Conversations about a lack of activities for young people in Milwaukee have sparked again following outbreaks of violence at “teen takeovers” in Moody Park and Bayshore Mall in late March.
Some Milwaukee organizations are working to fill the gap, offering weekly opportunities to connect with the community and hang out in a safe space.
Whether you’re looking to get active, creative or just need a place to hang out, these weekly events will keep you busy.
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Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee has centers across Milwaukee and hosts leadership, academic success, career and other events. Find a club here and learn more about programming here.
City Champs Free Jiu Jitsu
Three days a week, City Champs hosts free Jiu Jitsu classes on the North and South Side. Nick Lee, City Champs executive director, said enrollment is open year-round and students can sign up for classes whenever they’re ready. Lee said they will host extra programming over the summer with support from a city of Milwaukee Department of Community Wellness and Safety grant. Sign up here.
LIT Lounge
Leaders Igniting Transformation (LIT), a nonprofit that works to build political power for youths of color, just opened the LIT Lounge, a third space for young people. The lounge is located at 132 W. Mineral St. and is open every Monday and Wednesday from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. More information here.
Mitchell Street Arts
Mitchell Street Arts, 710 W. Mitchell St., holds free donation-based art and dance classes every weekday including ceramics, oil painting, Salsa and Bachata for people of all ages. Suggested donations range from $10 to $20. Find the schedule and sign up here.
MKE REC Twilight Centers
On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Milwaukee Recreation hosts Twilight Centers at seven high schools and one middle school every week where students can play basketball, video games, swim and more. Centers are typically open from 6 to 9 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturdays. Check each location’s hours here.
Your Move MKE
Your Move MKE hosts youth events at its community center, 1641 S. 11th St., every week. Events include chess club, hip-hop dance classes and open music production. Find upcoming events here.
Alex Klaus is the education solutions reporter for the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service and a corps member of Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and communities. Report for America plays no role in editorial decisions in the NNS newsroom.
Jonathan Aguilar is a visual journalist at Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service who is supported through a partnership between CatchLight Local and Report for America.
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