Built from scratch by co-owners Brian Kelly and Rob Feltner, the Rush has fielded one of the finest minor league football teams in the Midwest. It all began in October of 2002, when Brian Kelly, along with Rob Feltner decided to start a semi-pro football team in Belvidere (IL). The team would begin play in the fall of 2003.

The first step towards building a winning franchise took place with the gathering of veteran players. The Belvidere Rush introduced Lloyd Meyers as the team's first head coach. By combining semi-pro veterans with talented rookies, the Rush compiled an impressive roster. In its first year, the Rush finished the 2003 season 10-3, and won their first ever playoff game. The Rush would fall short to the Chicago Falcons, who were defending league champions. Their championship appearance laid the foundation for a bright and successful future.

In its second campaign, after moving to Roscoe, IL the Rush finished the 2004 season with an 8-4-1 record.  The Rush's play earned the team a first round playoff game, and a home game against the Chicago Falcons. The Rush defeated the Falcons 22-14, to advance to the Chicago Metro League Championship for the second straight year. In 2003 the Rush was runner-up in the CMFL, but returned in 2004 to claim the championship by defeating the Illinois Firehawks 36-0 to claim the organizations first championship.