Level Sporting Club Offers New Hub for Women’s Sports Fans
Clarissa Flores, a former standout basketball player at Northwestern University, is making headlines by launching a new venture called Level Sporting Club. Set to become a premier destination for women’s sports in Chicago, the bar will officially open its doors at the end of April 2026. Located at 3343 N. Clark St., near Wrigley Field, the club aims to transform the sports bar landscape by emphasizing women’s sports.
About Level Sporting Club
Level Sporting Club will occupy a spacious 5,632 square feet, previously home to the restaurant Lowcountry. The venue plans to support and celebrate women’s sports, flipping the traditional sports bar narrative that has largely focused on men’s events. Flores states, “Just as we would walk into any regular Chicago sports bar and men’s sports is a priority … that’s going to be flipped here.”
Community and Investor Support
Flores, 46, is not alone in her endeavor. She has teamed up with six influential female investors, including:
- Jennifer King – The first Black woman to serve as a full-time NFL assistant coach.
- Ashleen Bracey – Head coach of the women’s basketball team at the University of Illinois Chicago.
- Janae Smith – A retired professional basketball player.
- Patricia Dull – Former soccer player at the University of Chicago.
- Tiffany Hudson – Former basketball player at Illinois State University.
- Trinity Gao – Former basketball player at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
This robust support illustrates a growing interest in women’s sports, reflecting a noticeable shift in the community and media focus on these events.
The Vision for the Club
Flores’ vision for Level Sporting Club includes a welcoming atmosphere for all who support women’s sports, regardless of gender. “Anyone that supports women’s sports is welcome,” she emphasizes. The venue will feature 10 televisions upstairs, and the downstairs area is designed for a more lounge-like ambiance. Expect events like piano singalong nights, alongside a menu crafted by renowned Chicago chef Amanda Barnes, which will feature unique items such as a “shewich.”
Future Prospects
As the interest in women’s sports continues to rise, Level Sporting Club will join other establishments focusing on similar themes, like Babes in Logan Square and Whiskey Tavern Girl in Edgewater, which have opened in recent years. Flores welcomes the competition, stating that more venues dedicated to women’s sports only serve to strengthen the community.
With plans for diverse programming, including screenings of Chicago sports teams during their seasons, Level Sporting Club intends to create a vibrant hub for sports fans. Flores’ commitment to championing women’s sports signals a promising future for the venture and highlights the community’s growing support for this important cause.
Flores’ journey is about more than just establishing a business; it’s about creating a movement. Through Level Sporting Club, she aims to ensure that women’s sports receive the recognition they deserve, fostering an inclusive environment for everyone who shares a passion for athletics.
