BornonJune8: Attribution: content in this section was copied from Chicago Bruisers, Chicago Rush, Chicago Politicians, Sports in Chicago on April 12, 2020. Please see the history of that page for full attribution
The Chicago metropolitan area was also home to the [[Chicago Rush]] of the [[Arena Football League (2010)|Arena Football League]], who played at [[Allstate Arena]] in Rosemont. The Rush won its first championship in 2006, [[ArenaBowl XX]].<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref> Chicago was also home to the [[Chicago Bruisers]] from 1987 to 1989, an original team in the AFL's inaugural season in 1987. The Bruisers hosted [[ArenaBowl II]].<ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref><ref>Liquid error: wrong number of arguments (given 1, expected 2)</ref>
The [[Chicago Rush]] has been a member of the [[Arena Football League]] since 2001, and won [[ArenaBowl XX]], playing in suburban [[Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont]], although they now played in Rockford, as of 2013. The team has been defunct since 2013.
==Chicago Politicians (1986)==
The Chicago Politicians were a team formed in [[1986 in sports|1986]] by [[Arena Football League]] founder [[Jim Foster (football)|Jim Foster]] to play an initial "test game" in [[Rockford, Illinois]], at the [[Rockford MetroCentre|MetroCentre]]. They were defeated by the [[Rockford Metros]], 30–18. The test was deemed successful, as a four-team "demonstration season" was held the next year, and [[Arena football]] has been played every year since, although the original Arena Football League itself ceased operations after its 2008 season, and the current organization of that name bought the rights to it in [[bankruptcy]] proceedings. Some of the Politicians, went on to play for the [[Chicago Bruisers]] and the other charter AFL teams, the [[Denver Dynamite (Arena Football)|Denver Dynamite]], [[Tampa Bay Storm|Pittsburgh Gladiators]], and [[Washington Commandos]].
==Chicago Bruisers (1987–1989)==
The Bruisers were an outgrowth of the [[Chicago Politicians]], a team put together by [[Jim Foster (football)|Jim Foster]] to play an exhibition game to prove the feasibility of the sport the previous year. The team logo depicted a [[bulldog]]. One of the founders of the Bruisers was former [[Chicago Bears]] linebacker and [[WSCR]] host [[Doug Buffone]].
The Bruisers were part of the 1987 "Showcase Game", losing to the [[Miami Vise]] by a score of 33–30.
The Bruisers took a chance with a young team that averaged 25 years of age.<ref></ref> The Bruisers' lost their first game in franchise history, 44–52 in overtime, to the [[Denver Dynamite (arena football)|Denver Dynamite]].<ref></ref> The Bruisers struggled in their second game, giving up 45 points in the first half before losing 23–60 to the Pittsburgh Gladiators.<ref></ref> Despite getting off to a 2–3 start, the Bruisers had an opportunity to make it to [[ArenaBowl I]] with a win in the final week of the season against the Dynamite.<ref></ref> The Bruisers however would lose 35–52. They finished with a record of 2–4 and failed to qualify for the playoffs.
==Chicago Rush (2001–2013)==
The Rush made its AFL debut in 2001. The team played its home games at the [[Allstate Arena]] (formerly known as the Rosemont Horizon), the same venue previously used by the [[Chicago Bruisers]], one of the four original Arena Football League teams.
The Rush have made the playoffs every year in the franchise's short history, and so far, they have made one [[ArenaBowl]] appearance. [[Mike Hohensee]] was the franchise's first coach, and he remained the Rush's only coach until becoming the head coach of the [[Philadelphia Soul]] in 2011. One year after, Hohensee left the Soul to coach the Iowa Barnstormers.
In their inaugural year (2001), the Rush finished the regular season 7–7 and won their very first playoff game, beating the [[Orlando Predators]] 41–26, but lost to the eventual [[ArenaBowl XV]] champion [[Grand Rapids Rampage]] 53–21. The team featured young players that would become Rush fixtures and fan favorites in the years to come, such as quarterback [[Billy Dicken]], [[Joe Douglass]], Damien Porter and Jamie McGourty, and Riley Kleinhesselink, Cedric Walker, and Anthony Ladd.
In 2006, despite their first losing record of 7–9, the Rush got into the playoffs, receiving the #5 seed in the American Conference.
In the off-season, signed former [[Heisman Trophy]] finalist [[Michael Bishop (gridiron football)|Michael Bishop]] and [[Matt D'Orazio]] to fight to be the team's starting quarterback, and D'Orazio got the game. During the regular season, Chicago started the year at 0–2, but during the season, the Rush picked up defensive back [[Jeremy Unertl]] and offensive specialist [[Bobby Sippio]]. Both made huge impacts on their respective sides of the ball.
With a 5–9 record, the Rush won its last two games of the regular season to get a playoff spot. In the playoffs, the Rush managed to pull off key upsets. In the Wild Card Round, the Rush defeated the fourth-seeded [[Nashville Kats]] 55–47. In the Divisional Round, Chicago managed to pull off a huge upset by taking down the defending champion [[Colorado Crush]], 63–46. In the Conference Championship they upset the second-seeded [[San Jose SaberCats]] 59–56, giving the Rush their very first ArenaBowl appearance in franchise history.
In [[ArenaBowl XX]], the Rush defeated the [[Orlando Predators]], 69–61, to give Chicago their first Arena Bowl title. Quarterback Matt D'Orazio was Offensive Player of the Game, wide receiver/defensive back Dennison Robinson took Defensive Player of the Game honors, and fullback/linebacker Bob McMillen was named the Ironman of the Game. With the win, the Rush became the first team with a losing regular-season record to win a championship in any sport since the 1937–38 [[Chicago Blackhawks]].
In 2009, the [[Arena Football League]] suspended operations to refinance and restructure its business plan. After a one-year layoff, the AFL and Chicago Rush returned in 2010 with a single entity model. On December 10, 2009, it was announced that the Rush would be returning for 2010 under new ownership as a member of [[Arena Football 1]]. The ownership obtained the rights to the name after a court auction granted the AF1 control of the AFL's assets. Two months later, the AF1 decided to adopt the former Arena Football League name.
The 2010 Rush roster would feature many new faces. However, former Rush players [[quarterback]] [[Russ Michna]], jack linebacker/wide receiver [[DeJuan Alfonzo]], and linemen [[Joe Peters]], [[Robert Boss]], and [[Beau Elliot]] rejoined the team. Also on the roster was [[wide receiver]] [[Samie Parker]], [[Thaddeus Coleman]], and kicker [[Chris Gould]].
Chicago returned to the field on April 2, 2010 on the road against the [[Iowa Barnstormers]]. The game was broadcast on the [[NFL Network]] and Chicago won 61–43. The Rush began the season 4–0 and were in first place in the division at 10–4. However, the team lost its last two games, first to the 1–13 [[Dallas Vigilantes]] and then closed out the year on the road losing to the [[Spokane Shock]]. It cost the team a chance at the division title and forced the team to go on the road for the playoffs. The team ended the regular season at 10–6, and lost to the [[Milwaukee Iron]] in the playoffs.
On November 12, 2012, the Chicago Rush were purchased by a group, headed by Julee White of Testarossa Entertainment,<ref></ref> but the purchase was terminated by the AFL three months later due to the ownership's failure to meet league obligations.<ref></ref>
On February 7, 2013, the Rush were purchased by Star Rush Football, LLC, an ownership led by private-equity firm manager David Staral Jr.<ref>[https://ift.tt/3a50rkG AFL approves new owner for Chicago Rush], ''The Daily Herald'', February 8, 2013</ref> Weeks later, they finalized a deal with Allstate Arena in Rosemont to play all but two home games.<ref>[https://ift.tt/2V4Kbfc Chicago Rush to play at Allstate Arena this season], Danny Ecker, ''ChicagoBusiness.com'', February 27, 2013</ref> The other two home games (June 8 against the [[Utah Blaze]] and June 15 versus the [[San Antonio Talons]]) will be played at the [[BMO Harris Bank Center]] in [[Rockford, Illinois]], which hosted the first "test game" for the AFL in 1986.<ref>[https://ift.tt/2V4KbvI Chicago Rush to play 2 Arena League football games in Rockford], Matt Trowbridge, ''Rockford Register Star'', March 1, 2013</ref> One week before the season opener, the new ownership group introduced the team's new logo and uniforms, which removed the gray from the logo and replaced it with red.<ref></ref>
In May 2013, David Staral Jr. bounced a check needed to secure Allstate Arena for two upcoming home games. Upon the news, the AFL took over control of the franchise.<ref></ref> Staral later pleaded guilty to Federal bankruptcy and wire fraud charges for concealing that he was undergoing bankruptcy proceedings while in negotiations to buy the team.<ref></ref>
On August 1, 2013 the Rush traveled to [[Spokane, Washington]] to play the 14-4 [[Spokane Shock]] in the first round of the AFL playoffs. They lost to Spokane, 69–47. Three costly turnovers in the fourth quarter sealed the deal. Spokane went on to win another playoff game.
The league has announced that the Rush did not sign a two-year commitment form to play in 2014 or 2015, thus will sit out until further notice. The team's roster was liquidated in a dispersal draft.
==References==
==External links==
* [https://ift.tt/34uTQi8 Chicago Bruisers at ArenaFan.com]
* [https://ift.tt/2XtVO0L Chicago Rush at ArenaFan.com]
[[Category:Chicago Bruisers| ]]
[[Category:Chicago Rush| ]]
[[Category:Arena Football League in Chicago| ]]
[[Category:American football teams in Illinois|Arena Football League]]
[[Category:History of the Arena Football League by city|Chicago]]
The [[Chicago Rush]] has been a member of the [[Arena Football League]] since 2001, and won [[ArenaBowl XX]], playing in suburban [[Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont]], although they now played in Rockford, as of 2013. The team has been defunct since 2013.
==Chicago Politicians (1986)==
The Chicago Politicians were a team formed in [[1986 in sports|1986]] by [[Arena Football League]] founder [[Jim Foster (football)|Jim Foster]] to play an initial "test game" in [[Rockford, Illinois]], at the [[Rockford MetroCentre|MetroCentre]]. They were defeated by the [[Rockford Metros]], 30–18. The test was deemed successful, as a four-team "demonstration season" was held the next year, and [[Arena football]] has been played every year since, although the original Arena Football League itself ceased operations after its 2008 season, and the current organization of that name bought the rights to it in [[bankruptcy]] proceedings. Some of the Politicians, went on to play for the [[Chicago Bruisers]] and the other charter AFL teams, the [[Denver Dynamite (Arena Football)|Denver Dynamite]], [[Tampa Bay Storm|Pittsburgh Gladiators]], and [[Washington Commandos]].
==Chicago Bruisers (1987–1989)==
The Bruisers were an outgrowth of the [[Chicago Politicians]], a team put together by [[Jim Foster (football)|Jim Foster]] to play an exhibition game to prove the feasibility of the sport the previous year. The team logo depicted a [[bulldog]]. One of the founders of the Bruisers was former [[Chicago Bears]] linebacker and [[WSCR]] host [[Doug Buffone]].
The Bruisers were part of the 1987 "Showcase Game", losing to the [[Miami Vise]] by a score of 33–30.
The Bruisers took a chance with a young team that averaged 25 years of age.<ref></ref> The Bruisers' lost their first game in franchise history, 44–52 in overtime, to the [[Denver Dynamite (arena football)|Denver Dynamite]].<ref></ref> The Bruisers struggled in their second game, giving up 45 points in the first half before losing 23–60 to the Pittsburgh Gladiators.<ref></ref> Despite getting off to a 2–3 start, the Bruisers had an opportunity to make it to [[ArenaBowl I]] with a win in the final week of the season against the Dynamite.<ref></ref> The Bruisers however would lose 35–52. They finished with a record of 2–4 and failed to qualify for the playoffs.
==Chicago Rush (2001–2013)==
The Rush made its AFL debut in 2001. The team played its home games at the [[Allstate Arena]] (formerly known as the Rosemont Horizon), the same venue previously used by the [[Chicago Bruisers]], one of the four original Arena Football League teams.
The Rush have made the playoffs every year in the franchise's short history, and so far, they have made one [[ArenaBowl]] appearance. [[Mike Hohensee]] was the franchise's first coach, and he remained the Rush's only coach until becoming the head coach of the [[Philadelphia Soul]] in 2011. One year after, Hohensee left the Soul to coach the Iowa Barnstormers.
In their inaugural year (2001), the Rush finished the regular season 7–7 and won their very first playoff game, beating the [[Orlando Predators]] 41–26, but lost to the eventual [[ArenaBowl XV]] champion [[Grand Rapids Rampage]] 53–21. The team featured young players that would become Rush fixtures and fan favorites in the years to come, such as quarterback [[Billy Dicken]], [[Joe Douglass]], Damien Porter and Jamie McGourty, and Riley Kleinhesselink, Cedric Walker, and Anthony Ladd.
In 2006, despite their first losing record of 7–9, the Rush got into the playoffs, receiving the #5 seed in the American Conference.
In the off-season, signed former [[Heisman Trophy]] finalist [[Michael Bishop (gridiron football)|Michael Bishop]] and [[Matt D'Orazio]] to fight to be the team's starting quarterback, and D'Orazio got the game. During the regular season, Chicago started the year at 0–2, but during the season, the Rush picked up defensive back [[Jeremy Unertl]] and offensive specialist [[Bobby Sippio]]. Both made huge impacts on their respective sides of the ball.
With a 5–9 record, the Rush won its last two games of the regular season to get a playoff spot. In the playoffs, the Rush managed to pull off key upsets. In the Wild Card Round, the Rush defeated the fourth-seeded [[Nashville Kats]] 55–47. In the Divisional Round, Chicago managed to pull off a huge upset by taking down the defending champion [[Colorado Crush]], 63–46. In the Conference Championship they upset the second-seeded [[San Jose SaberCats]] 59–56, giving the Rush their very first ArenaBowl appearance in franchise history.
In [[ArenaBowl XX]], the Rush defeated the [[Orlando Predators]], 69–61, to give Chicago their first Arena Bowl title. Quarterback Matt D'Orazio was Offensive Player of the Game, wide receiver/defensive back Dennison Robinson took Defensive Player of the Game honors, and fullback/linebacker Bob McMillen was named the Ironman of the Game. With the win, the Rush became the first team with a losing regular-season record to win a championship in any sport since the 1937–38 [[Chicago Blackhawks]].
In 2009, the [[Arena Football League]] suspended operations to refinance and restructure its business plan. After a one-year layoff, the AFL and Chicago Rush returned in 2010 with a single entity model. On December 10, 2009, it was announced that the Rush would be returning for 2010 under new ownership as a member of [[Arena Football 1]]. The ownership obtained the rights to the name after a court auction granted the AF1 control of the AFL's assets. Two months later, the AF1 decided to adopt the former Arena Football League name.
The 2010 Rush roster would feature many new faces. However, former Rush players [[quarterback]] [[Russ Michna]], jack linebacker/wide receiver [[DeJuan Alfonzo]], and linemen [[Joe Peters]], [[Robert Boss]], and [[Beau Elliot]] rejoined the team. Also on the roster was [[wide receiver]] [[Samie Parker]], [[Thaddeus Coleman]], and kicker [[Chris Gould]].
Chicago returned to the field on April 2, 2010 on the road against the [[Iowa Barnstormers]]. The game was broadcast on the [[NFL Network]] and Chicago won 61–43. The Rush began the season 4–0 and were in first place in the division at 10–4. However, the team lost its last two games, first to the 1–13 [[Dallas Vigilantes]] and then closed out the year on the road losing to the [[Spokane Shock]]. It cost the team a chance at the division title and forced the team to go on the road for the playoffs. The team ended the regular season at 10–6, and lost to the [[Milwaukee Iron]] in the playoffs.
On November 12, 2012, the Chicago Rush were purchased by a group, headed by Julee White of Testarossa Entertainment,<ref></ref> but the purchase was terminated by the AFL three months later due to the ownership's failure to meet league obligations.<ref></ref>
On February 7, 2013, the Rush were purchased by Star Rush Football, LLC, an ownership led by private-equity firm manager David Staral Jr.<ref>[https://ift.tt/3a50rkG AFL approves new owner for Chicago Rush], ''The Daily Herald'', February 8, 2013</ref> Weeks later, they finalized a deal with Allstate Arena in Rosemont to play all but two home games.<ref>[https://ift.tt/2V4Kbfc Chicago Rush to play at Allstate Arena this season], Danny Ecker, ''ChicagoBusiness.com'', February 27, 2013</ref> The other two home games (June 8 against the [[Utah Blaze]] and June 15 versus the [[San Antonio Talons]]) will be played at the [[BMO Harris Bank Center]] in [[Rockford, Illinois]], which hosted the first "test game" for the AFL in 1986.<ref>[https://ift.tt/2V4KbvI Chicago Rush to play 2 Arena League football games in Rockford], Matt Trowbridge, ''Rockford Register Star'', March 1, 2013</ref> One week before the season opener, the new ownership group introduced the team's new logo and uniforms, which removed the gray from the logo and replaced it with red.<ref></ref>
In May 2013, David Staral Jr. bounced a check needed to secure Allstate Arena for two upcoming home games. Upon the news, the AFL took over control of the franchise.<ref></ref> Staral later pleaded guilty to Federal bankruptcy and wire fraud charges for concealing that he was undergoing bankruptcy proceedings while in negotiations to buy the team.<ref></ref>
On August 1, 2013 the Rush traveled to [[Spokane, Washington]] to play the 14-4 [[Spokane Shock]] in the first round of the AFL playoffs. They lost to Spokane, 69–47. Three costly turnovers in the fourth quarter sealed the deal. Spokane went on to win another playoff game.
The league has announced that the Rush did not sign a two-year commitment form to play in 2014 or 2015, thus will sit out until further notice. The team's roster was liquidated in a dispersal draft.
==References==
==External links==
* [https://ift.tt/34uTQi8 Chicago Bruisers at ArenaFan.com]
* [https://ift.tt/2XtVO0L Chicago Rush at ArenaFan.com]
[[Category:Chicago Bruisers| ]]
[[Category:Chicago Rush| ]]
[[Category:Arena Football League in Chicago| ]]
[[Category:American football teams in Illinois|Arena Football League]]
[[Category:History of the Arena Football League by city|Chicago]]
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