Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood is buzzing with the exciting news of a groundbreaking establishment that is set to redefine the city’s sports bar scene. Babe’s Sports Bar, which officially opened its doors on Saturday, September 28, 2025, is the first of its kind in Chicago dedicated exclusively to showcasing women’s athletics. The bar, founded by former college rugby co-captains Nora McConnell-Johnson and Tora Spillane, aims to be a vibrant community hub for fans eager to celebrate and support female athletes.
A Vision Rooted in Passion and Frustration
The inception of Babe’s Sports Bar stems from a deeply felt need identified by its founders. McConnell-Johnson and Spillane, who met as rugby co-captains at Reed College, grew tired of the struggle to find venues that prioritized women’s sports. “I think so much of this world was designed by and for men, and this is a bar for women’s sports,” McConnell-Johnson stated, highlighting a common frustration among many fans who often have to request bartenders to switch channels away from major men’s sporting events to catch their favorite women’s teams.
Named in honor of Mildred “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias, an unparalleled American athlete who dominated golf, basketball, and track and field in the mid-20th century, the bar embodies a spirit of pioneering excellence. Zaharias, known for her remarkable achievements and resilience in a male-dominated era, serves as an enduring inspiration for the bar’s mission to elevate women’s sports. McConnell-Johnson’s engagement with the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Foundation and her connection with Zaharias’s relative helped secure the naming rights, adding a layer of historical significance to the venture.
An Unwavering Commitment to Women’s Sports
Babe’s Sports Bar distinguishes itself by its resolute focus: only women’s sports will be broadcast. This intentional design ensures that games featuring Chicago’s professional women’s teams, including the Chicago Stars FC (soccer), Chicago Sky (WNBA), Chicago Tempest (rugby), Chicago Winds (football), and the Windy City Rollers (roller derby), are always front and center. The bar plans to broadcast all games for these teams and serve as a central meeting point for fans, especially during away games.
Beyond the major professional leagues, Babe’s intends to feature a diverse range of women’s sports, such as volleyball, softball, cyclocross, and gymnastics. The bar’s programming calendar will also be open to fan requests, provided commercial licenses can be secured and requests are made with sufficient advance notice. “We only show women’s sports. This is a space built for and by fans of women’s sports, and anyone who identifies as such is welcome at Babe’s!” reads a statement from the bar.
Overwhelming Demand and Community Celebration
The anticipation for Babe’s opening was palpable, culminating in an extraordinary turnout on its inaugural Saturday. Social media videos depicted lines of eager patrons extending down the block, eager to experience this unique sports bar concept. The overwhelming response led to the bar’s unexpected closure on Sunday to allow for restocking and a moment to recuperate, underscoring the immense community support and pent-up demand for such a venue. The bar is set to reopen on Tuesday.
The interior of Babe’s has been thoughtfully designed to be inclusive and reflective of its mission. Memorabilia collected from the community is integrated into the bar’s aesthetic, with items epoxied into tabletops and a communal trophy shelf. The design, led by local designer Ilyana Schwartz, is intended to be welcoming and comfortable, creating a space that feels like home for fans. Additionally, the bar has prioritized health and safety with planned upgrades for air filtration, following guidelines from the Clean Air Club.
A Growing Trend in Sports Culture
Babe’s Sports Bar joins a growing national movement of establishments dedicated exclusively to women’s sports, mirroring successful ventures in cities like Portland and Minneapolis. This trend reflects both the increasing viewership and attendance for women’s athletics and a persistent desire for dedicated spaces that prioritize these events. The success of Babe’s highlights the burgeoning commercial appeal of women’s sports and the strong fan base eager to support it.
With its unique concept and strong community backing, Babe’s Sports Bar is poised to become a landmark destination in Chicago’s sports landscape. It represents more than just a place to watch games; it is a testament to the growing recognition and celebration of women’s athletic achievements and a powerful symbol of community building within the sports world. As this new establishment carves its niche, it promises to foster connection, amplify the voices of female athletes, and create lasting memories for fans in Chicago and beyond.
