McGlother "Mac" Irvin was considered the “Godfather“of Chicago club basketball. He launched the Mac Irvin Fire, basketball club to highlight Chicago talent and setup a traveling team, which was sponsored by Nike in 1992. Many players went on to the NBA. He also founded the Mac Irvin Foundation to make a positive impact on at risk youth through basketball.

His wife, Louise Irvin was the manager of the program until her death in 2019. He worked for Xerox company before starting the Club; they raised 6 children on the South Side of Chicago. The Foundation and Club are being continued by the Irvin children.

Fernwood Park Basketball Courts were dedicated in his honor in 2012.

Honorary McGlother "Mac" Irvin WAY

South Parnell Avenue from West 109th Street to West 111th Street

Approved: April 2023

Ward: 21
Alderman: Howard Brookins, Jr., (amended September) Ronnie Mosely
Neighborhood: Pullman

d. 2011. Age 74

Sign dedication: September 23, 2023

Source

20231313
20121108

https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/mcglother-mac-irvin-basketball-courts

https://www.jcoydenreports.com/chicagohonorsgodfathermacirvin

https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/high-school/post/_/id/2380/chicago-mourns-passing-of-mac-irvin

https://www.foreverfire.org/about-us

https://www.guidestar.org/profile/36-4430661

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/12/24/mac-irvin-godfather-of-chicago-basketball-dies/