West Garfield Park YMCA to Host Community Basketball Night, Bringing Together City Leaders, Police, and Community Partners to Keep Youth Safe
CHICAGO (July 3, 2026) — The West Garfield Park YMCA (WGPY) will host a Community Basketball Night this Friday, July 3, from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., offering local youth ages 14 and up a safe and welcoming space for basketball, gaming, boxing lessons, and community on a holiday weekend night when the risk of violence is historically elevated.
Mayor Brandon Johnson will be on-site to show his support for the event and the young people in the community.
"Every young person deserves a safe place to play, grow, and be part of their community," said Mayor Johnson. "Nights like this are only possible because our city agencies, law enforcement, and community organizations are willing to show up together for our youth."
"This building isn't just a gym, a community gathering place and a wellness center tonight: it's a place where our young people get to just be kids," said Andre Goode, West Garfield Park YMCA Executive Director. "That doesn't happen by accident. It happens because the community is coming together in partnership."
The event is being led by Youth Guidance in close collaboration with the Mayor's Office of Community Safety, the Chicago Police Department – District 11, the Institute for Non-Violence Chicago, and Breakthrough. WGPY staff and YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago Community Violence Intervention (CVI) staff will also be on hand throughout the evening.
80 youth ages 14 and older are expected to attend. Activities will include:
- Basketball
- Video gaming
- Boxing instruction
- Resource tables
- Food service
The event reflects the YMCA's core mission of strengthening community by connecting people to their purpose, potential, and each other, and demonstrates the kind of cross-sector collaboration between city government, law enforcement, and violence intervention partners that helps keep young people safe.
"The YMCA has always believed that strong communities are built by giving young people room to grow, to be supported, and to be seen," Goode said. "Tonight is that belief in action."
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About the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is your Y for Life, serving more than 120,000 people each year through a network of around 100 community facilities, overnight camps, and learning sites. From sports and fitness to aquatics, camps, preschool, and before- and after-school programs, the Y helps individuals and families build healthy minds, bodies, and spirits at any age or stage of life. The YMCA of the USA proudly celebrates 175 years of community impact in 2026.
Media Contact
Tiffany D. Smith
Communications Specialist
YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
[email protected]
(773) 790-9643