As President of Checkerboard RC Club of Forest Park Illinois I’m proud to announce that our club has reached a milestone not often attained. On Saturday, October 1, 2022 Checkerboard RC Club will celebrate its 50th Anniversary. Our 50th Anniversary Celebration will take place from 11 AM to 1 PM at Miller Meadow Model Airplane Flying Field (1st Ave, Cutoff North of Cermak Rd., Forest Park, Illinois), the home of Checkerboard RC Club. The celebration will feature food, fun, raffles and flying demonstrations. For more information please email checkerboardrcclub@gmail.com.

Our celebration is not only to acknowledge this momentous occasion but also to give thanks to our thousands of members, friends and families who have helped grow the organization from a small group of radio control flying enthusiasts to one of the preeminent RC Clubs in the country.

Checkerboard RC Club was started in 1972 by a group of model airplane pilots who wanted to fly their planes in a safe, sanctioned area. These devotees were not only accomplished RC pilots but also aeronautics engineers who conceived, designed and built model planes of all shapes and sizes. The founding members included AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) Hall of Fame member Hal Parenti, world renowned radio broadcaster Paul Harvey along with scores of other pilots.

Through the years Checkerboard RC Club has grown, changed locations and risen up to become a leader promoting radio controlled planes, drones and cars. Because of our member dedication, hard work and support Checkerboard RC has reached a pinnacle rarely seen. The current Checkerboard RC membership boasts of pilots from age 8 to 89!

We still have many goals left to accomplish in our endeavor to promote this great hobby. Our goals include not only creating a fun, family atmosphere to enjoy RC planes, drones and cars but also exposing young people to the fun of building and flying RC vehicles which teaches the basics of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education. One visit to Checkerboard RC Club at Miller Meadow field shows the vast scope and vision of the club. Just think what we will accomplish in our next 50 years!

Brent Litzer

Checkerboard RC Club President