Alliance Rowing Club

 Introducing First Strokes 

Our Biggest Beginner Rowing Program Ever! 

We are proud to present First Strokes, running from Saturday May 30 thru Sunday June 28, a brand-new and inspiring initiative designed to introduce more people to the joy of rowing.

First Strokes is a structured and beginner-friendly course for adults, created for anyone who wants to learn how to row, become part of a welcoming community, and enjoy an active and fun start to the summer. No matter your background, fitness level, or previous experience, you are more than welcome, no prior knowledge is required.

This is the largest and most ambitious beginner program we have ever organized, and it represents our commitment to bringing even more people into our club and growing our rowing community.

We are truly excited and happy to welcome a whole new group of rowers and can’t wait for you to join us!

Curious to learn more?

Click the link below to read more about the program and secure your spot:

https://join.allrow.org/firststrokes-wb

Middle School & High School Rowing

This program is ongoing throughout the year and Registration is always OPEN unless we reach our service maximum.  Rowers start with a LearnToRow Class for Sculling technique first before Sweep rowing.  There are racing opportunities for those interested.  

Registration: Email allrowmanager@gmail.com or Call 847.347.3278

LearnToRow Classes

This Class has 2 Phases with the objective being to learn and apply rowing basics required to begin rowing.  Learning to row takes time and requires drills to hone technical awareness and proficiency while simultaneously improving overall aerobic fitness and rowing capacity.

This all-ages LearnToRow class is a prerequisite to continue with the ARC program.

Fees are $69 for Phase 1 Dryland (gym) and $60 for Rowing on the water Phase 2.  Note: Phase 1 and 2 are $49 and $40 respectively for Sr’s & Youth. Note: Discounts are applicable to multi-athlete families and groups of 3+.

• Phase 1a: We review videos of world class racing events to explain excellent rowing technique.  Coaching Cues are introduced, common stroke faults are identified in order to improve awareness of rowing Clean and Well
• Phase 1b: Understand Posture, Tempo & Body Sequencing: working the “Lumber Jack/Jill Body” for consistent power improvement and minimizing stroke faults in the stroke cycle.  Faults create “power leaks” that will diminish clean and consistent Bladework*

Phase 1: This 1 hour class is done indoors on a rowing machine after the students watch a video of rowers in action where we explain general rowing terms and concepts. We also introduce queuing terms (coaching commands & rowing vocabulary).  This class allows for the Best Case Phase 2 rowing experience.

• Phase 2a: Launching a Boat. Cockpit layout & adjusting the seat
• Phase 2b: Oar Bladework*, Synchronization & Steady State rowing with “Pause” drills for Posture & Balance

Phase 2: For this 75 minute phase the rowers and coaches put out the equipment (Oars & Boats), carry the boats to the dock and set-up the boat with Oars and proper Seat (Leg) length for each rower’s seat.  We then shove off and conduct this 45-50 minute session.  We discuss the rowing session with the group and stow the equipment.  Results of the class are discussed with anyone who requests feedback in order to learn more and explore ways to continue learning.

Call/TEXT 847.3278 for more info!

ARC Services Overview

The following list of services are offered throughout the calendar year at various times based on indoor Dryland (year round) or outdoor Rowing on the water (Mar-Nov).  The weather is key for outdoor safety and maximal rowing progression, especially for the newest rowers regardless of age!

Services are listed in a progressive priority order assuming the rower is a pure beginner and new to the sport.  Having a history of using only a rowing machine could potentially require unlearning stroke cycle faults and this will do nothing but help the process of improvement.  

Based on the rower profile, even experienced rowers should consider Video Stroke and Force Curve analysis to identify any power leaks in their stroke cycle. Rowing is a PROCESS and only best case technical skills reward good fitness levels with measurable improvement.  Nobody has perfect form, but some are more perfect than others!  GOOD raw ERG times do not translate to efficient technical skills. 

ARC Services range from Group, SemiPrivate and Private sessions based on individual preferences or needs.  As designed, most coaching offerings can be scheduled as Group sessions. 

Boats are available to be rented for use by experienced Scullers whereas Sweep boats are available on a case-by-case basis.

• > LearnToRow Classes: there are two phases which, best case, are done end-to-end as one double-session.  Phase 1 is Indoor on a rowing machine while Phase 2 happens on the water in a 4-seat Sculling boat.  Note: Phase 1 is a prerequisite to Phase 2 

• > Stroke Cycle video analysis: BOOSTs performance on the ERG and on the water

• > Sculling or Sweep lessons: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced bladework concepts
• > 
• > Rowing SPECIFIC Dryland Strength & Endurance Circuits

• > Launch Coaching for specific boats/line-ups with videography

• > Club Ongoing Group Rowing schedule from March thru November

• > Customized workout routines and fitness protocols for your sport

• > Boat & Oar Rentals, Boat cleaning, rigging and repairs, Indoor Storage

Call/TEXT 847.3278 for more info!

ARC Rowing Programs

Service Groups

• • Youth – 7th & 8th Grade 
  • Juniors – High School
  • Open – Ages 19-26
  • Masters – 27+

Skill Levels

•    Novice/Beginners
•    Intermediate
•    Cross Training
•    Advanced/Competitive 

Lessons/Instructional Classes 

Rowing Machine (ERGometer)

Sculling Technique

Sweep Technique: prerequisite of Intermediate Sculling Skills 

Racing/Competitive Team

Recreational/Cross Training 

Seasonal Programs

Spring – March thru May

Summer – June thru August

About Alliance Rowing club

The Alliance Rowing Club (ARC) of Illinois aspires to be a leading advocate for the advancement of rowing for youth and adults.

ARC was founded in 2012 to deliver a complete club program in the north shore Chicagoland communities. Our program provides grass-roots development for all ages and levels: high school & adult recreational rowing as well as competitive opportunities.

ARC is dedicated to the education and promotion of every aspect of the challenging and life-long endeavor known as crew. We believe the sport of rowing can be instrumental in fostering lifelong personal wellness and in developing positive character traits which yield successful pursuits in academics, the workplace, and interpersonal relationships.

At Alliance Rowing club, we incorporate indoor rowing on Concept2 ergometers with videography to teach proper rowing form and body sequencing.   

Athletes can benefit from our strength and conditioning programs to enhance their on the water rowing experience at MyBody Complex located just south of Willow Road and west of  I94. 

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