CircEsteem

My 6yo daughter attended a week long summer camp in 2015. The camp was run smoothly, it had entry of staff with a good combination of adult experts and a stellar crop of young professionals and blossoming camp assistants. The kids had a great time being exposed to new skills and learned to appreciate persistence, tenacity, and a show person’s attitude.
At the end of camp, the kids performed in a wonderful showcase where they showcased their new skills where applause came no matter what the level of skill or success of the «act.»
My daughter met new friends, a wonderful group of caring adults, and discovered something new in herself.
Highly recommended for all genders and ages.

My child just finished his first summer camp with CircEsteem. I was impressed how they kept kids so happy through the whole week yet stayed extremely well organized.
They support children from diverse backgrounds through their sliding pay scale. And all kids are so happy and well behaved! I felt safe sending my child here. My older child was going to Actors Gymnasium in Evanston. They have great program there but my child was specifically into juggling. So i was told for people with specific interest could benefit better from CircEsteem with their specified class. We didn’t get to come that time. But wish we had. :)

«Best… Party… Ever!»
That’s what one of the guests said when they attended my daughter’s 7^th birthday party with CircEsteem. The staff was nice and helpful since the very start — from the point we booked the party to the point that we had to pack up and leave. It’s also a great space so they totally accommodated all of my guests. We probably had 70 people in total (includes adults), but there was plenty of room for everyone to move around. Best of all, the kids had a great time learning the tricks. It’s nice how they’re able to accommodate kids of varying age ranges. Most of the kids there were from her class (so 6 and 7 years old), but we had a few 5 year olds. Everyone got to join in the fun.
I’ll definitely look into circus camp if we can fit it into my daughter’s already busy schedule. I’d definitely recommend CircEsteem for birthday parties if your kids are energetic and aren’t shy.

CircEsteem was an absolutely phenomenal choice as a party location for my son’s 4^th birthday. While we didnt know anyone who had done a party here, we loved the concept and totally appreciated the interaction with the administrative staff at CircEsteem. They were very forthcoming with details, answered all the questions and promised us an awesome party. And they delivered. The party was everything we hoped for and more. Kids had a lot of fun and not one kid was left feeling like they couldnt participate, no matter what age. We had kids from ages 2 – 10 and they all were on the floor playing with the staff. The staff of four on the floor that day were amazing, kind, patient and fun. All in all, as parents we could not have asked for anything better.

Both of my kids have attended summer camp here for two years. They both loved it and it has consistently been their favorite camp. They loved learning unique skills and doing the show-​off at the end of the week. It’s good exercise and a nice, positive, diverse environment. Only down side is that if you pay full price (e.g., do not qualify for sliding scale), it is a bit pricey, esp. for two children. Great staff of counselors!

I was a graduate student at the University of Chicago Divinity School and found CircEsteem when looking for non-​profits to volunteer with while in Chicago. I would not waste my time writing this review if I didn’t see CircEsteem as a one of a kind program for children (of all ages, even some adult classes for the young at heart) and youth in Chicago. Moreover, it’s a fantastic resource for parents, as the community of parents with kids who do circus arts is really rich, diverse, and unlike any other place you will find yourself hanging out with other parents.
Saturday classes are designed to make very real, very challenging exercise fun. As an adult who hates exercise, I wish I had had more engaging and fun options like Circus growing up. From learning to ride the Unicycle to trampoline classes to what I think is one of the coolest things in Chicago (it’s offered for adults, too!) the Gym Wheel/​German Wheel (Go to Youtube and type it in, you’ll be amazed). The kids don’t learn parlor tricks, either. The Unicycle class I watched recently taught students to form a pyramid from two Unicyclers and a third, «top of the pyramid» rider. To be fair, I have only mentioned, so far, the activities that are on the ground! If you’re looking for Circus flair in the air, they’ve got that covered too. Silks, tissues, fabrics, trapeze, Chinese Pole, you name it, they probably offer or are willing to offer it.
During the week there’s a program called «Homework and Circus Work» where kids get to spend time learning and honing their circus skills and, as part of the deal for getting to learn these skills is committing to doing homework. Fantastic tutors and snack from Whole Foods completes the deal.
Bottom line: if you’re looking for an after school or weekend program to engage your child’s body, mind, and social skills, I think you can do no better than CircEsteem. Here, they will learn things like patience, commitment to a craft, appreciation for their individual body’s abilities and disabilities and, to say the least, a sense of teamwork with other performers. If you’re STILL on the line thinking about this, give them a call during the week and ask if you can drop by on Saturday to see just what happens at Circus. I think it might change your (and more importantly, your child’s) life.
Oh yeah… they do birthday parties, private shows, private lessons, and will come to your school.

I found out about CircEsteem from Chicago Parent magazine and decided to give it a try, as my daughter is very much into circus arts. She had her 9^th birthday party there. In her own words, «it was the bestest party ever!». We had about 14 kids and 5 facilitators, who were showing the kids how do perform various circus acts (Trapeze, stilts, clown school, etc.). I was very impressed with how professional, patient and caring they all were. One of my daugher’s guests was a special needs child, and the facilitators did their best to ensure she was included in all activities and had a good time. So all our guests had a amazing time, and I have a feeling we’ll be returning to CircEsteem for more birthday parties soons, as many kids expressed to their parents they wanted to have their birthday parties there as well. Highly recommended!

After taking after-​school CircEsteem classes at his school, I overheard my seven year old saying to friends that he was going to Circus Camp over the summer. News to me but I signed him right up because generally-​speaking my son wants nothing to do with camp. He loved every minute of the two consecutive weeks he spent in their incredible space and my husband and I fell in love with it ourselves. Everything from the shows they performed to the warmth of the staff to the spirited chant they end everyday with: «ooo I feel so good, just like i knew I would» over and over, louder and louder. I’ve been singing it all summer (much to the chagrin of my son). I was particularly enthralled by their mission. My son had the opportunity to interact with a much more diverse set of kids than he has anywhere else in his life. I love that they serve the wealthiest schools to the most underserved schools. Most of all I loved hearing my son coo «Mum, you can get sooooo close to the counselors. They’re so nice!» He will be taking classes again this year and wants to go for three weeks next summer.

My 9 year old daughter has been attending Circesteem camps, classes and programs for 3 years. She has LOVED every minute. Circesteem is a phenomenal organization that takes a child’s natural joy, energy and love of movement, and channels it into fun and rewarding skills. My daughter has become friends with kids from all over the city. She has learned to work with and trust these other human beings — you have to have a lot of trust when you are on the 3^rd level of a human pyramid! And although something of a natural introvert, she adores performing the clown skits. Without realizing it, the children learn self discipline, perseverance, teamwork and that life is suppose to be some fun. The faculty is extraordinary: talented, kind, caring, energetic and wise in the ways of children. Everyone, staff and participants, are supportive. The only competition is with your self. In this environment, the children learn that you can drop a juggling ball, pick it up and keep going; or fall off your unicycle and get back on — and the world does not end. And finally, it is great exercise which the kids don’t even realize they are doing.

CircEsteeem provides the greatest creative outlet for my children! They have participated in Saturday classes, summer camp and weekly «skills» courses. They have developed unbelievably impressive circus skills and have made friends with kids and adults from different parts of Chicago and different parts of the world. Their increased self esteem is evident in the way they perform their circus skills, the way they share ideas and talents among their ensemble, and their improved academic performance.