Jewish Community Centers of Chicago - Children's Sports & Leagues

Children's Sports & Leagues

Program Locations

Bernard Weinger JCC

Jacob Duman JCC at
Woodland Commons

Bernard Horwich JCC

Florence G. Heller JCC

Hyde Park JCC

Anita M. Stone JCC

JCC offers a wide range of instructional classes and competitive leagues where the focus is not only skill development, but physical fitness and character building. From classes in gymnastics, Tae Kwon Do and swimming, to leagues for floor hockey, basketball and baseball, children develop competence and confidence in an encouraging atmosphere.

Bernard Weinger JCC

NEW! Start Smart Football
5–7 YRS AND PARENT
You and your child build the basic motor skills needed to play organized flag football, without competition or fear of getting hurt. Start Smart Football focuses on teaching you and your child skills in throwing, catching, kicking/punting, running and agility. Exercises become increasingly difficult as your child’s skills improve. Equipment received in class is yours to keep.

T-Ball
4–5 YRS
We will introduce basic fundamental skills, rules, and good sportsmanship. Each participant will receive a T-shirt, hat, and trophy.
Pinto Baseball
5–6 YRS
Players build on skills learned in T-ball. Coaches will introduce "live" pitching as the season progresses and teach fundamental baseball skills of batting, throwing, catching, defensive positions, and base running skills.

Outdoor Soccer League
4–5 YRS
Four and five-year-olds possess amazing amounts of energy, stamina, and concentration. In short, they have all the raw materials necessary to be soccer players! Outdoor soccer league participants will practice offensive and defensive skills on a mini-field. All players receive a T-shirt and trophy.

Gym Kids
3–5 YRS
Gym Kids introduces your child to age-appropriate organized games. Indoor/outdoor (weather permitting) activities include soccer, basketball, floor hockey, t-ball and tumbling. Your ‘gym kid’ will learn teamwork and sportsmanship at an early level in his/her development.

Gymnastics
4–6 YRS
Your young child can discover the world of gymnastics in this non-competitive, coeducational environment. Balance beam, springboard and horizontal bars are scaled down so kids can learn balance and coordination on equipment their own size. A highly trained instructor supervises as the novice gymnasts develop their strength and agility. The students will give a demonstration of their accomplishments on the last day of class.

Dribblers Basketball
4 YRS–K
Dreams of Michael Jordan? Get your little basketball enthusiast on the right track early! Children can become very adept at dribbling, passing, jumping and shooting when they begin to learn these basketball skills while young. We play games at the end of every class. All players receive a jersey and basketball to keep!

Start Smart Basketball
3–5 YRS WITH ADULT
Team up with us to prepare your 3–5 year old
for organized sports! Your child learns the basics of basketball in this structured, supportive environment. While he/she learns the game, you learn how to teach and support the budding athlete. Equipment received in class is yours to keep.

Tae Kwon Do
K–5TH GRADE
Youth Tae Kwon Do welcomes children of all ability levels and focuses on developing self-defense skills and self-esteem. A 4th-degree Black Belt, instructor Mike Shuwal tailors the ancient art of Tae Kwon Do to the needs and abilities of his young students, the result of over 17 years of teaching experience. Loose-fitting clothes are recommended for beginners; uniforms and belt promotion are optional and available at an additional fee.

NFL Flag Football
K–2ND GRADE (JDJCC only)
3RD–4TH GRADE, 5TH–6TH GRADE (BWJCC only)
The JCC is pleased to continue our popular flag football program for boys and girls. Flag football offers non–contact continuous action, using minimal equipment. NFL Flag emphasizes basic football skills of passing, catching, defending and running. Participants also learn about formations, pass patterns and different types of defense. All participants receive team–identified Flag jerseys and a participation award.

Fall High School Baseball League
9TH–12TH GRADE
Your high schooler can form his own baseball team of 12 and play league baseball with the JCC for 6 weeks. If he does not have a team, we can place him on one. High school rules apply to this competitive league.

Jr. Stars Basketball
Kindergarten
Jr. Stars League combines basketball fundamentals with loads of fun for your kindergartener! Every Jr. Star leaguer learns the fundamentals of dribbling, passing, zone defense, basic basketball rules and positions. Instructors emphasize good sportsmanship and teamwork in games played each week. All players receive a JCC basketball, jersey, headband and participation trophy.

All Stars Basketball League
1ST–2ND GRADE
Your first- or second-grader will continue to add more skills to his/her basketball repertoire in our All Stars League. In game play, fouls, traveling and double dribbles begin to be enforced and 8-foot high baskets are used. All Stars are drilled in zone offense and defense, right along with principles of teamwork and sportsmanship. Practices are held one day a week, either Monday or Thursday, and games are scheduled for Sunday afternoons and weekdays. All players receive a JCC basketball, reversible jersey, JCC headband and a participation award.

Varsity Basketball League
3RD–4TH GRADE
Players learn every aspect of the game in Varsity Basketball. They continue to learn the value of teamwork and good sportsmanship. Coaches use the enforcement of fouls, traveling, double dribble and lane violations as teaching techniques to sharpen team performance in ‘game’ mode. Everyone learns offensive and defensive techniques: man-to-man, zone, 2-3 zone and zone press. Varsity practices one day a week and plays games on Sunday afternoons. Games are played full court and 10-foot baskets are used. Every player receives a JCC basketball, reversible jersey, headband and a participation award.

NEW! J’BA Basketball League
5TH–6TH GRADE
‘J’BA takes players to the next level. Coaches adhere to IHSA rules; fouls, traveling, double dribble and lane violations are enforced. All players are drilled in offensive and defensive strategies: man-to-man, 2-3 and 1-3-1 zone, zone press and diamond press break. Teamwork and good sportsmanship are both taught to and expected from all league participants. ‘J’BA practices one day a week and plays games Sunday afternoons. Practices and games are on full court and ten-foot baskets are used. Every player receives a JCC head band, reversible jersey, and a participation award. Friendship requests cannot be honored.

NEW! Jr. High Prep League
6TH, 7TH & 8TH GRADE
All Jr. High students are welcome. Athletes that play on school teams will enjoy the change of venue and extra coaching. All participants will continue to sharpen their basketball skills in a fun, competitive environment where teamwork and sportsmanship are just as important as the score. Coaches adhere to IHSA rules; fouls, traveling, double dribble and lane violations will be enforced. All players are taught offensive and defensive strategies: man-to-man, 2-3 and 1-3-1 zone, zone press and diamond press break. Friendship requests cannot be honored.

Jr. Travel Developmental Team
3RD–4TH GRADE
Jr. Travel Developmental Team is the training ground/feeder league for travel basketball. A tryout at BWJCC is required of all interested athletes. Twenty boys/girls will be chosen for this competitive team. Practices are every week and games are held at the JCC or area park districts. Jr. Travel players are strongly urged to participate in the house league as well.
Please contact Steve Dorfman at 847.412.4226 or Jeff Wechsler at 847.412.4293

Travel Basketball League
4TH–7TH GRADE
Travel League participants master all aspects
of the game and compete at various area park districts. Practice is once a week; games are played Sunday afternoons. Jeff Wechsler coaches the program. Travel League players are strongly urged to participate in the house league as well. Tryouts required.

Jacob Duman JCC at Woodland Commons

Drop-In Sports
1ST–3RD GRADE
Boys & girls, grab your friends on Tuesday afternoons for lots of non-stop action and game play in our new JDJCC gym. The featured sport changes monthly.

Floor Hockey Leagues
K–1ST GRADE, 2ND–3RD GRADE
All the action of hockey without the ice! Your child can join this fast-paced and semi-competitive league which plays one day per week. JCC forms the teams randomly. Our volunteer coaches teach teamwork, positions and game strategies. Mouth guards are recommended.

Gym Kids
3–5 YRS
Introduces your 3-5 year old child to organized games appropriate to their age. Activities with Coach Lon include soccer, basketball, floor hockey, t-ball and tumbling. Your ‘gym kid’ will learn teamwork and sportsmanship at an early level in their development.

Munchkin Tennis
4–6 YRS
Join our tennis class for 4-6 year olds and swing like the pros. Equipment is appropriately sized for your child. Mark Miller’s Munchkin Program teaches tennis basics in a friendly relaxed atmosphere.

Pinto Baseball
AGES 5-6
Players build on skills learned in T-ball. Coaches will introduce "live" pitching as the season progresses and teach fundamental baseball skills of batting, throwing, catching, defensive positions, and base running skills.

T-ball League
AGES 4-5
We will introduce basic fundamental skills, rules, and good sportsmanship. Each participant will receive a T-shirt, hat, and trophy.

Volleyball League—Jr. High
6TH–8TH GRADE
If there’s a 6–8th grader in your home, there’s a place for them in our junior high volleyball league. They can dazzle you with their spikes and volleys. Each player should bring knee and elbow pads. We provide a T-shirt and a participation award. Register early, this fast-paced league fills fast!
Time slots determined by the number of teams.
Kildeer School

Bernard Horwich JCC

Tae Kwon Do
1ST GRADE and up (CO-ED)
This non-aggressive martial art helps participants improve their strength, coordination, concentration and self-confidence. Co-ed classes are taught by our martial arts expert Joe Connelly.

Start Smart Basketball Class
3–5 YEARS (Co-ed with parents)
Team up with us to prepare your 3–5 year old for organized sports! You’ll be the “coach” as your child learns the basics of basketball in this structured, supportive environment. While s/he learns the game, you learn how to teach and support the budding athlete. Sessions meet for 6 weeks and equipment received in class is yours to keep.

Stay Smart Instructional Basketball Class
1st–2nd GRADE (Boys Only)
Keep your little basketball enthusiast on the right track! Children become adept at dribbling, passing, jumping and shooting in our instructional basketball league for beginners. Players learn teamwork and get individual attention as they develop skills. We’ll stress basic fundamentals and a broad understanding of the game. Participants will receive T-shirts, awards and lots of positive feedback!

Pre–Season Basketball Warm Up
3RD–5TH GRADE (Boys Only)
3RD–5TH GRADE (Girls Only)
If this is your first time in an organized league or you just need a little tune up, this 45 minute class is for you. We work on shooting, passing and dribbling as well as understanding the rules of the game.

Spring and Summer Baseball Leagues
T-Ball
K-1ST GRADE

Sandlot Baseball
2ND–3RD GRADE

Advance Baseball
4TH–5TH GRADE

Softball (Only played in the Spring)
6TH–8TH GRADE

Join one of our fundamental baseball leagues, learn about teamwork, sportsmanship and have fun playing America’s pastime, baseball. We will focus on improving your skills and help you understand the game of baseball. The programs include a few weeks of evaluation and pre-season fun, regular season games and two weeks of playoffs. This program includes a baseball jersey and hat as well as a trophy for all participants.

Horwich School of Gymnastics
5 YRS and up (Girls Only)
Girls improve flexibility, strength and coordination on the balance beam, uneven bars, vault and tumbling mat. Participants are grouped into Bronze, Silver and Gold skill levels, enabling each girl to progress at her own pace. Out of respect for modesty issues, men are not allowed to observe the class sessions of older girls.

Basketball Leagues
Join one of our fundamental basketball leagues, learn about the spirit of teamwork and have fun playing the game. We focus on each child as an individual, not only in competing, but focusing on the skills that help them truly understand the game of basketball. The programs include a few weeks of evaluation and pre-season fun, regular season games and two weeks of playoffs. This program includes T-shirt, IHSA referees and trophy for all participants.

Boys Biddy League
3RD–4TH GRADE, played with 8-foot baskets

Girls Biddy League
3RD GRADE, played with 8-foot baskets

Girls Tween League
4TH–5TH GRADE, played with 10-foot baskets

Boys Tween League
5TH–6TH GRADE, played with 10-foot baskets

Boys Youth League
7TH–8TH GRADE, played with 10-foot baskets

Girls Youth League
6TH–8TH GRADE, played with 10-foot baskets

NFL Flag Football
6–8 YRS, 9–11 YRS (Boys Only)
JCC and the NFL are pleased to offer NFL Flag football for a third year. NFL Flag has been created to help each player become part of a well-organized national program emphasizing football education, participation and sportsmanship.

NFL Flag offers non-contact continuous action, using minimal equipment.
NFL Flag emphasizes basic football skills of passing, catching, defending and running.
In NFL Flag, participants also learn about formations, pass patterns and different types of defense.
All participants receive an NFL team-identified Flag jersey.

Florence G. Heller JCC

Start Smart
3–5 YRS WITH ADULT
This parent-child developmental program prepares young children for organized sports. Parents work with their children on sport basics in a structured, supportive environment. Not only do parents and children spend quality time together, but parents learn how to properly teach and support their children in sports. All participants receive equipment to take home to continue to play.
Fall I - Start Smart Football
Fall II - Start Smart Basketball

Stay Smart
5–6 YRS
These classes continue to develop the confi dence and skills of the younger child, building on the pre–school sport experience. Age–appropriate equipment is used to instruct the children in the basic skill requirements of each sport.
Fall I - Stay Smart Football
Fall II - Stay Smart Basketball

NFL Flag Football
3RD–4TH GRADE
NFL Flag is the premier youth football league for boys and girls. The program is designed to educate young people about football while emphasizing participation and sportsmanship. Players learn skills and lessons that help them succeed both on and off the field. Program is held at Waveland Park.

Hyde Park JCC

Bronze Gymnastics
3–5 YRS
Bronze Gymnastics introduces little ones to the world of gymnastics. Childre nlearn simple terms, mat work and learn basic gymnastics skills on kid-sized apparatus. Young gymnasts develop large muscle coordination, balance and flexibility through fun games and movement.

Silver Gymnastics
K–2ND GRADE
Silver Gymnastics teaches the fundamentals, including: forward and backward rolls, cartwheels, body position and balancing. Basic apparatus work begins with an emphasis on the development of strength and flexibility.

Gold Gymnastics
2ND–6TH GRADE
Gold Level requires that participants have some previous gymnastics experience. The class introduces back bends, handstands, walkovers, and beginning routines on the apparatus. Ages in all levels are approximate—Gymnastic classes are non-competitive with positive support for the students.

Start Smart
3–5 YRS
Team up with us to prepare your 3-5 year old for organized sports! You’ll be the “coach” as your child learns the basics in this structured, supportive environment. While he/she learns the game, you learn how to teach and support the budding athlete. Equipment received in class is yours to keep.

Sports Shorts
4–5 YRS
Run, jump, throw, kick and tumble! Gross motor development takes center stage as young athletes learn cooperative games (soccer, basketball, tennis and more) that promote physical development and community play.

Sports Shorts II
6–8 YRS
Sports Shorts II is ideal for children moving up from the Sports Shorts class or new participants who love to play team sports. The class helps build gross motor skills and coordination while emphasizing good sportsmanship and fair play. Sports included in this class are soccer, basketball, volleyball, kick ball, flag football, and more.

Stay Smart
5–7 YRS
Little athletes continue to develop their confidence and skills, building on the Start Smart sport experience. Age-appropriate equipment tailors instruction to small children and helps them master basic skill sets of each sport.

Tae Kwon Do—Beginners
K–3RD GRADE
Tae Kwon Do—Advanced
1ST–5TH GRADE
Tae Kwon Do is an ancient martial art that incorporates self-defense skills with self-esteem. This non-aggressive discipline builds confidence as it improves concentration and coordination. Belt promotion and uniforms are available for an additional fee. Loose fitting clothing is recommended for all participants.

Cheerleading
7 YRS–10 YRS
This class is designed to teach the basic components and skills needed in the sport of cheerleading. Children will learn to memorize cheers and master the art of performing them. With instruction they will learn arm motion techniques, proper poster jumps, cartwheels and kicks. No prior experience needed to participate in this class

Tournament of Champions
9 YRS–11 YRS
Let the games begin! Join a tournament style sports class featuring a different sport each week. Participants get to choose the sport each week and play with friends. Play basketball, soccer, floor hockey, volleyball, whiffle ball flag football and much more. Learn the rules and play what YOU want to play.

Hip-Hop Dance Studio
2nd –5th GRADE
A high energy class that combines the latest age appropriate kids hip-hop dance moves. Children will learn routines, warm up exercises, dance techniques and choreography to their favorite dance songs. Join us and have some fun.

Ice Skating
1ST–5TH GRADE
Lace up your skates and meet us for a wonderful and exciting season of ice skating on the Midway. Ice skating is a great way to spend your time during the winter.

Jr. Varsity Basketball Class
2ND–4TH GRADE
This is an instructional class where boys and girls who desire to play travel league come first. The class stresses basketball fundamentals, rules, skill development, teamwork, and fun.

Anita M. Stone JCC

Chicago Storm Soccer and Dance Camps!

Chicago Storm Summer Camps offer the unique opportunity for children to work with professional players, coaches and dancers from the Chicago Storm and Storm Chasers. Click here to find out more!

NFL Flag Summer Football Classes

July 11th – August 15th
• Rookies (ages 6-8) — Fridays 5pm–6pm
• Amateur (ages 9-10) — Fridays 6pm–7pm
• Pros (ages 11-12) — Fridays 7pm–8pm
This class will consist of boys and girls ages 6 through 12. This is a non-contact form of football. We teach the child the proper techniques
of how to throw a football, run routes properly and how to catch. The rules and basic terminology will also be studied and learned on a regular basis. This will get them ready for our Fall Flag Football League.
($87.55M/97.85NM Deadline is June 30th)
Contact Josie Williams for more information
Phone: 708.799.7650, ext. 280
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Sport Specific Workouts

Play for a team? Want to get faster, stronger, more consistent? We at the Anita M. Stone JCC can get you where you need to be for next season. Our sport experts who have played 1 or more of the specific major sports on a collegiate and/or pro level and are trained in the workouts needed to make you a better player. For individual and/or group workouts please contact Contact Josie Williams.
Phone: 708.799.7650, ext. 280
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Cheerleading
4–14 YRS
Cheers, chants, jumps and pom dance routines are covered in this awesome class. Awards and trophies are given out at the end. Classes are 45 minutes in length and meet on Mondays; times are assigned at registration and split according to age.

Self-Defense
4–14 YRS
This class is taught by certified black belt instructors for children from beginner to advanced. Stranger danger techniques and non-aggressive behavior are taught. Awards are given out to each student upon completion of the class. Classes are 45 minutes in length and meet on Tuesdays; times are assigned at registration and split according to age.

Youth Boxing Conditioning Program and Boxing Team
6 YRS–TEENS (Boys and Girls)
Discover Boxing at the ‘J’ with Golden Gloves trainer Art Davis. Art creates a fun learning environment where kids train with the jump rope, work on form and basic boxing moves. In addition to helping kids build agility and gain strength with this program, Art helps kids build self-confidence.

Call Larry for information on the Athletic Advantage programs or visit one of the classes to see for yourself. This program grows each week due to Art’s positive attitude-building style.
Contact Art Davis or Larry Espinoza for details.

NFL Flag Football
7–11 YRS
The JCC and the National Football League’s Flag Football program promotes physical fitness and teaches youngsters valuable lessons about team work and fair play. NFL Flag is a non-contact, (no blocking or tackling) five on five game. The offense runs or passes, the defense covers receivers, rushes the passer and grabs flags to make tackles.

This year marked the highest participation in the Sunday basketball programs at the Center—and the reason is JCC’s newest instructor, Brian Ploof.
Larry Espinoza, Sports and Fitness Director says, “Since these programs are often the first exposure to the game for many children, it is important that they have fun while learning. If they have a positive experience, they are likely to continue this healthy activity for many years to come. Brian provides that experience!”

Basketball Basics
4–6 YRS
This class teaches the basic rules of basketball and provides instruction on skill techniques for dribbling, passing and shooting. Sportsmanship is emphasized and having fun is required! There is a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 20 participants.

Intermediate Basketball
7–9 YRS
Individual skills and team concepts are taught to players in this class. Passing, shooting, dribbling, defense and team offense are covered. There is a scrimmage at the end of each class. There is a minimum of 6 and a maximum 20 participants.

Advanced Basketball Skills
10–14 YRS
This class builds on player knowledge of the game and introduces new concepts and skills. Team defense, motion offense, post moves and guard moves instruction prepares players for competitive team basketball. There is a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 20 participants.

Take to the hardwood and call the Center to register for these popular classes with Brian and get “PLOOFED!”

Start Smart Basketball Sinks a Basket with Kids!
3–5 YRS
Start Smart is a parent-child developmental program that prepares children for organized sports. Parents work with their children in a structured, supportive environment as they learn the basics of basketball. Parents and children spend quality time together, and parents learn how to properly teach and support their children in sports. Each parent/child couple receives their own instruction book to continue practicing at home.

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