CCS Program Updates

Chicago Community Sculling

Summer 2025 Program Updates

It’s hard to believe that we are halfway through our program year! While we are busy with on-water and summer programming, we’re excited to share the latest news from Chicago Community Sculling, including standout performances at indoor competitions, half marathon fundraising, a major grant award, and most importantly, the new skills our rowers are developing.

Program Updates

By the beginning of this year, we had welcomed a total of 24 rowers to our programs—4 high schoolers and 20 middle school students. Sixteen participants earned swim certification through our Learn to Swim program.

We participated in two fall racing events: the Tough Cup on September 24, where we entered the octuplet composite racing expo, and the Cup of Joe on October 26, with Trakai competing in a single and Aubrey and Raquel in a double.

Once again, our powerful Altus Academy rowers made a strong showing at the Tiro Cup/Southside Smackdown, with 16 total competitors across various events, and several notable finishes!

Under 15 - 500 meters: 5th place Trikai Brand
Mixed Relay: 2nd place
Boys Relay: 3rd place
Girls Relay: 2nd place

Thanks to coaches Tim Field, Terra Levin, Eleanor Boland, and Mia Inman for their training and presence that pushed our rowers to take on the challenge. Thanks also to board members Andy Gush and Fran Tuite for assisting and taking on their own race challenges at the event!

Our equipment inventory grew, thanks to generous donations from Concept2. These included additional rowing machines (ergs) and sliders, which allow us to connect four ergs for simulated quad rowing practice.

On the Water in Spring and Summer

Many of our rowers experienced their first on-the-water outings this year, marking an exciting milestone for both them and our team. This summer, with the help of coaches Tim Field and Terra Levin, we are continuing to focus on getting our rowers into boats and getting comfortable on the water.

At the end of June, several rowers were able to join us at a weekend camp in Buchanan, Michigan, which offered more opportunities for coaching, on-water experience, swimming, and fun in a new environment!

Organization Updates

Grant for Full-Time Staff

We are thrilled to announce that Chicago Community Sculling has been awarded a $25,000 matching grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources as part of their Coastal Grants Program!

Thanks to this generous support, we’ll be able to hire a full-time staff member who will help drive our mission forward—expanding access to rowing programs, building community engagement, and empowering youth on the water.

We are currently recruiting for this role, so please get in touch if you or someone you know is interested in helping to lead our organization! Please refer any contacts or resumes to info@chicagocommunitysculling.org

Fundraising

CCS was an official charity partner for the Bank of America Chicago Half Marathon on June 1, 2025. The race ran through the west side of Chicago, starting and finishing in Garfield Park, and coursing through Humboldt Park and Douglass Park, not far from Altus Academy. Through the efforts of our fundraising runners, CCS was able to raise over $5000. We will be continuing this partnership in future races, so stay tuned!

Donate to CCS

Our big plans are only possible because of the generosity of our donors, who know what an impact rowing can make on the lives of young people. Please consider helping us fund coaching, equipment, transportation, race fees, and additional training opportunities through a tax deductible donation.

DONATE ONLINE

Checks can also be made payable to Chicago Community Sculling, Inc. and mailed to:

Chicago Community Sculling, Inc.

237 W. Menomonee

Chicago, IL 60614