CJBF Expands with its Summer Programming
- Ryan C. French
- Jun 26
- 2 min read
Empowering over 100 youth through soccer, character, and community with new locations in North Lawndale and South Chicago!
The CJ Brown Foundation (CJBF) has launched its most impactful summer season yet on June 23rd, expanding programming into new neighborhoods and deepening its commitment to youth development throughout Chicago. Now on Chicago’s westside at UCAN Chicago in North Lawndale, CJBF has also expanded further on Chicago’s southside at Bessemer Park in South Chicago.
This summer, CJBF is proud to serve over 100 players across three locations:
Bessemer Park in South Chicago, where more than 60 young athletes are training weekly
UCAN Chicago in North Lawndale, hosting 10 players and educating youth to become coaches
Tuley Park in Chatham, welcoming nearly 40 players to the field
Palmer Park in Roseland, where more than 10 players are playing soccer with CJBF
Each site reflects the Foundation’s core mission: to create safe, high-quality learning environments where youth can grow in sport and life. By combining elite-level coaching with a character-based curriculum focused on the CJBF values of Belonging, Accountability, and Pride, CJBF continues to use soccer as a tool for opportunity, leadership, and personal growth.
“This expansion is a reflection of both need and belief,” said CJBF founder and former Chicago Fire FC and U.S. Men’s National Team player CJ Brown. “There are incredibly talented and passionate people throughout Chicago. We want to meet them where they are — not just to develop great players, but great people.”
Each summer session blends technical skill-building, small-sided games, and life lessons in a fun and challenging atmosphere. Families receive access to enjoyable, value-based programming, removing barriers that often prevent participation in organized sport.
The 2025 summer expansion builds on the momentum of CJBF’s spring programming, which included a coaching workshop with Soccer Without Borders and a celebration of the close of the Spring 2025 season with a programming outing to the June 14th Chicago Fire FC and Chicago Red Stars doubleheader. With new partnerships and new neighborhoods reached, the Foundation is more focused than ever on creating lasting change for Chicago youth through soccer.
As the summer season continues, the CJ Brown Foundation invites families, coaches, and supporters to get involved. Registration for Fall 2025 programming opens in August, and with your support, CJBF will continue to grow its reach and impact year-round.
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