WOODRIDGE, Ill. (WGN) — At the Midwest Badminton Club in Woodridge, the 2024 semi finals and finals of the Chicago Open were in full swing on this edition of Weekend Break.
“They’re going to see young kids, they’re going to see older players. It’s going to be a very tough competition today and it’s going to be super exciting,” said Heather Phillips, the tournament’s director.
Players at the Chicago Open ranged from 10 years old, to collegiate level and older, but organizers have a long term goal in mind when it comes to the sport.
Not currently recognized by the Illinois High School Association as a boys’ sport, club owners said they hope to change that by showing the high interest in the sport amongst males within their club alone.
“Fingers crossed that’ll change in the next few years because I definitely think there’s an interest,” Phelps said. “Midwest Badminton Club is very much mobilized and ready to get things organized for it to be a boys sport.”
For more info on the Midwest Badminton Club:
