KEEN Chicago

🌈 Happy Autistic Pride Day! 🌈

Today, we celebrate autism as a natural and valuable part of human diversity. Autistic people have always been an important part of our communities, bringing unique perspectives, talents, creativity, and ways of experiencing the world.

Autistic Pride Day recognizes that being autistic is a form of neurodiversity, not something that needs to be "fixed," but a different way of thinking, learning, communicating, and connecting. Many of the challenges autistic people face come not from autism itself, but from barriers, misconceptions, and a lack of understanding, support, and accommodations.

Join KEEN Chicago in honoring neurodiversity, promoting acceptance, and uplifting autistic voices today and every day. 💛♾️

Don't forget to register for Wave 2 of Camp KEEN Summer Programs! ☀️

Registration closes June 20, so be sure to secure your spot before it's too late.

If you didn't receive the Wave 2 registration email, please contact [email protected] and we'll help get you registered.

🌟 Wave 2 Athlete Registration for Camp KEEN is now open! 🌟

Keep an eye on your inbox for an email with registration details and important information about this summer's camp.

We can't wait to welcome athletes for another season of adventure, friendship, and fun. From swimming and boating to sports, Field Day, and more, Camp KEEN is packed with opportunities to build confidence, make connections, and create lasting memories.

☀️ Camp KEEN is just around the corner, and we need your help to make the fun happen!

From swimming and trampolining to Field Day, boating, sports, and more, our athletes look forward to an unforgettable summer filled with adventure, friendship, and new experiences.

Volunteers make these sessions possible. 💜 Whether you're helping at activities, encouraging athletes, or joining in the fun, your time makes a difference.

Sign up to volunteer today at keenchicago.org!

What a fantastic day on the trails with our friends at Out Our Front Door!

Eight KEEN athletes enjoyed an adaptive bike ride of 6–8 miles last weekend, soaking up the sunshine, building confidence, staying active, and making memories along the way. The highlight? A well-deserved ice cream stop to cool off and celebrate a great ride! We are so grateful to our partners at Out Our Front Door for creating inclusive opportunities that allow athletes of all abilities to experience the joy, freedom, and adventure of cycling.

Thank you to the volunteers, families, and supporters who helped make this special day possible. Registration is OPEN NOW for our Adaptive Overnight Bike Camping Trip!

July 17–18
Camp Sullivan
Join us for an unforgettable overnight experience filled with recreation, friendship, and fun.



ID: 4 images are shown from the May 30, 2026 adaptive bike ride with Out Our Front Door. In 3 of the photos, a KEEN Chicago Athlete is shown in the front of a adaptive Pino bike, and, an Out Our Front Door rides in the back. In the fourth photo an athlete/volunteer pair are shown alongside a KEEN Chicago team member, other participants are seen in the background. Everyone is smiling.

This Pride Month, KEEN Chicago proudly celebrates and supports LGBTQ+ athletes, families, volunteers, and community members. Research from both the NIH and The Trevor Project highlights that autistic and disabled individuals are significantly more likely to identify as LGBTQ+, reminding us how important inclusive, affirming, and welcoming spaces truly are.

The Trevor Project also found that LGBTQ+ youth with disabilities experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and discrimination than their peers, reinforcing the need for communities grounded in acceptance, safety, and belonging.

Today and every day, we celebrate the many intersectional identities within our KEEN community and honor every person who shows up authentically as themselves. We are especially grateful for the volunteers who identify within the LGBTQ+ community and help create programs where all youth can feel seen, respected, and valued. 🌈

Save the date for KEENFest 2026! 🎉

Join us on October 8, 2026 at The Arbory in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood for an unforgettable evening supporting inclusive recreation and sports opportunities for youth with disabilities across Chicagoland. 💜💚

More information coming soon, including ticket sales, auction details, and event highlights.

Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Reach out to learn how your company or organization can partner with KEEN Chicago to make an impact! Email [email protected] to secure your sponsorship today!



ID: A colorful “Save the Date” graphic for KEENFest 2026 featuring string lights, bold blue and purple design elements, and a photo of guests playing a dice game at a past event. The graphic includes the event date, October 8, 2026, and location, The Arbory, along with the KEEN Chicago logo.

We had so much fun during our Spring 2026 season! 💜💚 From swimming and sports to special events and new friendships, our athletes and volunteers made this season unforgettable. We can’t wait to see everyone back for our summer programs! ☀️🏀🏊



ID: A collage featuring participants and volunteers from KEEN Chicago’s Spring 2026 season enjoying adaptive recreation activities including swimming, group events, sports, and trampoline play. The design includes bright photos of smiling athletes engaged in inclusive programming against a blue background with “KEEN Chicago Spring 2026!” text.

🇺🇸 KEEN Chicago programs will not meet this weekend in observance of Memorial Day.