It's a busy timeon and off the pitchfor the Chicago Dragons, the predominantly gay rugby club.
Let's start with what's happening on it. The Dragons, on Oct. 25, defeated the host Chicago Riot 15-12 at Smith Park for the team's second CARFU win and pushing its season record to 2-2 with one match to go: Nov. 15 against the South Side Irish.
The Chicago Area Rugby Football Union ( CARFU ) is the Local Area Union ( LAU ) for rugby union teams in the Chicago metro area. CARFU is part of the Midwest Rugby Football Union ( MRFU ), which is also the multi-state governing body. All local and territorial unions are part of USA Rugby.
"The Dragons have never been in a better state than we are now," said Robert Klein, 24, who has played for the team for almost two years and joined its board of directors as communications officer last November. "Our numbers have increased dramatically. Each season we grow. We now have over 40 active players and social members. This is a team that accepts anyone regardless of orientation or experience level."
The Dragons are the only gay-inclusive rugby team in Chicago. The team just celebrated its 10th anniversary.
"We've come a long way, to say the least, and it shows," Klein said. "It's almost like an underdog story. We won our very first CARFU match against the Chicago Blaze this season, [which] was an incredible accomplishment."
Off the field, the Dragons will hold their annual Ms. Ruck & Maul drag singing fundraiser on Nov. 8 at Sidetrack. It is one of the team's biggest events of the year, featuring ruggers ( gay and straight ) glamming for bragging rights, awareness and more.
"This year, we're definitely pulling out all the stops," for the event, Klein said. "Every Dragon will be there, and not just current members. Numerous alumni players will be coming into town to attend the event. Besides the actual competition, we plan on having other members of our team participate by performing shows and skits in between performances. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are performing as well as judging the competition. We have comedians, burlesque dancers, merchandise for sale and more.
"It's not just a drag show; it's a variety show. Our team has the capability to do more things to entertain everyone. Ruck & Maul isn't just a fundraiser; it's also a way of saying thank-you to our fans and supporters."
Klein, who was born and raised in Oak Park and is a concierge for Concierge Unlimited International, is one of the favorites to claim the prestigious Ms. Ruck & Maul crownas his alter ego Morrigan Lust, that is. "Well not to sound full of myself, but I was runner-up at last year's competition and to this day, people still say I was robbed of the title. I'm coming back with a vengeance. Hell hath no fury like a second-place scorned."
Other leading candidates for the crown are Michael J. Turkal ( JonBenet Rimsey ) and Anthony Ryan ( Areola Venti ).
"Michael is bringing incredible energy to Ruck & Maul," Klein said. "He's one of our nicer contestants this year, [but] don't let that innocence fool youJJonBenet is like a cat; he will strike when you least expect it.
"Anthony is bringing fierce attitude for the competition. He'll be throwing shade left and right, has been practicing for months and spent his entire life savings just for this one night. Ms. Venti is determined to win at any cost. He won't let anyone get in his way."
The Dragons released a promotional video, "Ms. Ruck & Maul 2014 Rehearsal" in hopes of showcasing "how funny and entertaining" the team can be, Klein said.
"I wanted it to be a comedic, upbeat video," he said. "As with any high intensity sport, such as rugby, there can be a stigma that we're just rough guys who like to hurt each other which is far from the case, especially for the Dragons. I wanted to show in this video that we're just a bunch of goofy guys who like to have fun and care about our team and our fans. It's definitely a silly video, but it has a lot of heart, just like the Dragons."
The Dragons also are excitement-filled for the upcoming international rugby match, featuring the renowned New Zealand All Blacks Nov. 1 in Chicago. The USA Eagles' match against the top-ranked All Blacks sold out the 61,500-seat stadium, according to a Washington Post item.
The Dragons are holding a tailgate party for the eventin the south lot, just south of the field near 18th Street.
"The Dragons were one of the first groups of people to buy tickets when it was announced that the All Blacks were coming to Chicago," Klein said. "All over the country, ruggers are coming in to witness this momentous event. We're incredibly honored that USA Rugby and New Zealand All Blacks chose Chicago to host this event."
The Dragons also are looking to step onto the international rugby stage as the team this summer officially bid to host the 2016 Bingham Cup, the prestigious, biennial event held in honor of Mark Bingham, a gay rugby player and one of the heroes of 9/11.
"We want anyone who has the drive and the passion to play the greatest sport in the world to have a chance to compete," Klein said. "The Chicago Bingham Committee has paid attention to our friends around the world and sharpened [our] pencils to deliver a schedule, budget, and cost structure that is affordable and equitable for the 2016 Bingham Cup.
"The Chicago Dragons and IGRAB clubs around the globe are leaders in our local communities, exemplifying the notion that regardless of background, anyone can play rugby. We want Chicago's next generation to hear that message loud and clear.
"The Committee has worked incredibly hard to make sure the Chicago Bingham Cup 2016 will be an unforgettable experience. The social [events] alone will be fantastic. We [will] have our opening ceremony at Navy Pier and [the] closing ceremony at the House of Blues."
Plus, Chicago will introduce women's matches for the first time in the Bingham Cup, Klein confirmed.
"With women's teams from the Chicago region committing to supporting a tournament structure, the committee has guaranteed a venue for women's teams associated with IGRAB clubs to compete," he said. "We hope over the next two years more IGRAB clubs will develop women's sides, so that the inaugural women's tournament has a competitive and fun attendance from around the world."
The host city for the 2016 event is announced Nov. 10.
To see the Dragons' promotional video for the 2014 Ms. Ruck & Maul, go to www.youtube.com/watch .