The Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Blackhawks Foundation today announced a historic $3 million, 10-year commitment to Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago (BGCC) to support sports-based youth development programming as a legacy to the team’s Centennial milestone. This investment aims to grow the game of hockey in neighborhoods across Chicago, broadening on- and off-ice programs through BGCC, which has been a pillar in the community for more than 120 years and serves upwards of 15,000 youths at eight locations throughout the city.
Providing a safe and supportive environment for after-school programs and activities, BGCC is focused on helping young people develop into productive, caring, and responsible citizens through programs centered on academic success, healthy lifestyles and leadership. Two Blackhawks programs will become an integral part of Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago’s annual offerings, including an expansion of its existing floor hockey program to all participating youth ages 5-18 and the opportunity to enjoy Learn-to-Skate at Fifth Third Arena, the Chicago Blackhawks Community Ice Rink and official practice facility. Both program expansions will cover all costs to families, such as transportation, instruction and necessary equipment, and are expected to directly impact more than 25,000 young people over the next decade.
In tandem, the Blackhawks have partnered with All Star Press – a local art gallery renowned for creating connections across sports, art, community and Chicago culture – to curate its Centennial Artist Cohort. Through this program, the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation is supporting the installation of public art murals at each official Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago location. Each local artist will also support a special moment in the team’s Centennial celebration, collaborating on a digital poster that will be unveiled on Blackhawks social media channels to commemorate everything from the Home Opener to its inaugural Blackhawks Hall of Fame induction and every Centennial chapter in between (The Originals, The Madhouse, The Banner Years and The Next Originals).
“As we celebrate 100 years of Chicago Blackhawks hockey, this moment is about more than honoring our history. It’s about coming together with our fans and our community to celebrate our city’s heritage and culture in parallel,” said Danny Wirtz, Chairman & CEO of the Chicago Blackhawks. “Hockey belongs to everyone, and as we shape the next century of the game in our city, we want every young person, across all neighborhoods of Chicago, to see themselves in this sport.”
“We are deeply grateful for partners like the Chicago Blackhawks, who are investing in our communities and the city’s next generation of leaders,” said Susanna Wickham, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago. “Together, we’re creating new pathways for our young people to learn, play and express themselves through both sport and art, building confidence every step of the way.”
In total, seven new murals will be installed over the next six months and debut throughout the Blackhawks season, celebrating the diversity of our city and bringing to life the stories and histories of each unique Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago site and the neighborhoods they are a part of. The first project was completed last year at the True Value Boys & Girls Club in Little Village as the Chicago Blackhawks participated in the NHL Winter Classic.
The Blackhawks Centennial Artist Cohort includes:
- Mauricio Ramirez | James R. Jordan Boys & Girls Club on the Near West Side
- Alyssa Low | Bartlett J. McCartin Boys & Girls Club in Bridgeport/Canaryville
- Cujo | Rusu-McCartin Boys & Girls Club in Austin/West Humboldt Park
- Zissou (owner and founder of All Star Press) | Linda & Bill Gantz Boys & Girls Club in North Center
- Oscar Joyo | Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boys & Girls Club in East Garfield Park
- Liz Flores | CC’s Little Village Boys & Girls Club in Little Village
- Joe Kraft | Pedersen-McCormick Boys & Girls Club in Edgewater/Uptown
To publicly announce this community commitment and kick off a season of exciting projects together, the Blackhawks Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago and All Star Press welcomed students, staff, dignitaries and the participating artists to the first mural unveiling at the James R. Jordan Boys and Girls Club, just blocks away from the Blackhawks home at the United Center. The event, taking place one day before the team’s home opening game, featured hockey-based activities for all to enjoy and a ceremonial puck drop with Blackhawks Alumni Chris Chelios, Jeremy Roenick and Denis Savard to mark the official beginning of this long-term partnership.
The program will culminate with the final mural unveiling in Spring 2026 at the semi-annual Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago floor hockey tournament, where kids from all clubs across the city will come together for a day of fun and friendly competition.
