CircEsteem is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to unite youth across all backgrounds and identities by fostering self-esteem and mutual respect through the practice and performance of circus arts.
About CircEsteem
Social circus is an innovative social intervention approach based on using circus arts to impact social change.
Our Commitment to Providing a Safe and Welcoming Space
CircEsteem is committed to providing a safe and welcoming space for all the youth we serve in our programs throughout Chicago. For us, a “safe space for everyone” means an environment where young people of all backgrounds and identities are treated with respect, feel supported, and can express themselves without fear of bullying, harassment, or discrimination.
We put this commitment into practice by:
- Setting clear expectations for kindness, respect, and teamwork in every program
- Providing trained staff who prioritize youth well-being and positive mentorship
- Creating inclusive activities where every participant can take part and feel valued
- Addressing harmful behavior quickly and constructively
- Encouraging youth to celebrate their identities while building community with others
Through circus arts, we create a space where young people build confidence, trust, and a strong sense of belonging.
Accessibility
CircEsteem strives to make circus available to all students regardless of financial means.
To serve this mission, we offer financial aid to eligible participants.
Together, We Make Dreams Come True!
Every day at CircEsteem, young people discover their strength, creativity, and sense of belonging through circus arts. Our programs build confidence, teamwork, and emotional resilience while giving youth a safe space to be seen, supported, and celebrated. Your support helps keep these programs accessible to families across Chicago and allows us to reach more young people who need positive outlets and community. Click the link to learn more about how you can support our mission and make a lasting impact.
Sign Up for Summer Camp & More!
CircEsteem’s Summer Circus Camp provides a fun, safe, and supportive environment where children are encouraged to explore, move, and grow. Through hands-on circus arts training led by professional teaching artists, campers develop physical strength, confidence, collaboration, self-regulation, and a deeper understanding of their own potential.
Chicago's best summer camp runs
June 8th - August 21st, 2026
Featured Programs
HomeWork & CircusWork
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
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
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:
- 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.
Location: 4730 N. Sheridan
Ages: 6-16
Time: 9am - 3pm
Cost: $97
*Financial aid may be available
Spring Break Camp
Practice circus throughout the week in a supportive team environment. End the week with a family and friends performance where your youth can show off all their new skills with pride!
- Location: 4730 N. Sheridan
- Dates: March 23 - 27
- Ages: 6-16
- Time: 9am-3pm
- Cost: $450
*Some Financial aid may be available
BLOG
Help Shape CircEsteem’s Next Chapter: Our Search for a new Executive Director
Opportunity Snapshot
CircEsteem unites youth across Chicago, across backgrounds and identities, through the practice and performance of circus arts. In a city where so many young people are separated by neighborhood, race, income, and opportunity, CircEsteem creates rare, shared space: a place where youth train together, trust one another, and discover what they are capable of becoming.
Rooted in the global tradition of social circus, CircEsteem blends circus arts and social intervention to support whole-person development, social inclusion, artistic expression, and life skills, especially for youth navigating heightened barriers and stressors.
The Moment: CircEsteem is stepping into the next chapter with uncommon strengths: a citywide mission that unites youth across backgrounds and identities, a dedicated state-of-the-art facility, a respected social circus model that delivers real developmental outcomes, and a community that believes deeply in what is possible when young people are given space to belong, take risks, and be celebrated.
For CircEsteem’s next Executive Director, this is an opportunity to build on a strong foundation and help carry the organization forward, strengthening stability, visibility, and impact for years to come. In partnership with the Board and staff, the next leader will set clear direction, deepen trust, and lead fundraising efforts that ensure CircEsteem’s resources match the scale and ambition of its mission.
Inquiries: This search is being led by Chartise Clark, Founder and Managing Partner, at Avra Search Partners. Candidates may submit a resume and tailored cover letter here. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of Friday, March 20th at 5:00 PM CT.Any confidential inquiries can also be shared via email: cclark@avrasearch.com
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.
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Subscribe to Stay Updated!
info@circesteem.org
(773) 732-4564
4730 N. Sheridan Rd.
Chicago, IL 60640
No receptionist Thursdays
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