a Saturday afternoon to train? I've got a modest garage gym in the western suburbs we'd be able to use as a meet up space, or we could go around as local guys have space available. Here's the space I have:

http://www.gripfaq.com/photos/gymtour.html

I'm thinking we could get together to train, try each other's equipment, set some PRs, do certs, and provide a chance for anyone interested in grip to learn from fellow enthusiasts. I know there are a number of red nail benders and #3 closers in the area. I'm pretty sure there are at least two inch dumbells floating around the western suburbs. I'm sure there are blobs of every imaginable weight.

I think it'd be fun. I'd be willing to setup a private mailing list and privately keep track of info on interested local grip enthusiasts, say:

1. Name

2. City

3. Email

4. Phone number

5. Equipment

I see that something like this could eventually evolve into a yearly contest. It'd be great to have a place for new gripsters to get a chance to learn from experienced guys as well. Anyway, post in this thread if you are interested. If there is enough interest, I'll set something up. If we can get a few of the guys who have met in person committed, it'll be pretty easy to build from there, and we can all help to remove the risk of meeting new people off the internet. The guys I've met in person so far (Neil, Greg, Tom, Patrick, Ryan) have been good people. There are others on this board I've pm'd with (TennisDude and cabertosser come to mind) that it'd be great to meet. Let's make this happen.

[Jhawk386]

Damn, that's a great idea. I would be there in a heartbeat, but alas, I live in Florida. Hope you get a crew going.

[CoC#3]

Very nice set up you've got there dude!

[makey98]

1. Name - Matt Makinson

2. City - Westchester (Near Oak Brook, Lombard area)

3. Equipment - couple grippers, couple hexes, sledge, keg, sandbag, 45lb blob, fenced in yard, and Webster charcoal grill!

PM sent on the other stuff. I would be interested in this. I went to Tom's house a while ago to buy a blob, and his collection put me to shame. I am trying to focus on a 6 week training cycle of pinching, grippers, and bending for the BB3 so this would be a good supplement, learning experience and fun!

[Steve B.]

Scott that's a great idea!

I usually hold a grip get together once a year for grippers in my area(So.Cal).

I'ts a good way to get to know others in the with the same odd obsession.

Also a good time to share and exchange grip ideas and techniques.

I know i learn something new everytime we get together.

Good luck to you.

Also nice house you have there.

Edited May 21, 2007 by Steve B.

[Hazerboy]

Hah, I'm moving to Chicago in September (Going to the University of Chicago).

Though I won't have a car, and suburb cab rides are expensive. O__o

[Scott Styles]

Cool, when you get here drop me a PM. Chicago has public trains that get you out to most of the suburbs. Then you just need a cab to wherever we meet. I don't have a car, so I'm pretty familiar with what's involved in that. On the weekend, a train pass is $5 for unlimited rides, then cab each way to my place is $20. There's also a good chance you might be able to meet up with someone who lives near one of the train stations, then hitch a ride.

I've PM'd the Chicago area guys I know are on the board. If you haven't heard from me and want to, post in this thread or drop me a PM.

[DuTCH]

That is a nice house and setup you have there Scott! Good stuff!

[Scott Styles]

Thanks, I'm enjoying it.

[dimmers]

that is a nice set up (and house!) shame i'm no where near you - as in a different country.

(i'm a bit jealous

[knyaz]

Im definately interested, its a great idea !

Ive been hitting the Kettlebells as well.... you got a real nice collection there

I live in Long Grove, IL

Steve Pekarskiy

Edited May 21, 2007 by knyaz

[Scott Styles]

Cool, email or PM me with contact info to keep you up to date. So far you and Makey are the only guys I've heard back from, but this is a start.

[makey98]

Hazerboy, welcome to the board. Don't let not having a car keep you from not attending. As Scott said their are plenty of Metra or El trains to get you where you need to go. Someone could always pick you up from the train station or something. I have a car and wouldn't mind giving you a lift from somewhere....

[Sean Dockery]

You'll never regret getting together with folks and lifting. You meet great people, you learn a few new things, and any unpleasantness fades next to the great friendships.

[Mlstrass]

Scott I'll send you a PM tonight with my info. I'm up near Gurnee/Six Flags and have a decent home set up with a decent amount of grip stuff.

[Scott Styles]

Cool, that makes 6 of us including me. I hope to get the email list setup tomorrow morning and start the process of setting a regular date.

[Scott Styles]

I got the email list setup and sent out details for our first meet up in June. If you haven't recieved anything and wanted to, PM me with your information. I'll add you to the list, send you the welcome email, and introduce you to the group

[BigTone]

you got a PM bro... NW Indiana here but I'll travel a distance to get a good training session in.

[Scott Styles]

Got it, I'll do updates to the contact list tomorrow sometime.

[Scott Styles]

Our first meet up will be Saturday, June 9th, from 1-4pm at my place. I've sent an address, directions, and phone number to everyone in the area I am aware of that is interested. If you have not recieved it and want to, let me know.