Every year the 2024 Chicago Marathon is a celebration of joy, community, and the power of play, drawing thousands of people out for the fun. Yet, in the very neighborhoods that host this iconic event, many Chicago youth and families still lack access to sports and play opportunities. This year, our Charity team is lacing…
On November 6, a team of Corporate Coaches from IMC Financial Markets brought some soccer expertise to the Urban Initiatives teams from Morrill Elementary, Lee Elementary, Reavis Elementary, and National Teachers Academy. It was difficult to tell who was more excited—the coaches or the players—as the two groups warmed up together, and the excitement continued…
On a beautiful afternoon in October, a team of volunteers from Integrated Project Management (IPM) traveled to Jenner Academy of the Arts in Cabrini Green to coach Urban Initiatives’ players from Jenner and Otis Elementary for the day. While team Jenner and the volunteers waited for Otis’s bus to arrive, Jenner’s players led their new…
Beyond the glaring differences in pads, footwear, and playing surfaces, hockey and soccer share lots of similarities. Both require physical fitness, teamwork, and lots of practice, and both sports are way more fun when there are talented coaches to help with training. On October 2, Junior Board member Jay Wilson brought his players from the…
On September 25, volunteers from LinkedIn took the field with players from Kozminski Academy and Morton School of Excellence at Humboldt Park. LinkedIn’s last Corporate Coaching day came at the very end of the spring 2015 season, and it was great to have a few familiar faces in the mix to kick off our fall…
Davis’ REC Coordinator Nestor Rico shares a one of a kind experience for UI kids from Urban Initiatives Night at UIC! As the Director of Community Assist at the University of Illinois at Chicago I am responsible for reaching out to schools, club teams, and non for profit organizations to offer them a unique experience…
We had some incredible volunteers this Fall, many of whom have made a lasting impact on their teams, so I just wanted to spend some time to highlight a few of our all-stars this season. Our furthest traveller comes all the way from Germany, and he dedicated three days a week of his stay in…
Urban Initiatives Junior Board member Kyle Smith shares his experience on a recent #UIJB Field Trip to Zoo Lights with the Kozminski and Lorca Work to Play teams! Friday, December 4th – Urban Initiatives and the Junior Board had the privilege to host Kozminski and Lorca for this year’s Zoo Lights! The Lincoln Park Zoo was…
Coach Kaitlyn shares highlights from her parent/player scrimmages at Tarkington, Lee, Marquette, and Faraday! Central to Urban Initiative’s mission is the empowerment of Chicago’s youth. We strive for this by teaching our kids soccer skills and the power of teamwork; the value of academic achievement; and the importance of choosing healthy lifestyles. What oftentimes goes…
On Thursday, November 5th, Urban Initiatives hosted the Plant A Seed Breakfast, presented by Allstate. UI Board members, supporters, CPS partners, and members of the business community gathered to reflect on what makes UI unique and impactful. After welcome remarks from Board member Shawn Broadfield of Allstate, Board Vice-Chair, Neil Hirshman, spoke to the challenges…
Team Captains got an early start on their futures this past Friday at the second Take the Lead Retreat of the year, hosted at Grainger’s incredible facilities in Lake Forest. After a long bus ride from the city, Captains arrived on Grainger’s beautiful campus, which is complete with a running path, cafeterias, and enough meeting…
On a chilly Sunday afternoon over 30 high school students came together to think about ways to take action for Urban Initiatives. UI Student Board member Hannah Fortier shares her experience at the first meeting of the school year. On November 8th, 33 high school students from the Chicago area met at LYFE Kitchen. This…
