Get fit and make friends in 2018 with Simply Social Sports

By Taylor Hartz | Staff Writer

When the clock finally strikes 5 p.m. after a long workday, how do you choose

between happy hour and the gym? Well, what if you didn’t have to? That’s exactly

the idea at Simply Social Sports (S3) Sports Leagues.

With eight new leagues starting up in February, S3 Sports Leagues aims to combine sports and socialization. The co-ed leagues for this winter include bowling, whirly ball, dodgeball, indoor kickball, singles skeeball and volleyball.

“You’re there to be social, physical, active, get in shape and get out there,” said founder Ben Shimon, “We have a pretty unique concept we’ve got going that kind of hits on a whole bunch of potential new year’s resolutions.”

Chicago resident Eric Larson, who moved to the city just a few years ago, said S3 Sports has been the best way to make friends. “I would estimate about half the members are Chicago transplants, so it’s a great way to find a community,” Larson said.

Larson also enjoys attending the after parties that often include food and drink specials and karaoke. He also said players will also host house parties for their team, adding more social events to the calendar.

Once the leagues sell out—which they do each season—Shimon makes up teams

of half men and half women who are all in the same age range. Teams meet once

a week to face off in their game of choice, before all heading out for drinks sponsored by a different bar each week.

“Some people come out of it with a couple friends or with a couple dates or a boyfriend or girlfriend,” said Shimon, who added that he has seen S3 Sports spark a lot of relationships.

Registration is now open for winter leagues, with more information available on S3Leagues.com