Lisle, Illinois, is a quiet pocket about forty minutes west of Chicago. It’s home to the world-famous Morton Arboretum, a cracking local university, and a small community that values connection. It’s a place that knows how to slow down, pour a pint, and have a chat. Sounds about right for a Tough Guy Book Club chapter.
Tough Guy Book Club is a network of men’s book clubs held in pubs around the world. We’re about putting decent conversation back in the pub and getting men to read more, talk more, and have more friends. Whether it’s Melbourne, London, Singapore, or now Lisle, we’re here for the same reason: books, beers and talk.
Lisle chapter president Phil first heard about TGBC from a friend. “I was referred by an old friend who said this was a group I should be a part of. He was right!” Having just finished grad school and looking for something to fill the gap, TGBC ticked all the boxes. “The club has all the books they’ve read on the website, and the list was amazing. I would have joined another chapter, but the closest was 50 miles away. There weren’t any local ones, and now our little corner of Illinois will change that.”
Like many TGBC chapters, that corner started small. “The first night was quiet,” Phil said. “It was just me. I was happy to sit and read a book.” But from that solo session, the Lisle chapter has grown quickly. “We’re up to five Goons now, and two more have reached out this week. It’s a good crew and our discussions tend to be passionate, thoughtful and respectful. I always remind everyone that some topics can hit hard, but so far, so good.”
The Lisle Goons meet at a small pub with a solid beer list and good food. “Picking a venue was easy…It’s a stone’s throw from my house, and right next to an amazing bookstore.”
Lisle isn’t Chicago proper, and locals like it that way. “We’re definitely our own town,” Phil said. “But being near Naperville means we can still claim some bragging rights. Jeopardy! champ James Holzhauer, the Odenkirk brothers, and Lucy Westlake, youngest woman to climb Everest. Not bad company for a new chapter of readers.”
Phil’s already flying the TGBC flag far and wide. “I travel a lot and wear my TGBC gear, which has sparked some great chats about books and potential new chapters.”
If you’re anywhere near Lisle, swing by Kindred Gastropub (6460 College Rd suite b, Lisle, IL) on the first Wednesday of each month at 7pm. Come for the beer, stay for the conversation.
By Josh King
