May 15, 2026 By

Chicago File Department presents Camp Courage

CLICK HERE for the Chicago Fire Department’s Camp Courage Application Form Summer 2026

Camp Courage, is an exciting and empowering summer experience hosted by the Chicago Fire Department. This unique camp is designed for youth ages 13–18 and offers a hands-on introduction to the world of firefighting and emergency medical services (EMS). Over the course of three days, participants will take part in physical fitness training, firefighting and EMS skill-building, team-based challenges, and mentorship with CFD professionals— all at no cost to families.

Camp Courage 2026 will run from June to July and will be held at various locations in the city. The program concludes with a graduation ceremony to celebrate each participant’s accomplishments.Space is limited, and participants will be selected based on eligibility, interest, and a short essay. A mandatory parent/guardian virtual orientation will be held prior to the start of camp, with materials shared via email. Please complete the form below to apply.

For questions, email: cfdcampcourage@cityofchicago.org

Filed Under: Community
May 12, 2026 By

It’s Your Park Day – Ward Park Clean-up on May 30th

Join us in A. Montgomery Ward Park on Saturday, May 30th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The park is located at 630 N. Kingsbury (Kingsbury and Eire). Gloves and bags will be supplied!

TO REGISTER

CLICK HERE

or click on the QR Code in the flyer

Filed Under: Community
May 8, 2026 By

Coffee with the 18th District Commander – May 21st

When:  May 21st (Thursday) at 10:00 a.m.

Where:  Moody Bible Institute – 820 N. LaSalle

 

Filed Under: Community
May 5, 2026 By

18th Police District Council Meeting – May

You are invited to attend the 18th District Council Monthly Meeting on Tuesday, May 26th at 12:30 pm at the Near North Public Library, 310 W. Division Street.

CTA Safety Update – Attend our May 26th meeting and learn about the latest crime trends and updates regarding public safety on the CTA. Kevin Ryan, Vice President of Security at the CTA will be our guest speaker. RSVP below!

In addition to our guest speaker, District Councilors will provide updates, and our 18th Police District Commander Bielfeldt (or his representative) will attend to provide safety updates.

PARKING: There is a parking lot just west of the library and there are meter spots on Division Street.

REGISTRATION LINKS 

CLICK HERE to register for In-Person Meeting.

CLICK HERE to register for Zoom (View Only).

Filed Under: Community
May 5, 2026 By

CPD Paper Shredding & Electronic Drop Off – May 20th

Filed Under: Community
May 4, 2026 By

Upcoming CPD CAPS BEAT Meetings

We encourage all residents to participate in their CAPS Beat Meeting.  This is your chance to get involved

Unsure of your Beat?  To find your District & Beat, click HERE.

What is CAPS?  CAPS stands for Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy. CAPS is a partnership between police and community that is the foundation of community policing. CAPS uses Beats to develop relationships between the community and the police.

CAPS meetings offer city residents an  opportunity to address crime and safety issues directly with the beat officers who patrol their neighborhood, as well as to provide ongoing  feedback, which help the police to monitor crime issues.  The beat meeting is a chance to meet your neighbors and come up with strategies that affect the community.

NEW IN 2026 in the 18th District – Beat Meetings are held every month alternating between in person and Zoom. 

MAY IN-PERSON MEETINGS

Beats 1822/1823: May 12th – Holy Family Church 542 W. Hobbie Street

  • 1822 5:00  p.m.
  • 1823 6:00 p.m.

Beats 1821/1824:  May 14th – The Clark -1201 N. Clark Street

  • 1821 4:00 p.m. (Changed from 5:00 p.m.)
  • 1824 5:00 p.m. (Changed from 6:00 p.m.)

Beats 1831/1832:  May 19th – Anti-Cruelty 510 N. LaSalle Drive – Enter through Grand Avenue Doors

  • 1831 5:00 p.m.
  • 1832 6:00 p.m.

Beats 1833/1834:  May 21st  – Northwestern University 303 E. Superior Street

  • 1833 5:00p.m.
  • 1833 6:00 p.m.

If you are in the 12th District, there are only In-Person Meetings

Beat 1214:  April 14th  – Sterling Bay 333 N. Green Street 

  • 1214 7:00 p.m.

JUNE  ZOOM MEETINGS

To access the June  Zoom Meetings CLICK HERE.

June 3rd

  • 1822 – 1:00 p.m.
  • 1823 – 1:30 p.m.
  • 1821 – 2:00 p.m.
  • 1822 – 2:30 p.m.

June 4th

  • 1831 – 1:00 p.m.
  • 1832 – 1:30 p.m.
  • 1833 – 2:00 p.m.
  • 1834 – 2:30 p.m.

OTHER RESOURCES:

To see the schedule for all of District 018 and 012 CAPS Beat Meetings for 2026,  CLICK HERE

Filed Under: Community
May 1, 2026 By

Wellness Walks at Lake Shore Park – Every Wednesday

Filed Under: Community
May 1, 2026 By

RNRA Volunteers Needed

The River North Residents Association is a volunteer-led nonprofit community organization, working to protect and enhance the quality of life in River North. Our ability to deliver value to the neighborhood depends upon individuals like you playing an active role. We need volunteers in several areas:

  • Planning and implementating our very fun family events. The events take place in August and October! Love kids? You’ll love this!
  • Helping set up for movies in the park (June, July, August)
  • Organizing Ward Park clean-ups
  • Pitching our River North Clean Streets program to local businesses
  • Pitching RNRA Sponsorship to local businesses
  • Participating in CPD Committees for seniors and children
  • Volunteer Coordinator – Experience with this? Your talents are needed?

Consider joining these committees:

  • Public Safety Committee – Meets every other month and needs folks willing to attend and participate in CPD events
  • Development & Land Use Committee – Are you an urban planner, architect? Join the D&LU Committee. Meets quarterly and whenever new development projects arise.

CLICK HERE to submit your application.

Filed Under: Community
April 30, 2026 By

A.Montgomery Ward Park Playground Temp Closure

Resurfacing for the A. Montgomery Ward Playground (630 N. Kingsbury) will begin this coming Monday, May 4th. The playground will be closed for approximately 14 days during this process. Signs are scheduled to be posted at the park by 4/30/26.

Filed Under: Community
April 29, 2026 By

Annual St. Jude Memorial March – May 3rd 8:00 a.m.

Show the Chicago Police Department your Support!

Line the Route along Michigan Avenue for the

St. Jude Memorial March on May 3rd

The annual St. Jude Memorial March will be held on Sunday, May 3rd at 8:00 a.m.

We encourage members of the public to join the Chicago Police Department along the route to honor all 608 fallen officers and their families.

Supporters can line the route along Michigan Ave. from Superior St. to Chicago Ave. and west on Chicago Ave. to Clark St.

Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 4:00 am – 12:00 pm
Street Closures and “No Vehicle Parking” Restrictions Times and Locations:

No Vehicle Parking 

  • Oak St to the Chicago River
  • LaSalle St to St Clair St

Street Closures

  • All Michigan Ave traffic will be closed from Pearson St to Wacker Dr
  • All Chicago Ave traffic will be closed from Clark St to Mies Van der Rohe
  • Dearborn St, State St, Wabash Ave, and Rush St
  • Northbound traffic is closed at Huron St
  • Southbound traffic is closed at Pearson St
  • Superior St to Kinzie St
  • Westbound traffic is closed at St Clair St
  • Eastbound traffic is closed at Rush St

Filed Under: Community