Chicago Welcomes Competing Eagle Leather Bars

Chicago, September 28, 2025

News Summary

Chicago is set to open two new Eagle leather bars, Eagle Chicago and the ‘real’ Chicago Eagle, with both venues representing different aspects of the city’s leather heritage. George Dante Pineda announced Eagle Chicago in Andersonville, inspired by the pioneers of the local leather scene. Meanwhile, HV Entertainment will unveil the ‘real’ Chicago Eagle at the historical Baton Show Lounge, now under renovations. The competition has prompted discussions about community representation and the future of leather bars in Chicago.

Chicago will soon welcome its first Eagle leather bar in over a decade, with the unveiling of two competing venues this year. George Dante Pineda has announced that Eagle Chicago will open in Andersonville, intending to honor the legacy of Chicago’s leather scene pioneers, Chuck Renslow and Ron Ehemann. Pineda officially registered his bar’s business with the state in 2022, which has been in planning since then.

Just one day after Pineda’s announcement, HV Entertainment declared that they would open the “real” Chicago Eagle at the former Baton Show Lounge, a location with a history of over 50 years before its recent closure. In late March, an application to trademark the name “Chicago Eagle” was filed, while Pineda’s “Eagle Chicago” trademark application was submitted on September 22. This move has sparked online discussions regarding the credibility and intentions behind the ownership of both bars, raising questions about their representation of the leather community.

Pineda has expressed a willingness to coexist with the new competition, asserting that there is space for both bars in the city. The original Chicago Eagle was established by Chuck Renslow, who also played a pivotal role in founding the Leather Archives & Museum and initiating the International Mr. Leather contest. Since the closure of the original Eagle more than 14 years ago, various fetish-friendly bars have emerged in Chicago.

The name “Eagle” is synonymous with leather bars worldwide, embodying values of inclusivity and a sex-positive atmosphere. Pineda received support from Rons Ehemann prior to his death last year, reinforcing the bar’s connection to Chicago’s rich leather heritage. In contrast, HV Entertainment operates the popular Atlanta Eagle and possesses a well-established bar operation history, positioning them potentially favorably in this bustling environment.

The former Baton venue is currently undergoing construction, with a preview event recently showcasing a fetish dress code related to the leather community. Initially, Eagle Chicago will operate on the second floor until a downstairs tenant vacates. The bar plans include hosting pop-up events at other gay bars as well as a Mr. Chicago Eagle contest in February. Additionally, its location is strategically close to the past site of the Man’s Country bathhouse, previously owned by Renslow.

Pineda has broader aspirations for Eagle bars, contemplating potential expansion into cities such as Manila or Puerto Vallarta. Meanwhile, Richard Ramey, formerly with the Atlanta Eagle, is collaborating with HV Entertainment to preserve the legacy of the Baton, while Jim Flint, the former owner of the Baton, supports their plans to continue hosting events at the venue.

Community members emphasize the importance of leather bars as safe and welcoming gathering spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. Vince Jay, the 2024 Mr. Chicago Leather, has highlighted the critical role of inclusive environments like the Eagle in facilitating community interactions. The response to the openings continues to spark discussions about the potential impact of both establishments on Chicago’s leather scene, bringing both excitement and reflection on the significance of these new venues.

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Additional Resources

• Windy City Times: Chicagoans Mull Possibility of Two Eagle Bars
• Advocate: Last Call Chicago Reveals Rich History of Queer Bar Culture
• Chicago Magazine: Openings The Week of Feb
• Chicago Tribune: Some Chicago Restaurants Close Until Spring
• Eater Chicago: Milk Bar Chicago Lawsuit Update

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

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