About Us | How To Join

 

 

About Us

 

The USS Chicago is a chapter of STARFLEET, the International Star Trek Fan Club, Inc. and is based in the southern suburbs of Chicago.  The Chapter was commissioned in January, 2007, giving STARFLEET a presence in the Chicagoland area.

 

Members of the USS Chicago come from a wide variety of backgrounds and ethnicities, and enjoy a wide variety of interests and activities.  They come together as members of the USS Chicago to share their diversity and take part in charitable activities as well as much more fun activities.

How To Join USS Chicago

 

The quickest, easiest way to join our group is simply to show up.  We hold our main meetings every second Sunday of the month around 4:30pm at The Zone Comics in Homewood, IL.  We also have a non-business, fun activity every fourth Sunday of the month at The Zone around the same time.

 

By showing up to the meetings, you are considered an associate member of the chapter and are awarded an enlisted rank (usually crewman recruit) and can progress in rank if you consistently attend meetings and take an active part in the chapter.

 

If you are interested in being an officer in the chapter, we require that you join our parent organization, STARFLEET, The International Star Trek Fan Club, Inc.  Membership rates start at $15.00 USD and there are family rates available.  Membership with SFI will entitle you to a starting rank of Ensign (or Ensign Junior Grade for teenage members, cadet for pre-teen and child members).

 

Click here to access the online application for SFI membership.  Be sure to select "USS Chicago" as your chapter.  SFI accepts credit cards and PayPal payments via it's secure website.  If you are not comfortable with purchasing a membership online, please see the CO or XO at any of our meetings to make arrangements.

 

 

 

Ranks

 

As a member of the USS Chicago, your starting rank will be Crewman Recruit (if you are a non-SFI member of the chapter) or Ensign (if you are a paid member of SFI).  Yes, you can buy your rank of Ensign... after all, this is Chicago.

 

Rank pips will be provided to you, courtesy of the chapter and based on your rank (if you are an officer)

Costumes & Uniforms

 

One activity that we really enjoy and take pride in is costuming.  While costuming and cosplay is not a primary focus of the chapter, it does play an important role in the chapter.  Having a uniform or costume is not a membership requirement, but owning a Star Fleet uniform appropriate to your assigned or requested department is encouraged.  If you are unsure as to your department's colors, ask your department head or the Executive Officer.

 

Members desiring to wear Star Fleet Uniforms are encouraged to own at least one TNG-era uniform.  TOS and "Monster Maroons" are acceptable as well.  As a member of the USS Chicago, you have the potential for making public appearances in costume.  If you intend to join us in a public appearence, we request that your uniform be in good shape (clean, with no tears or loose strings) and ensure that you are wearing black slacks.

 

If you intended to wear a uniform or costume other than Star Fleet, there are some basic requirements:

  • Your costume should originate within the canon costume universe  People will recognize Klingons and Romulams, but they may not recognize races from comics, cartoons or fan films.

  • Your costume should be as accurate as possible, however, some variations are acceptable.

  • Your costume should not be offensive.  There should be no political slogans (unless you are a Romulan Senator or Klingon High-Council member) and no unnecessary body parts exposed (opaque nude hose and 'full undies' is encouraged is you're wearing a TOS women's uniform).

  • If you are wearing civilian clothes underneath your uniform, ensure that your civvies are not visible.

If you are unsure about the uniform requirements, have additional questions, or need help getting a uniform, uniform devices or props, contact Cmdr O.T. at The Zone Comics for assistance.  Uniforms can be purchased or (on occassion) loaned out, along with some props.