When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
American Bocce Company, LLC
Why American Bocce Company, LLC is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
American Bocce Company, LLC is a vibrant and inclusive organization dedicated to growing the sport of bocce ball from its roots in Chicago to a global audience. Founded in 2015 by Alicia Harvey, Alex Gara, and Matt David—whose combined expertise spans hospitality, community development, and grassroots projects—the company began by revitalizing a vacant lot in Chicago’s Wicker Park into a lively community bocce ball park. This approach sparked a passionate subculture and set the foundation for American Bocce’s mission. The company excels at creating accessible social leagues hosted in bars and restaurants, attracting players of all skill levels and fostering community connections across cities like Tampa, Detroit, and Boise. Beyond leagues, American Bocce is known for its engaging presence at major events including Carnival Cruises, music festivals like Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits, weddings, corporate gatherings, and even support for Special Olympics bocce initiatives worldwide. Their headquarters houses the Chicago Bocce Club, a modern social club located in a bustling area near local breweries and the West Loop, offering a perfect meetup spot. With portable, safe equipment and professional, high-energy staff, American Bocce Company ensures every event is seamless and fun, making it a top choice for anyone looking to enjoy the timeless game of bocce while strengthening community bonds.
Here's what people think of American Bocce Company, LLC
As of recent, American Bocce Company, LLC holds a 5-star rating based on 9 reviews.
Reviews of American Bocce Company, LLC overwhelmingly praise the organization for its exceptional community-building spirit and professional event execution. Users highlight the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere of their social leagues and tournaments, emphasizing how accessible and engaging the sport is under American Bocce’s guidance. The passionate and knowledgeable staff receive frequent commendation for their energy and professionalism, which enhances the overall event experience whether at a casual bar league or a large-scale festival activation. Positive reviews also note the company’s innovative reach, bringing bocce to diverse environments such as cruise ships, music festivals, corporate outings, and charity events, all while maintaining a high standard of play and enjoyment. On the other hand, negative feedback is minimal but occasionally touches on the desire for even more frequent local league options or expanded presence in additional cities beyond their current main hubs. However, such critiques are minor compared to the widespread appreciation seen across reviews. In conclusion, American Bocce Company’s reputation for quality, community engagement, and expert event facilitation remains stellar, securing its position as a beloved leader in the promotion and celebration of bocce ball nationwide.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Sarah Aylward
I joined ABC as a fairly new Chicago resident and played for roughly six years. It was by far one of my favorite things about living in Chicago. Alex, Alicia, Matt and the team are so welcoming, and have built a community that’s fun, engaging and supportive. Could not recommend American Bocce Co. more highly — particularly if you’re new to the city and looking to meet a bunch of friendly and fun people right off the bat. And if you’re not athletic — don’t worry. There are people at every skill set and everyone’s there to have a great time. Only quit playing because I moved! Also — they do corporate events, which is highly recommend for team-building with a casual atmosphere.
Christianna Klangides
Absolutely loved working with American Bocce Co for our corporate holiday party. The staff was very fun, energetic and engaging. I would highly recommend them for any event.
Megan Saunsen
Best in the biz! Excellent experience over 5 seasons (so far) with the ABC league at Cleo’s. I’m hooked!
Andy Westby
Do you like fun? Do you like to have a drink or two? Are you kinda good at drinking sports? Well if you join a bocce league I can promise you you'll meet some of the most amazing people in Chicago and have the time of your life.
Milan Tomic
The best community experience and bocce ball in the Midwest
How to reach American Bocce Company, LLC
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Why American Bocce Company, LLC may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at American Bocce Company, LLC with your friends?
If you’re looking for a vibrant and engaging place to gather with your friends or family, American Bocce Company, LLC offers an exceptional venue that combines fun, community, and a unique sporting experience. Located in the heart of Chicago at 410 N Paulina St, this spot has become much more than just a bocce ball court—it’s a hub of social connection and inclusive entertainment. The company’s origins trace back to the Wicker Park neighborhood, where it began as a grassroots effort to build a community bocce park from a vacant lot, showcasing their deep commitment to creating welcoming spaces for all. Their passion for the sport is infectious, and their expertise in hospitality means your group will enjoy everything from casual social leagues to large-scale tournaments with thoughtful planning and enthusiastic staff. With a perfect 5.0 rating from satisfied customers, American Bocce Company is renowned for elevating any gathering, transforming ordinary meetups into memorable celebrations filled with laughter, friendly competition, and the simple joy of playing bocce together. Whether your group is small or large, casual or competitive, it’s a dynamic place tailored to foster connection and make every moment an occasion.
What activities can you enjoy at American Bocce Company, LLC?
American Bocce Company, LLC offers a variety of bocce ball activities designed to entertain groups of all sizes and skill levels. At its core, the company promotes bocce as an inclusive and approachable sport, making it accessible for beginners while still providing challenging play for seasoned competitors. The cornerstone activity is their signature social bocce leagues, which take place at bars and restaurants, combining the sport with a laid-back social atmosphere. Beyond casual play, American Bocce also hosts competitive domestic tournaments for more passionate players, cultivating a high standard of play that appeals to those looking to test their skills in a fun yet serious setting. Additionally, they offer portable bocce equipment and unique activations that allow them to bring the game to diverse venues including corporate outings, weddings, festivals, and even cruise ships. This versatility ensures your group can enjoy bocce no matter the occasion or location. Moreover, their community-driven ethos means that activities often have a festive, collaborative vibe where guests can relax, socialize, and bond over the game.
Why is American Bocce Company perfect for a group meetup?
American Bocce Company, LLC’s environment and services make it an ideal destination for group meetups because it balances competitive fun with a welcoming social setting. Their bocce courts serve as more than just a playing field—they are spaces that encourage teamwork, friendly rivalry, and prolonged engagement. The game itself is easy to pick up, so even guests unfamiliar with bocce can participate and feel included, reducing barriers and increasing group interaction. The company’s inclusive culture means that attendees of diverse ages and interests can find enjoyment, whether by playing, watching, or enjoying the ambiance. Its urban Chicago location offers convenient access for local groups, supplemented by the company’s expertise in organizing leagues and events that accommodate everything from casual friends’ nights out to coordinated private events. The social leagues hosted in partnership with local bars and restaurants also provide easy options for food and drink, enhancing the overall meetup experience. By blending sport, community, and hospitality, American Bocce Company creates a perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories with your loved ones.
How does American Bocce Company build community through bocce?
The foundation of American Bocce Company, LLC’s philosophy is community building, as seen from its initial project of transforming a vacant lot in Chicago’s Wicker Park into a vibrant bocce ball park. This grassroots start reflects their dedication to creating shared spaces where people can come together beyond the game itself. Their bocce leagues are purposely designed to be approachable and social, making them key venues for neighbors, coworkers, and newcomers to connect naturally. Beyond local leagues, the company extends its community outreach through large-scale tournaments and partnerships with organizations like the Special Olympics, showcasing a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity on a global scale. Their mobile bocce activations at music festivals, corporate events, and unconventional spaces demonstrate their belief that bocce can break down social barriers and foster camaraderie anywhere. This community focus transforms bocce from a sport into a cultural experience that nurtures friendships, supports wellness, and celebrates togetherness, making American Bocce Company a true social catalyst.
What makes American Bocce Company’s approach unique?
American Bocce Company, LLC stands out for its inclusive and community-driven approach to expanding the sport of bocce. Unlike traditional bocce venues that might only target established players, they focus on lowering the entry barrier so everyone can participate effortlessly. Their innovative use of portable bocce equipment enables the game to be played in a wide variety of settings beyond fixed courts, bringing the sport directly to people at festivals, workplaces, and social gatherings. This flexibility sets them apart by broadening bocce’s reach and adapting to different crowd dynamics and space constraints. Moreover, the founders’ backgrounds in hospitality, community development, and grassroots initiatives have shaped an engaging atmosphere that blends competitive play with social networking and entertainment. Through continuous events, leagues, and partnerships, they elevate bocce from a niche pastime to a celebrated, accessible sport while maintaining a high standard of professionalism and fun. This original combination of community focus, innovation, and expert event management makes American Bocce Company a pioneering leader in the bocce world.
How can American Bocce Company enhance special occasions?
American Bocce Company, LLC offers services that can transform special occasions into lively and unforgettable experiences by integrating bocce into celebrations like weddings, corporate outings, and festivals. The company’s adaptable approach allows them to tailor the game to suit any event scale or theme, creating a unique and interactive way for guests to mingle and enjoy themselves. Bocce’s naturally social format encourages team play and casual interaction, which can break the ice and foster new connections among attendees. For corporate events, this means a fun, competitive activity that strengthens team bonds and encourages collaboration outside the office. For weddings or family reunions, it offers a playful and inclusive way for guests of all ages to participate in a shared activity, enriching the celebration with smiles and friendly competition. American Bocce’s professional service ensures smooth setup and engaging facilitation, allowing hosts and guests to focus fully on enjoying the day while the company handles the details.
What has been the impact of American Bocce Company beyond Chicago?
While American Bocce Company, LLC is deeply rooted in Chicago, their influence extends significantly beyond the city through innovative outreach and partnerships. They have successfully hosted bocce leagues in a variety of cities across the United States, including Tampa, Detroit, and Boise, spreading the love of the game nationwide. Their collaboration with Carnival Cruises and presence at large-scale music festivals, such as Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits, have introduced bocce to millions, ensuring the sport’s visibility to diverse audiences. Perhaps most notably, they work with the Special Olympics worldwide to support bocce programming, which has a profound social impact by empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities. These efforts underscore American Bocce Company’s role as both an ambassador for the sport and a leader in social inclusivity and community engagement. Their national tournament programs and event activations continue to grow, positioning them as a key player in elevating bocce from a community pastime to a respected competitive and social sport across the country.
How do reviews and ratings reflect the experience at American Bocce Company?
American Bocce Company, LLC boasts an outstanding 5.0 rating based on nine reviews, reflecting the high level of satisfaction from customers who have experienced their services. This perfect rating speaks to the company’s successful combination of professional event management, engaging game play, and warm, welcoming environment. Reviewers often highlight the friendliness of the staff, the quality and accessibility of the bocce courts and equipment, and the vibrant social atmosphere that elevates any visit to a memorable event. Positive feedback typically points to the company’s ability to cater to groups large and small, with events that run smoothly and leave guests eager to return. The consistency of these reviews illustrates American Bocce Company’s commitment to maintaining quality and community spirit, reinforcing why it is a top choice for meetups, celebrations, and competitive play alike. This stellar reputation not only builds trust but also encourages new visitors to choose American Bocce as the place to rally with their friends and family.