Teens

Teens are a tremendous community asset — their talents, their enthusiasm, their energy. JCC Chicago recognizes the importance of engaging our teens in positive and healthy ways and offers programs designed around their diverse needs and interests. Our teen-focused programs create time to connect, make new friends and hang out, learn leadership and life skills and give back to the community through a variety of activities. Teens from middle school through high school can find their niche and roll with it.

See what we’re up to by checking out our Instagram @jcc.chicagoteens.

Upcoming Events

Leadership Opportunities at The J

Use your leadership skills as a JSC Club Leader, as a Chi Town Connection board member, or as Apachi Day Camp or Camp Chi staff.

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College Scholarships

Each school year, three high school seniors will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship towards the university or gap year program of their choosing.

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Teen Mental Health

Your mental health matters! Check out what the teens from our JCC Teen Mental Health Committee put together to help provide resources and content that is useful and meaningful to you.

Tools & Resources

The Revere

Come with your friends for fun weekly events! The Revere is the spot for 7-12th graders located at Bernard Weinger JCC’s Lustbader Center in Northbrook.

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Teen Meet-Ups

There’s something for everyone during the school year, whether you’re into sports, gaming, crafting, cooking or something else. Meet-Ups are a great way to hang out with other Jewish teens!

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JSC

These inclusive high school clubs help teens find a deeper connection to Jewish values and their community. As part of a JSC club, teens can make new friends, gain leadership skills and get involved in their school community.

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Seed613

Seed613 is a social innovation and entrepreneurship program for Female-identifying Jewish teens. The cohort identifies challenges in our community and then creates solutions to make a meaningful difference. Fellows meet 1-2 times per month to work with their mentor and their small group on their impact projects.

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Finding Your Roots

Jewish teens can discover their family’s history by taking a deep dive into genealogy through this new JCC Chicago program.

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The Jewish Lens

Chicagoland Jewish teens in 8th-12th grade can connect with teens in Kyiv, Ukraine through conversations, community building activities, and photography. 2025 cohort starts Sunday, January 19.

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Chi Town Connection

Chi Town Connection (CTC) is a year-round youth group for teens in 8th-11th grade and is connected to JCC Camp Chi, known nationally as one of the leading overnight camps in the country. Teens in CTC participate in social and recreational events, community service activities and leadership opportunities.

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Level Up Lounge at Club J

The perfect place to hang out with friends on Tuesday nights! 6-8th graders can drop-in for this FREE program at Bernard Horwich JCC

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All Star Abilities

All Star Abilities is a peer-to-peer fitness program for teens with and without disabilities to strengthen their muscles and their friendships. Whether you join as a volunteer or as a participant – get ready to get fit and have fun!

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JCC Maccabi Games

3,000 Jewish teen athletes, ages 12-16 and representing communities from across the globe, come together for 1 week during the summer to experience the magic of JCC Maccabi, the world’s largest Jewish youth sports event.

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City LIFE

Have fun with friends while exploring different Chicago neighborhoods – and gain meaningful life skills and give back to the community at the same time! 1 week summer session for 7th-9th graders.

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Camp Chi Overnight Camp Camper & Staff Experiences

JCC Camp Chi, known nationally as one of the leading overnight camps in the country, has been a summer home to generations of campers over the past 100 years. At camp in Lake Delton, WI, campers and staff unplug from their daily lives and connect to life-changing moments.

Noar (3, 4, 7 and 8 week sessions)
SIT (Staff In Training)
Junior Counselor

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Learn More: Work at Camp Chi

The Outpost Village or Pacific Northwest Travel Experience

Outdoor education and travel at its best from JCC Camp Chi! Hike, camp, cook over an open fire and experience living in nature through these two programs

The Outpost Village

Pacific Northwest Travel Experience

Apachi Day Camp Camper & Staff Experiences

Friendships, fun, community and enjoying summer is what Apachi is all about! Learn leadership and life skills and/or become part of creating a special day camp experience for children 3 years – 7th grade.

CIT (Counselor In Training)
Junior Counselor

Learn More: Camper Experiences

Learn More: Work at Apachi