CircEsteem
Private
A nonprofit youth circus-arts summer camp in Chicago's Uptown for children ages 6-16, run by CircEsteem, which uses social circus to build confidence and collaboration. Campers train with professional teaching artists in skills like aerial silks, trapeze, lyra, tightwire, tumbling, juggling, and clowning, anchored by weekly themes, and perform in an end-of-week Show Off. Camp runs 9 a.m.-3 p.m. with before/after care, and a sliding-scale scholarship program is offered.
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 CircEsteem directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★George StarrCircEsteem is a beautiful place staffed by wonderful instructors. Offering classes and summer camps for kids of all ages, CircEsteem teaches the circus arts of acrobatics, juggling, tumbling, lyra, clowning, etc. Their programs help kids, tweens, and teens build self-esteem in a safe and diverse environment. They help kids push past their fears and gain confidence in ways that translate wonderfully to all other facets of their lives. I cannot say enough good things about this awesome program, and their mission. Highly recommended. 👍🏽
★★★★★Kestelle WiersmaExcellent program. My kids begged to come back to the day off camp. They to a great job to build up values like perseverance in kids.
★★★★★Samantha CarrollWe recently hosted a group birthday party at CircEsteem for a group of 7 year olds and it was such a fun and unique experience. The planning was straightforward and I appreciated all of the interesting choices to make our party fun (face painter & snow cone machine!) The teaching artists were energetic, patient and kept the kids engaged for the 90 minutes promised. Adding on a face painter was a fun option for when the kids wanted a break. Overall, we were very happy with our party at CircEsteem and if you're looking for a unique, structured party, this is the way to go!
★★★★★Chiara CalciAt the end of this Summer Tour I want to take a minute to say thanks to all the coaches a Cricesteem, the people in the frontline and the ones behind the curtains. Thank you for sharing with our children your knowledge and your passion for circus and performances. Thank you for taking upon you the responsibility of keeping our children safe in the ring and on the road. Thank you for not been only instructors but also educators. Thank you for making them feel welcomed and challenged at the same time. Thanks you for building team work, cooperation and the sense of mutual responsibility in a world that mostly promotes competition and antagonism. Thank you for bringing joy, play and fun around the city. I understand the amount of energy, time and dedication your job requires, and for all of that, from my heart and in behalf of parents and children THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
★★★★★Gema GuzmanCircesteem is such a wonderful organization, I really wish more kids had more places like this where they can learn, be active, and build a community with their peers. The staff is amazing and they are so welcoming. I have been a tutor here for two years (I believe) and by far it’s the best job I have ever had. I truly enjoy being a tutor and also learning new things along the way. The kids always have a different circus trick to teach me. Overall this is a really great place.