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Venados Running Club
Chicago, Illinois
Historic Pilsen social run club with brewery vibes and inclusive community runs.
About This Club
Venados Running Club has been running out of Pilsen since 1981, which makes it one of the longer-standing setups you'll find in Chicago. It's Mexican-American led with a non-profit youth branch and a racing team attached, but the Wednesday night run itself is the social, come-as-you-are version, meeting at Monochrome Brewing.
Highlights
- Founded 1981 in Pilsen
- Mexican-American led
- Non-profit youth branch
- Racing team
- Year-round runs
- Team races
- Club socials
Who It Suits
This suits beginners, Pilsen locals, and people who want the run to end in a beer and conversation rather than a stopwatch check. If you're chasing structured speedwork or want an early morning session, this isn't set up for that, it's a Wednesday evening, all-paces run.
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What a Run With Them Is Like
You show up at Monochrome Brewing at 7pm and pick either the 3 or 5 mile option, both on road and neighborhood terrain through Pilsen. Pace varies and all paces are welcome, so this isn't a group holding a fixed tempo. After the run, people stick around at the brewery for beer and socializing.
Distance3 miles, 5 miles
PaceAll paces welcome, paces vary
TerrainRoad, Neighborhood
Post-runBeer and socializing at Monochrome Brewing
Your First Run
Get to Monochrome Brewing by 7pm, that's the whole instruction. You'll choose between the 3 and 5 mile route on the spot, no experience needed and no sign-up or membership required to show up.
If you're worried about being slow or being the only new face, the record here points the other way: all paces are welcome and beginners are specifically who this is built for. Worth checking their calendar too, since there are other events through the year beyond the weekly Wednesday run.
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 Venados Running Club
Do I need to sign up or pay before showing up?
No. It's free to join and there's no membership requirement, just arrive at Monochrome Brewing by 7pm on Wednesday.
Can I bring my dog or a stroller?
No, this club is not listed as dog-friendly or stroller-friendly.
Is it okay to walk part of it?
Yes, walkers are welcome.
What if I want to race, not just run socially?
Venados has a racing team branch alongside the weekly social run, so there's a path if you want to get more competitive.
Does the run happen every week, even in winter?
Yes, it's a weekly Wednesday run held year-round.
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.