Every Labor Day weekend, a beach volleyball stadium pops up on Lake Michigan, just north of the Drake Hotel, and some of the world’s best players come to Chicago.

This weekend will be no different. The Association of Volleyball Professionals will take over Oak Street Beach starting Saturday morning for the AVP League Championships, with winners crowned Sunday afternoon.

“Chicago is one of the best places that we play year after year. It’s a great environment to play in,” said Phil Dalhauser, a 2008 Olympic gold medalist who is now teamed with Trevor Crabb. “The fan base here is knowledgeable about the sport, and they get really into the matches. I’m excited to be back and see what the weekend has in store.”

The AVP ran its season differently this year. Instead of individual women’s an

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