Schurz High School gyms, Chicago

Schurz High School is not only historic, but has two great old gyms

Carl Schurz High School on Chicago’s northwest side is a Chicago landmark building and also ranked by the American Institute of Architects as one of the 150 Great Place in Illinois. Photo taken Feb. 7, 2022. Part of the photo series Illinois’ Best High School Gyms.(Photo copyright of Vincent D. Johnson)

Carl Schurz High School is quite possibly one of the overall most impressive high school buildings I have ever been in. Completed in 1910 it is a sight to be seen inside and out. The school has at least two gyms, one where varsity sports take place on the north side of the triangular building along Waveland Ave. and the other in the center building on the third floor, which is used for P.E. classes.

I will say without much doubt Schurz’s gym could easily be one of the loudest non-packed gyms out there. With the sidelines butting up against brick-walls and a ceiling made out of cement, it all directs the sound from the court into the cement steps that act as balcony bleachers forming an echo chamber that can be deafening. The 8 cheerleaders at this game were amplified in a way that made this game, with at most 50 spectators, seem as loud as a playoff match.

The main gym where varsity sports are played at Carl Schurz High School, on Chicago’s northwest side, features a very limited amount of court-side seating, but has two balcony sections overlooking the court from each baseline.  Part of the photo series Illinois’ Best High School Gyms.(Photo copyright of Vincent D. Johnson)

Walking into the old 3rd floor gym at Schurz High School is such a throw-back in time you almost feel like it should only been seen in black & white.  Part of the photo series Illinois’ Best High School Gyms.(Photo copyright of Vincent D. Johnson)

I have to thank the security guards & principal at Schurz. While I was in the main gym as the boys hosted Niles North, the smaller old gym was in a part of the building that was locked up after hours. Security actually made a call to the principal to see if they could allow it and after a little explanation on my part I was given a nice little tour by a security guard named Maria, who even did a quick stop at the school’s historic library.