The Chicago Blackhawks and their charitable arm, the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation, have announced a $3 million commitment over the next 10 years to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago (BGCC). This funding is aimed at expanding sports-based youth development programs as part of the team's Centennial celebration.
The initiative seeks to make hockey more accessible to children across various neighborhoods in Chicago. Through this partnership, BGCC—which serves around 15,000 youths at eight city locations—will expand its floor hockey program to all members aged 5-18 and introduce Learn-to-Skate sessions at Fifth Third Arena, the official practice facility for the Blackhawks. All associated costs, including transportation, instruction, and equipment, will be covered by the program. Organizers expect that more than 25,000 young people will benefit directly from these efforts over the coming decade.
In addition to sports programming, the Blackhawks are collaborating with All Star Press, a local art gallery known for bridging sports and community culture in Chicago. As part of this collaboration, a group of artists—the Centennial Artist Cohort—will create public art murals at each BGCC location. These artists will also contribute digital posters for key moments in the team’s centennial celebrations.
“As we celebrate 100 years of Chicago Blackhawks hockey, this moment is about more than honoring our history. It’s about coming together with our fans and our community to celebrate our city’s heritage and culture in parallel,” said Danny Wirtz, Chairman & CEO of the Chicago Blackhawks. “Hockey belongs to everyone, and as we shape the next century of the game in our city, we want every young person, across all neighborhoods of Chicago, to see themselves in this sport.”
“We are deeply grateful for partners like the Chicago Blackhawks, who are investing in our communities and the city’s next generation of leaders,” said Susanna Wickham, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago. “Together, we’re creating new pathways for our young people to learn, play and express themselves through both sport and art, building confidence every step of the way.”
Seven new murals are planned for installation over six months during the Blackhawks season. The first mural was completed last year at CC’s Little Village Boys & Girls Club during an NHL Winter Classic event attended by the team.
Artists participating in this project include Mauricio Ramirez (James R. Jordan Boys & Girls Club), Alyssa Low (Bartlett J. McCartin Boys & Girls Club), Cujo (Rusu-McCartin Boys & Girls Club), Zissou (Linda & Bill Gantz Boys & Girls Club), Oscar Joyo (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boys & Girls Club), Liz Flores (CC’s Little Village Boys & Girls Club), and Joe Kraft (Pedersen-McCormick Boys & Girls Club).
To launch this partnership publicly ahead of their home opener at United Center, students and staff joined dignitaries and artists at a mural unveiling ceremony at James R. Jordan Boys & Girls Club. The event included hockey activities and a ceremonial puck drop featuring Blackhawks alumni Chris Chelios, Jeremy Roenick and Denis Savard.
The initiative will conclude with a final mural unveiling during BGCC's semi-annual floor hockey tournament in spring 2026.