The Reds’ fan base is famous for its passion and loyalty, cheering on both the men’s and women’s squads whether on Merseyside or watching from afar.
Our We Love You Liverpool feature aims to bring supporters closer together to learn more about each other wherever they are based around the globe.
Here, we meet OLSC Chicago...
Tell us about the OLSC…
It all began back in 2005. We were fresh off the epic Champions League win in Istanbul, and several groups of fans would gather regularly to watch matches at a pub downtown. Everything was unofficial back then, but we wanted to make it official so a few of these ‘unofficial’ groups got together and formed the first Chicago OLSC. It stayed at that pub for a few years before moving to another north side pub and eventually AJ Hudson’s, where our supporters have been meeting for more than a decade.
Today our board is comprised of three long-time supporters, including secretary Sherry Thomas, treasurer Ally Marcella, and president Ben Prout, a Liverpool native who has been a fan since he was born (there are photos of him wearing LFC kits before he even has memories). We have nearly 1,800 members, most of who are active on our social media accounts and receive regular newsletters.
How special is it to have the supporters club where you are?
Chicago is home to thousands of Liverpool supporters so to be able to have our local OLSC means a lot to many. In addition to the city residents who stand in line at AJ Hudson’s on early game days, we have many others who drive in from the suburbs to be a part of the atmosphere. There is nothing quite like singing a group rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone with a fully packed bar of supporters at kick-off.
It must give you a sense of community and connection to Liverpool and the club itself?
There is a community with each other but also with Liverpool Football Club. Our members can purchase tickets to games at Anfield and for the past several years, we’ve engaged our supporters in charitable initiatives on behalf of Chicago OLSC, including volunteer opportunities and 'Hunger Doesn’t Wear Club Colours food drives' organised with Everton supporters.
What is so special about supporting Liverpool for your members?
Everyone has their own Liverpool story. Some of our supporters, like Ben, are Liverpool natives or UK expats who grew up supporting the Reds. Others are locals who fell in love with the team at various points in their lives. Each story is deeply personal, but what makes having an OLSC special is that we can share them together, knowing that as a Liverpool supporter, we’ll never walk alone.
Do you hold meet-ups for games, or any special events throughout the year?
OLSC supporters show up at AJ Hudson's for every match, often standing in line at sunrise just to ensure they’ll get their favourite spot at the bar. In addition to watching the matches together, over the years we have held LFC-themed trivia competitions and hosted LFC legends in person at the pub. In 2023, The Anfield Wrap crew visited Chicago and hosted its podcast for the Chicago OLSC at the Chicago Fire pitch.
Has the OLSC ever visited Anfield?
Many of our Chicago OLSC members have visited Anfield individually. We have never hosted a group visit but it’s something we’d love to do someday.
What is your favourite memory together as an OLSC?
Just as everyone has their own Liverpool story, everyone has their own favourite memory. That said, some highlights as an OLSC would include hosting The Anfield Wrap and two particular matches in 2025 - the one when we clinched the Premier League title and the won when we raised the trophy. The Chicago OLSC took over the pub and celebrated for hours.
Lastly, if anyone else is interested in joining your OLSC, how would they go about doing so?
They can get on our mailing list by contacting a member of the board or talking to one of us at the pub. We also have an active social media presence where potential members can get in touch with us.
OLSC info
Name: OLSC Chicago
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Home: AJ Hudson’s pub
Facebook: Chicago LFC OLSC Group
Instagram: chicago.lfc
