KEEN Chicago

KEEN's  Mission:

Empower youth with disabilities and impact volunteer coaches through participation in free, non-competitive, one-on-one programs of physical activity and fun, supporting the overall health and well-being of all participants.

Core Principles:

• accept every child, regardless of the nature or severity of their disability
• provide all programs entirely free of charge
• meet the needs of the individual athlete, allowing everyone to find success and joy

Our core program, “KEEN Sports” takes place in a gym with a variety of sports equipment available. Other popular programs include KEEN Yoga, Music, Quatics, Art, Dance, Jiu Jitsu & Trampoline - ALL adapted to fit KEEN's approach to tailor to the needs of the athlete.

Volunteering for KEEN is fun and offers opportunities for occasional participation, regular involvement, and leadership.

Volunteering for KEEN is fun and offers opportunities for occasional participation, regular involvement, and leadership.  Volunteers don't need any prior experience working with disabled individuals – KEEN provides training prior to each session.  Coaches don't need to be athletic, either.  Our athletes will love you just as you are!

KEEN’s programs are structured so that each volunteer is assigned one program participant, or “athlete.”  A coach’s job is to help athletes take part in different sports activities and to have a good time.  Just before the athletes arrive and the session begins, coaches receive a profile with details about their athlete’s abilities as well as helpful coaching hints for that particular athlete.  Our programs offer athletes a variety of options to ensure an activity is available to meet their needs. 

We require our volunteers to be fully vaccinated prior to joining us at an in-person session.