We leverage the power of sport and play and use evidence-based, healing-centered programming to:
- Empower youth — pre-K-to-college and beyond — achieve academic success, develop critical social-emotional skills, and build social capital.
- Address systemic issues including economic inequity, poverty, racism, and violence.
- Strengthen Chicago’s future by building an enduring team of youth, coaches, families, schools, and neighborhoods.
Invest in quality coaches
Invest in quality coaches
Invest in quality coaches
Invest in quality coaches
Invest in quality coaches
Enlist support from diverse networks of families, schools, and community members
Enlist support from diverse networks of families, schools, and community members
Enlist support from diverse networks of families, schools, and community members
Develop social-emotional learning through play
Develop social-emotional learning through play
Develop social-emotional learning through play
Use our network to help students build social capital
Use our network to help students build social capital
Use our network to help students build social capital
Why We Do It
Sports Can Change Lives
Sports and play have tremendous impact. They bring joy to and build confidence in the youths who participate. They unite families, schools, and communities.
But the playing field isn’t level. Chicago families need increased free play and sports opportunities for their children — especially those in the UI style, with caring coaches trained to instill teamwork, empathy, and stress-management.
We believe that delivering this kind of programming not only supports kids as they learn and grow but helps make Chicago safer, more equitable, and more connected, which is exactly what our city needs now.
87%
of UI participants come from families qualifying as low income
50K
CPS students reached by UI programs.
80+
Chicago Public Schools across the city have UI programs
Sponsors
Latest News
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Uniting for Impact: Loyola Ramblers, Chicago Fitness Community & Corporate Leaders Give Back
On October 5th, over 120 students from five Chicago public schools gathered at Midway Plaisance Park for the 11th Annual Connection Cup, an event celebrating diversity, culture, and connection through play. The day was brought to life by 30 dedicated volunteers, including UI associate board members from Chicago’s corporate, nonprofit, and fitness communities, as well…
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UI’s 2024 Game On Gala Raises $2.4 Million. Here’s What’s Next
On Thursday, June 13th, Urban Initiatives (UI) hosted its first sit-down fundraising event, the Game On Gala, at RPM Events. This remarkable evening brought together philanthropists, donors, coaches, community members, UI alumni, and notable guests to underscore the importance of sports and play for Chicago youth while celebrating UI’s 20th anniversary in a formal and impactful way. The event…
