In the 1970s, while attending the University of Illinois in Champaign, David Groebe looked for ways to spend his free time. Alongside some classmates, he discovered bridge – a game he calls “the ultimate trick-taking card game” and “one of the greatest card games played by four people.”
“It started as something to do instead of going to class or going to bed,” said Groebe, of Lemont. “But we played a lot, and I really got quite good at it.”
Bridge is more than a game for Groebe; it has been a lifelong passion that continues to bring him joy and community. Now retired, Groebe is an integral part of the Palos Bridge Club, where he helps foster an environment of camaraderie and competition for players of all ages. The club, active for over two decades, offers a space for seasoned and novice players alike to enjoy the sport while forming meaningful connections.
Bridge is played with four players split into two teams (pairs). Each player sits across from their partner, working together to score points through bidding and winning tricks. Bridge also is recognized as a sport by the International Olympic Committee and is praised for offering significant benefits to its players, including members of the Palos Bridge Club, which Groebe joined in 2018 as a substitute player.After his retirement from the mortgage banking at US Bank in Lemont, he became an official member in 2020.
“I stepped into the role of director in 2022,” Groebe said, but it was his wife who first brought him into the Palos organization.
Terese Griffin joined the Palos Bridge Club in the year 2000’s and still plays as a regular member to this day.
“I like the forum, getting out and playing cards, and the people are great friends,” Griffin said.
Also known as “First Monday Bridge in Palos,” the club comprises a group of Southwest Suburban bridge players. It currently has 56 active members (28 teams), most of whom are over 70, with many in their 80s and some still playing great bridge well into their 90s.
For more than 20 years, under various names, the club has organized monthly bridge tournaments in the Palos area. They meet on the first Monday of each month from October through June, except January, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church’s gym, located at 7800 S. McCarthy Rd. in Palos Heights.
A one-time donation at the start of the year covers all games, and the club also hosts two social luncheons for Christmas and the end-of-year awards.
“Besides the wonderful people and friendships, bridge is an ever-interesting mix of the hands dealt, the teamwork, defense, and small and large successes and failures shown in the scoring,” Groebe said.
To join the players list, call Groebe at 630-212-3169. New players are welcome to join solo or with a partner, and can be added to the club’s substitute list or start playing immediately if they wish.
Groebe hopes the Palos Bridge Club will continue to grow and keep the spirit of bridge alive for future generations.
“Whether you’re here for the competition, the camaraderie, or just the love of the game, there’s always a place for you at our table,” he said. “We are always looking for more players.”