The Mayor’s Office of Community Safety has introduced a new initiative aimed at fostering community safety through sports— the ‘Late Night Ball’ summer series.
In collaboration with city departments, sister agencies, community-based organizations, and private corporations, this program seeks to provide safe and welcoming public spaces for Chicago residents during holiday weekends when incidents of violence typically surge.
Kicking off Memorial Day weekend and continuing through Father’s Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, the series offers programs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at select locations across the city. These events are designed for residents aged 18 and older, particularly in areas heavily impacted by violence.
Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for this collaborative effort, noting, “This is an amazing collaboration of both public and private sectors to support safe spaces for youth and adults in our city.
We have seen the proof of our investments result in decreases in violence across sectors, and through this series, we are showing our continued dedication to that work by fulfilling a need in our neighborhoods for safe, fun engagement.”
As part of the People’s Plan for Community Safety, ‘Late Night Ball’ aims to provide free, safe spaces for youth and adults, highlighting the importance of partnerships between various organizations such as the Mayor’s Office of Community Safety, Chicago Park District, City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago Department of Public Health, Project sWISH, Operation Basketball, and Lyft.
Deputy Mayor of Community Safety, Garien Gatewood, emphasized the broader goals of the initiative, stating, “Late Night Ball is about more than sports—it’s about community healing, connection, and reclaiming public space.
We’re proud to work with our city and community partners to make this a safe, engaging environment where trust and relationships can grow.”
Michael Holder, Managing Director of Operation Basketball, added to the importance of the initiative by saying, “Our mission is to support, educate, and empower young people through a collective community effort.
This league reflects that mission by using basketball as a vehicle to show teens that they have the power to impact their communities, build successful careers, and lead healthy, meaningful lives.”
Observing the impact of gun violence in the community, McKinley Nelson from Project sWISH Chicago shared his personal connection to the project, stating, “This isn’t just basketball, it is a movement for peace, healing, intervention, and community.
I’ve lost more than a dozen friends to senseless gun violence. That pain fuels my purpose—to give others a chance to heal, connect, and stay safe.
Late night basketball has been a priority of PSC for over 3 years, and we are proud to see this vision come to life.”
The series officially launched during Memorial Day weekend, with basketball games held at two locations: Malcolm X College located at 1900 W. Jackson Blvd and Washington Park Fieldhouse at 5531 S. King Drive.
Participants were required to register due to space limitations, ensuring a manageable environment for attendees.
To further enhance accessibility, Lyft provided complimentary codes for free rides to and from each location. This initiative aims to support the activation of these safe spaces and ensure residents with limited transportation options can attend.
Arielle Rodriguez Maffei, Lyft Public Policy Manager, commented on the partnership, stating, “Lyft is proud to support the ‘Late Night Ball’ initiative by providing free rides that help young people and families access safe, enriching spaces in their neighborhoods.
Mobility is about more than just getting from point A to point B — it’s about empowering communities and ensuring every young person has the freedom to show up, participate, and thrive.
By partnering with the City of Chicago, we’re helping ensure that more people can move freely and safely across the city.”
The roles of City Colleges of Chicago and the Chicago Park District have been pivotal in making this series a success, supplying venues, uniforms, and equipment necessary for the events.
Chancellor Juan Salgado of City Colleges stated, “City Colleges looks forward to opening our doors to young people across Chicago as part of the Late Night Basketball series.
These events offer a safe, positive space to connect, compete, and build a stronger community—and we’re proud to be part of it.”
General Superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District, Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, echoed this sentiment, saying, “We are proud to join the city of Chicago and City Colleges to host Late Night Basketball at Washington Park and Malcolm X College starting this Memorial Day weekend and other holiday weekends throughout the summer.
As we embark upon the summer, it is critical that we provide programming that keeps our city’s young adults engaged in positive activities.
This initiative, along with existing programs like our Windy City Hoops and Summer Teen League, increases access to athletic courts and fields where young people can continue to channel their competitive energy and social spirits in a safe environment.”
The ‘Late Night Ball’ series complements the Park District’s Windy City Hoops, designed for youth aged 13-21, offering safe alternative spaces to deter violence.
Organized as a miniature tournament, Windy City Hoops features games played twice a week at 12 Park District sites, culminating in playoffs and a championship—set to begin its summer session on July 1, 2025.
This initiative not only underscores the city’s commitment to providing safe alternatives during peak times of violence but also reinforces collaboration among residents, community leaders, and public safety partners.
Additional details, including the full schedule and future site locations, will be released in the coming weeks.
image source from：https://chicagocrusader.com/city-launches-summer-sports-series-to-provide-safe-spaces/
