Rush returns to Chicago in spring of 2010

By Fred Mitchell

The Arena Football League is returning to Chicago in the spring of 2010.

Following a one-year absence, the Rush will be coached again by Mike Hohensee.

Hohensee coached the first Rush team from 2001-2008, posting an 83-57 overall record and leading the Rush to four Central Division titles and the 2006 ArenaBowl championship.

"Arena Football is in my blood. I fell in love with the game as a player nearly 25 years ago and have been involved in the sport ever since," said Hohensee. "No city in the country is as passionate about the game as the fans here in Chicago, and I am going to do my best to bring another championship to this great city."

The new franchise is owned by Chicago Gridiron, LLC., a group of Chicago-based investors led by managing partner William Niro, one of the founding members of the Arena Football League, and  Dr. Ciro Cirrincione.

The new team's office will be located at 920 W. Golf Road in Schaumburg. Along with the new location, the Rush will have a new phone number - (847) 882-9400 - and a new Web address - www.arenarush.com.

The Rush's new team president is Ken Valdiserri, a former long-time executive withf the Bears (1984-2000) and White Sox (1980-83). Recently, Valdiserri has served as the president of Mike Ditka's charitable organization, the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, which provides medical grants and pro bono medical assistance to retired NFL players in need.