Thank you Chuck and Rita Seminary

Hello Chicago Volleyball Players. I am starting this GoFundMe page for a very close friend of mine that I have known for over 40 years. His name is Chuck Seminary.

Chuck has been involved with the volleyball community for over 45 years and has devoted a lot of his life to keeping volleyball alive in Chicago. Back in the early 80s, Chuck Seminary and his business partner Vic Loggins started a small volleyball store called AA Sports Inc. in Chicago when volleyball in the Midwest was barely a thing. They started the Volleyball Clinic at the Latin School to help people learn how to play volleyball and also help volleyball players better their skills. They also ran tournaments and leagues in Chicago and the suburbs. As volleyball started to catch on in the Midwest, Chuck continued to run tournaments until recently.

I started working for Chuck and Vic at AA Sports Inc. back in the early 80s and have stayed friends with Chuck all these years. If it wasn't for meeting Chuck in the 80s, I don't think I would have even started playing volleyball since high school boys' volleyball didn't even exist in Chicago public high schools until the 90s. In later years, I ended up coaching boys' and girls' high school volleyball for 17 years, and I pretty much owe a good portion of the credit to Chuck.

Fast forward to May 2025, Chuck had a minor stroke and is still recovering. After talking to Chuck recently, he told me that he lost most of his income since he hasn't been able to run any tournaments since his stroke.

In 2019, I was thinking about doing a "Thank you" tournament for Chuck and then the pandemic hit, and all ideas were placed on hold.

Since we haven't been able to use the large gym at Hamlin Park due to repairs, I figured I would start this GoFundMe page for Chuck and Rita as a way to say "thank you" for all the years and hard work he has given to the volleyball community. I know there are thousands of volleyball players that know Chuck, and if you can help him and Rita out with a little "Thank you" donation, I am sure they would appreciate it dearly.

When Chuck used to run the Holiday Blind Draw Fundraiser tournaments before the pandemic, he used to donate the proceeds to either a non profit organization Like the Dan Minche (VB Player) Foundation, or he has donated the proceeds to other VB Players or VB Players' spouse that passed away that could use a little extra help. Chuck told me one time "It's Volleyball Players helping other Volleyball Players, that's what it's about."

Chucks Birthday is Oct 4th and It would great to Surprise Chuck and Rita with this Gofundme Thank you on his Birthday.

What do you say Midwest Volleyball Players... can you help Chuck and Rita out?

Every donation no matter how small, will make a big difference as Chuck recovers from his stroke and helps them get back on their feet.

Thank you very much for your time.

Sincerely, Mike F =)