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.