Before the bowling alleys that we are aware of today - St. Charles Bowl, Funway in Batavia and Bowling Green in West Chicago - came about, this was literally an underground sport around here.

And even then, you might not make it down the 27 steps to this basement bowling alley. "The good bowlers carry with them two or three balls," Mady said.

The basement of the church was vacant at the time and it was decided to install a bowling alley. Church members and others heard about a bowling alley that had burned in Huntington.

Steve Steiner ran the Highland Park basement bowling alley for 20 years. In May, he shut down for the summer — just like always. Three weeks later, he got a call from his landlord, Lyle Vevea.

By Lia Eustachewich Published June 24, 2015, 3:21 p.m. ET Neighbors at 22 E. 64th St. (left) are suing over the construction of a bowling alley at 20 E. 64th St. Gabriella Bass ...

In the basement, the group made minor updates to improve bowling operations, such as pin setting repairs. Aesthetically, it will remain the same with its Mid-Century decor and color scheme.

Duckpin bowling is similar to 10-pin bowling, with the following exceptions: The balls are about the size of a softball and sport no finger holes. You get to throw three balls per frame.

Comprised of two extra-long lanes, the action-packed basement bowling alley also has built-in cubbies (for bowling shoes, natch) and an oversized screen to show the players' scores.