Wrestling is the heart and soul of all we do - but it is just the beginning of the journey.
Through year-round wrestling, we invite Chicago youth to strive valiantly and dare greatly towards becoming the best versions of themselves. Sports is supplemented by robust enrichment programming and individualized support, preparing wrestlers to continue life's journey beyond high school.
We surround youth with phenomenal coaches, compassionate mentors, and caring adults who remind wrestlers that our community "is a safe space, but don't get comfortable." Accountability, gratitude, grit, integrity and excellence are not just words on a wall - they are the values of a Life Champion.
We believe that wrestling is the best vehicle for personal development in sport. The skills & mental fortitude developed through wrestling provide the necessary skills to become successful on and off the mat.
Coaches are at the heart of our model. We hire and train the best coaches in the City and ensure a high coach-to-athlete ratio. This gives coaches the opportunity to get to know each wrestler and build the strong, meaningful relationships that change lives.
Our enrichment programs are tailored to ensure our wrestlers are on par academically, are emotionally healthy and can take advantage of opportunities that expand their perspectives of who they are and who they can become.
In addition to academics, specialized tutoring, workshops, field trips, & college visits, we provide customized individual support for those who need it. We rely on the trust built between coaches and athletes, students and mentors, to get to know our wrestlers and identify what they and their families need to thrive.
Chicago’s storied history of creating Life Champions through youth wrestling flourished decades ago. We are bringing back the power of wrestling to the City for future generations. Our goal is to create a holistic and sustainable ecosystem of coaches and wrestlers of the neighborhoods and in the neighborhoods of Chicago.
The stories began mid-twentieth century, when Life Champions trained in neighborhood clubs around the City and at Mayor Daley's athletic club on Navy Pier. Though disinvestment created a gap in the timeline, we are rebuilding that community, creating a bigger and more impactful pathway to becoming a Life Champion through wrestling. The stories of the past inspire us even as we write the origin stories for the heroes of tomorrow.
Through resilience, hard work, and the support of mentors who believed in her, she challenged societal assumptions about what was possible and created opportunities that extend far beyond the wrestling mat.
A pioneer for Beat the Streets, Roy is a natural leader who had the whole City behind him.
Learn what a full Winter season with us is all about and why we believe all Chicago kids should wrestle.
Wrestling, enrichment and community made all the difference for Monica as she trains to become a Life Champion.
You can make a difference. Join our community as a coach, volunteer, tutor, mentor or donor and witness the meaningful impact you will have in the life of a young person.
Coaching is one of the most powerful ways you can have meaningful impact. Be that person who changes a young person's life.
coach
Your time and expertise can make a difference. We need tutors, drivers, event volunteers and mentors - and more.
volunteer
We rely on private donations for the majority of our funding. Your contribution is a direct investment in Chicago youth.
donate
Carmen and Coach Leila were featured recently on ABC Eyewitness to discuss the power our programming
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Check out Coach Powell sharing our mission live in studio at CBS Chicago
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IKWF wrestlers Jovani and Joshua demonstrated their skills on live TV to inspire more families to get involved.
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5985 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60638
(312) 767-5673
info@btschicago.org
