Chicago Red Stars as Churches in my Neighborhood

Hey pals, it's come to this.

So there aren't a ton of things to write right now regarding Chicago's best soccer team, the Red Stars. There also aren't a ton of things to do or see in the city of Chicago either, despite the spring weather beginning to (intermittently) warm up. But one thing I've found comfort in on my (socially distanced) walks has been looking at churches in my neighborhood. It's like live TV, except it's churches! It's certainly a beggar's choice for content, but the near west side really is a treasure trove of a lesser-known side of Chicago architecture. And sometimes it's nice to remember that even when we're inside, the beautiful things in this city haven't gone anywhere.

I'm not a person that well-versed in architectural history, or even religious efforts at the turn of the last century, but I do know the Red Stars pretty well. So I thought I'd share some of my favorite churches from the last few weeks, and I'm also going to make it about the Red Stars. I'm fudging the years a little bit, and including players both past and present. But this is my blog, and you don't get to tell me that a church doesn't embody the effervescent spirit of former NWSLPA President and current Executive Director Brooke Elby. 

So, without further ado: Chicago Red Stars as Churches in my Neighborhood. Photography by me.

St. George Orthodox Cathedral:

This church feels more like a fortress, with few extra frills. Brick walls, but if you look closely, some art peeks through

This church is: Alyssa Naeher

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St. George Orthodox:

Another St. George. Slaying a dragon, but also maybe coming off the bench to score a clutch goal? Who can say.

This Church is: Brooke Elby

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St. John Cantius Catholic Church:

This church is tucked in between two neighborhoods, between West Town and River West (if you consider River West a neighborhood). A true connector and a landmark in a space that needs it.

This church is: Vanessa DiBernardo

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St. Aloysius Catholic Church:

I don't know why, but this church feels vaguely more churchy than the other ones? Unassuming, concrete, a festive angle to the cross on the door. Also, as I walked past, I saw what I assumed to be a couple lifting deadweights in the parking lot.

This church is: Julie Ertz

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Holy Innocents Catholic Church:

This church is tucked just south of Chicago avenue. You wouldn't see it if you weren't looking for it, but once it draws your attention you see its got the structural integrity of many of the flashier churches closer to Ukrainian Village.

This church is: Danny Colaprico

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Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral:

Ok, this one I know a little bit more about. This was a Louis Sullivan design from the 1890's, for the Russian Orthodox Church. I love this one, it's a bit smaller but it clearly has the distinctive touches of the eastern cathedrals. An OG, connecting the past and present.

This church is: Alyssa Mautz

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St. Mark's Roman Catholic Church:

This church! What a new vibe! Glass! Color! A Spire! This is the future!

This church is: Tierna Davidson

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Holy Protection of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

I feel protected.

This church is: Casey Short

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Saints Volodymyr & Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church

I mean, look at it.

This church is: Sarah Gorden

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St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church:

The thing I love about this church is that there's so much to look at on the facade of the building, but then there is a whole new set of artwork inside the arches. This one's got layers.

This church is: Yuki Nagasato

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St. Helen Catholic Parish Church:

This is another church that was clearly built decades after some of the older Orthodox churches in the area. We've got: brutalist concrete, post-modern lettering, a distinct shape, and this one also has a very fun video message board. A tech element!

This church is: Morgan Brian

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St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish: 

This one feels a bit sleeker than the churches further west, with more ornate, western-inspired architectural frills than what you see in the Ukrainian Village. 

This church is: both Arin Wright and Michele Vasconcelos

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St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Cathedral:

We're reaching the end of my personal archive, and I'm using this church as a bit of a catch-all now. This is your standard Ukrainian Village kind of church, fitting within a city block, rocking the art out front. Perhaps a little less intimidating than some of the bigger churches, but that in and of itself is a welcoming feature.

This church is: Katie Johnson, Emily Boyd, Zoey Goralski, Nikki Stanton, Katie Naughton, Savannah McCaskill and all the new 2020 Red Stars we haven't really met yet.

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Finally: BONUS CHURCH

Holy Trinity Polish Catholic Church:

I haven't seen this one on a walk yet, as I had its location on a map somewhat confused (I thought I had to traverse the intersection of Division and Ashland, which seemed hazardous. Turns out I do not.) So I hope to see this church in person again someday, but am using its presence as something to look forward to. Therefore: 

This church is: Sam Kerr