Uptown Chamber &
Uptown United Updates
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Grab Your Toast of Uptown Tickets Now!
Join us for the 7th annual Toast of Uptown Wine Walk - an afternoon of strolling and sipping in the Buena Park & Sheridan Park neighborhoods in Uptown - on Sunday, May 4th from 2:00-5:00pm.
Your $40 ticket includes over 20 samples of wine, light bites, and supports your local businesses!
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Want childcare during the Toast of Uptown?
Need childcare during this year's Toast of Uptown? My Art House Studio has you covered!
They are a new member of the Uptown Chamber of Commerce and they're excited to offer a Kids Party - a fun, creative childcare option during the wine walk! While you sip and explore Uptown's best wines, your kids (ages 3-9) will enjoy games, art activities, and supervised play nearby.
$25 per Child, Sibling Discounts Available
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2025 State of Uptown
The annual State of Uptown luncheon, presented by Uptown United and the Uptown Chamber of Commerce, convenes Uptown's business, development, and non-profit community to hear from our elected officials.
This year's event will take place on Wednesday, May 14th from 12:00-1:30pm at Sun Wah BBQ, 5039 N Broadway.
Discounted tickets are available for current Uptown Chamber of Commerce members.
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Youth Afterschool Art Programs from HAIBAYO Cares
Who: 5th-8th grade students (Limited slots available)
Where: HAIBAYO – 1132 W Argyle St,
Dates & Times:
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 4:00 PM–6:00 PM
Mondays & Wednesdays: 4:00 PM–6:00 PM
Workshops & Schedule:
🎨Comic Book Illustration – Learn to tell stories through illustration and comic creation for Pocket Con & Optimist Comics.
Tuesdays & Thursdays | March 18 – April 24, 2025
📝Poetry Writing – Develop storytelling skills and submit work to the 9th Annual Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Awards.
Mondays & Wednesdays | April 7 – May 14, 2025
🎧 Music Production – Explore music production, DJing, beat making, audio recording, with opportunities to perform at Stomping Grounds Open Stage.
Tuesdays & Thursdays | April 29 – June 5, 2025
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Congrats to Cornerstone Community Outreach for 35 Years of Service!
This month, Cornerstone Community Outreach (CCO) is celebrating 35 years of compassionate service and community connection! Since 1989, CCO has provided safe transitional housing, critical services, and a pathway to permanent housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Rooted in the heart of Uptown, their mission is clear: to meet people where they are-with dignity, respect, and unwavering support-and help them find their way home.
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Brennemann Elementary News: First-Ever Art Show & Friends of Brennemann Newsletter!
Thursday, April 24th 4:15-5:15pm
4251 N. Clarendon Ave.
Check out the artwork of Brenneman Elementary students grades pre-K through 8th at their very first Art Show! Along with enjoying displayed work, there will be art activities for everyone to enjoy!
Be sure to also check out the latest issue of the Friends of Brennemann newsletter!
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IRPINO Small Business Spotlight:
Lakeside Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Get ready to meet one of Uptown's newest businesses! This month, IRPINO stopped by Lakeside Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a brand-new studio bringing the art of grappling to the neighborhood. They sat down with two of the owners, Peter and Stephen, to learn how they're building a community through classes for all ages and focusing on fitness, self-defense, and the power of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
| | | Celebrate Earth Day with the Institute of Cultural Affairs! | | |
You're invited to two free events hosted by the ICA to celebrate Earth Day 2025!
One Earth Film Festival Earth Day is Every Day Celebration 2025
Friday, April 25th at 6:00pm Saturday, April 26th from 11am-3pm
4750 N. Sheridan Rd Buttercup Park, 4901 N Sheridan Rd
Enjoy the movie Single Use Plastics Hang with the ICA and cultural
followed by a panel discussion! partners to celebrate Earth Day!
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Check out Classes at Joel Hall Dancers & Center!
Joel Hall Dancers & Center has something for everyone! Check out all of the adult and youth classes available, from Classical Bharatanatyam and Breathing Jazz to Zumba and West African Dance! Classes are available for both adults and youth and in-person and virtually.
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Sheridan Art Walk Call for Artists
Artists interested in participating in the Sheridan Park Art Walk on Saturday, June 14 in exchange for a small donation should contact SunnySideMall.Art@gmail.com.
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Documentary Screening of The Murals
Thursday, June 26th, 7:00pm
Third Space Chicago, 716 W. Addison St
The Murals is a documentary about the New Deal era Uptown Post Office Murals in Chicago. How and why they were made by Henry Varnum Poor, why they feature Carl Sandburg and Louis Sullivan, and how they inspire people today. The documentary will be screened followed by a Q&A with the director. This event is open and free - save the date!
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Business Spotlight:
MIND BODY DEFENSE,
4143 N Broadway
| | Mind Body Defense is a kickboxing and self-defense school opened by Torriente Toliver after he’d been searching for his own place to train. He felt like other schools were missing all of the components of self defense, technicality, and competitive sparring. While creating his school, it was really important to him that when people came through the doors, they felt invited in and not excluded. All levels of ability are always welcome - whether you are just starting on your fitness journey or have a martial arts background, you will receive personalized attention from their instructors! | | |
Led by Torriente and Janet Toliver, they love how diverse Uptown is, and that’s reflected in the students in their classes. They have long been actively involved in the Uptown community, supporting other businesses coming to Buena Park and serving on the board of the Uptown Chamber of Commerce.
Mind Body Defense uses kickboxing and self-defense to unlock your human potential. It was created to serve those who want to improve their fitness through purposeful action. Their kickboxing classes integrate martial arts, boxing and fitness to create a full body workout to hone your skills, tone your body, increase your flexibility and stamina, and help you reach your fitness goals. They'll help you achieve your fitness goals and improve your quality of life! In their class, you'll participate in partner training, meaning you always have someone to work with and learn from.
Mind Body Defense places a high value on building a positive diverse environment where you will be challenged to work harder, inspired to learn more, and motivated to continue your fitness journey. Stop by and check out a class today!
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