Beat The Streets - Chicago
Chicago youth are leaving high school unprepared for their future at alarming rates. Beat the Streets Chicago exists to change that. We believe every child can become a Life Champion. We empower youth and guide their journey to becoming Life Champions through wrestling.
Every Chicago youth deserves access to wrestling, the world's greatest sport and the single greatest vehicle for becoming a Life Champion. Our year-round programs are low-cost, co-ed, open to all levels and available at multiple locations throughout Chicago. When paired with customized enrichment programming and deep, positive relationships with coaches and mentors, our wrestlers are uniquely positioned to succeed.
We welcome youth aged 5 - 18, whether they are looking for fun, physical literacy and wellness or something much deeper and life-changing. Every student-athlete who buys-in to our values-based culture builds positive relationships and makes progress toward becoming a Life Champion, on and off the mat.
Gigi moved to the U.S. several years ago from El Salvador. Her parents enrolled her in an all Spanish-speaking school. Only two years ago Gigi moved into a school taught in English. When Gigi joined our after school homework and tutoring program, she seriously lacked confidence in her language skills, both spoken and written. This insecurity impacted all areas of her life, including taking tests at school, wrestling, and her social and emotional health. But Gigi found a home at the facility where she is accepted for exactly who she is and where she is (tough) loved unconditionally. She found an environment where she can grow and will be pushed to do so.
This fall, we helped her apply for the Daniel Murphy Scholarship. When she was awarded the scholarship, we set her up with a visit to St. Ignatius. She fell in love with St. Iggy but struggled to believe she was good enough to even apply. Our staff convinced Gigi to take the test and promised her that with the right work ethic and despite language barriers, she could stand toe to toe with the best students in Chicago. She tested, got in, and will be attending at zero cost.
Fourteen months after Gigi discovered BTS, she commands a presence, on and off the mat. She is confident, daring and driven to excel. She is a different person, a better student, and a total champ on the mat. She has the hardware to prove it - Gigi placed first at 2023 Girls State. Gigi is living the American dream and BTS counts itself lucky to be able to help her on this amazing journey!
Financials
Programs
Enrichment
Life skills, workshops, summer enrichment camp, STEAM, tutoring and mentoring... our off the mat programs are as robust as our on the mat programs!
Wrestling
We offer year-round wrestling programs coached by USAW-certified coaches, who use a values-based, positive relationship approach to building champions on and off the mat. All programs are co-ed, serving Chicago youth aged 5-18.
Volunteering + Events
Annual Gala!
Join us on the first Saturday in June for our Annual Gala! Our biggest fundraiser of the year, this event is an opportunity to celebrate Chicago youth and the coaches that guide them.
Volunteers Make it Happen!
Our volunteers elevate our impact to the highest level. We rely on generous individuals (and corporate teams) to help us tutor, maintain the Facility, run events, provide transportation, lead workshops, mentor young people, serve on our boards... and so much more!