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

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Summer Workshop Registration

...is just about full, but there are still a few spots left! Find out more right here.
FIELD DAY and Chapbook Release!

This Thursday, June 13 at 4:30, join us at 826CHI for the school year's final Chapbook Release. Afterwards, we'll head to Dean Park for a potluck dinner and games!
Summer’s A Little Quieter Here

...But we'd still love your help. Summer volunteer orientations are held in early June & late August—fill out an application & send questions to Kendra@826chi.org.
We’re So Proud

Ashley Keyser, an intern and consummate essayist, is reading at this month's Essay Fiesta! Join us Monday, June 17 at 7pm at The Book Cellar.

News & Events

Essay Fiesta STARRING ASHLEY KEYSER

Mon, June 17th
7:00pm to 9:00pm

Reading at this month's installment of Essay Fiesta is ASHLEY KEYSER, one of our Programming Interns. Join us at The Book Cellar at 7pm!

Printers Row Recap!

June 9th—

On Sunday, June 9, six After-School Tutoring students and two high schoolers from our In-School at Golder College Prep gathered in the Mash Tent to read their latest pieces. You can find pictures on our Facebook!

Chapbook Release & Field Day

Thu, June 13th
4:30PM to 7:00PM

Chapbook reading at 826, then games + food + summer celebration in Dean Park.

Printers Row Student Reading

June 8th—

Help us pack the tent this Saturday afternoon as our high school students read from their forthcoming publication, "The Windows Reflect Everything," a collection of Longform Journalism and Creative Nonfiction. You can find us in the Mash Tent at 2:30pm!

Afterwards, visit our booth to peruse our collection of student work. We'll be somewhere on Dearborn St, between Congress and Polk. Check our Twitter Saturday morning to learn our exact booth location!

Bellwether Festival at the Hideout

June 8th—

826CHI is the charity beneficiary of Bellwether, a summer kick-off festival brought to you by the folks behind Renegade Craft Fair, Vintage Bazaar, and the Hideout.

Bellwether is a celebration of locally produced goods, music, objects, and art; including records, speciality goods, vintage, and home decor. There will be food vendors and trucks, performances by local artists and musicians, drafts from Revolution Brewery, cocktails from Death's Door, and wine from Oliver Winery!

Friends of 826CHI are welcome to sign up for festival volunteer shifts; taking tickets at the door, serving wine/beer, being your smiley and summery and wonderful selves. After your three-hour shift is over, you'll have free access to dozens of DIY workshops led by Chicago's most talented craftsters, concerts by local musicians, exclusive film screenings, and cupfulls of Revolution beer. What better way to kick off summer?

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.