Not at all! The Chicago Gay Hockey Association is open to everyone. Our mission is to create a welcoming, non-discriminatory environment where all players—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or background—can enjoy the game of hockey.

We welcome players of all skill levels to join the CGHA community! Whether you're a seasoned player or just lacing up your skates for the first time, we provide a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone to enjoy hockey. Head to the Join Us page to get started!

There are a number of ways to get in touch with us to join the CGHA! You can send us a message on Instagram, reach out via email at join@chicagogayhockey.org, or head to the Join Us form to tell us about yourself. We’d love to hear from you and help get you involved with our community!

You don’t need to have all your own equipment to get started! We can assist with sourcing gear, whether through loaner equipment, recommendations, or connections within the community. However, you may need to gather some pieces on your own. If you have any questions about what you’ll need or where to find it, we’re happy to help!

We’re currently exploring options for offering training and skills clinics! In the meantime, many of our teammates attend stick-and-puck sessions at various rinks or participate in skill-specific programs offered by local rinks. Players who are just getting started have found these programs helpful for improving their skills, and we encourage teammates to join each other for extra practice and development.

The Chicago Gay Hockey Association hosts a variety of social events for players and fans. These include our friends and family open skating events, fundraising events at a variety of venues, and our famous Chicago Market Days Classic adult recreational hockey tournament. Visit our Events page to check out our calendar, sign up for notifications, or tell us about an event you’re hosting. You’ll also find listings for all of our upcoming games so you can come cheer on your favorite Chicago Red Liners players!

Absolutely! Non-players are more than welcome to get involved with the CGHA. We have a dedicated community outreach cohort that works to increase visibility for the CGHA and give back to the community. Whether it’s supporting local events, volunteering our time, or helping grow the game, there are plenty of ways to be part of our team beyond the ice! Head to our Events page to learn about our upcoming events.

The CGHA is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone in the hockey community. We foster a culture of respect, sportsmanship, and open communication, ensuring that all players feel welcomed and supported both on and off the ice. We also have strong, mutual relationships with the facilities where we play, reinforcing our commitment to a positive and inclusive hockey experience. If any concerns arise, we encourage members to reach out—whether to teammates, captains, or our board—so we can address any issues and continue to uphold our values of inclusivity and respect. Our goal is to make hockey a space where everyone can play and be themselves without fear of discrimination or exclusion.

CGHA champions LGBTQ+ visibility by creating an inclusive space for players of all identities and skill levels. Our teams play at multiple rinks, travel for tournaments, and engage in community outreach, ensuring representation wherever we go. We support hockey programs at all levels and work to make the sport more inclusive because visibility matters—you never know who might need to see it!

Currently, we do not have formal scholarship or financial aid programs, but we understand that the cost of league fees and equipment can be a burden. We are committed to working with members who reach out to explore flexible payment plans or potential fundraising opportunities. Our goal is to make hockey accessible to everyone, and we’re always looking for ways to assist both current and future members with costs. Contact us to get the conversation started.

Your financial support of the Chicago Gay Hockey Association helps us provide a welcoming and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ players and allies to enjoy the sport of hockey. Your financial contributions help offset the cost of ice time, equipment, and subsidizing fees for qualifying players. We also welcome donations of new or gently used equipment that help us bring new and returning players to the ice and empower them to discover a love of the sport and community. Visit our Giving Back page to learn more about how you can support the CGHA and our players.