Our Mission
To create joyful, safe and supportive club experiences that nurture values, teach skills, and build character.
Welcome to Off The Street Club
Many of us hear negative stories about the dangers of Chicago’s West Garfield Park every day. The drugs, the gangs, the random violence. The risks of just walking down the street.
At Off The Street Club, we choose to focus on a different story.
Our story focuses on our mission to give the kids from Chicago’s most challenging neighborhoods a safe place where they can come to learn, play, laugh and grow. A place where they find hope, joy and a sense of belonging. Supported by Chicago’s business community, foundations, and individual donors, we are led by a highly committed professional staff and volunteers who serve as role models for our kids. Each year, over 2,000 kids (ages 5–18) come through the doors of our Clubhouse. Each day, our goal is that they leave with the hope of a brighter future.
Because at Off The Street Club, Hope Has A Home.
Back the Block
In the middle of one of our country’s most dangerous inner-city neighborhoods, there’s one block that’s a beacon of hope and inspiration.
Alumni Spotlight
From the Clubhouse to the League
Carnell Tate grew up in West Garfield Park, one of Chicago’s most challenging neighborhoods and found his footing at Off The Street Club. In April 2026, he was selected 4th overall by the Tennessee Titans in the NFL Draft. His journey is proof of what’s possible when a kid has a safe place to grow.
Our History
125 Years of Showing Up for Chicago’s Kids
Founded in 1900, Off The Street Club is Chicago’s oldest boys and girls club serving as a safe haven for children of Chicago’s west side, sheltering them from local gang violence and drugs.
Programming
Well rounded activities for every kid
OTSC offers a variety of options including educational programs, athletics, recreation, and the arts.
The Kids Talk About The Club
Of course, the kids are what make Off The Street Club special. They make it so easy for our volunteers, donors, and staff members to keep showing up for them every day.
We love to highlight our kids, their successes and their stories. They are all honest, hardworking, humble, and resilient young people.
But let them tell you about the Club themselves.
Stay Close to the Kids
The best stories from Off The Street Club, delivered straight to your inbox. Alumni milestones, program updates, and moments that remind you why this work matters.
“Being at Off The Street Club is like being at an amusement park with all your friends, on a big ride all going the same way.”
Jermaine
“I really look up to the staff here a lot. They are just so helpful and encouraging too. They help me get to another level.”
Ayonna
Be the Reason Hope Has a Home
Every year, over 2,000 Chicago kids come to Off The Street Club, a safe place where they can learn, play, laugh, and grow. Your donation makes that possible.
Want to donate another way?
Contact us and we’ll figure it out together.