Champs MALE Mentoring Program

Thank you to Southside native Jimmie “Smoke” Taylor for speaking to our CHAMPS Saturday young men. Real estate investor, entrepreneur, and owner of one of the largest Southside cycling venues for 10+ years, he showed our mentees what ownership, discipline, and giving back looks like.

Exposure builds belief. Our young men left inspired.

Champs will be at the 29 Hours of Peace in honor of birthday for the Power of Mentorship on Saturday February 21 at Kennedy King College.

Together we build safer neighborhoods, stronger schools, and brighter futures for Boys and Young Men of Color across the South Side, West Side, and Calumet City.

Thank you to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and all partners investing in our youth.

See you at Kennedy King.

Champs engaged in a Mental Health Exposure Trip to learn about Pottery (Ceramics). This past week, we exposed our Kings hands-on Pottery Experience at Little Black Pearl thanks to .asif.becker, our young men practiced patience, focus, and self-expression together. Mental Health Coordinator Coach Aaron shared about how moments like these remind us that mentorship is not just conversations, it is experiences that build confidence, identity, and purpose.

As we step into February, we are still carrying the momentum from the last day of National Mentoring Month (January) and the powerful way we closed it out.

CHAMPS Mentoring proudly celebrated our CHAMPS Ambassadors and Parent Leaders who continue to model what leadership, accountability, and partnership look like in real time.

Our CHAMPS Ambassadors are setting the standard. They lead by example. They support their younger brothers. They represent excellence in their schools and in their communities. They are not just participants in the program. They are culture builders.

Our Parent Leaders are essential to this movement. Their consistency, communication, and commitment reinforce the values of CHAMPS at home. When families and mentors are aligned, our young men win.

National Mentoring Month may have ended in January, but mentorship does not stop. It continues every day in classrooms, communities, and conversations that shape the future of our young men.

Nearly 12,000 youth served in over 12 years.
A growing network of movers and shakers.
A commitment that does not expire.

CHAMPS ALL IN
Born 2 Win

ChicagoLeadership

This month, we’re excited to celebrate one of the rising stars in our CHAMPS program by presenting our January Mentee of the Month!

This mentee continues to show growth, resilience, and a strong commitment to becoming the best version of themselves. Through active participation, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn, they represent the heartbeat of what CHAMPS is all about.

Congratulations!!!
Southside Mentee: Elijah Moore

Mentor or the Month- This month, we’re proud to shine the spotlight on one of the pillars of our CHAMPS community by presenting our January Mentor of the Month!

This mentor consistently shows up with purpose, leads by example and creates safe, empowering spaces for our mentees to grow, learn, and thrive.

Congratulations!!!
Southside Mentor: Larry Fisher

2026 Champs Chicago 🏆
ready to learn.
ready to shine.
ready to win.