Stay active with Running, Badminton and Dance
Staying active and getting involved in the Flames Community is easy. With an impressive selection of 29 sports clubs, there is something for everyone. Here are some student highlights exploring Campus Recreation Sports Clubs. Get involved, check out the Sports Clubs website, and contact club officers.
Running Club
The UIC Running Club brings students together for a common hobby: Running. The Running Club thrived through the pandemic when most members began their running journey. The Running Club aims to continue the running tradition for high school runners who choose not to compete in D1 Track & Cross Country at UIC. The club also welcomes runners of any experience level. The running club competes in numerous events including the NIRCA Cross Country Regionals, Hot Chocolate Run 5k/10k/15k, the Deloitte Shamrock Shuffle 8k, and the Northwestern Indoor Triathlon.
Throughout the years, the Running Club has transformed casual runners into competitive and experienced runners. A few of the most experienced members participated in the 2022 NIRCA Midwest Regionals, delivering top-notch results. President Joshua Sanchez Bustos says, “It was great to see that based on the runs we did, we got a lot of great race results from several people.” In addition to participating in runs across the city, the Running Club also finds joy in volunteering for the annual Chicago Bank of America Marathon. The marathon comes with a 3:00 am wake-up call, but it is the most memorable event each year. Volunteers take part in the rewarding task of helping 48,000 runners cross the finish line. Many members are training for the next marathon already. Joshua describes it as "a full-circle moment of first providing help and then receiving the help throughout the race." Following every race, the group celebrates by enjoying a meal together.
Join the Running Club.
Badminton Club
The Badminton Club prides itself on its ability to identify, select, and promote badminton players at UIC. The club operates on the belief that they are responsible for taking UIC Badminton to the next level to promote the sport. The badminton club is very selective and hosts tryouts every semester. Interested students can see if their talents match the skill level needed to be part of the team. Active members have weekly training sessions and travel to participate in tournaments like the UIUC Open and the Madison Open.
After being a part of the team for two years, President Nikhil Bedi says he has seen many new players and constant growth in the existing players. Nikhil says, “We take pride in the memories we make and the energy we bring into tournaments. We continue to push each other which inevitably helps us perform better”.
Join the Badminton Club.
Primo Dance Crew
Embrace vibrant expression through Primo Dance Crew, a UIC dance team united by the common goals of diversity, and personal and artistic growth. The team cultivates a welcoming space for individuals to express themselves and unlock their potential as dancers. Auditions are in the Fall and Spring semester. President Breanny Henry and Vice President Alyssa Bernardino say, “Whether you started a month ago or have been dancing your whole life, Primo welcomes all levels. We provide training while making valuable connections with each other.”
Members of Primo Dance Crew benefit from recreational and competitive aspects including free access to workshops held by Chicago dance community members, exhibition performances, and competitions. Currently, the team is gearing up for FIA’s Battle of the Bamboo and Prelude Midwest. Primo’s annual showcase, "Never Stop Dancing", showcases the members’ growth and hard work. Alyssa mentioned, “Performances are typically recorded professionally and posted online, so it’s always fun to watch your performances and be able to share them with people.”
Additionally, Primo has a unique “fam” system, where members join smaller groups led by its board members. After semester-long competitions, they end the year with a “fam game day” and retreats to strengthen bonds. Activities include team outings, karaoke, and shared performances, ensuring the lasting memories of hard work and passion put into each performance.
Join Primo Dance Crew.
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Discover your niche among UIC's dynamic sports clubs. These clubs create unforgettable experiences, offering something for everyone. Join now to forge lasting connections, push boundaries, and embrace the vibrant sports community at UIC.