Athletics & Enrichment
HPNC welcomes families who receive a childcare subsidy through Illinois Action for Children. ​Additional financial assistance is available for qualifying families. Find out more and submit your eligibility information on our Sliding Scale Pricing page.
Please note that an annual or drop-in Access Pass is required for all Athletics & Enrichment program participants.
Athletics​
Spring 2026
April 2 - June 11, 2026
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Basketball Skills & Drills
​Basketball has been a part of the HPNC story from our very beginning in 1909. Participants develop fundamental skills while broadening players’ knowledge of positions and responsibilities for an increased basketball IQ. At HPNC, players learn age-appropriate skills and sportsmanship through drills and scrimmages.​​​​​​
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Ages 5-9: Tuesdays 5-6 pm & Saturdays 10-11 am
Ages 10-14: Saturdays 10-11 am
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Open Gym
​Open court basketball connects youth throughout the city with the goal of enjoying the game in a fun and safe environment. The free-play atmosphere provides youth agency with their play under the supervision of HPNC staff. ​​​​​
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High School Open Gym: Fridays 4:30-6 pm, starting April 17
Volleyball
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Spring 2026
March 23 - May 18, 2026
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Ready to serve, set, and spike? Our Volleyball Skills & Play program is a high-energy, once-a-week experience designed for 3rd–8th graders who want to learn the game while having fun!
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This activity focuses on volleyball fundamentals—including serving, passing, setting, positioning, and teamwork—through drills, games, and guided play. Youth don’t need prior experience; beginners and those looking to build confidence are welcome. Each session balances skill development with structured play time, giving participants a chance to apply what they learn in a supportive, non-competitive environment.
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Whether your child is curious about volleyball, wants to try something new, or is looking to sharpen their skills, this program offers a fun way to stay active, build confidence, and connect with peers.
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3rd-8th Grade Volleyball Skills & Play
When: Mondays, 5-6 pm
Who: Open to all youth in 3rd to 8th grade
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Swim Instruction​
Spring 2026
April 4 - May 16, 2026
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Swimming is more than a skill—it’s a life-saving superpower. Our swim instruction program blends structured learning with fun water games to keep kids engaged while building strong swim fundamentals. Students progress at their own pace as they practice strokes, breathing, floating, and water safety, all in a positive and encouraging environment. Perfect for elementary and middle school swimmers ready to make waves!
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Swim Instruction
When: Saturdays, 12:15-1:15 pm
Who: Open to all youth ages 5-14
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Spring Registration is full! Join our waitlist to learn about openings and future programming.
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Chess Enrichment
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Spring 2026
March 30 - June 8, 2026
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Participants will learn the purpose and object of the game of chess. They will learn the difference between check and checkmate, the board, the pieces and how they move, piece value, en passant, castling, pawn promotion, opening theory, checkmating patterns, and chess etiquette. ​​
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Kindergarten-8th Grade Chess Class
When: Mondays, 5-6 pm
Who: Open to all youth in kindergarten to 8th grade
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Youth Chess Tournaments - Stay Tuned!
Book Club​
Spring 2026
March 5 - April 23, 2026
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Do you love getting lost in a good book? Want to share your thoughts, explore exciting themes, and dive into hands-on activities that bring stories to life? Then Book Club is the place for you!
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Each participant will receive a book to read, with time built in to read at their own pace. Then, once a week, we’ll meet as a group to chat about what we’ve read—what made us laugh, what made us think, and what made us go “whoa!” Some weeks will include fun, creative activities inspired by the book—think art, games, or even themed challenges!
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This enrichment is perfect for curious readers who want to have fun, make new friends, and experience books in a whole new way. Let the reading adventures begin!
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Spring 2026 Book: When You Reach Me, by Rebecca Stead
When: Thursdays, 5-6 pm
Who: Youth ages 9-14​​
CityStep UChicago
January 14 - May 20
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When: Wednesdays, 5-6 PM
Price: Free with HPNC Access Pass
Who: Youth ages 8-14​
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CityStep invites students to move, create, and shine!
Led by passionate UChicago college mentors, youth build confidence and teamwork through dance and creative expression, all while working toward a powerful end-of-year Spring performance they help design themselves—made to be shared with family, friends, and the whole community.​​
Kitchen Possible​
Stay Tuned for Fall 2026 Details!​
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Price: Free with HPNC Access Pass
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​At Kitchen Possible, creativity meets confidence — and every activity is designed to help kids try new things, make something delicious, and walk away feeling proud.
In each 8-week session, kids experience powerful life lessons firsthand: patience while they wait for something to cook, courage to ask for help, and the ability to pivot when things don’t go as planned. Every class follows our signature “5 Steps to Cook Anything,” a simple model they can carry with them far beyond the kitchen and into their own goals and challenges.​​