The funny thing about Nike’s influence in the world of soccer branding, gear, and culture is that they’re so new on the scene. Like some kind of new best friend, Nike rolled in on the party in the 1990s and players and teams found their money and ideas enticing enough to leave longstanding brands like Adidas, Puma, and Umbro. Of course, Chicago was a major epicenter for Nike’s global success. Without MJ, without the Jordans, would Nike have had the capital—both cultural and financial—to go into the international market of soccer? more ›

There are a jillion ways to ring in the new year around Chicago, from small parties with close friends to inhumanly posh ballroom galas, but the hippest route in this town will undeniably be the Justice show at The Congress Theater on New year's Eve. more ›