ROTC Chicago Mission

ROTC Chicago is an all male volunteer visual performance ensemble representing the GLBT community throughout the city, the United States and the World. Our members are charged with learning unique rifle performance skills, while being positive gay role models and fulfilling other volunteer opportunities as united brothers.

Background

Our Men

The corps is composed of approximately 30 men who volunteer their time to participate.  Members range in ages from their early-twenties to mid-fifties, and represent a variety of professions including health care, higher education, law, non-profit, advertising and airline industry. 

Several members have previous color guard experience, having performed with drum and bugle corps.  However, not all members are required to have color guard experience to join the group, but should possess enthusiasm and a hard work ethic to learn the skills necessary in performing our flamboyant, physical, creative, and campy routines.

Our Time

Each member contributes a fair, yet abundant, amount of time and energy to be part of the group.  New member practices begin in late fall, and group practice is schedule begins in mid-January and usually ends in October pending our performance schedule.

Our Performances

ROTC Chicago was an instant success when taking its first step in 1994, garnering considerable media attention and many marching awards.  The group is still an audience favorite and consistently draws large crowds.  Our schedule has grown to include annual performances at "The Halsted Market Days" and road trips to other Pride celebrations in nearby major cities.

Check the schedule for upcoming performances.

Our performance consists of a precision, military-style warm-up routine, and traditional routines to dance or disco music. Our performance can be suited to either marching or standstill situations. ROTC Chicago this year will perform rifle routines to diva disco hits such as the opening cheer from the movie "Bring It On", Ru Paul's "Supermodel", and Geri Halliwell's classic song "It's Raining Men," and Jimmy Somerville & the Communards' "Don't Leave Me This Way".  During this year's Chicago's Pride, ROTC will make its 2008 inaugural performance with Christina Aguilera's "Ain't No Other Man".

Our Funding

We are funded by yearly membership dues payments, financial support from several community businesses, and by donations from event planners who request our presence at their events.  In addition, we usually coordinate 3-to-4 fundraisers to help offset the costs of performance registrations, rental fees associated with practice space, sound systems and equipment.  At this time, we are not a recognized 501(c)3 non-profit; however, we're always accepting donations and sponsorships.  If you're interested in sponsoring the group, please contact us.

Our Uniform

Our uniform is traditional green camouflage shorts, sleeveless military style shirt and black military boot.  Each member is encouraged to "personalize" his look with various accessories.  In addition, each member is responsible for purchasing his own uniform, except for pieces that are donated or those purchased by ROTC Chicago.