When it’s time for a Bears game, Chely and Jose Carrillo of Chicago pack up their kids and join dozens of other family members at her sister’s house. It’s a place where Bears passion runs high and even the youngest family members know the words to the Bears’ song.
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“We scream, we high five, we boo, we eat,” Chely says. “Nobody picks up the phone. Nobody’s texting.”
Chely, who entered a Chicago Parent contest looking for the ultimate Bears family, admits her bathroom has a Chicago Bears and Cubs theme. She also acknowledges that her 4-year-old son, Marco, has his sights set on playing for the Bears when he’s older. This summer, visiting the Bears’ training camp in Bourbonnais became a two-day affair so the family could watch two full days of practice. Their Christmas card shows the entire family in Bears gear.
While other kids are working on the alphabet, the children in the Carrillo family are learning about touchdowns, offense and defense. “We started them early in the hopes that one of them plays,” she says.
But being the ultimate Bears fan is about more than just football. Her sons Marco, as well as Mateo, 12, and Diego, 5, join Chely’s many brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews for every game. “We love football season, especially because my whole family gets together to watch the game,” Chely says. “It’s a great time for our family.”
