Please check the calendar page frequently as we not only make updates but add and make changes to the calendar as we receive them. Let us know if you would like an item added
BSV-Chicago Monthly Membership Meetings (See Calendar) commence at 8:00 p.m., with doors opening, only for members on those Wednesday’s, at 7:30. On all other Wednesdays the club will be open at 7:00 with the range opening at 7:30, hope to see you there
For your Information-Calendar for 2026
Event Calendar for 2026
January 31: Private club event, the BSV has the privilege of hosting the final winner of the annual DANK Haus Auction. Members are encouraged to volunteer and hang out together beginning at 5:00 p.m.
February 11: BSV King & Queen Shoot, come out and compete for the honor of representing the club through 2026 as either the King or Queen, or just come out and shoot for prizes, that is great too
February 14* Karneval continues as we celebrate Maskenball with the RV at DANK. The BSV has a table reserved for the big party on the fifth floor so be sure to dress up and come celebrate the fifth season with us.
March 7* Annual St Hubertus Jaeger Club dinner, hosted at the home of the Donauschwaben in nearby Des Plaines, this has proved to be a fun event, every year. The BSV has a table, and remember, come in uniform.
March 20-21: The 1st ever Wettschiessen in sunny Cape Coral, Florida. We get to escape the cold and go to balmy Florida to compete with our friends in Cape Coral. Don’t miss this fantastic inaugural event, and for more information on the fabulous Club there, check out our Links Page
April 10: Come join us this Friday evening in the Brandenburger Room of the DANK Haus as we welcome our competition guests from across the United States, Libations provided by the King and Queen-elect.
April 11: Our annual Schuetzen Ball and competition, to install the BSV King and Queen for 2026. Save this date and check here frequently for additional activities and updates
April 25* We can’t think of a better way to celebrate Starkbierzeit then to join BSV King’s Matt ’25 and John ’26 in Roselle, Illinois for their 5th annual Bock Beer Festival, hosted by Pollyanna Brewing. Matt broke the ice last year and had a great time, so lets go as a group and march in their parade, Let us know your interest
April 30: The first of the three dates for our St Sebastian, in-house competition. Remember members you must turn in scores on two of the three scheduled dates to qualify for awards.
May 7 & 14: Remaining St Sebastian Competition dates.
May 16: Our second scheduled away trip of the year, with our good friends in Cincinnati, who take their turn in hosting the annual Ohio invitational. Columbus reset the bar very high last year but were confident Cincy will do the same, consider joining us for a really good time.
May 31-June 1: Maifest will be returning to Lincoln Square this year, albeit with some changes and the BSV has again been requested to participate. Details at this point are scarce but for the last few years we have been a big part of the festival and our memberships volunteerism has been hugely responsible for that. Thanks guys and let’s do it again
June: German Fest in Forest Park, we are currently awaiting an exact date for 2026 but this event has become increasingly popular, especially on those years where it does not conflict with Peoria. Details to follow
18 June: Our Spring Meeting in Uniform, come and see your friends and receive any awards you may have earned including the 2025 Club Service Award, as well as the King and Queen and St Sebastian shooting awards. There will also be a special presentation this year that you will not want to miss
June 27-28: Peoria Competition, we going to visit Peoria at their brand new Haus, and if you have never made an away trip with the club, this is the one to go to your first time out.
July 24-26*: German Fest in Milwaukee, go and have a good time, and on Saturday July 25 come march in the parade with the BSV and our Schuetzengeschwister in the Midwest Schutzenbund as well as our friends at the Niedersachsen Club of Chicago. Participants may be eligible for free/discounted tickets. See John Fuller for more info, event link below.
German Fest Milwaukee | A German Cultural Celebration
August 10: 5th annual Karl Frentz Memorial Picnic. Our annual club picnic, and although we expect to be at our usual spot, details are still pending at the moment. We will publish more info as we receive it
August 22: Our penultimate road trip of the year is Omaha’s second annual Wettschiesen. The reports from the inaugural event last year were overwhelmingly positive, so think about coming to Omaha with the BSV in ’26
September 12: Parade Day! Arguably the best day on the club schedule, come march with us in uniform down Lincoln Avenue or ride on the BSV float. The von Steuben parade is the highlight of the three day Oktoberfest presented by the German Day Society, Link to the event below.
Chicago German-American Oktoberfest Sept 11-12-13, 2026
September 19*: Von Steuben celebration and parade in New York City. Monte represented the BSV last year, visiting with our friends at the Brooklyn Schutzen Corp who were fantastic hosts. It would be great to send an even bigger contingent this year, so let us know if you are interested
September 23: St Sebastian Competition; our Fall in-house competition begins and members wishing to compete for awards must shoot on two of the three coming Wednesday’s, to qualify.
October 3*: Tag der Deutschen Einheit (German Unity Day). German Unity Day – Wikipedia
October 4: German-American Commemoration Day. The BSV will join German-American clubs from across the region at St Bens from to celebrate the many German contributions to America. Please consider joining the BSV for drinks beforehand at Laschetts-thank you Matt, and perhaps even afterwards if there is interest. Make sure to come in your uniform.
October 18: We head down to St Louis for our last road trip of the year. One of our oldest club traditions and one which we are proud to maintain, and if you haven’t gone yet, you owe it to yourself to make the trip with us.
October 17-18: Open House Chicago-The annual two day, peak behind the curtains of some of Chicago’s most private locations hosted by the Chicago Architecture Center. The BSV will help host the event at the beautiful DANK Haus on both Saturday and Sunday, even while a team of members competes at the same time in St Louis that same weekend.
October 25 (1990): Founders Date, the club was officially recognized by the State of Illinois on this date. Thanks to all who put the work in to make our club possible.
*Indicates a Non-Club Event of interest to our members
Calendars from Previous Years
For your Information-Archival Event Calendar for 2024
January 24: King and Queen shoot. Come out and see who will be this year’s King and Queen, even if you don’t wish to serve yourself, it’s a great and fun filled evening.
February 10*: Rheinischer Verein Maskenball. What a great time with friends.
March 2*: St Hubertus Club of Chicago’s, Jaeger Ball Dinner and Dance. A great time, and highly recommended. Our members have had a wonderful time the last two years and we will once again get a table, please let us know if your interested.
April 12: Meet and Greet with all of our SV Schuetzengeschwister, in the Brandenburger Room at DANK Haus, beginning at 7:00 pm. Drinks and snacks provided. All are welcome, come out and either make new or see old friends.
April 13: 7:30 until about noon, our annual shooting competition where guests from across the Midwest vie to claim the Wanderpokal. Drinks and snacks provided.
April 13: Special Event-All of our shooting guests are invited to join our friends at the conclusion of the shoot at the Niedersachsen Club, at one o’clock where the official Schalke 04 Fan Club of Chicago will be hosting a watch party of the Royal Blues versus FC Nurnberg.
April 13: King and Queen Ball. Once again we welcome our new Royal Couple, be aware that we sold out of tickets last year, so grab them when they become available.
April 24: Annual In-House, St Sebastian’s Competition begins, shoot on this date and one more over the next two weeks to qualify for a club award. Good Luck to All
April 27*: Bock Fest in Roselle, Illinois. We have even been invited to march in the noon parade this year, what a great opportunity to introduce our new King and Queen to the world. Additional information can be found on the News & Notes page of this site.
18 May 2024*: Come celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Lustigen Holzhackers who have put a truly impressive day of events together in honor of their anniversary.
May 30-June 1 and June 2: Maifest in Lincoln Square has returned to Lincoln Avenue and the BSV has once again been invited to participate.
June 1: Cincinnati Shoot. Germania Cincinnati’s biennial event has been pushed back from May to June 1st.
June 21-22*: German Fest at the Altenheim in Forest Park. Visit our near neighbors at the historic Altenheim and have a great time for just two bucks admission.
Update to the Forest Park German Fest: Our very own Johnny Mac and his band Pieptone will be featured performers at the Fest and are appearing on Saturday 22 Jun from 2:00-5:00 pm. Check them out at…https://www.facebook.com/Pieptone/
June 29: UPDATE-This event was originally scheduled for June 22 as indicated on our calendar: Our favorite away trip of the year, hosted by our friends in Peoria. Come with us and help wrest the Wanderpokal away from the Peorians!
July 26-28*: German Fest in Milwaukee, be there on Saturday and represent the club in the big parade on the 27th with other club members, as well as Schuetzenvereine from across the midwest.
August 18: Rescheduled from August 11. Annual Karl Frentz Memorial Picnic, thanks to Bruce & Krista Frentz for making this event again possible at our usual stomping grounds in Glenview. Come one, come all and bring the family for a good time!
September 7: German Day is back along with the Lincoln Square Oktoberfest Celebration. Join the BSV on our float as we march down Lincoln. Parade kicks off at 2:00 pm, come march with us!
Putting on the weekend long fest is a big job, and the Festival can always use a little help. Members are strongly encouraged to volunteer for a shift and please remember to mark the box on the form with “BSV” as the club will receive a little compensation for your efforts.
October 3*: Tag der Deutschen Einheit
October 6: German-American Commemoration Day. The BSV will join area clubs at St Bens from 2:30-4:30 to celebrate the German contribution to America. Please consider joining us for drinks beforehand.
October 12: The BSV hits the road as we visit our friends a DANK South in Frankfort, Illinois and give a demonstration of what we do. All BSV members are welcome.
October 19: We return to St Louis for their annual shoot as St Louis will also be hosting us this weekend at their traditional home. If you haven’t been, make the trip this year.
October 19-20: Open House Chicago. Help show off Dank Haus, and the BSV, to thousands of guests. The BSV has been voted the number one favorite thing about the tour regularly since 2018. Spend a couple of hours with your friends, and have fun. Saturday 11-4, Sunday 11-3 and plan on staying for some libations, afterwards.
October 25 (1990): Founders Date, the club was officially recognized by the State of Illinois, on this date. Thanks to all who put the work in to make our club possible.
October 26: DANK Haus auction event, a “Night with the BSV” will be held on behalf of our friends at DANK. Come out and help show off the club as we benefit DANK.
November 15: Our annual club turkey shoot. Vie for prizes, and a bird, while having a few laughs. Always a good time!
December 4: Fall meeting in Uniform, changed from November 20th-thank you for your understanding.
For Your Information- Archival Event Calendar 2023
January 25: King and Queen shoot. Come out and see who will be this year’s King and Queen, even if you don’t wish to serve, it is a very fun evening.
February 18*: Maskenball at the DANK, hosted by our friends, Rheinisher Verein-Chicago. Doors open at 6:30 and tickets are only 25.00 in advance, 35.00 at the door. Cash bar with food available for purchase, music provided by Phenix band. For tickets, visit karnevalchicago.org OR email Kim Duncan at kimduncanatrvchicago1890membership@gmail.com
March 4*: The St Hubertus Club of Chicago, Jaeger Ball Dinner and Dance. What a fantastic time, highly recommended and members had a wonderful time together last year, anyone interested in going, we will get a table. 625 Seegers Road, Des Plaines, donation of 50.00 For more see, https://www.sthubertuschicago.org/
March 24: King’s Shoot & Ball Weekend. Our annual event kicks off with Friday nights Meet and Greet for our visiting friends, and club members on the second floor. Come out and meet everyone, snacks provided.
March 25: (SOLD OUT) Saturday morning begins with our annual invitational shoot to take home the Wanderpokal. Even if you are not shooting, come out and enjoy breakfast and root on the BSV. Then, that evening is our King & Queen Ball, held in the Marunde Saal, on the 5th Floor. Catering is from Himmel’s, Musik is by Paloma and the revelers from across the Midwest. Representatives from Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and of course Illinois will all come together to install King Larry and Queen Dahra into their new positions.
April 25*: Bockfest in Roselle. See our news and notes page for more details.
April 26: Saint Sebastian Competition. Internal Club Marksmanship Competition which is open to ALL members, you need to shoot two, of the three following dates to qualify, April 26, May 3rd and/or May 10th. Good Luck!
May 6*: DANK Haus Gala, DANK’s premier fundraising event of the year. In support of our friends, we will once again be offering a private evening with the BSV, as one of the items for up for the silent auction. For specifics check, dankhaus.com
May 19-20: Columbus Shooting Club competition. Save the date, further information to follow but in the meantime check out, germaniacolumbus.org for information about their club.
June 1-4: Maifest. One of Chicago’s most popular street fairs returns to Lincoln Square and kicks off Thursday, June 1st at 5:00 pm. The BSV will be participating in the Fest this year and details have been announced as they emerge, for Festival Information, see… http://www.mayfestchicago.com/ In order to volunteer to help, just click on the link below
Niedersachsen.ivolunteer.com/manifest!
June 21: Meeting in Uniform, St Sebastian Competition Winners to be announced. If you haven’t dropped by the club in awhile, this meeting is a great opportunity to stop in and say hello to friends.
June 24: Peoria Sportverein Schutzenball. Our favorite trip of the year by far, 14 BSV members made the short ride to visit our friends in Peoria last year. If you have never gone on a road trip with the club before, this is the one to make, group rates for lodging are available, let us know if you have any questions.
June 23-24*: German Fest in Forest Park, at the Altenheim. Members unavailable to make the trip to Peoria can check out this nearby Festival held on Madison street at the historic Altenheim. For a truly fascinating look on the history of the Altenheim, see http://www.forestparkhistory.org/altenheim.html
Note for July: The Club will not be meeting on either July 5th, or on July 26th. If the club calendar reads “Open” it means the club is closed, and that it is an open date.
July 28-30*: German Fest in Milwaukee. We sent a contingent to march in the big Saturday parade last year; if you wish to join us again this year, please mention it to Matt Hoppe.
August 13: 2nd Annual Karl Frentz Memorial Picnic. Thanks to Bruce & Krista Frentz for making this event again possible at our usual stomping grounds in Glenview. Come one, come all for a good time!
September 9: German Day-Von Steuben Parade through Lincoln Square. Put on your uniform and get on the float as we once again march up Lincoln. Enjoy good food and libations as you do so. See You There!
If you wish to volunteer and work the Festival you may sign up here…
https://germanday.ivolunteer.com/gd_2023
September 27: Club Championship, come shoot and claim the title as Meister!
Note for October: A small error in the calendar has us meeting in uniform this month instead of our traditional meeting in November. Please disregard, the Fall Meeting and celebration will be held in November and not October, as usual. Apologies for any inconvenience.
October 1*: German American Day Commemoration at St Benedicts, 2215 W. Irving Park Road. Come and Honor the German settlement in America along with all of the regions German ethnic clubs, as well as singing, and probably a speech or two. The event begins at 2:30 and lasts until 4:30, and do please come in uniform. Libations afterwards.
October 14: 10:00-2:00. Open House Chicago visits the DANK Haus again this year. This is one of the best events of the year to showcase the club and we will need members on this day and the 15th to act as hosts, and safety officers for our guest range participants.
October 15: 11:00-3:00. Day two of Open House Chicago. Surveys have consistently revealed that people rate their visit to the BSV as the highlight of their days tour. Lets keep that trend alive, if you have time help the club, we would love to see you.
Link to Open House Chicago 2023: https://openhousechicago.org/sites/
October 18: At this monthly meeting, and Per XI (D) of the By Laws, help elect the Election Board, for the upcoming Biennial Election of Club Officers to be held in November, and/or announce your own candidacy if you plan to run yourself. Come and celebrate 33 years of the Brandenburger Schuetzenverein
October 21: St Louis, St Hubertus Shoot & Tanz. Take a ride to StL for their annual event which occurs every year on the third Saturday of the month
October 25 (1990): Founders Date, the club was officially recognized by the State of Illinois, on this date. Thanks to all who put the work in to make the club possible.
November 11*: Helau and Alaaf, come celebrate Germanys fifth season with Prince Mark and the Rheinischer Verein at DANK Haus. The club will be getting a table, and further details are forthcoming, but let Matt know now if your interested in sitting with us.
November 15: Annual Meeting in Uniform. This meeting will feature our biennial Officers Election, you can help make a difference in the club and run for office, or select the best candidates that do. Receive your club awards for the year, and enjoy the evening as we celebrate another successful year at the BSV.
December 8: As part of the annual DANK Fundraiser, the BSV volunteered their time and expertise in hosting a shooting event for one successful bidder and 30 of his closest friends. Come out and help us run a safe and fun event, all while helping DANK Haus!
- Indicates a Non-Club Event of Interest
For Your Information-2022 Archival Event Calendar
Thank you to all of you for helping make 2022 one of the great years in the history of the BSV. The club continues to grow and create memorable experiences every year, and we can’t wait for 2023. Gut Schuss!
May 20-21: Cincinnati, Ohio Schuetzen Competition. This will be our first chance in a long time to visit with our Schuetzen Geschwister in Cincinnati. Lets send a nice group out there this year. All interested should see both Suzanne, and the Schiesswart asap.
June 5: UPDATE (4/22)-As this date conflicts with Maifest we will be rescheduling, TBA, details to follow. The Pig Roast is back by popular acclaim! This years Pig Roast and Fruhschoppen will be hosted at the Niedersachsen Club, see Jason for details
June 24-26: Peoria Schutzenball at the Lindenhof. We will be taking a team down to Peoria again this year, so if your interested in competing with us and having a really great time please let the Schiesswart know so we can make plans to accommodate you.
June 24-25: German Fest- in Forest Park at the Altenheim. A great option for members not planning on taking the ride to Peoria
July 13: Chicago Fire FC Game. Our trip to see the Fire along with our friends at the Niedersachsen Club of Chicago. See John Fuller for ticket availability *Note: This date was originally recorded as being the 15th, which was incorrect. Hopefully this hasn’t caused any inconvenience to too many members-apologies to Andreas & Sabine, we will see you next year
July 29-31: Milwaukee German Fest-German Fest has returned from a 2 year COVID absence. If you would be interested in going as a group and/or representing the BSV in their parade, please contact Matt at your earliest opportunity.
August 13: United German American Societies of Greater Chicago’s, Deutsche Tag Vereinigung, 100 Anniversary Gala. This event will be held at the White Eagle in Niles, if there are enough interested members in going, we will purchase a BSV Table.
Update 14 Jul 2022: Cost is 85.00 per person, and drinks will be served starting at 5:30. There are only six remaining seats at our table, so please contact Matt Hoppe if you are interested and don’t wait until the last second!
August 14: 1st Annual Karl Frentz Memorial Picnic. Thanks to Bruce & Krista Frentz for making this event again possible at our usual stomping grounds in Glenview. UPDATE: Additional details on the Blog Page
September 10: German Day & von Steuben Parade, always an outstanding time! Come out and march with the BSV and enjoy all the other activities of the ‘Day’.
October 3: Deutsche Vereine Mass at St. Benedicts
October 15-16: Annual St. Louis Marksmanship and Ball. Join the club on the trek down to St. Louis and compete for shooting honors. If your interested in attending, please contact the Schiesswart about travel and room arrangements.
October 15-16: Open Haus Chicago. Presented by the Chicago Architectural Center, allowing visitors to see hidden corners of Chicago, including this weekend, the Dank Haus. For BSV members unable to take the ride to St Louis, come set up the range and make new friends as we show off the club, Saturday 10-2 pm and Sunday 11-3. Additional details can be found at https://openhousechicago.org/
October 19: Semi-Annual, Formal Meeting, dust off your uniforms and wear them if you have them, this meeting is a must for all club members. Reconnect with friends, if you have been away for awhile and enjoy the gemuetlichkeit of the night. Pending shooting awards will also be awarded to those that have earned them. See everyone there!
November 9: Annual Turkey Shoot. Come and shoot for prizes and bragging rights! We have invited our new friends from the Open Haus event to come and meet the members and see the club. It will be good to see everyone there. Note-no real turkeys will be harmed!
Nov 18-Dec 24: Christkindlmarkt returns to Chicago for an entire month. In years past, we have even gone down as a group for a little drink, a little food, anybody interested in doing so again let us know at the meeting. For additional information, see https://www.christkindlmarket.com/
December 3: This Saturday is a rare chance to join other club members for an event at the, and in support of our friends at the DANK. The BSV is holding a closed shooting for DANK Haus supporters who bid for the privilege of spending time with our club. It is a great opportunity to show off the BSV to new people as well as to have a good time with one another while were at it. If you would like, wear your club T-Shirt/Sweatshirt/Vest/Hat or whatever moves you and spread the word about the BSV.
Brandenburger Schuetzen Verein Chicago 