826CHI | A Non-Profit Writing & Tutoring Center in Chicago

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Clandestine Questers Raise $17,000!

Congratulations to all! Check out photos here, including those of the champions, Freegan Massacre.
People Eating & Giving

Have dinner with Jeff Tweedy, Luis Alberto Urrea, and Molly Ringwald on May 9th. Buy your tickets here!
Thank You Internet Themed Prom!

For all who came and danced at http://www.promdotcom.biz to support 826CHI, thank you! Check out some shots from the photobooth here and here.
Act Like I Was There The Whole Time

The latest chapbook crafted by students in the after-school program is available now at the Boring Store!
You Can’t See It Yet!

Compendium Volume III is at the presses. You can pre-order the lastest in our compilation series at the Boring Store!

News & Events

An update

May 16th—

Earlier this year, 826CHI said farewell to executive director Mara Fuller O'Brien after six years of service to the organization.

Barry A. Benson joined 826CHI following nearly a decade in the not-for-profit world primarily as a fundraiser and champion of literacy causes. Prior to that, Barry had incarnations in publishing, the visual arts, and higher education--and he remains tethered to those areas through a variety of affiliations. Barry's undergraduate education happened at the University of Michigan, and he received his M.A. in psychology and men's studies from Norwich University/Vermont College. He has spent much of his life in New Orleans but has lived in an ample handful of states and overseas in France and Denmark. He lives for adventure travel and stays relatively sane through regular doses of swimming and making ceramics.

People Eating & Giving

Wed, May 9th

826CHI's second annual fundraising dinner, People Eating & Giving, will be held on Wednesday, May 9, at the University Club of Chicago. The event will feature actor and author Molly Ringwald, best-selling author Luis Alberto Urrea, and Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy. You can purchase tickets and find out even more information about the event over here: www.826chi.org/peg.

Act Like I Was There The Whole Time

April 24th—

Ever wonder where 826CHI students like to Hide? The tactics they use when they Seek? Ever encountered Falafel Wafflebrains? The latest chapbook from students in the after-school program explores these questions and more. Pick up your copy of Act Like I Was There The Whole Time at the Boring Store today!

Promdotcom.biz

March 15th—

In the grand tradition of proms past, 826CHI presents "Promdotcom.biz" a prom with that most romantic theme, the internet. For all the details and to purchase tickets, please, oh please, use the power of internet to send your computer screen to this site: promdotcom.biz. We look forward to seeing you Friday, April 20th!

Clandestine Questers Raise $17,000!

March 13th—

If you were in Wicker Park or Bucktown this past weekend, and you happened to bump into 140 people asking to do a handstand in your apartment, pose in a photo with you (with jazz hands extended, eyes closed, and tongues out), requesting your 4 year old draw a teammate's portrait, or some such greatness, you experienced the wonderment that was the the Clandestine Quest. Congratulations to team Freegan Massacre, who crossed the finish line first. The Ill-literates who came in a close 2nd and the Bereau of IF, who came in 3rd. Loud clapping, as well, to the Die Detektives who were the number one fundraisers.

The 37 teams of madcap scavenger hunters helped raise over $17,000 for 826CHI's free writing programs for students. Astounding. Some of the photos can be found over at our Flickr page. Huge thanks to our sponsors: Cat & Mouse Game Store, Armand's Pizza, the Bedford, Quimby's, Reckless Records, Lemmings, Anthem, the Chicagoan, Finders Keepers, D/vision, the Pipeline, Corepower Yoga, the Wicker Park/Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, the Den Theatre, Jackson Junge Gallery and Elegant Mr. Gallery.

Mission

826CHI is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6 to 18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write.

Our services are structured around the understanding that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention, and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success.

With this in mind, we provide drop-in tutoring, after-school workshops, in-schools tutoring, help for English language learners, and assistance with student publications. All of our programs are challenging and enjoyable, and ultimately strengthen each student’s power to express ideas effectively, creatively, confidently, and in his or her individual voice.

Mission

826CHI shares its space with the Boring Store, Chicago’s only undercover secret agent supply store. The Boring Store outfits its spy-entele with the latest and greatest in espionagical wares. Visit us in Wicker Park and pick up a fresh grappling hook, carrier pigeon, envelope X-ray spray, hollowed-out can of shaving cream, or weather-resistant notebook. All funds raised through the store go to support 826CHI’s free programming.