CircEsteem

My daughter had a great experience with the virtual CircEsteem classes during COVID. In overhearing the virtual sessions as a parent, I felt that the instruction was great and the positivity and support of the instructors as well as other participants was fabulous. Great job CircEsteem!!!

My son and I are both so excited for year-round programming to begin at Circesteem on Monday. My son was enthralled when his aunt took him to his first Circesteem teen performance when he was in 2nd grade. He was so thrilled to see teens, not professionals, do suck cool tricks -he knew if they could do it, he could do it. My son began with two weeks of summer camp after third grade, insisting on more time each year until he was at four and five weeks over the past few years. Last year, we added the three-day-a-week Homework and Circus Work program to his schedule. My son is a physical kid, but not into sports -circus is perfect for him. Over the past years he has learned to juggle, can ride a unicycle, walk on five foot stilts, use a German Wheel and do many other tricks. He is proud of these, and they are cool, but they are not why I value Circesteem. The program builds kids up, the staff is incredibly encouraging. It teaches resilience; if you drop a ball or fall off a unicycle, you pick it up, get up and try again. -the cheers are enormous both when a kid master something and when they try to master something. Circesteem teaches teamwork -my kid is older so he often holds smaller kids during acrobatic tricks, he knows that both people are important to a trick. Circesteem teaches respect not only for oneself but for those around you. There is a wonderful diversity among the participants and all are honored. At Homework and Circus Work he gets his work done with college aged tutors, so it s not a hassle at home. Having been a Circesteem family for four years I can say that it is an incredibly caring environment. People ask my son is AND ask how I am. It is not uncommon to receive a hug or high five when arriving and leaving. It is truly a wonderful organization and I m glad that my son is still in middle school so he can have many more years at Circesteem.

My kids have been involved in CircEsteem for 7 and 3 years, respectively. I've seen them grow and develop in the circus in ways they aren't elsewhere; gaining confidence, strength, self esteem, and compassion for others. Neither of my kids moved to this country speaking English but quickly found that circus was a place that embraced and accepted them, providing them with their first (and still most significant) social networks.

Outstanding community circus center. My daughter loved her classes/ camps and after school program. Highly recommended!

Seems like they are running a sweat shop for kids. The kids were not happy. The good reviews are old. I saw one recent review. I was at that show and the kids seemed overworked and not too happy.

"10/10 would recommend, pretty litty bro" -Jesus Christ himself when talking about the wonderful organization that is circesteem

This organization is pretty incredible! Students of various ages practice to put on a full-on circus show granted, there are no lions or clowns squeezing into tiny cars, but it is pretty impressive what they've accomplished.

I was a graduate student at the University of Chicago Divinity School and found CircEsteem when looking for non-profits to volunteer with while in Chicago. I would not waste my time writing this review if I didn't see CircEsteem as a one of a kind program for children (of all ages, even some adult classes for the young at heart) and youth in Chicago. Moreover, it's a fantastic resource for parents, as the community of parents with kids who do circus arts is really rich, diverse, and unlike any other place you will find yourself hanging out with other parents. Saturday classes are designed to make very real, very challenging exercise fun. As an adult who hates exercise, I wish I had had more engaging and fun options like Circus growing up. From learning to ride the Unicycle to trampoline classes to what I think is one of the coolest things in Chicago (it's offered for adults, too!) the Gym Wheel/German Wheel (Go to Youtube and type it in, you'll be amazed). The kids don't learn parlor tricks, either. The Unicycle class I watched recently taught students to form a pyramid from two Unicyclers and a third, "top of the pyramid" rider. To be fair, I have only mentioned, so far, the activities that are on the ground! If you're looking for Circus flair in the air, they've got that covered too. Silks, tissues, fabrics, trapeze, Chinese Pole, you name it, they probably offer or are willing to offer it. During the week there's a program called "Homework and Circus Work" where kids get to spend time learning and honing their circus skills and, as part of the deal for getting to learn these skills is committing to doing homework. Fantastic tutors and snack from Whole Foods completes the deal. Bottom line: if you're looking for an after school or weekend program to engage your child's body, mind, and social skills, I think you can do no better than CircEsteem. Here, they will learn things like patience, commitment to a craft, appreciation for their individual body's abilities and disabilities and, to say the least, a sense of teamwork with other performers. If you're STILL on the line thinking about this, give them a call during the week and ask if you can drop by on Saturday to see just what happens at Circus. I think it might change your (and more importantly, your child's) life. Oh yeah... they do birthday parties, private shows, private lessons, and will come to your school.

An inclusive and safe space for kids and youth were they learn discipline through circus skills!

This is a wonderful place for kids to develop confidence in themselves, find friends, be active, learn new skill (talking about neuroplasticity that will also benefit academics)! I love that here they learn acceptance of the fact, that they are not the only star on the stage. Each and one of them depend on each other to improve their skills for the common goal. They learn that as in life, it is ok to make mistakes ...you get up and continue, despite the fact that audience just witnessed your fail. The kids in Circesteem are amazing. The older kids and coaches are always supportive of younger members and very accepting no matter what. Our daughter started this program with a lot of comprehension how She is gonna feel to be exposed to completely a new experiences but turned out to be the best of her activities so far. I am convinced, it is because she is surrounded by passionate coaches , who know who to work with kids, who aware of child s limitations but aspire them to face the challenges. As parent it is always heartwarming to see your child overcome their fears and it teaches you to do the same. I feel that is what Circesteem doing for us!

Amazing HWCW program. Tutors and circus instructors devote all their time and attention to the children. Super fun! Highly recommend it!

Fantastic resource during quarantine! I'm a roommate of one of the instructors and had the chance to listen in on a movement class going on with several of CircEsteem's instructors and a significant handful of school-age students. I couldn't believe how engaged the kids were in their respective living rooms (I heard their participation through the screen), and was impressed by the way the CircEsteem teachers planned and administrated an ideal online learning experience. Not a parent, but I just wanted to put out there that this would be an ideal way to occupy and empower my kid if I had one.

I am so thrilled to get my child back in camp! I looked into so many camp options and I am so happy that we chose circesteem. They really live by their mission of their name. We were looking for lots of exercise and maximum fun! After the first day, my child asked if she could go for all 6 weeks! And my high energy kid is exhausted (which is exactly what I want!). After just one week of camp they managed to direct the kids in putting on a great performance! Thank you for bringing back the fun!!! Thank you for putting smiles on my child's face again! Thank you CircEsteem!

My daughter s been a part of CircEsteem for the last 3 years and our family experience has been amazing. When she started classes, my daughter was shy, afraid of crowds and loud noises, and avoided trying new things because she was afraid to fail. This summer, at 9 years old, she traveled all over the city confidentially performing with CircEsteem at Chicago Parks, libraries, and even in front of the bean at Millennium Park! It s in large part to the supportive relationships she had with coaches and the other kiddos at CircEsteem that she no longer shies away from new things and sees failure as an important part of learning. The coaches and other kids have become part of our family. Highly recommend!

We love CircEsteem! I just found out about them this year. All of my kids are currently enrolled in the Learning Pods program and I don't know what I would do without it. They're getting access to wifi in a warm, safe, open space where they can do their school work. Tutors are available to help and Circus Coaches for when they get breaks. Anyone who's kids are having a tough time during these times an benefit.

I took my kids to a birthday party and the staff is incredible!! The space is equally awesome! I i didn't live so far away I would absolutely sign up for classes.

My daughter attended the Club camp for a couple of years. It used to be a good progran but increasingly has become bad. We tried complaining about it but no issues were addressed. I would ask a lot of questions and get more information about the program, the board, and leadership before sending your kid here. I have seen it go from a good program to very questionable practices.

I can't imagine any busy parent not utilizing cirqEsteem to help their kid gain confidence, control a mastery over voice and self. Bravo!

This is an amazing organization that supports youth!

I've taken 2 classes here and there are both amazing, awesome and FUN!