Not at all. Many members of CPH started hockey as adults or had never played before joining the community. We have programs, skates, and team options for a wide range of experience levels, including players who are completely new to the sport.

No. Chicago Pride Hockey welcomes LGBTQIA+ players and allies who want to be part of an inclusive, respectful, and community-focused hockey environment.

No. Our teams participate in existing adult recreational hockey leagues throughout the Chicagoland area, including leagues operated out of Blackhawks Ice Center, American Heartland Ice Arena, and Johnny’s IceHouse. CPH just organizes and manages our teams.

The exception being our McFet 4v4 team, which we run ourselves! The team is entirely made up of CPH members.

No. During regular league play, our teams compete against a wide variety of adult recreational hockey teams across Chicago. However, many of our tournaments, community events, and travel opportunities involve LGBTQIA+ hockey organizations from around the country.

The exception being our McFet 4v4 team! The team is entirely made up of CPH members.

CPH does not currently operate formal instructional classes or hockey schools. Instead, we help connect members with learn-to-skate programs, beginner hockey classes, stick-and-puck sessions, and other instructional opportunities at local rinks throughout the Chicagoland area.

Maybe! And we mean that in the least cryptic way possible.

Roster space changes throughout the year, but we do everything we can to get as many people on the ice as possible. Most teams aim for around 18 full-time players per season, and full-time players are expected to attend at least 60% of games.

The easiest time to join full-time is usually when a new season starts — typically in the summer, fall, and winter. If you find us mid-season, you may still be able to sub into games when teams have space.

Basically: reach out. We’ll look at current availability, your experience level, and where you’d fit best so we can help you find the right place to play.

Yes! We know not everyone can commit to a full season, and part-time players/subs are an important part of helping us keep games full.

That said, part-time spots work a little differently than full-time roster spots. Full-time players are prioritized first, so we can’t guarantee a certain number of games for part-time players. When teams have space available, we do our best to offer sub opportunities based on roster needs, attendance, and skill-level fit.

That’s completely normal, especially in hockey. Many members joined CPH because traditional hockey spaces felt intimidating or unwelcoming. Our goal is to create an environment where people can ask questions, learn at their own pace, meet others, and enjoy being part of the community both on and off the ice.

Yes. Player dues help cover the real costs of playing hockey, including ice time, refs, league fees, and other team expenses. Full-time players pay season dues, and part-time players/subs pay when they play.

That said, we never want cost to be the reason someone can’t play with Chicago Pride Hockey. If dues are a concern, please reach out. We’ll do our best to work with you confidentially and talk through what options may be available.

For league play and most on-ice activities, yes. Hockey equipment is important for both safety and comfort on the ice. New players often build their equipment over time, and CPH members are happy to help answer questions about gear, sizing, and where to shop.

Schedules vary by league and season, but most teams play one game per week during their season. We play year-round. We also organize additional community skates, tournaments, stick-and-puck sessions, and social events throughout the year.

Nope! While our teams are a big part of what we do, Chicago Pride Hockey is more than just roster spots.

You can be part of CPH by coming to drop-in skates, clinics, fundraisers, social events, watch parties, community events, or just cheering people on. Some people join us ready to play full-time, some start as subs, some are brand new to hockey, and some are just here for the community.

TLDR: you do not need to be on a team to belong here. If you want to be part of an LGBTQIA+ inclusive hockey community, there’s a place for you in CPH.