Berwyn’s Sokol Tabor celebrates 150th anniversary

BERWYN – For Ted Polashek, alderman of Berwyn's Sixth Ward, Sokol Tabor is a family, not simply an organization. He's been involved with Sokol Tabor since he was a toddler and has grown up participating, and now coaching, in the group's many events and activities.

“To me, Sokol and Berwyn go together like peanut butter and jelly or eggs and bacon,” he said. “Sokol has been giving to the community for many, many years. It’s a family-oriented organization that brings people together. It’s a true gem for the city, and it’s done so many wonderful things for participants of all ages.”

Sokol Tabor, 1602 Clarence Ave., is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. The nonprofit organization was founded in 1866 in Chicago by Czech and Slovak immigrants, making it the second Sokol chapter in the United States. Sokol originally was founded in 1862 in central Europe in the region that is now the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Sokol Tabor is a physical, educational, cultural and social organization that offers physical fitness classes, recreational gymnastics classes, organized volleyball and basketball teams, and social events. It serves both children and adults.

The Chicago chapter merged in 1926 with Sokol Oak Park, bringing it to its current location in Berwyn.

Sokol Tabor will host a 150th exhibition at 6 p.m. March 12 that is open to the public. The organization’s members will perform a calisthenics routine, followed by artistic gymnastics, choreographed dance and fitness routines, and a grand finale closing ceremony. A social event will follow in the basement.

Christina Curran-Wurst, coach and co-women’s physical director, is very proud of Sokol Tabor’s anniversary. She said it has been a very important part of her life since she was a child, not only as a member, but also as a coach.

“Not too many companies or businesses can say they’ve been in existence for 150 years,” she said. “It’s such a neat accomplishment. This is something we’ll probably never experience again in our lives. To me, it shows that we’re doing something right. People come every season and enroll their children because they know the strong programs we offer.”

Curran-Wurst said one of the best parts of being involved with Sokol Tabor is coaching the junior girls gymnastics team and being a mentor to the younger coaches.

“I truly enjoy teaching my students,” she said. “They’re a fun group of kids, and I enjoy being able to instill confidence in them. I love seeing them reach a skill that they never thought they’d be able to. Three generations of my family have been involved with Sokol, and I’ve also made a lot of lifelong friends.”

Juanita Lo Giudice, longtime member and public relations director, said while Sokol Tabor is a member of the USA Gymnastics Club, the organization focuses more on recreational gymnastics and encourages participants to “do the best they can do.”

Sokol Tabor’s season runs from September through May to coincide with the school year. The various teams usually have one competition in May against other Sokol groups.

“We’re not elite, but we’re out to give self-confidence. Our kids come and learn discipline and leadership too,” Lo Giudice said. “A lot of our kids who participate excel in school. It gives them something to do after school, and it’s good for them to socialize. We’re family based and encourage parent participation. We offer a variety of physical fitness programs, and we all have fun.”

Polashek said Sokol Tabor also benefits Berwyn by saving the community money because the programs are affordable and accessible to everyone.

“Everyone is a volunteer, so that keeps the costs down, and Sokol relies on itself for funding and is a non-taxing body,” he explained. “Sokol offers services to the community that the city doesn’t have to open its wallet for or tax the citizens for. And it doesn’t matter if you’re a star athlete or just learned to do a forward roll. Everyone is treated the same.”

Curran-Wurst described the families of Berwyn as Sokol Tabor’s “backbone” because of the support the community has given the organization for 150 years.

“Families cherish what Sokol is, and they want to see Sokol Tabor succeed and be there for the community,” she said.

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Know more

For information about Sokol Tabor and its 150th anniversary celebration, visit sokoltabor.org.