About Our Club

The Chicago Celtics Youth Gaelic Football Club is dedicated to developing young athletes from U6 to U18 through the values of Gaelic football. Rooted in Irish tradition and driven by the spirit of Chicago, we foster skill development, sportsmanship, teamwork, and community—creating a welcoming environment where every player can grow on and off the field.

Respect

We promote respect for teammates, coaches, officials, opponents, and the game itself. Sportsmanship, fairness, and integrity are central to everything we do.

Community

We are a community-based club that welcomes players and families from all backgrounds. We believe Gaelic football should be accessible, inclusive, and enjoyed together—on and off the field.

Teamwork

We believe every player matters. Through teamwork, inclusivity, and mutual support, we aim to create a strong sense of belonging within the Chicago Celtics family.

Heritage

We honor and promote the traditions, culture, and values of Gaelic football, while embracing the pride of representing our club and community in Chicago.

What You Need To Know

  • Boys and girls ages 5-18 years old are eligible. The players are divided into age-specific teams: minor (17 &18) U16, U14, U12, U10, U8 and younger. Teams are usually co-ed until U15.

  • Registration opens in April and continues throughout the season.  If your child is interested, a free trial period is offered to any new player wanting to try out the sport. The registration fee is $75 per player, or $150 per family. Please visit the registration page for more details.

  • Outdoor training usually starts in late spring through the CYC tournament at the end of July. Training takes place on Mondays at Resurrection High School soccer fields and Wednesdays on the fields behind Peterson Park Fieldhouse (Pulaski and Peterson). The Limerick Youth Hurling Club practices from 6-7pm and the Celtics practice from 7-8pm. Any change in plans or cancellations will be communicated through our social media pages as well as email.

    Peterson Park: https://maps.app.goo.gl/11v2HXQrREEr8hKz5

    Resurrection High School: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WpUMK9pL6BXJk2EWA

  • Games usually run through May, June and July. Games are scheduled for Sunday mornings. The Celtics compete locally against the south side youth club (St. Jarlath’s). The games rotate every other weekend from Peterson Park on the northside of Chicago to Gaelic Park Chicago on the south side of Chicago. The season game schedule is set in late spring.

    Gaelic Park: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EPj53JMWLB3eT8sy5

  • The game uniform (shorts and jersey) are provided courtesy of our generous sponsors. The players are required to bring their own soccer cleats/spikes and a mouth guard. Players MUST have a mouth guard for games.

  • The Celtics host various club fundraisers throughout the season (Disco Bingo, Race Night, superbowl squares etc.) While attendance is not mandatory, we ask that families support these fundraisers as much as they can. These fundraisers are in place to offset the cost for families especially for the annual CYC tournament. In order to receive support from the club for the CYC tournament, families must participate in at least 2 fundraisers.

  • The CYC is the biggest youth Gaelic games competition of the year. It includes teams from all over the US and Canada. The host city changes each year. Chicago was lucky enough to host last year in 2025 as well as 2022. The 2026 tournament will be held in Philadelphia. More details on the CYC page.The CYC is open to all all ages and includes hurling and football. Participation is not mandatory but it is a great time for both players and parents. Families pay their own travel and accommodations, but the club works hard to provide monetary support to traveling families. The amount of support depends on the success of the various team fundraisers.

    https://cyctournament.org/

  • 5 day action packed summer camp that revolves around maximizing
    enjoyment and sustaining participant involvement in Gaelic Games.

    https://www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie/

Contact us

Have any questions? Interested in joining the club? Please reach out to any of our board members or fill out the form below, and we will get back to you.

Go raibh míle maith agat!