CircEsteem

CircEsteem, established in 2001, is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering social change through the innovative approach of social circus. By using the dynamic and engaging medium of circus arts, CircEsteem empowers Chicago's youth to build self-esteem, develop valuable life skills, in safe and inclusive environments. Our programs offer a unique blend of physical activity and creative expression, helping young people to grow in confidence, collaboration, and perseverance.

CircEsteem strives to make circus available to all students regardless of financial means. To serve this mission, we offer financial aid to eligible participants.

Upcoming Events

Save the Date: Friday, October 24, 2025 from 4:30pm - 7:00pm

CircEsteem (4730 N. Sheridan)

As we transition into the autumn season, we wish to invite our community to join us at our Fall Community Open House, where we will:

Enjoy a variety of fall crafts and games
Listen to themed music and stories
Learn about upcoming CircEsteem events and programming options

In order to expand and enrich the craft offerings for the youth and families attending this event, we are seeking donations from our families and community partners for the following:

Mini pumpkins / gourds
Acrylic paints and/or paint markers
Crafting materials
Fall themed stickers
Cookie decoration kits
Fall decorations
Native plant seeds

Volunteering of time and crafting genius

We are grateful to our entire CircEsteem community for your ongoing support and we look forward to coming together for some fun and community at the CircEsteem Fall Community Open House.

If you wish to reach out with donation or event inquiries, please feel free to reach out to our Outreach & Partnership Manager, William Dole (william@circesteem.org) and/or our Learning & Development Manager / Interim Program Director, Randelle Villaber (randelle@circesteem.org).

Welcome to Fall Programming

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Featured Programs

HomeWork & CircusWork

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Located in a number of CPS schools across Chicago and our Uptown Headquarters, HomeWork & CircusWork (HWCW) is a free after school program for youth.

Chicago Youth Circus

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Chicago Youth Circus (CYC) is a vibrant Saturday program held in two locations, dedicated to developing circus skills and providing performance opportunities for youth. Our program includes a variety of circus disciplines such as juggling, unicycle, gym wheel, trapeze, silks, lyra, clowning, and many other circus skills.

Performance Troupe

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CircEsteem’s Performance Troupe is designed for experienced youth seeking to advance their skills to the next level and participate in performance opportunities through CircEsteem.

Day at the Circus Camps

Day at the Circus camps will be offered on the following non-CPS attendance days for the 2025/ 2026 School Year:

October 27
November 11
November 24, 25, 26
January 5
February 17
March 17, 18
April 3

*BYO Snack, Lunch, & Water Bottle.

Each day will include a deeper dive into specific skills, group games, and arts & crafts activities. Each day camp will have a theme.

For Tuesday, Feb 25th, the Theme is "Spiraling Upward" and the skills offered will be Gym Wheel and Aerial Arts. There is a cap of 20 students to this Day Camp, so reserve your spot now!

Location: 4730 N. Sheridan

Ages: 6-16

Time: 9am - 3pm

Cost: $97

*Financial aid available

Serving Chicago Smiles Since 2001

“To see the look in a kid’s eyes when they first juggle or spin a plate, it’s like a light goes off. It’s just so magical to see”

Sam Brown, Teaching Artist

We Bring The Fun To You

Parties & Workshops

Hire CircEsteem for your next birthday, bar/bat mitzvah, parade, corporate or professional sporting event. We provide strolling performers, interactive circus workshops, and fully produced circus shows.

Book Now

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