DeKalb to get a little more Chaotic with new minor league team

By Jessi Haish

Are you ready for some football?

The Illinois Chaos minor league football team is moving to DeKalb, offering players a chance to live out their dreams or relive their glory days.

Formerly known as the Kane County Chaos, the team is part of the Great Midwest Football League and plays 18 games a season. Although players do not get paid, the team works with them to provide them with game film they can show teams and schools. Without pay, players are able to maintain college eligibility. According to the Chaos Football website, www.chaosfootball.com, the team offers “self-esteem, career development, conditioning and the ability to work together with others to enhance and develop social skills.”

NIU alumnus Chris Mathews is the defensive captain and cornerback for the team.

“People say there’s no football after college,” Mathews said. “But there definitely is.”

The team was originally based out of Aurora but is in the process of moving to DeKalb to reach out to more potential players, Mathews said. The team will be playing at DeKalb High School for its five home games. Mathews encourages students who wanted to play football for NIU or play intramurals to try out for the team in the spring.

“There is going to be some talent that Northern didn’t know about,” Mathews said. “They are going to shine on this team. We could dominate this league.”

The team is open to anyone 18 or older. Lloyd Hatcher, coach and team owner, encourages everyone to get involved. Whether you’re interested in working on the sidelines, playing on the team or being a cheerleader, there is an opportunity for everyone, Hatcher said.

“We offer something fun for the community,” Hatcher said. “Our long-term goal is to get our roots into this area and make DeKalb a real football town.”

Hatcher said the move to DeKalb will be positive for the team.

“It’s a chance for my son to see his dad play some football,” Mathews said.

The Illinois Chaos minor league football team will have an informational meeting open to everyone on Oct. 20 at 4:30 p.m. in the Holmes Student Center’s Heritage Room.