Chicago

No matter the sport, if you don't practice, you will lose -- or, stated more plainly, no wax-on, wax-off, no upset victory in the All Valley Karate Tournament. Giving you the tools to crush July 12's Soldier Field Cornhole Classic, BagsNation.

Co-founded by an engaged 'Cago couple (common interest - check), BN's a bespoke cornhole company doing up handcrafted wooden boards and bags that meet American Cornhole Association regulations (even in a sport requiring minimal athleticism & maximum Old Style, a governing body is a must). All boards are constructed from A/B grade, 5/8" puttied & sanded plywood, slapped w/ at least 2 coats of paint and at least three coats of weather-resistant sealant; any color scheme or logo's possible, and if you're a baggo savant, clearly the sky's the limit. Bags, available in 10 colors (including two-tones), are made from imported 12oz canvas machine stitched by one of the owners, and stuffed with Illinois whole-kernel corn -- so just like back in communist Russia, the government is subsidizing athletic glory (BYO steroids).

For late-night sessions, BN claims to be the only Chicago purveyor of the just-released, LED-powered Lumitoss board -- because just like Daniel-san, true champions don't sleep, unless Elizabeth Shue's feeling frisky.

---