Our Mission & Values | Serve & Return Chicago

Who We Are

Serve & Return Chicago is a not-for-profit tax-exempt corporation that may accept tax-deductible contributions.

Serve & Return Chicago is a 100% volunteer Board of Directors whose primary focus is helping kids in the greater Chicago area through the sport of tennis.
Our programs are funded by contributions from generous individuals and organizations.
Virtually all (approximately 96%) of the funds contributed by our sponsors are re-invested in the youth programs and the scholarships we support.

Mission & Values

The mission of the Serve & Return Chicago is to positively impact the lives of children in Chicagoland’s under-served communities through the game of tennis. We believe tennis is an inclusive, life-long source of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The funds we raise support outstanding youth programs that provide equipment, education, instruction and fun competition in safe environments.
The youth programs we support provide a safe and positive environment that helps kids by:

encouraging a healthy / active lifestyle
promoting values, such as confidence, sportsmanship and  respect
teaching life skills, such as leadership, responsibility and managing emotions
developing the life skills that open opportunities for scholarships … and a lifetime of fun
creating social opportunities that result in a broad network of lifetime friendships
exposing kids to diversity which provides them with a broader life perspective
engaging parents to become involved with their kids and their local communities

What We Do

Serve & Return Chicago offers grants and scholarships to support tennis programs for children who might otherwise not have the opportunity to develop their talents and potential.

Our programs provide all children regardless of income, race, gender or ability the opportunity develop athletic and social skills in a safe and positive environment.
Grants and scholarships are also provided to support high performance tennis programs and individual junior tennis players who have shown promise and potential.