FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CircEsteem Celebrates 25 Years of Building Confidence and
Community Through Circus
Chicago youth nonprofit marks 25 years with an anniversary gala
celebrating the young people and community behind its work
CHICAGO, IL — August 31, 2026 — Twenty-five years ago, a small group of young people in
Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood came together to learn how to juggle. That simple beginning
grew into CircEsteem, a nonprofit organization that today uses circus arts to help youth across
Chicago build confidence, develop life skills and create community.
This October, CircEsteem will celebrate that journey with its 25th Anniversary Gala on
Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 6 p.m. at its Uptown headquarters at 4730 N. Sheridan Road.
The celebration will honor the youth, families, volunteers, partners, and supporters who have
shaped CircEsteem over the past quarter century, while looking ahead to the next 25 years.
Since its founding in 2001, CircEsteem has grown from weekend circus classes into a
multifaceted youth development organization. Today, the organization serves more than 1,300
youth annually across 44 Chicago neighborhoods through circus arts, academic support,
physical activity and social-emotional learning.
Circus remains at the heart of the organization’s work, but the impact extends far beyond
learning how to juggle, balance or climb. CircEsteem creates safe, supportive spaces where
youth can take risks, try something new, work together and discover what they are capable of.
“As we look forward to the next 25 years of CircEsteem, we are excited to build upon our history
to reach more communities and work toward a vision of a world that is more inclusive and
caring. The circus arts allow us to build the necessary social and emotional skills for our youth to
go out and make that vision a reality,” said Dian Squire, PhD, Executive Director of CircEsteem.
The anniversary gala will bring that spirit to life with an evening designed to be much more than
a traditional fundraiser. Guests will enjoy youth performances, delicious food, an open bar,
and opportunities to learn and try circus skills alongside CircEsteem youth and
professional performers. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in fun cocktail attire and
ready to unleash their inner performer.
Most importantly, the celebration will recognize that CircEsteem’s 25-year story is a one about
people: the youth who have grown through its programs, the families who have supported them,
the staff and volunteers who have made the work possible, and the Chicago communities that
have welcomed CircEsteem along the way.
CircEsteem’s 25th Anniversary Gala
Saturday, October 17, 2026
6 p.m.
CircEsteem
4730 N. Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60640
Tickets: Purchase tickets
About CircEsteem
CircEsteem is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that uses circus arts as a catalyst for youth
development. Through movement, creativity, teamwork and performance, youth discover their
potential while building confidence, skills and meaningful connections in a safe, supportive and
non-competitive environment.
Media Contact
Susy Garcia
Communications Manager, CircEsteem
creativesusy@gmail.com
773-732-4564
circesteem.or
