All of KEEN's programs are based on a single principle: pair a trained volunteer with an athlete and let them discover together how much they can do. Programs are all open and unstructured, allowing athletes facing significant challenges to have fun and be successful. KEEN Chicago now operates two programs throughout the greater Chicagoland area. Programs are open to athletes ages 5 - 19.

Sports

2nd and 4th Sunday of each month.
1st Session 3:30 - 4:20.
2nd Session 4:40- 5:30.
Program Coordinators: Lisa Mendelsohn, Kristine Mayle
LOCATION: High Ridge YMCA• 2424 W. Touhy Ave• Chicago, IL.
Click here for Map


During the Sports Program, athletes and volunteers come together for one-to-one activities. In the Sports sessions they have a group warm up, and then move to individual activities which are tailored solely to the needs of the athlete. They may throw a basketball or kick a soccer ball, or they may take a walk around the outdoor track. Many love to bounce on 36” balls or be pulled along the floor on a flat wheeled scooter. A group may form for Duck, Duck, Goose. The session ends with everyone coming together in a circle (although some athletes still need to run around its periphery, and that’s okay) and sharing with the group what they did that day “that made them very Proud.” They literally go out dancing: the Hokey Pokey for the younger kids and the Macarena for the teens and young adults. Athletes burn energy, meet and interact with new volunteers, see old friends, and then rejoin their parents, who have had some precious respite time.

2nd and 4th Sunday of each month.
1st Session 4:00-4:30
2nd Session 4:30-5:00
Program Coordinators: Keara Enoch
Location: High Ridge YMCA• 2424 W. Touhy• Chicago, IL.

Free parking is available behind the YMCA. Entrance is off of Western Ave on Northwest corner of Western and Touhy.
Click here for Map


KEENQuatics brings the KEEN formula to the swimming pool. A large variety of inflatable equipment makes even the most cautious athlete eager to get in the water and splash about. Swimmers who are able are encouraged to swim a lap or two.