The men in the Midwest Rugby Union wouldn't let women join, so the ladies had to start their own union.

That was back in 1976, even before sports bras had been invented—and now the Chicago Women's Rugby Football Club ( CWRFC ) is proudly celebrating its 35th anniversary.

"It's hard to know where to start," Lisa Gartner said, reflecting on the anniversary. "So much has changed for women, sports-wise, since then. People from the Chicago Women's RFC were instrumental in this and other kinds of organizations at every level.

"Chicago Women's Rugby offered a place to express our strength and competitive spirits and, at least in our minds, our razor sharp wit. Friends I made then are still family."

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