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T.I.P. Fest Auditions, Teen Tour, Summer Teen Leagues, Boxing Programs, 'Go Grind Camps and more give teens an outlet to stay active this summer in the parks

CHICAGO— Summer is here, and the �첥��Ƶ is offering teens a variety of thrilling activities to stay engaged by day and by evening. As the academic year concludes for Chicago Public Schools and other educational institutions across the city, local parks will serve as hubs for camaraderie, competition, and growth for Chicagoans ages 10 to 24.   

“Chicago’s parks are providing exactly what teens want and need this summer: enriching environments that bring out their athletic and performing arts talent,” said �첥��Ƶ General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño. “The variety of free, immersive experiences for teens give them healthy opportunities to gain confidence in themselves, interact positively with peers, and create timeless memories.”  

For a curated list of teen events this summer, visit chicagoparkdistrict.com/teens-parks. 

The �첥��Ƶ’s Teens in the Park initiative will offer the following events and programs:  

Teens in the Park Festival Auditions 

The �첥��Ƶ and the John Walt Foundation are teaming up once again to host auditions for the 9th Annual Teens in the Park (T.I.P.) Festival. Singers, rappers, dancers, spoken word artists, musicians, and poets between the ages of 14 and 24 will showcase their art and compete for cash prizes. T.I.P. Fest will take place at Northerly Island Park, located at 1521 S. Linn White Dr., on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  

Each audition for T.I.P. Fest takes place at historic community auditoriums from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The full schedule of the auditions is as follows:  

• Washington Park Auditorium, 5531 S. Martin Luther King Dr., June 7, 2024 

• La Follette Park Auditorium, 1333 N. Laramie Ave., June 27, 2024 

• Revere Park Auditorium, 2509 W. Irving Park Rd., July 17, 2024 

Auditions must be limited to 3 minutes in length. A $500 prize will be awarded for first place, $250 will be awarded to the second place, and $150 will be awarded to the third-place finalist. Contestants will be evaluated by a panel of judges from the John Walt Foundation and Pep Rally Takeover, local non-profits committed to youth engagement. Performers will be evaluated based on creativity, stage presence, and authenticity of their performance. Snacks will also be available onsite. Registration is required and is available at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/tip-fest. 

Summer Teen Tour 

The Summer Teen Tour features events ranging from athletics to beach bashes at park locations citywide from June 3, 2024 through September 7, 2024. 

Events are all drop-in, and pre-registration is optional. Highlights for the Teen Tour include , a Teen Bash on 12th Street Beach on Northerly Island from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on July 20, 2024, and so much more.  

To follow the journey of the Teen Tour, visit chicagoparkdistrict.com/teens-parks.  Summer Teen Tour is supported by and . 

Windy City Hoops 

Windy City Hoops offers co-ed basketball to teens ages 13 to 18 at a rotating group of parks each season. This summer, 11 park locations will host games twice a week on varying nights. Games are played on weekdays from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on weekends from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The league culminates in playoffs that lead to a thrilling championship game. In-person registration is required, and teens are encouraged to sign-up with their desired teammates at the park location most convenient for them. Teens who sign up alone will be placed on a team.  

For the list of 11 park locations which are hosting this free basketball league, please visit . 

Summer Teen League 

Summer Teen League offers free, organized co-ed soccer and basketball sessions that take place at 26 park locations. Start dates vary, however most leagues begin July 9, 2024 and culminate August 23, 2024. Competitions take place on weekday evenings, and hours vary between park locations.  

Throughout the Summer Teen League season, several basketball tournaments will be played at park locations citywide. The �첥��Ƶ will host these events. The following tournaments will allow Teen League Teams to go head-to-head on indoor and outdoor courts:  

• Garfield Park Outdoor Basketball Courts, West Jackson Blvd. & South Woodward Dr., June 8, 2024, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.,  

• Columbus Park Outdoor Basketball Courts, 500 S. Central Ave., June 26, 2024, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  

• Park No. 596 (Brighton Park Community Campus), 4830 S. Western Ave., July 18, 2024, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

• Ellis Park, 3520 S. Cottage Grove Ave., August 7, 2024, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  

For a full catalogue of Summer Teen League locations and events, click .  Summer Teen League is presented by . 

Citywide Boxing Showcases  

Teens can witness and participate in free boxing bouts at 19 park locations and Daley Plaza throughout the Summer and Fall. To participate, athletes ages 8 to 20 can enroll in summer boxing programs for free at one of 22 boxing gyms. Instruction hours vary by park, and registration is required. For a full catalogue of boxing skills programs and instruction for teens, click .  

Once boxers have acquired the safety and athletic skills to enter the ring and compete in a bout, they can showcase their skills at the �첥��Ƶ’s Citywide Boxing Showcases. This year, 19 park venues and Daley Plaza will feature outdoor boxing matches, weather permitting. In the case of rain or cold temperatures, the boxing ring is moved indoors or rescheduled to another date. Citywide Boxing Shows feature boxers ages 8 to 25, and they serve as perfect venues for teens to witness sportsmanship, cheer on fierce competition, interact with boxing coaches, and listen to music.  

The Citywide Boxing program elevates unique venues and community members throughout the summer. This year, a Girls Only Boxing Showcase will take place at Wicker Park on July 11, 2024, featuring female athletes ages 8 and older. Additionally, the �첥��Ƶ will host a showcase at the foot of the Picasso statue in historic Daley Plaza on July 17, 2024. Finally, members of the Chicago Police Department will referee a showcase at Ogden Park on August 18, 2024, allowing athletes to get to know local first responders. 

See a full list of Citywide Boxing Showcases below, or visit . 

• Humboldt Park, 1440 N. Humboldt Boulevard, June 6, 2024, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

• LaFollette Park, 1333 N. Laramie Ave., June 20, 2024, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

• Taylor Park, 39 W. 47th St., June 27, 2024, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

• Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen Ave., July 11, 2024, Girls Boxing Showcase 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

• Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., July 17, 2024, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. 

• Garfield Park, 100 N. Central Park Ave., July 18, 2024, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

• Trumbull Park, 2400 E. 105th St., July 25, 2024, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

• Sheridan Park, 910 S. Aberdeen St., August 3, 2024, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

• Harrison Park, 1824 S. Wood St., August 15, 2024, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

• Ogden Park, 6500 S. Racine Ave., August 18, 2024, Police Department Show, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

• Loyola Park, 1230 W. Greenleaf Ave., August 22, 2024, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

• Portage Park, 4100 N. Long Ave., August 29, 2024, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

• Hamlin Park, 3035 N. Hoyne, September 5, 2024, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

• Bessemer Park, 8930 S. Muskegon Ave., September 12, 2024, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

• Scottsdale Park, 4637 W. 83rd St., September 26, 2024, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

• Ada Park, 11250 S. Ada St., October 10, 2024, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

• Fuller Park, 331 W. 45th St., October 17, 2024, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

• Brooks Park, 7100 N. Harlem Ave., October 24, 2024, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

‘Go Grind Camps & Friday Night Skates 

Skateboards, scooters, and BMX bikes will be gliding through Grant Park Skate Park, located at 9th St. and Columbus Dr. Extreme sports enthusiasts of any age can participate in organized trick competitions and races each Friday night from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. from June 21, 2024 to September 6, 2024, excluding July 5, 2024. 

To kick off the ‘Go Grind, the �첥��Ƶ will host national ‘Go Skate Day on June 21st, 2024 at Grant Park Skate Park from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Patrons of all ages are welcome to enjoy music, skating competitions and more!  

In addition to ‘Go Grind Friday Nights, instructional skateboarding camps take place throughout the summer at 5 �첥��Ƶ outdoor skate facilities for kids ages 10 to 15. These four-day camps offer safety tips from expert skateboarders as participants are guided through the tricks associated with this exciting urban sport. 

For a full list of ‘Go Grind events and camps, visit . 

Teen Centers 

�첥��Ƶ Teen Centers are designed specifically for teens to socialize, play video games, and spend time in a safe environment. Teen Centers typically feature Wi-Fi, gaming console & TV, table tennis, a foosball table, beanbag chairs, and more.  

For a full list of park locations that feature Teen Centers, visit this page.   

Tweens in the Park: Tween Tuesdays 

On Tuesdays between June 25, 2024, and July 30, 2024, 6 teen center locations will be activated for “tweens” ages 11 to 14 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Activities include board games, laser tag, and more! For a full list of Tween Tuesday activations, visit or view the listings below. 

• Broadway Armory Park, 5917 N. Broadway Ave., June 25, 2024

• Robichaux Park, 9247 S. Eggleston Ave., July 2, 2024

• Carver Park, 939 E. 132nd St., July 9, 2024

• Chase Park, 4701 N. Ashland Ave., July 16, 2024 

• Columbus Park, 500 S. Central Ave., July 23, 2024

• Mozart Park, 2036 N. Avers Ave., July 30, 2024