Our Team


  • Co-founder and Club Director

    Alex Gara is the co-founder and club director of Chicago Bocce Club and a driving force behind the growing U.S. bocce community. As a longtime bocce evangelist and co-founder of American Bocce Co., Gara has dedicated more than a decade of his personal and professional life to expanding access to and perception of one of the world’s oldest sports. He has partnered with community groups, hospitality venues and league organizers across the U.S. and abroad to make the game more inclusive and engaging. Gara’s background in restaurant management under award-winning chefs continues to shape the vibrant culture and high standards for both play and hospitality at Chicago Bocce Club and American Bocce Co.


  • Co-founder and Events Manager

    Alicia Harvey is the co-founder of Chicago Bocce Club, where she leads event programming and brings more than a decade of award-winning hospitality experience. She previously managed weddings and private events at Bridge 410, which has now been reimagined as the home of Chicago Bocce Club. A founding partner of American Bocce, Harvey has helped evolve the sport into a modern, inclusive experience—producing leagues, private events and community activations that are equal parts competitive and celebratory. Her background in event planning and venue management informs every detail of the club’s operations and guest experience. Accolades for her work include WeddingWire’s Couples’ Choice Award (2021, 2022 and 2023) and Crain’s Chicago Business Best New Event Space (2018).

  • Business Strategy and Guest Experience Partner

    Brigid Reidy is a key partner at Chicago Bocce Club, where she oversees business strategy and guest experience. A seasoned operator with an MBA and a background in finance, Reidy has played a pivotal role in shaping the club’s growth and operational infrastructure. Building on her expertise as a strategic lead at American Bocce Co., she has helped streamline events and create joyful, community-driven activations that feel as seamless as they are memorable.

  • National Bocce Trainer and Community Development Lead

    Andy Zimmerman leads player development and community programming for Chicago Bocce Club, where he is known for his upbeat energy and passion for the game. A six-time U.S. Bocce Federation medalist, including a gold in Men’s Precision Shooting, Zimmerman has played competitively for more than 15 years. Through his American Bocce Core Development training program, he has introduced hundreds of new players to the sport across the country. He joined American Bocce Co. in 2021 following a 25-year career as an award-winning florist, blending artistry, community and coaching into everything he does.

Our Courts

Not every city can say it has bocce courts built by the best in the world, but now Chicago can.

We had the honor of flying in Daniele Colleoni and his crew all the way from Gorgonzola, Italy to hand lay our new courts. His family has been perfecting the art of bocce court construction for generations and over the course of their time here, we got to see first hand how special that process is. Daniele, Andrei, and Giorgio worked tirelessly, hand-laying every inch of these courts with the same care and expertise that has earned them international recognition. The result? Surfaces so straight, true, and consistent that they’ll change the way you think about the game.