Students from 21 Chicagoland Schools Attend Fitness-Focused Youth Summit

The 7th Annual One-Day Event is One of the Largest Convenings of Middle and High School Students in Chicagoland

The Chicago Urban League hosted its 2025 Youth Summit on Thursday, February 20, welcoming 1,050 middle and high school students from 21 schools across Chicago to the Tinley Park Convention Center. This year’s theme, “Strength in Numbers,” focused on the importance of fitness, strength, and overall well-being. Through a variety of interactive workshops, students engaged in physical activities designed to promote healthy habits, confidence, and collaboration. Photos of the event are available below and for download here. 

“Encouraging youth to embrace movement is essential to students’ success in the classroom and their overall wellbeing,” said Karen Freeman-Wilson, President and CEO of the Chicago Urban League. “We want to help set youth up for success, and physical activity is proven to help improve confidence, academic performance, and overall mental health. We hope that by exposing them to a wide variety of exercise options, they come away with one they want to pursue after the event.” 

The students participated in morning and afternoon sessions led by skilled professionals in a variety of high-energy activities, including:

• Athletic Yoga
• Boxing
• Obstacle Courses
• Cycling
• Extreme Stepping
• Cardio Drumming
• Cardio Kickboxing
• Line Dancing

“Events like the Youth Summit expose students to new ways to stay active while building teamwork and resilience—skills that will serve them well throughout the rest of their education and lives,” said Natasha Topps, Principal of John D. Shoop Academy in the Morgan Park community. Middle school students from Shoop attended this year’s summit. Topps added, “I truly notice a positive difference in my students when they are physically active. When they engage in movement, they’re more focused in the classroom, more confident in themselves, and more willing to take on challenges.” 

In addition to the activities, Chicago-based hip-hop artist Zion Ali performed. Ali uses his music as an avenue to advocate for youth empowerment and nonviolence. 

This year’s event was sponsored by One Main Financial. 

The Youth Summit is organized by the Chicago Urban League’s Youth & Family Services Center, which serves young people ages 11 to 24. The Center offers programming to help foster positive youth development. Programs, including small group sessions, one-on-one meetings, academic enrichment, career development assistance, and larger gatherings like Youth Summit. 

“Youth Summit is more than just a day of activities. It shows youth new ways to challenge themselves and build confidence,” said Angela Hamilton, Vice President of Youth & Family Services. “Each year, we push the boundaries to make this experience bigger and more engaging. We can’t wait to bring even more energy, excitement, and opportunities for our students next year and beyond.”