## Level Sporting Club: Redefining the Sports Bar Experience in Chicago
LAKEVIEW — Chicago’s sports scene is about to get a major upgrade with the arrival of Level Sporting Club, a groundbreaking women’s sports bar set to open on Clark Street, just a stone’s throw from the iconic Wrigley Field. Founded by Clarissa Flores, a former Northwestern University basketball player and seasoned hospitality professional, Level Sporting Club aims to revolutionize the traditional sports bar model by prioritizing women’s athletics.
“For decades, women’s sports have been treated as secondary, something you have to ask for,” says Flores. “We’re challenging that norm and making it the priority.” This isn’t just about showing games; it’s about creating a space where women’s sports are celebrated as the default, fostering a community and providing the visibility they deserve.
### From the Court to the Corner Office
Flores’ journey is deeply rooted in the world of sports. After a successful basketball career at Northwestern, competing overseas, and representing the Puerto Rican national team, she transitioned into hospitality, honing her skills at Concord Hall and Lodge Management Group. However, Level Sporting Club represents a deeply personal venture.
“My whole life and career are indebted to the game,” Flores explains. “When I saw the momentum building in women’s sports – the record-breaking attendance, the investment – I knew I had to build something like this.”
### More Than Just a Bar: A Community Hub
Level Sporting Club, located at 3343 N. Clark St., promises a dynamic experience. The bar will blend the high-energy atmosphere of a game-day venue with craft cocktails, elevated bar food, and community-focused programs. While Chicago’s beloved men’s teams will still be shown, women’s athletics will take center stage.
The bar’s ownership group reflects this commitment, comprised of former athletes and women deeply connected to the sports world. This includes Jennifer King, the first Black woman to hold a full-time NFL assistant coaching position, Ashleen Bracey, head coach of UIC’s women’s basketball team, retired professional basketball player Janae Smith, and other leaders in finance and real estate.
“Athletes just get it done,” Flores emphasizes. “We work as teams. Every role matters. That mentality shapes how this place is being built.”
### A Culinary Experience to Match the Competition
The kitchen will be helmed by Amanda Barnes, executive chef at Le Colonial, promising a menu of elevated bar fare. The venue will feature a high-energy main bar for games, DJs, and events, and a downstairs candlelit lounge, “Next Level,” for late-night cocktails.
### Joining a Growing Movement
Level Sporting Club joins Babe’s Sports Bar in Logan Square, signaling a growing demand for spaces dedicated to women’s sports. This demand highlights a previously underserved market, proving that when given access and visibility, women’s sports thrive.
Furthermore, the opening contributes to the revitalization of the Clark Street corridor, which has faced challenges in recent years. Flores intentionally chose this location, recognizing its significance as a sports institution in Chicago.
### Looking Ahead
Level Sporting Club is slated to open in late April or early May. With the WNBA All-Star Game coming to Chicago in 2026, Flores is excited about the future and the community that will form within the club’s walls.
“To finally do something that’s mine, and to see the support already coming in, it’s overwhelming in the best way,” she says. “This is about giving women’s sports the space they’ve always deserved.”
[Block Club Chicago](https://blockclubchicago.org/) is a nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, nonpartisan and essential coverage of Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods.
