Oak Brook Polo Announces the Launch of Oak Brook Polo Academy

While the Oak Brook Polo Club prepares for a ‘slightly modified’ upcoming, summer polo season, we are pleased to announce the launch of the Oak Brook Polo Academy under the direction of esteemed, national polo instructor, Kris Bowman.

In association with the historic Oak Brook Polo Club, the Oak Brook Polo Academy is Chicagoland's premier school dedicated to the education, instruction and advancement of new and seasoned players to the sport of polo. Located 30 miles outside downtown Chicago at Windridge Farm (440 Royce Road) in Bolingbrook, the Academy offers group and private lessons to all ages and ability levels.

The Academy runs from June -September and will offer private and group lessons and immersion clinics that promote the principles of safety, fun and learning in all scheduled classes and clinics. All levels are welcome, with a preferable age range of 12 years and up. With polo being the only sport where men, women and children play on the same field together, learning the sport can be something fun for the entire family.

Kris Bowman is the former Executive Director of USPA Polo Development, who has dedicated her life to the advancement of the sport of polo across the U.S. A certified polo instructor and recognized CHA instructor, Bowman has brought thousands of players into the sport of polo. She is a consummate horsewoman and has competed and taught hunter/jumper as well as Three-Day Eventing and is a member of the U.S. Horse Council, USPC and USHJA. Bowman has led the sport in breakthrough teaching methods for the modern athlete incorporating cutting edge technologies and learning tools. She is a nationally acclaimed polo clinician and author of multiple Polo Instructional manuals and Research Publications.

“I am thrilled to be in Chicago this summer and to have the opportunity to introduce people to the sport of polo,” explains Bowman. “While the greater Chicagoland area has such a rich history in equestrian sports-namely polo, it offers a level of play for all demographics. Whether you desire to learn polo at a competitive level, try something new, or just reconnect with nature – the Oak Brook Polo Academy has it all! Absolutely no experience is necessary, and we supply all of the equipment to get you in the saddle.”

Bowman and her team of instructors, which include professional polo player and Oak Brook Polo team member Horacio Onetto and young polo professional Eduardo Margalef, adhere to the Safe Sport guidelines and are dedicated to bringing new players into the sport of polo.

“As Winton Churchill said, ‘A polo handicap is your passport to the world,’” explains Jim Drury, President of the Oak Brook Polo Club. “The polo lifestyle opens doors, whether its new friendships, camaraderie with fellow players and spectators, or connecting on a business level-- polo is in a league of its own. One half sport, one half lifestyle, this Academy may be just the thrill you have been looking for!

For more information, please visit www.oakbrookpoloacademy.com. To sign up or make an appointment, please contact Kris Bowman at play@oakbrookpoloacademy.com or 703-362-7656.

About Oak Brook Polo Club

Founded in 1922 by legendary businessman, Paul Butler, the Oak Brook Polo Club is an American Polo treasure and one of the oldest polo clubs in the United States. It was once the sport's epicenter for elite professional polo in the United States and served as home to the U.S. Open Polo Championship for twenty-four straight seasons and other prestigious international and national polo tournaments. For decades, the Club has been a popular Sunday tradition and social scene known for entertaining Hollywood celebrities, dignitaries, royalty and Chicago's distinguished. Today, Oak Brook Polo Club hosts several Sunday matches and continues to attract thousands of fascinated spectators who marvel at the athleticism and majesty of this timeless sport.