Where to watch Illinois Fighting Illini football games in Chicago
7 bar and fan watch spots in the Chicago area where Illinois fans watch the game, including 7 official fan club and alumni chapters. Last checked October 2026. Next game: Illinois vs Oregon, Saturday, October 24 on BTN.
Looking for an Illinois bar in Chicago? Illinois fans in the area watch games at Boss Bar, Brickhouse and Finley Dunne's, plus 4 more below. Listed groups include Chicago Illini Club. Call ahead on game days to make sure the bar will have your game on.
-
Boss Bar
Chicago Illini ClubRiver North Watch Zone: every Illini game with sound.
-
Brickhouse
Cubs Bar NetworkOfficial Cubs Bar Network bar in the Chicago area.
-
Finley Dunne's
Chicago Illini ClubChicago Illini Club Watch Zone: every Illini game with sound.
-
Joe's Bar
Chicago Alumni ChapterOfficial Chicago Alumni Chapter football watch party spot for Razorbacks fans.
-
Orange and Brew Bottle Shop and Tap Room
Chicago Illini ClubIllini-alum-owned craft beer spot; walk-ups only, limited capacity.
-
Ramova Theatre
Chicago Illini ClubIllini-operated 1929 movie palace with a 20-ft LED wall.
-
Weather Mark Tavern
Chicago Illini ClubIllini-owned South Loop bar; every Illini game with sound.
Upcoming Illinois games to watch in Chicago
Illinois are 3-3 (12th in Big Ten). Last game: W 38–37 at Michigan State Spartans.
How to watch Illinois vs Oregon in Chicago: Cable: BTN BTN is in most sports bars. At home it is in many cable and live-TV streaming plans.
- vs Oregon Ducks Cable: BTN BTN, ERADM
- at Maryland Terrapins Cable: FS1
- vs Nebraska Cornhuskers National: Fox
- at UCLA Bruins National: Fox
- vs Iowa Hawkeyes TV not set yet
- at Northwestern Wildcats TV not set yet
Big games are on ESPN, ABC, Fox, CBS or NBC. Conference-network and ESPN+ games are the ones to ask a bar about.
Illinois fans in Chicago: questions
What is the best Illinois bar in Chicago?
The surest bet is Boss Bar and Finley Dunne's, official Chicago Illini Club watch spots, because they host Illinois games on purpose. 5 other places where Illinois fans watch are listed above.
Is there an Illinois fan club in Chicago?
Yes. Chicago Illini Club meets for games at Boss Bar, Finley Dunne's and Orange and Brew Bottle Shop and Tap Room. Check the club's own page for watch party dates.
What channel is the Illinois game on in Chicago?
Illinois vs Oregon on Saturday, October 24: Cable: BTN. BTN is in most sports bars. At home it is in many cable and live-TV streaming plans.
How do I meet other Illinois fans in Chicago?
Follow Illinois on Distant Fan to see roughly how many fans are near you, mark which bar you are going to for the next game, and join the Illinois chat for your area. It is free and only shares a rough area, never your address.
Watching Illinois in Chicago?
Free. Follow Illinois, see the fans near you and who's going to the next game, and get a weekly game-day email with the games and the bars. You only share a rough area, never your address.
Missing a spot, or run an Illinois fan club here? Add it in the app or tell us about your club. Bars can be listed for free.
Illinois Fighting Illini football in other cities
More fan bars in Chicago
All teams in Chicago, IL · Illinois Fighting Illini football in every city