👭 Modern social clubs

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• It's our leisurely exploration of arts, culture, food, nature, sports, history and other subjects that define the city we live in.

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Whether you're new to Chicago, looking for new friends, or want to explore new parts of the city, social clubs are trying to cater to those needs.

The big picture: New social clubs are upending stereotypes of private clubs as exclusive and expensive by providing a laid-back space to hang and meet new people.

Why it matters: With hybrid workplace models that mean less time at the office and social circles shrinking after COVID isolation, people are longing for deeper connections rather than one-time meetups or just career networking opportunities.

State of play: Three Cities Social in River North has a mission of "altruism, connection and culture." The name is based on the idea of bridging the gap between the North, South and West Sides, which can feel like three separate cities.

• About 30% of the club's events take place in neighborhoods, founder Draymond Washington told Axios during a tour of the club's loft space that's filled with bright, trendy furniture and a map of Chicago's grid on the wall.
• Membership is $199 a month and includes access to the space that has a library, big-screen TV, private conference rooms and weekly open bars.

The intrigue: The big appeal is a curated, stacked social calendar with about 20-25 events a month, including salon-style dinners, salsa lessons and golf at Jackson Park.

Zoom out: Birch Road, a social club in Roscoe Village and Lincoln Park, calls itself your "neighborhood clubhouse," leaning into the growing need for third spaces — not home, not work but a place to relax or even host friends.

• Birch Road is BYOB and has cellars for members to store wine, mixers for cocktails, and an event space that doesn't require an extra rental fee. Memberships are $145 per month.
• Chicago Girls Who Walk, a free social community, started in 2022 by organizing walks but has since grown to host charity events, mahjong classes and bar crawls.

What they're saying: Natalie Noonan, a communications professional who is a member of Three Cities Social, said her motivation for joining was "exposing myself to volunteer opportunities, meeting people from different backgrounds, coming and having really big, difficult conversations and a safe space to explore those," Noonan says.

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👋 Hi, it's Justin!

Chicago is a rock 'n' roll town. It always has been, and always will be.

Driving the news: Riot Fest is back this weekend, taking over Douglass Park with a music festival and carnival.

• So let's honor the roots of our big guitar sounds, favorite clubs, and rock culture that brought so much of the music industry to the Midwest.

Last week, we had a few winners in our columnist quiz! Congrats to Gary G., Matt A., Julia M., Joseph H., and Thom C.

• Remember, screenshot your perfect score and email it for a shoutout next week.

Now, are you ready to rock? Are you ready to quiz?

The Chicago Bears (1-1) are hoping to bounce back from last week's ugly loss in Houston as they take on the Indianapolis Colts today.

The big picture: Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the new-look Bears offense were predicted to be much-improved from last year, but instead, they have regressed.

By the numbers: The Bears are dead last in the league in yards-per-play (3.0).

• That's less than the lowly Carolina Panthers.

So what's the problem? The new-look offensive line gave up a whopping 36 pressures on 48 pass plays against the Texans.

Offensive stars to watch this week: Any running back that can run for more than two yards.

You know what's not the problem? The Bears defense. They are playing at an elite level.

Defensive stars to watch this week: Cornerback Kyler Gordon was all over the field last Sunday. The third-year player seems to be putting it all together this season.

• Linebackers T.J. Edwards & Tremaine Edmunds: Could we be seeing the next Urlacher & Briggs?

The intrigue: Coach Matt Eberflus used to coach the Indianapolis defense. So it will be a homecoming for him. Also, it's a 2007 Super Bowl rematch.

Yes, but: It's a must-win for Indy too. They are 0-2.

The bottom line: If the Bears can right the ship and beat the Colts, it would quiet the anxious chatter buzzing throughout the city. But if the woes continue, that buzzing will get to cicada-level by Monday morning.

If you watch: The two teams square off at noon today on CBS.

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In recent years, Chicagohenge has become a must-see event.

State of play: Chicagohenge is the nickname given to the phenomenon that happens when the sun lines up between buildings along east-to-west streets in the Loop for both sunrise and sunset.

• This occurs during both the spring and fall equinoxes.

Driving the news: The fall equinox is this week and forecasters believe the best time to see Chicagohenge this year will be today and tomorrow.

Get your brand in front of highly engaged readers in Chicago.

What's in it for you:

• Reach civic minded leaders and smart professionals.
• Support local journalism with Axios Local.

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Edited by Lindsey Erdody.

⚽️ Carrie is excited to check out the Premier League fan fest in Lincoln Park. She's been in Europe a few times during the World Cup and football/soccer fans show UP!

🍷 Monica wishes she was going to be in town for today's Clink Festival, featuring food, wine and spirits from some of the city's top female and BIPOC food and drink professionals.

🍔 Justin is heading to Minneapolis today. Juicy Lucy suggestions?

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