Is the Sub-Urban Chicago Grotto (sucg.org) Currently Active?

Updated

The Sub-Urban Chicago Grotto (SUCG) is not currently active. According to its website, the group is "under 'inactive status' as we look for a local NSS member to take over as Grotto Chair." That means regular meetings, organized trips, and membership activity are likely paused for now. If you were hoping to join or attend an event, the practical first step is to contact the group before making any plans.

What the Sub-Urban Chicago Grotto Is

SUCG is a local chapter of the National Speleological Society (NSS). Its stated purpose is to promote:

  • Safe and responsible caving
  • Cave conservation and protection
  • Fellowship with other cavers

So it is a caving-oriented organization rather than a general outdoor or hiking club. Its focus is on cave exploration and stewardship, tied to the broader NSS network.

Why It Is Inactive

The website states the reason directly: SUCG is looking for a local NSS member to take over as Grotto Chair. Without someone in that role, the chapter cannot operate normally. This is an organizational gap, not a permanent closure — the group's status depends on whether a volunteer steps forward.

Can You Join or Participate Right Now?

Not in the usual sense. With the grotto inactive, there is no confirmed schedule of meetings or trips to join. The site's meeting details section does not list active gatherings; instead it explains the inactive status and the need for a new chair.

If you are interested in the group's future, the site points to a specific contact:

  • Contact: Gary Gibula
  • Purpose: To express interest in facilitating the grotto or to ask about its status

Reaching out is the only reliable way to learn whether anything is being organized locally, or whether the chapter might restart.

What to Do If You Want to Cave in the Chicago Area

If your goal is to go caving rather than to revive this specific grotto, consider these steps:

  1. Check the NSS directly. Since SUCG is an NSS chapter, the national organization can point you to other active grottos or members in the region.
  2. Contact Gary Gibula if you are an NSS member willing to take on the Grotto Chair role, or if you simply want current information about SUCG.
  3. Confirm before traveling or planning. Do not assume meetings or trips are happening based on the site's general description — the inactive status notice takes precedence.

Bottom Line

SUCG exists on paper as an NSS chapter, but it is not operating at present. Joining or attending activities is not possible until a local NSS member takes over as Grotto Chair. The site's own guidance is to contact Gary Gibula — either to help restart the grotto or to ask about its current state.