Clarissa Flores, a former Northwestern University basketball player and seasoned hospitality professional, is bridging the gap in Chicago’s sports landscape. Slated for a late April or early May opening, Level Sporting Club will become the first dedicated women’s sports bar in Wrigleyville. Located at 3343 N. Clark St., just steps from the historic Wrigley Field, the venue aims to provide a permanent “brick-and-mortar home” for fans who have long struggled to find female-centric athletic coverage in traditional bars. Flores, who has spent two decades managing some of the world’s most successful hospitality venues, views this project as a homecoming—a fusion of her professional expertise and her lifelong passion for women’s athletics.
The Deep Dive
For years, women’s sports fans have navigated a frustrating ritual: walking into a crowded bar and asking the staff to switch at least one screen to a WNBA or NWSL game. Clarissa Flores, a Northwestern alumna (Communication ’03) who played Division I basketball, decided it was time to change that narrative. With Level Sporting Club, she isn’t just opening a bar; she is building what she calls “infrastructure” for a community that has historically been an afterthought in the multibillion-dollar sports hospitality industry.
Building the Infrastructure for Visibility
Flores points out that while the fandom for women’s sports has existed for decades—recalling her own high school championship games at Whitney Young that drew thousands of spectators—the physical spaces to celebrate that fandom have been lacking. “The support has been there, but what has not been there for women’s sports is the infrastructure,” Flores explained in a recent interview. Level Sporting Club joins a small but rapidly growing cohort of bars across the United States, such as Portland’s The Sports Bra and Seattle’s Rough & Tumble, that prioritize female athletes on every screen.
The space itself is designed to be an “institution.” Spanning over 5,600 square feet, the venue will feature a unique two-tier experience. The upper level is envisioned as a homey, vintage Chicago sports bar, while the lower level will offer a lounge-style energy. Design elements like black subway tiles, red velvet accents, and polished wood are intended to evoke the classic feel of a neighborhood tavern while maintaining a premium, modern edge.
The “Caitlin Clark Effect” and Market Growth
Timing for the launch could not be more fortuitous. The rise of superstars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has sent women’s basketball viewership skyrocketing, with revenue in women’s sports growing four times faster than men’s sports between 2022 and 2024. By situating Level Sporting Club in the “entertainment corridor” of Chicago, Flores is placing women’s sports at the center of the action rather than on the sidelines.
Flores is not alone in this mission. Level Sporting Club is part of an all-queer women leadership and investor team. The project also reflects a broader shift in the city’s culture; Chicago recently welcomed Babe’s Sports Bar in Logan Square, suggesting that the Windy City is more than ready for an ecosystem of spaces dedicated to female athletics.
A Culinary Experience by Chef Amanda Barnes
To ensure the venue stands out in a competitive market like Wrigleyville, Flores has recruited elite talent for the kitchen. Chef Amanda Barnes, the executive chef of TAO Chicago and a two-time Bib Gourmand recipient, serves as the Chief Culinary Officer. Barnes, herself a former D1 soccer player, is crafting an elevated gastropub menu that moves beyond standard bar fare. The goal is to provide a world-class dining experience that anchors the business, proving that women’s sports can successfully drive a high-end hospitality model.
As the final cosmetic touches are applied to the Clark Street location, the excitement in Chicago’s sports community is palpable. For Flores, the goal is simple: when a fan walks through the doors, they should never have to ask to put the game on. They will already be home.
FAQ: People Also Ask
Where is Level Sporting Club located?
Level Sporting Club is located at 3343 N. Clark St. in the Wrigleyville neighborhood of Chicago, just a short walk from Wrigley Field.
When will Clarissa Flores’ women’s sports bar open?
The bar is currently targeting a late April or early May opening, coinciding with the start of the baseball season and the height of the spring sports calendar.
Will Level Sporting Club show men’s sports?
While the primary focus and the vast majority of screens will be dedicated to women’s sports, the venue is designed to be an inclusive space for all sports fans who want to support the growth and visibility of female athletes.
