About The Chicago Classic

The Chicago Classic was originally developed by the Chicago Rebels Swing Dance Club, Chicago's first West Coast Swing Club.  The event was originally billed as a "Rising Star" competition, encouraging new dancers to come out and compete.  Within a short time, the event achieved NASDE status and was part of the national circuit until 2001.  After 911, the owners decided to retire the event for various reasons.

In 2006, Jim Becker (Chicago XDance) and Nancy N. Tuzzolino (Chicago Rebels Swing Dance Club) joined forces and decided to bring back "The Classic" to Chicago.  While there have been several successful WCS events that have come onto the scene in the Midwest in the last several years, Jim and Nancy wanted to bring back an event that had the potential to once again become a national event.

The two formed a new corporation, The Chicago Swing Dance Foundation, and began working on The Chicago Classic.  Having been to numerous events over the years as both social dancers and competitors, Becker & Tuzzolino acquired a great deal of knowledge that has been invaluable in building The Chicago Classic.

The Chicago Classic's mission is to promote and showcase West Coast Swing.  Our event is designed to be equally appealing to the social dancer as well as top level competitors from all over the world.  We offer a variety of competitions, providing competitive opportunities for dancers of all levels and ages, including Junior dancers.

The Chicago Classic is a member of the World Swing Dance Council.  And, effective 2011, The Chicago Classic will be a NASDE event.  The Chicago Classic is proud to part of both of these well respected organizations.