About Us

The Chicago Gay Hockey Association (CGHA) is Chicago’s official gay hockey organization. The CGHA is a registered 501c-3 organization.

Our mission is to provide a non-discriminatory environment within the hockey community. We encourage all people with a passion for ice hockey, who support our mission, can join our organization.

Since being formed in 2002 by Chuck Jacobson, the Chicago Gay Hockey Organization has gone through many ups and downs. But they have no doubt made their mark in the Chicagoland hockey world and beyond. Besides participating in numerous recreational leagues and US and Canadian tournaments over the years, the CGHA has participated in other fundraisers, and volunteered with organizations around Chicago.

The CGHA underwent a reorganization in 2010 and has since expanded greatly.

  • Open instructional sessions
  • Organized Market Day Classic Tournament
  • Volunteered at various Chicago organizations such as Howard Brown Health Center
  • Received sponsorship from local and national businesses
  • Raised money for Chicago fundraisers like the Polar Plunge and American Cancer Society Walk and Roll
  • Exposure through TV, newspaper, and online media by having the Stanley Cup in the Pride Parade 2010, viral Christmas 2013 video, and marching with WGN-TV, Tommy Hawk of the Chicago Blackhawks, and the Stanley Cup
  • Fundraising with Red Liners apparel and gear such as hockey bags, jerseys, and hoodies.

Currently, the CGHA fields four teams named the Red Liners. The Downtown Red Liners play in the C2 division at Johnny’s Ice House, the North Side Red Liners play in the recreational league at the McFetridge Sports Complex and the Heartland Red Liners play at American Heartland Ice Arena in the novice league. We also have the Outdoor Red Liners who play in the Chicago Outdoor Hockey League. We also practices which provide new players a chance to get out on the ice and learn the game or returning players a chance to warm up their legs.

The CGHA hosts events throughout the year ranging from the Wolves Night Out to PUCK-er Up, a CGHA vs. CGHA game complete with bragging rights and a trophy. In addition to skating in the Pride parade, we visit schools to do outreach, and we participate in several volunteer events a year to benefit the Chicago area. Check out our calendar for all of our games, events and more!

If you are interested in learning more about the organization, please contact us and we will be happy to get back to you.

Official Non-Discrimination Policy:

No person shall be excluded from participation in any program with, denied membership to, or subjected to discrimination in any activity with the Chicago Gay Hockey Association on the basis of sexual orientation, sexual identity, gender identity, race, religion, creed, political belief, age, national origin, socio-economic status, marital or familial status, disability or any other legally protected status.  The Chicago Gay Hockey Association provides an environment within the hockey community that is open to all players and fans that is free from discrimination and prejudice.