It might seem a little silly, but as the Weasley twins say, “Rough game, Quidditch.” Quidditch, sometimes known as “Muggle Quidditch,” is full-contact and players take the game very seriously with hopes of making it to the United States Quidditch Cup. If you’re ready to hop on a broom and soar to new heights (just kidding; there’s no flying), fill out this form to show interest in the new season in Chicago!
If you’re a massive Harry Potter fan or are just looking for a fun, full-body workout, Quidditch is an excellent form of exercise. Plus, you’ll be able to be in tip-top shape when the highly-anticipated Harry Potter: Magic at Play experience created by Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment and Superfly X makes its worldwide debut in Chicago this November. It’s also a fun way to make new friends, as the team usually goes out to eat after.
So how do you play?
Muggle Quidditch is a mixed-gender sport first developed in 2005 by Middlebury College students Xander Manshel and Alex Benepeat. The sport has since spread across the globe. Players must have a broom (pvc pipe) between their legs at all times and Chasers race down the pitch to score in one of three goals, each worth ten points. Keepers try to block goals and Seekers keep an eye out for the Snitch played by a runner in yellow shorts. Hanging from the Snitch runner’s shorts is a sock with a tennis ball in it. Once that’s caught, the game ends and that Seeker’s team receives 30 points.
Chicago United hosts regular open practices for people to try out the sport in addition to team practices and hosting and traveling to tournaments. There are also a number of other Quidditch Teams in IL that Chicago United often practice and compete in tournaments with Boom Train and Chicago United are the only community teams in IL, but there’s a number of College teams students should check out including Loyola University, Columbia College of Chicago, Illinois State University, and Southern Illinois University.
If interested in playing in Chicago for the new season, fill out this form for updates on tryouts, practices and happenings!
Note: Chicago United Quidditch Club is not affiliated with JK Rowling or Warner Bros.
Feature photo: @chicagoquid