Marz Community Brewing Releases Block Club Beer
The local brewery is donating a portion of sales from its new beer to support nonprofit newsroom Block Club.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Beer
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Marz Community Brewing Company has launched a new beer called Block Club Beer to support independent journalism in Chicago. A portion of the proceeds from every sale will be donated to the local nonprofit newsroom.
Why it matters
The collaboration highlights a growing trend of local businesses directly subsidizing independent journalism to help sustain community reporting. By purchasing the product, residents contribute to the operational costs of the local news outlet.
The new beer contains 5.4 percent alcohol by volume and is available in four-packs of 16-ounce cans for approximately $14. The label features illustrations of Chicago wildlife created by local artist Ryan Duggan.
The players
Marz Community Brewing Company
This Chicago-based brewery produces approximately 50 unique beers annually and operates taprooms across the city.
Block Club
This organization operates as a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to providing independent journalism for local Chicago neighborhoods.
Ryan Duggan
He is an artist known for creating the wildlife illustrations featured on the new beer label.
The details
The beer is currently available at Marz taprooms in McKinley Park and Logan Square, with distribution expanded to retail establishments that typically stock the brewery's products. The company plans to continue production if the beer proves popular with consumers.
Timeline
The beer release was documented on October 16, 2026.
Culture Shift
This collaboration signals a shift toward hyper-local support systems where community breweries align with civic-minded nonprofit journalism models. It reflects a broader movement where craft brands leverage local loyalty to sustain neighborhood institutions.
Residents can support local journalism by purchasing the beer at taprooms in McKinley Park and Logan Square or at participating retail outlets. The four-pack format is priced for individual consumers at approximately $14 per unit.
The takeaway
Supporting local businesses that partner with community organizations provides a direct way to invest in neighborhood services. Consumers should check local retail availability to see if their preferred store carries the new product.
What happens next
Marz is planning to expand its footprint by opening a third location, to be called The Isle of Marz, in Blue Island.
Further reading
Learn more about the local craft scene in our Beer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Block Club Chicago.
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