CircEsteem was once a wonderful organization and has great potential, but that is unfortunately completely wasted now due to terrible mismanagement. The teaching staff is amazing, talented, kind and knowledgable. However, those at the top of the administration have demonstrated a complete disregard for the working conditions of the entire staff, and pay themselves a very generous salary but constantly ask their employees to make sacrifices. As a result, the staff is constantly overworked, underpaid and underappreciated for their dedication. The turn-over rate of employees over the past several years has grown incredibly high and is a clear indication of the lack of professionalism and respect shown by upper management. Directors have frequently disregarded safety standards and repeatedly ignored the very reasonable concerns brought forward by staff and students. They also actively discourage whistleblowers from raising awareness on safety issues. This naturally creates a dangerous environment for students. For an organization who's core mission statement is to build self-Esteem, they do an incredible job of destroying the esteem of staff, and blatantly demand silence and compliance, and aggressively bully employees rather than making any effort to find understanding or compromise. This type of upper management class division, discrimination and subjugation has happened before with other nonprofit organizations, which inevitably resulted in strikes and petitions that were widely reported on the news. It is a shame that they would choose to risk this and strongarm employees into submission and lay off those who try to stand up for their rights, rather than have civil discourse. When more than half of the staff is extremely unhappy, and those that attempt to raise awareness of any concerns are fired or pushed out, that is a problem that requires consideration on how to restructure and they have taken zero steps to do so and have shown no accountability. I strongly encourage CircEsteem teachers to strike and unionize as soon as possible, or this trend of exploitation will only continue to worsen. The Executive Director also needs to resign, as it is blatantly evident that he is not qualified for the position and is clearly not upholding CircEsteem's mission of mutual respect, humility, patience, love and self-reflection. Bottomline - do not work for CircEsteem, and consider other options for circus arts. read more

I gave my daughter several options for her 10th birthday party venues and luckily she chose CircEsteem. I have to say that they certainly made a bunch of kids, and especially my daughter / hero, very happy. The CircEsteem staff totally rocked, from Scott's quick and continued communication leading up to the event to the engaged, happy, and involved staff during the event, and kind communication afterwards to ensure our happiness. Everyone was upbeat, fun, helpful, and excellent. We knew it would be good when one of the kids walked in, looked around and said, "I can tell this is going to be a great party!" She was right. I also have to give a shout out to the face painter and balloon guy. They were tremendous! I've never seen a balloon artist that talented. And one of the kids said re the face painter: "she's a professional make-up artist! Well it's all downhill for me from now on." I wish I were more fluent in 10-year-old, but clearly she somehow meant that as an "epic" compliment. It was great getting the kids together to actually learn some new fun skills, be active, and have fun, even while wearing masks. Where else can kids get on a trapeze, aerial silks, walk on stilts, and act like a clown, all while getting their faces painted and having incredible whimsical balloons twisted for them? I could go on and on about how excellent this was, but let's just say that it was certainly a party that my daughter and her friends will remember. Thanks CircEsteem!! read more

didn't like free water tasted like shit I would rather drink trumps Blood than Their water. Other that than pretty mid place

Held a birthday party for my 3-year old last week, and we had an amazing time! Our event was engaging, fun, unique and just a great time for all - kids and adults. The venue was spacious, colorful and had all that was needed. The party hosts / trainers were wonderful - amusing, kind, and sweet. Highly recommend! read more

My 9 year old daughter had her birthday party at CircEsteem and it was amazing. The instructors handled over 20 kids smoothly and with great energy and crowd control. :) The kids tried German wheel, silks, and a variety of balance skills and were blown away by their own ability. We would definitely come again! We also did summer camp this year and both our daughters (7 and 9) loved it. I cannot praise CircEsteem enough. read more

We hosted my 11-yr-old daughter's birthday party at CircEsteem and the kids had a great time. They got to try out silks, the lyrca, stilts and basic clowning skills. The instructors were fun and worked hard to encourage each child, bringing a ton of energy to the party. It was a simple, smooth set up, and we couldn't have asked for a better day. read more

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. read more

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. :) read more

CircEsteem is fantastic. My son have been involved with their classes, camp and shows and has excelled in every way. He looks forward to being involved all the time. He's learned tricks and games to play as a group that are amazing. I was so impressed with his learning to ride a unicycle that I bought my son one for a Christmas present. The staff is great, knowledgable and encouraging. It gives kids the tools to think out of the box. My sister enrolled my nephew in camp too. Why wait? Sign your kid up. You'll be glad you did. read more

Absolutely awesome service. From the moment we walked in the door the entire staff helped us with set up for our daughters 7th Birthday party. Everyone showed the highest quality of service and caring to insure our party went off flawlessly. The games, the performance and the interactive stations were loved by all the kids. We received thank you's from many kids and parents for such a wonderful party. Again the staff was so wonderful with smiles the entire time while performing or even just lending a hand. Every time we turned around the staff was asking: Is there anything else we can do to assist you? Five stars plus... The best party we have thrown in 7 years thank you CircEsteem !! read more

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. read more

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. read more

We were invited to a kids birthday party. My daughter is not into any sports. Here I actually saw her confidence level reach a new height. To my surprise she actually performed acrobats and loved it! Thanks to the friendly and fun staff, I see a future gymnast in my family! The party was a big hit too! All the kids were engage in activities! Fun day for the whole family! read more

CircEsteem was an absolutely phenomenal choice as a party location for my son's 4th 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. read more

"Best... Party... Ever!" That's what one of the guests said when they attended my daughter's 7th 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. read more

My kids kicked off their summer with CircEsteem summer camp and had a wonderful experience! My daughter, a tween, described it as 1 part circus, 1 part art, and 1 part therapy! Both of my kids struggle with anxiety and are introverts and yet both got into it and performed! The emphasis on "challenge by choice" was wonderful. I would recommend this camp if you want a smaller more gently camp experience for your kids. The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars was because it's only 9am-3pm which are challenging hours for working parents. Otherwise, I love this community organization! read more

The CircEsteem students I spoke with in this organization say there is nothing like this anywhere else in the Chicagoland area in terms of the skills they learn, the fun they have, and the opportunities to engage non-competitive performance and athletic activiities with peers from around the city and from incredibly diverse economic and cultural backgrounds.. Parents have told me "We have found something in CircEsteem we have not found anywhere else" and "this place is the moon and the stars to my children" For those students participating in the Homework and Circus work program, a long-time volunteer shared that "the program is a truly safe place for many young people who have no other safe space in their lives." I have had a great experience with CircEsteem providing an afterschool program at the school where I work. This is a great little organization that offers some really rich programming and wonderful oportuniteis for young people to have fun, learn some incredible physical skiils and become friends with an incredibly diverse group of kids from around the city. read more

We haven't taken classes here, but had a birthday party here. The staff is wonderful, the activities very engaging & fun for the kids. Very unique & a great way for the kids to exercise while having an awesome time! read more

CircEsteem staff managed to make ALL the kids feel strong, and successful, no matter their ability or skill level. Everyone seemed to have fun, and to feel encouraged to try new things and take risks. Some kids were also able to take a risk to be ridiculous (as modeled by the wonderful staff) and that was great too. My daughter loved it! She repeated the values mantras and gestures (really good principles to instil!) It was a completely enjoyable way to convey rules and respect for one another--brilliant! Also the closing group chant was brought home for us all to do and enjoy. Really worth it. read more

My 10 and 11 year old daughters are in the Saturday circus class and both had their birthday parties here recently. We had over 20 kids attend the party and it was fantastic! The staff were incredibly organized and made the event so smooth and fun! We ordered the pizza through their catering and was a hit! So easy and had a wonderful time! Great job CircEsteem! read more

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 3rd 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. read more

I can really only echo what others have said here...this is an amazing place, my kids love it, and they are developing their confidence, self-esteem and relationships along with their circus skills. We've participated in summer camps, Saturday classes, classes taught at their school, and just started the after-school homework and circus work class. My daughter, who is very introverted, slow to make friends, and reluctant to "put herself out there" came home from the first day of camp a different child. She talked non-stop about all the other kids in camp, what they learned, and what she planned to do the next day. She counted down the hours until it was time to return to camp the next day and did the same thing over the weekend. Not only that, she is not normally one for physical activity (she hates team sports), but she took circus like a fish to water, and began stretching and doing other exercises at home to improve her circus skills. The atmosphere is wonderfully supportive, with the most diverse set of kids I've ever seen assembled, and there is none of the cliquishness and other silly stuff that goes on at school. I am amazed by how much her confidence has grown. My son loves it too, and looks forward each session to learning new skills. I highly recommend checking out their end-of-session circuses. They usually have one in the winter and one in the spring. It's amazing to see what these kids can do, and a really great experience for kids who are not in the program to see what people their own are capable of. Inspiring. On top of all of this, I love the fact that this is a non-profit with a worthy mission, not just a corporate chain looking to make a buck. Check it out. You won't be sorry! read more

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 9th 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! read more

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! read more

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. read more