Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago Pressroom

BGCC, NAMI bringing counseling, resources to Chicago's youth

By: CBS 2 – Chicago

Date: May 31, 2024


BGCC President and CEO Michael Crowley and NAMI CEO Alexa James discuss mental health programs.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago announce
Youth of the Year

By: FOX-32

Date: March 11, 2024


2024 Youth of the Year Ebonnye and BGCC Chief Program Officer Marco DeLaRosa speak with FOX-32.

Chicago Teen Wins Prestigious BGCC Youth
of the Year Award

By: WGN-TV

Date: March 8, 2024


Spotlight Chicago interviews our 2024 Youth of the Year Ebonnye and President and CEO Michael Crowley.

BGCC Members Participate in CFD 'Firefighter for a Day' event

By: FOX-32 Chicago

Date: February 9, 2024


60 BGCC Club members participated Chicago Fire Department's career event, "Firefighter for a Day."

Chicago White Sox visit BGCC Club before Spring Training starts

By: MLB.com

Date: January 30, 2024


In preparation of the 2024 baseball season, White Sox players and manager Pedro Grifol visit Club members.

White Sox 'give back to the kids' at Boys & Girls Club in Bridgeport

By: Chicago Sun-Times

Date: January 25, 2024


White Sox players participated in Club activities hosted by members to show them what it's like to be a Club kid.

Chicago Bulls Donate the James R. Jordan Club building to BGCC

By: NBA.com

Date: October 12, 2023


Partners Chicago Bulls announce the donation of the James R. Jordan Club building to BGCC.

BGCC Dancers Featured on WGN's Spotlight Chicago, Dance In-Studio

By: WGN-TV

Date: September 25, 2023


Four of BGCC's dancers join partner Creative Netwerk for a feature on the dance program at our Clubs.

WGN's Spotlight Chicago Highlights BGCC's Journey Out West Trip

By: WGN-TV

Date: September 20, 2023


Staff member and Club alum visit WGN's Spotlight Chicago in-studio to discuss the Journey out West trip.

BEAR Construction Completes New Boys & Girls Club Location 

By: ConnectCRE

Date: August 21, 2023


The construction company who built the new Rusu-McCartin Club, reports on their efforts for the project.

New Youth Campus Opens on West Side, co-hosting police, fire training center

By: Austin Weekly News

Date: August 21, 2023


Local publication Austin Weekly covers the ribbon-cutting ceremony, with several interviews from attendees.

New Boys & Girls Club Is Good For Neighborhood, Local Leaders Say

By: Block Club Chicago

Date: August 21, 2023


Block Club Chicago reports on the opening of the new Rusu-McCartin Club on the city's West Side.

New Boys & Girls Club Location Opens on Chicago's West Side 

By: WBBM 780AM

Date: August 18, 2023


WBBM Newsradio covers the new Rusu-McCartin Club ribbon cutting event with interviews of Chicago's youth.

BGCC Unveils First Newly-Built Club in a Generation on Chicago's West Side

By: Chicago Defender

Date: August 18, 2023


Chicago Defender gives an overview look at what the new Rusu-McCartin Club will provide Chicago's youth.

New Boys & Girls Club opens on the West Side 'by our young people'

By: Chicago Sun-Times

Date: August 18, 2023


Chicago Sun-Times reports on the ribbon cutting event at the newly-built Rusu-McCartin Club.

New Boys & Girls Club Opens on Chicago's West Side

By: FOX-32 Chicago

Date: August 18, 2023


FOX-32 Chicago reports on the ribbon-cutting ceremony that happened at the new Rusu-McCartin Club.

New Boys & Girls Clubs Facility Opens on the West Side

By: CBS 2 - Chicago

Date: August 18, 2023


CBS 2 - Chicago gives a behind-the-scenes look at the new Rusu-McCartin Club and its ribbon cutting ceremony.

BGCC Unveils First Newly-Built Club in a Generation on City's West Side

By: Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago

Date: August 18, 2023


BGCC unveils new Rusu-McCartin Club at a ribbon cutting ceremony. The Club is the first of its kind in over 25 years.

BGCC Kids Surprised With Gifts, Candy from First Responders

By: FOX-32 Chicago

Date: April 18, 2023


FOX-32 Chicago was there to witness more than 150 gifts being given to True Value Boys & Girls Club kids.

Chicago Students Get Swimming Lessons and Chance to Learn Skills

By: Chalkbeat Chicago

Date: March 27, 2023


Chalkbeat Chicago visits the Dr. King Club to highlight the aquatics program and partnership with LEARN Charter.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago Names 2023
Youth of the Year

By: FOX-32 Chicago

Date: March 3, 2023


FOX-32 Chicago interviews 2023 Youth of the Year Tyson live on-air with Club Director George Colone.

Boys & Girls Dr. King Club Celebrates 70 years in East Garfield Park   

By: WGN-9 Chicago

Date: January 27, 2023


Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Club member Trenton featured on Block Club Chicago's weekly podcast.

Boys & Girls Clubs hosting King Club Swim Meet, Basketball Camp

By: CBS 2 - Chicago

Date: January 20, 2023


Featured segment on the Dr. King Club 70th anniversary event featuring a swim meet and basketball tournament.

Thanksgiving festivities in full swing in Chicago, people giving back

By: CBS 2 - Chicago

Date: November 23, 2022


CBS-2 Chicago features Boys & Girls Clubs in their roundup of Thanksgiving activities around the city.

Valentine Club hands out 500 Thanksgiving meals to families

By: Chicago Sun-Times

Date: November 23, 2022


Story featuring the annual Valentine Boys & Girls Clubs Thanksgiving food and meal drive to the community.

BGCC Keystone Club Celebrates Winning National Award

By: WGN-9 Chicago

Date: August 5, 2022


Four Club members are interviewed live on WGN-TV to discuss their National Keystone Award win.

Chicago teens do have places to go this summer

By: Mary Ellen Caron, Mimi LeClair, Mary Ann Mahon-Huels | Chicago Sun-Times

Date: May 26, 2022


Read the op-ed regarding places our teens can go this summer to stay productive and engaged.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago receives multi-million dollar donation

By: CBS 2 - Chicago

Date: March 18, 2022


CBS-2 Chicago covers the news of Mackenzie Scott's $8.3M donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago receives $8.3M  From Mackenzie Scott

By: Crain's Chicago Business

Date: March 18, 2021


In a multi-million dollar donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, BGCC's Chief of Staff discusses Ms. Scott's gift.

$8.3M Gift From Mackenzie Scott One of BGCC's Largest Gifts in Organization History 

By: Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago

Date: March 17, 2022


Read the press release announcing Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago's donation from philanthropist Mackenzie Scott.

BGCC's Youth of the Year winner Keyontae appears on WGN's Very Own

By: WGN-9 Chicago

Date: March 4, 2022


2022 Youth of the Year Keyontae and Dr. King Club Director Anita Douglas join WGN for an in-studio interview.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago's 2022 Youth of the Year Announced 

By: FOX-32 Chicago

Date: March 4, 2022


Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Club member Keyontae is joined by Club Director Anita Douglas for a live interview.

BGCC, CCROC Team Up For Second Annual Winter Smiles Event

By: WBBM-CBS Chicago

Date: February 10, 2022


The Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board voices their support for the newly planned BGCC Club on the West Side.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago CEO Mimi LeClair

Podcast: Featuring Three Boys & Girls Clubs CEOs from Illinois chapters 

By: Greater Than Zero Percent Podcast

Date: December 2, 2021


The Chill Foundation skateboard program is featured by WTTW Chicago Tonight reporter Evan Garcia.

Bears' Akiem Hicks visits Boys & Girls Clubs for Thanksgiving event 

By: FOX-32 Chicago

Date: November 16, 2021


BGCC CEO Mimi LeClair, joined by two surrounding area BGCC CEOs discuss youth development work in Illinois.

Illinois Lottery Teams Up With the Boys & Girls Clubs in Illinois

By: Chicago Crusader

Date: October 22, 2021


The Chicago Defender attends an event between Boys & Girls Clubs and the Illinois Lottery at the Jordan Club.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago Works to Close Educational Gap

By: Chicago Defender

Date: August 17, 2021


BGCC Chief Program officer Vicki Lee sits down for a Q&A to discuss the educational goals for this fall.

Chill Foundation, BGCC Helps Youth Overcome Obstacles Through Sports   

By: CNBC

Date: August 6, 2021


The Dr. King, Jr. Club, and its partner the Chill Foundation, are featured on The News with Shepard Smith.

BGCC Wins $100K From NBA for New Tech Center, Virtual Visit from Chris Paul

By: Block Club Chicago

Date: July 29, 2021


A feature highlighting a recent donation from the NBA and virtual visit from Chris Paul at the Pedersen-McCormick Club.

Chicago Tonight Black Voices: Keeping Teens Engaged During Summer

By: WTTW - Chicago Tonight

Date: July 18, 2021


Club Director George Colone joins a panel to discuss how to keep kids safe and engaged during the summer.

Boys & Girls Club on Police Academy Campus Offers a Safe, Welcoming Space   

By: Chicago Sun-Times

Date: July 13, 2021


Alderman Emma Mitts, 37th Ward, wrote a letter to the editor supporting the new Boys & Girls Club on the West Side.

New Boys & Girls Club Near Police Academy Could Be Powerfully Good for Chicago

By: Chicago Sun-Times

Date: June 15, 2021


The Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board voices their support for the newly planned BGCC Club on the West Side.

Young Skateboarders Gain Their Footing Through New Chicago Program

By: WTTW - Chicago Tonight

Date: June 3, 2021


The Chill Foundation skateboard program is featured by WTTW Chicago Tonight reporter Evan Garcia.

‘It’s All Good’ Podcast Episode 4: The Skater and The Artist   

By: Block Club Chicago

Date: May 13, 2021


Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Club member Trenton is featured on Block Club Chicago's weekly podcast.

West Side Teen Designs Coffee Bags For Uptown Cafe, Proceeds go to BGCC

By: Block Club Chicago

Date: April 22, 2021


Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Club member Trenton's coffee bags are featured by Block Club Chicago's Joe Ward.

Local 'Youth of the Year' recipient continues to overcome adversity

By: WGN-TV News

Date: March 26, 2021


WGN-TV features 2021 Youth of the Year winner Sammantha C. on their segment "Chicago's Very Own."

Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago names 'Youth of the Year' winner   

By: FOX-32 Chicago

Date: March 5, 2021


Youth of the Year Sammantha C. is live with FOX-32, along with BGCC's Chief Operating Officer Dr. Vicki Lee.

BGCC 'Youth of the Year' award-winner hopes to inspire, help others

By: ABC-7 Chicago

Date: March 5, 2021


Youth of the Year Sammantha C. is live with ABC-7, along with BGCC's President and CEO Mimi LeClair.

Chicago Bears' Akiem Hicks Gives Kids Shoes at Uptown Boys & Girls Club

By: Block Club Chicago

Date: September 22, 2020


Akiem Hicks visited Pedersen-McCormick Club to help distribute new sneakers to Club members.

Akiem Hicks Delivers New Shoes to Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago   

By: WGN-TV News

Date: September 21, 2020


Akiem Hicks visited Pedersen-McCormick Club to help distribute new sneakers to Club members.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago Honor 'Youth of the Year'

By: FOX-32 Chicago

Date: March 9, 2020


Youth of the Year Camilla S. is live in-studio with FOX-32, along with BGCC's President and CEO Mimi LeClair.

Youth of the Year award: 6 teenagers recognized through Boys & Girls Club

By: ABC-7 Chicago

Date: March 7, 2020


Camilla S., 2020 Youth of the Year winner joins Mark Rivera and ABC-7 for a live interview.

Nike, BGCC and Virgil Abloh Unveil Redesigned Basketball Facilities   

By: Nike News

Date: February 13, 2020


Nike highlights their partnership with BGCC and Virgil Abloh with upgraded gym at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Club.

Chicago Bear Akiem Hicks Visits Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago

By: Chicago Bear News

Date: November 12, 2019


Chicago Bear defensive tackle Akiem Hicks visited the Valentine Club where he spoke and served food to the kids.

New Tech Center Brings 3D Printers, Drones, Laptops to Garfield Park Kids

By: Block Club Chicago

Date: November 11, 2019


The first Tech Center of Excellence is revealed at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Club and Block Club was there to see it.

Here Are The Places that Have Stepped In As Chicago Teachers Go On Strike

By: CNN

Date: October 16, 2019


CNN compiles a list of places around Chicago that have stepped in to fill the gap of schools being closed.

Here's What Will Be Open For Kids During The Chicago Teachers Strike

By: Block Club Chicago

Date: October 16, 2019


Block Club Chicago puts together a list of resources for parents on where they can take their kids during the CTU strike.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago CEO Mimi LeClair

Mimi LeClair Contributed to a Panel on Stemming Summer Violence 

By: WTTW - PBS Chicago

Date: May 29, 2019


BGCC President and CEO Mimi LeClair joins a panel hosted by WTTW to discuss violence in Chicago.

Better Makes: Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago Crowns Youth of the Year   

By: Better

Date: May 13, 2019


Better Chicago features BGCC's Youth of the Year competition, highlighting Joshua H.'s 2019 honor.

Allen Robinson provides a 'Reading Room' for the Linda and Bill Gantz Club

By: ABC-7 Chicago

Date: May 6, 2019


Bears Wide Receiver Allen Robinson opens new Reading Room at a BGCC Club, ABC-7 was there to capture it.

Joshua H. from the Valentine Boys & Girls Club wins Youth of the Year   

By: ABC-7 Chicago

Date: March 24, 2019


Joshua H. joins ABC-7 and BGCC's Mimi LeClair in-studio for a live interview to discuss his Youth of the Year title.

Pedersen-McCormick Club Vs. CPD Community Basketball Game

By: ABC-7 Chicago

Date: March 21, 2019


ABC-7 Chicago takes spotlights a unity game between the Pedersen-McCormick Club and the CPD.