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The Universal Sole Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Classic Chicago social run from retail running roots
About This Club
The Universal Sole Chicago runs a Monday night group out of Bitter Pops Bottle Shop in Lakeview, organized by people with a long history in Chicago's running scene. It's a free, drop-in social run with no membership and routes built to flex between 3 and 6 miles, so it suits people who want a regular weeknight run more than a training plan.
Highlights
- Hosted by historic Chicago run shop organizers
- Partnered with local bottle shop
- All paces inclusive
- Gear storage
- Bathroom access
- Post-run bar
- Varying routes
Who It Suits
This works for beginners, walkers, and people who want a low-stakes weeknight run that ends in a bar, not a finish line. It's not built for competitive racers chasing pace goals, and it won't work for early risers since this is an evening run, or for anyone looking for trail miles since it's all road and pavement.
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What a Run With Them Is Like
You've got a choice of distances from 3 to 6 miles, all on road and pavement, and the pace range is genuinely open, run or walk, with no single group pace to keep up with. Since routes vary week to week, it's not the same loop every time. The run finishes back at Bitter Pops, which doubles as the meeting point and the after-spot.
Distance3 miles, 4 miles, 5 miles, 6 miles
PaceAll paces welcome; run and walk options
TerrainRoad, Pavement
Post-runSocializing at Bitter Pops Bottle Shop bar/pub
Your First Run
Show up at Bitter Pops Bottle Shop, 3357 N. Lincoln Ave., by 6:00 PM, that's the meetup window before the 6:30 PM run start. You can store your gear and use the bathroom at the venue before heading out, so you don't need to arrive already dressed and ready.
Bring a change of clothes if you want to hang around after, since the post-run social happens right there at the bar. Walk breaks are built into how this group runs, not an exception, so there's no real way to hold anyone up.
Something to train for
Upcoming Races in Chicago
63 upcoming races in Chicago. Having one on the calendar is the easiest way to turn a few group runs into a habit.
Sat, Aug 1, 2026Dim Sum & Then Some: The Uptown 5K/10K & Kids Dash Chicago, ILFrom $55Details Sat, Aug 8, 2026Track Night Chicago Chicago, ILFrom $5Details Sat, Aug 15, 2026Prostate Cancer Awareness 5K Walk/Run/Bike Chicago, ILFrom $35Details
See all Chicago races
Common Questions About The Universal Sole Chicago
Do I need to sign up or pay before showing up?
No. It's free and there's no membership required, just show up to Bitter Pops by 6:00 PM.
Can I bring my dog?
No, this group isn't set up as dog-friendly.
What if I want to walk part of it?
That's built in. The group explicitly offers run and walk options, so walking isn't an exception you need to ask about.
Is it every Monday?
It's weekly, with the exception of Burgers & Beer Mondays, so it's worth checking the current schedule before you head out.
Is this stroller-friendly?
No, this club isn't set up for strollers.
Where this comes from: Club details come from each club’s own channels (their site, Meetup, Strava and social posts) and are checked by hand. Group runs move, so confirm the meeting spot on the club’s latest post before you head out. Last updated April 2026.