Skyway Lanes, the last Black-owned bowling alley in Chicago and a fixture on the Far South Side since the 1950s, will close permanently on April 26 after efforts to save it fell short, according to a March 31 announcement from the family that owns it.
The closure marks the end of an era for both local residents and Chicago’s dwindling number of bowling alleys. The business at 9915 S. Torrence Ave. had received more than $25,000 in donations after Brunetta Hill-Corley alerted the community to its financial struggles in March 2025. While this support enabled repairs such as resurfacing the parking lot and buying new house shoes, it was not enough for larger renovations needed to keep operations going.
Jarell Corley, Hill-Corley’s son who spoke on behalf of the family, said: “The community did everything they could do. To keep that momentum, it was about time, energy, money, expertise to do it, and we didn’t have it.” He also noted that while there was an initial surge in business following fundraising efforts, activity slowed after four months.
The death of family matriarch Mary F. Hill in December and Hill-Corley’s own health challenges made running Skyway Lanes increasingly difficult. The pandemic also led to a loss of many longtime leagues—the backbone of their business—and property taxes rose as well.
Corley said he has not found any buyers interested in keeping Skyway as a bowling alley and does not expect to find one. The facility’s assets are being sold online with plans to list the building for sale soon.
Reflecting on his grandfather Johnnie Hill’s legacy—who bought Skyway Bowl in 2009—Corley said: “He lived a phenomenal life. You have to find that silver lining. We wanted to preserve the legacy.” Despite sadness over closing after so much effort from supporters including local organizations and schools who booked lanes over this past year, Corley added: “We’re in a good place… But it’s sad we have to close after trying to maintain.” A farewell party is scheduled at Skyway Lanes from noon-7 p.m., April 26.
