The Chancers
Chicago based Irish rebel folk music delivered with reckless enthusiasm and loads of craic.
About Us
Playing all your favourite Irish tunes, and a few you never knew you needed.
Risteárd Ó Mórdha, born and reared in Dublin, Ireland & Patrick Dillon of Chicago, IL.
The lads bring Irish folk and rebel tunes to life at any venue, singing in both English and Irish (As Gaeilge). You can expect wit, humour, and an Irish history lesson along the way – all brought to you in the form of a lively musical act. The Chancers play all the traditional Irish favourites, along with contemporary Irish tunes you never knew you needed. Guests of all ages will be singing and clapping along, and may even hop up to dance a jig or a reel!
- Pubs
- Festivals
- Breweries
- Private Events
Debut Album – All Original Songs Released 31st August 2025 – Out Now!!
Buy the digital download on bandcamp – https://thechancersdublin-chicago.bandcamp.com/album/dublin-chicago
Also available on Spotify and Amazon Music
The Chancers get high marks for originality and remaining true to the genre they espouse – contemporary Irish folk music. Well done, Chancers! ~ Christine Lawless, Irish American News, December 2025 edition
Physical copies of the CD, as well as T-shirts and more are available at all live shows. Support your local musicians!
Listen Now – Recorded Live on Chicago Irish Radio – 24th September 2022
The lads appeared as special guests on the O’Connor Irish Radio Show (1490AM) where they played music for the entirety of the show. Four of the tunes are found below. The craic was mighty and even better in the flesh.
Upcoming Public Appearances
Summer / Fall 2026
Saturday 13th June – 19:00 to 22:00 – Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, Chicago, IL
Saturday 20th June – 19:00 to 22:00 – Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, Chicago, IL
Saturday 26th September – 19:00 to 21:00 – Carraig Irish Pub, Chicago Gaelic Park, Oak Forest, IL
Saturday 19th September – Time TBD – Naperville Irish Fest, Tickets Available Here, Naperville, IL
Thursday 1st October – 21:00 to 00:00 – Quigley’s Irish Pub, Naperville, IL
Saturday 3rd October – 18:00 – 21:00 – Fox’s Pizza and Irish Pub, Orland Park, IL
Sunday 18th October – 15:00 – 18:00 – McNally’s Irish Pub and Kitchen, St. Charles, IL
Patrick Dillon
sean-nós, vocals, bodhrán, accordion, percussion, harmonica, dance
773-415-4292
thechancersrule@gmail.com
Risteárd Ó Mórdha
guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, feadóg stáin, bodhrán, vocals
847-942-1724
thechancersrule@gmail.com
Special Guests
fiddle, flute, guitars, vocals, and more – available by request – for info call
773-218-1794
thechancersrule@gmail.com