B.I.G. Baseball Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on Chicago's South Side, founded by Keronn Walker to keep youth baseball alive in the city, with a stated focus on getting Black Chicagoans playing the game and teaching life lessons alongside it. It runs summer camps, year-round training and teams, and provides scholarships and financial assistance for players in need; alumni include players later drafted by MLB clubs. The camps page carries no current dates, ages or daily schedule and still displays COVID-era guidance, so the camp format could not be confirmed.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact B.I.G. Baseball Academy directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★nany CanoMy Experience with BIG (2024-2025): We enrolled our son in BIG for the 2024-2025 season based on the promise of a travel league experience. Unfortunately, our experience has been quite different and has raised several concerns: Lack of True Travel Competition: Despite claiming to be a travel league, our team only participated in one tournament, and the emphasis seemed not to be on winning or competitive play. Most of our games were against the Omega Delta League, which is more recreational than travel-focused. There were also a few Sunday games against suburban REC leagues. Scheduling Issues: The frequent rescheduling and last-minute cancellations of practices and games have been disruptive. Also, consistent moving of players makes it difficult for the kids to build camaraderie and team chemistry. Facilities & Infrastructure: While BIG had a dedicated facility up until April 2025 it was shut down due to permit and licensing issues. Cost & Transparency: The cost is $250/month for 11 months, paid directly via Zelle to Keronn. While the organization claims to be non-profit, the payment process and lack of formal oversight suggest otherwise. The cost is high for the level of organization, the lack of facilities provided and the lack of tournaments. Leadership & Communication: Additionally, there was an incident where a family was removed from the team after raising concerns about umpire conduct, which raises questions about transparency and fairness. Parent Engagement & Concerns: When my husband expressed in a message about the low number of games for July and only having ONE tournament for the entire season in a group chat, he was immediately removed from the conversation—possibly to prevent other parents from voicing concerns. This kind of censorship is alarming. In summary: If you're considering enrolling your child in BIG,(BIG SCAM ORGANIZATION), please be aware of these issues. While the league may offer some opportunities for play, there are significant concerns regarding organization, transparency, and the overall experience. Proceed with caution and consider alternative options that prioritize development, transparency, and fair competition.
★david castilloThis place asks you to text them for information on rates and private lessons. They did not respond when I asked for details on private lessons and the costs for what I was looking to do.
★Khalilah JohnsonAfter 6 years in a program Kerron texted a short message to let us know there no room for him. Absolutely no people skills, no care for the kids. Completely blind sided:
★Bee GWouldn’t trust the place due to the response on a recent incident. Doesn’t matter if it’s the parents fault or the coach. YOU DONT LEAVE A CHILD ALONE. And yes he was alone. IF A STRANGER CAN WALK UP TO THE CHILD WITHOUT AN ISSUE to let them borrow their phone to call their parents then HE WAS ALONE.
★★★★★JJohnson9302The facility and staff are great! The instructors are very good with the kids. My nephew enjoyed the Sunday pitching and hitting camp with Ernesto and Keronn. I'll be coming back in to work out a lesson plan with Irene.