History of the Club

Origins & Formation

The Chicago Swans are an Australian rules football club based in Chicago, Illinois, and they compete in the USAFL, the national governing body for Aussie Rules in the United States. The club traces its roots back to 1998, when Australian football first took hold in Chicago as a combined effort called The Mob, made up of players from both Chicago and Milwaukee. As interest grew, The Mob split into two separate teams: the Chicago Swans and the Milwaukee Bombers. The Chicago side affiliated with the Sydney Swans from the Australian Football League, adopting their red & white colors and identity, and has played as the Chicago Swans ever since.

Modern Era

Today the Chicago Swans remain active in the USAFL with both men’s and women’s teams. They continue to foster the sport and Aussie culture locally through metro competitions and community engagement while traveling to regional and national events as part of the broader growth of Australian rules football in the United States. As a staple of the Aussie community in Chicago and the Midwest, the club prides themselves on being a welcoming and supporting family friendly club.

Competition

The Swans have competed primarily in the Mid American Australian Football League (MAAFL) and at USAFL National Championships

Club Achievements

USAFL Division III National Champions 2012

USAFL Division III East-Central Super Regional Champions 2024

USAFL Coach of the Year - Sean McKenzie 2024