National bocce tournament coming to Northwest suburbs

The Italian venue, Pinstripes, will host its first Bocce Tournament beginning Sept. 15. Great players from around the country are invited to show off their skills at this Italian ball sport as they compete for a grand prize of $15,000.

Following modified United States Bocce Federation open rules, teams of four members each will battle it out.

“We’re looking forward to this event as a chance to bring bocce aficionados from around the Chicagoland area, Minneapolis and the country together for this weekend-long event,” said Pinstripes’ founder, Dale Schwartz. “From the bocce tournament to the wine dinner kickoff event, there is something for players and spectators alike.”

Pinstripes is at 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington.

A total of 100 teams will play matches in round-robin style following an 11-point game structure. With about $27,000 in prize money available, registration for the first bocce tournament at Pinstripes is first come, first served and is limited.

Pinstripes is honoring the winners with more than just a medal. Fifth- to eighth-place finishers will get $500; fourth place will receive $2,000, third place will receive $3,000, second place will receive $5,000 and first place will receive $15,000.

The event has support from national names like Pepsi, Sysco, Goose Island and San Pellegrino.

Team entries must be submitted by Aug. 21 with the $400 fee. The cost includes breakfast and lunch on Saturday and/or Sunday, depending on location of qualifying rounds. To register, contact Pinstripes’ Event Director Sandie Montgomery at sandie@pinstripes.com or (630) 575-8744.

The Qualifying Rounds will be held on Sunday, Sept. 15. An exhibition with world-class players takes place on Sept. 21 at the Pinstripes South Barrington.

Four teams will qualify to advance to the Championship Rounds on Sunday, Sept. 22. The championship rounds will be made up of four rounds, single-elimination style, with two teams in the final.