Where is Chicago balls deep?

July 13, 2006 3:21 PM

Is there any brick and mortar in Chicago where I can acquire some juggling equipment?

I really need some new "traditional" juggling balls and am toying with the idea of picking up some devil sticks. Does anyone know? Thanks!

posted by AllesKlar to sports, hobbies, & recreation (6 comments total)

head over to the math department at UC... all of those freaks juggle, they will know :)
posted by joeblough at 3:30 PM on July 13, 2006

Ash's Magic Shop is a full service magic shop on Chicago's Northside. Ash’s has been in business at this location since 1985. He carries a large selection of stage and close up magic, videos, books and collector's magic as well as clown supplies, make-up, wigs, costumes, shows, juggling supplies and gags.

4955 N. Western Chicago, IL. [phone]
posted by lee at 4:03 PM on July 13, 2006

Or hang out in Wicker Park on a Saturday afternoon. All the kids come out and play with their juggling equipment.
posted by rabbitsnake at 4:38 PM on July 13, 2006

Ha. I have been there several times (I live there although not in the park) I have never noticed that before, thanks for the tips; I'm going to check out out Ash's tomorrow.
posted by AllesKlar at 5:24 PM on July 13, 2006

To learn, use 3 silk scarves, held at a corner. They move so slowly that anyone can do it, avoiding the panic that faster things produce.

When you get better, lacrosse balls have the perfect size, weight and bounciness.
posted by KRS at 1:20 PM on July 14, 2006

KRS - Thanks for the tip; I've been juggling for 15 years now, and although this isn't about learning how to juggle, my advice to future juggler's (assuming you're learning with bean bags or balls) is to stand 24 inches from a wall. This forces you to control your throws, both vertically and horizontally.

None-the-less, Ash's was pretty disappointing although quaint; the old couple that runs it were very interesting to talk to. If you're looking for "high-end" juggling supplies, you'll have to go just a few blocks north west to Magic Inc, 5082 N Lincoln in Lincoln square. They had my devil sticks as well as some other nice Dube equipment (swords, pins, contact juggling balls, etc.)
posted by AllesKlar at 7:41 AM on July 17, 2006