Tell us a bit about yourself and where you’re from.
My name is Dili Yang. I currently live in Chicago, but I was born in Shanghai. I moved to America when I was about three.
Currently, I work at a home health agency. We help coordinate with seniors who may need assistance with various things. I am also considering studying to become a licensed Practical nurse.
Have you always lived in Chicago?
No. I lived in Wisconsin, which is right near Chicago. I lived at some other places as well, but ultimately settled down here.
What is Chicago like?
It’s one of the most walkable cities. You can get around very easily. People know the Bean, and skyscrapers. People think Chicago and they think Sears Tower, but then they come here and realize there’s so much more.
I live in Albany Park, which is in the north side of the city. If I recall, we have the most breweries in the country. Either way, there’s this place called Malt Row, which is basically one mile with five or six breweries in one stretch.
I know they call Chicago “The Windy City.” What’s that about?
Most people think it’s because of the actual wind. We are located on the shore of Lake Michigan, which is one of the Great Lakes of America.
We get this freezing lake-effect wind in the winter as the air blows across the frozen water, and most people think that’s why it’s called The Windy City. Actually, it’s because of all the corrupt politicians in the past.
Coming from Miami, harsh winter is not something we’re used to here
Chicago is easily the best place to travel in the summer. Winter is a different story, but nothing can compare to Chicago summers.
So, tell us a bit about your journey as a football fan.
It started in the 2010 World Cup. My best friend and I were doing a bit of a road trip. I was not really into sports before. I was always a bit of a nerd, a band geek and all that; sports wasn’t really my thing.
For some reason, during that World Cup, my friend and I really got into that Spanish squad. I remember watching games in Times Square in NYC and having a blast. After that, my friend and I decided we were going to start watching domestic football. We even started a fantasy Champion’s League.
Why Arsenal?
During that fantasy league, I still felt like I wasn’t familiar with the teams or players. I even spent a whole week doing research. I was reading biographies and primers. My friend actually became a Liverpool fan because of Gerrard.
I was more attracted to the actual playing side of the game and Arsenal drew my eye. I found a random match of an Arsenal Carling Cup game. Even though it was the B squad, I really enjoyed the playing style. I went to The Globe and that was it.
Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. I kept going back. I’ll never forget the final where we lost to Birmingham. I was absolutely crushed. I said “oh, I guess I’m a true fan now if I feel this crushed and miserable about the team.” Since then, I’ve traveled to London to watch them six or so times and have travelled across America when they came to New York and Los Angeles.
What’s The Globe?
The Globe is the English-style pub in Chicago’s north side. Arsenal fans have been gathering there for about 10-15 years. Now, it’s the home for the Chicago Gooners; an organization recognized as an official Arsenal supporter’s group. I’m actually the current president and have been since 2012-13.
Tell us more about the Chicago Gooners.
Ir’s a really interesting group of fans of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds. It also has a lot of female fans, like myself. We’re kind of like a family for each other.
There are a lot of inside jokes and chats. It’s a lot of fun. After every win we go into the alleyway next to The Globe for a group picture. One member jokingly referred to it as “The Gangway of Broken Dreams,” which kind of stuck.
It’s become so iconic that people will come and ask to take a picture there.
Besides watching the matches, are the Chicago Gooners involved in anything else?
Yes. We’re involved with many local charities. For example, we recently had a “Gooner Prom,” where people dressed up and came to The Globe after hours. There was an open bar and we had raffles that raised about $2,000 for charity.
We try to work with local groups that are doing good for the community. For example, we worked with America Scores, which helps teach disadvantaged children by teaching soccer and poetry. We also just raised $1,400 for My Block, My Hood, My City during the FA Cup Final.
We raised the money to help with the senior viral response. During the pandemic, the aim was to help support seniors that were affected.
It sounds like a wonderful organization.
It really is. We also try to be very welcoming. I know Mike is on your channel. I’m sure he’ll have a great story about his first shot of Malort.
Malort?
It’s a Chicago tradition. it’s a Swedish liquor. i personally like it, but many don’t The most memorable descriptions are: turpentine, poison, and dirty water at the bottom of a garbage bag. There’s actually something called Malort Face, which describes the face people make when they try it. Google it; it’s actually quite funny.
So, besides taking photos in alleys, helping fix the world, and drinking questionable liquors while watching the Arsenal, what else do you think is unique about your experience as an Arsenal fan?
I would have to say Gooner Gras.
What is Gooner Gras?
Gooner Gras is a play on Mardi Gras, the New Orleans celebration before Ash Wednesday. It takes place in NO.
I believe it started back in 2014. It’s a huge Arsenal gathering. The first year, they only had about 20 or so people from out of town. Next, it was around 50-60. Now, they have around 300-400 fans. It’s a fantastic time. They do a lot for charity as well.
What was it like the first time you went?
I remember seeing it on Twitter and I said, “I’m definitely going to go to this.” I was super shy back then. I’ve gotten more talkative over the years, but I just decided I would give it a shot.
Everyone was super friendly and welcoming. The event was great, too. I remember how excited I was when I found out you could drink in the streets.
The match wasn’t as fun. We lost 6-3 to Liverpool…it was one of the worst matches. Afterwards, the New Orleans Gooners took us out on the town. I. actually met my fiancé there.
You met your fiancé at Gooner Gras?
Yes, I did. I met Cale there in 2015. We have this tradition where we stay up all night before the match on Gooner Gras. The next year, 2016, we tried it again. At the end of the night, he and I went and got some food. It was our first date, though we didn’t know it then.
We started dating long distance and eventually he moved to Chicago; even taking engagement photos at the Emirates. We hired a photographer and everything. We were supposed to get married in May, but we had to push it back due to the pandemic, unfortunately.
That’s an incredible story. Besides meeting your future husband, what is your favorite Arsenal memory?
That’s a hard question. I have two. The first is more my favorite Arsenal experience, and the second is my favorite from a sporting perspective.
Let’s start with the first one.
My favorite experience was during the summer Arsenal came to New York for their preseason friendly. It was great because everyone finally got to meet from all over the country.
We took over the entirety of 14th street in New York City. There were Arsenal fans as far as the eye could see. I’m pretty sure we drank some of those bars dry.
What about from a sporting perspective?
It has to be the 2014 FA Cup Final. That was a time where I was very invested in the team and the Chicago Gooners, right around the time I began as president. It didn’t start off great. We went two goals down.
I remember there were three Hull City fans a the bar. We even started congratulating them. When the free kick went in, the entire bar exploded – it was just an amazing feeling. Unfortunately, I don’t remember much after that. I said I would do a double shot for every goal Arsenal scored. I may have been a little overambitious. It ended up being three double shots for three Arsenal goals.
And champagne. Lots of champagne.
Champagne too?
Yup. Whenever Arsenal wins a trophy, Gary goes behind the bar and starts breaking open a couple bottles of champagne and spraying everyone with it, and pouring the rest.
Tell us more about Gary.
I’ll never forget the first time i met him. Looks like a very big Viking. Has this big, braided beard and all these tattoos. When I introduced myself, he said “welcome, let’s do a shot together.” Great guy.
It’s not always easy as a female supporter by yourself in a bar. He made me feel welcome.
I’d love to hear more about your experience as a female Arsenal fan.
When I first started going to The Globe, it was tough. When I was alone, people would ask questions like “did your boyfriend get you into Arsenal?” They meant well, but they would ask weird questions that I don’t think they would ask a male fan.
What do you mean?
Well, for example, they’d ask something like “do you know who Thierry Henry is?” I would be like, “of course I know who Thierry Henry is, I am an Arsenal fan.” Like I said, I think they mean well, but football fandom can be a bit of a boys club sometimes.
The Chicago Gooners core group embraced me wholeheartedly.
Do you ever try to reach out to female supporters or do anything to make them feel more comfortable?
Absolutely. If I see a new female fan sitting alone, I make it a point to go talk to them and welcome them. It can be intimidating. I think it’s gotten better over the years. More comfortabe.
I’m seeing a lot more female fans, too. There is Tiffany, who runs Gooner Gras, also started Gooner Gals. It’s a group of Arsenal women to talk and support the club. It’s nice to have that connection with female fans and it’s really cool to see things like that take off.
What would you like to say to any female fans that may be reading this?
Don’t let other fans dictate your Fandom. It’s like American fans being told they aren’t really fans. We’re putting the work in as well, waking up at 6AM just to watch the matches. You know you’re a supporter at heart.
What about for male fans?
For male fans, if you hear something sexist, stand up and say something about it. That will make supporting better for everyone. We must all work together towards equality and harmony. It’s the Arsenal way after all.
The Gooner Talk would like to extend our thanks to Dili Yang for taking the time out to speak to Jon (@305cast) about her love for – and connection with – Arsenal.
To the Chicago Gooners; keep doing amazing things in the Windy City. This truly is a community club, and you’re doing us all proud. Arsenal ‘Till We Die.