Our Story

Chicago Youth Foundation is a women-led youth development initiative focused on breaking down the financial, cultural and logistical barriers to playing ice sports, offering thousands of children from Metro Chicago’s most diverse communities a chance to experience the thrill of participating in hockey and figure skating.

In the summer of 2011, hockey player, innovator and humanitarian, Ray Lilja, decided to give back to the sport he loved by launching a free program that would provide all kids the opportunity to experience the thrill of participating in ice sports in a fun, safe, positive and inclusive environment regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, and socio-economic status.

It was a huge success, but Ray soon realized that in order to create a long-lasting impact, he needed to expand the scope of the investment;

• with families
• with schools
• with community leaders
• with local businesses

Today, Chicago Youth Foundation is a women-led community development organization engaging over 3000 kids and 500 families with the focus specifically on athletics, literacy, mentoring, education and neighborhood engagement. Grassroots and growing organically, we’re excited about the vision of Chicago Youth Foundation: a vision where our kids are cared for and known by name, our teens are graduating and ready for what’s next, our families are strong and deeply connected–all under the banner of collaboration and partnership