Providing athletic programs for junior high and high school aged youth
Founded in Chicago in 1930, the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) was organized to provide young men in gangs with an alternative to the streets. Today, the CYO still has one mission in mind: to bring youth together, to foster strong relationships in families and communities, and to help youth lead more fulfilling and rewarding lives through sports.
The Maryville CYO sponsors organized athletic programs throughout the year, notably basketball, cross country, track and field, and cheerleading, utilizing facilities such as schools, the YMCA, the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Public Schools. Each year approximately 2,000 youth, ages 8 – 19, participate in CYO events in the Chicago area.
Maryville sponsors and directs this program on behalf of the Archdiocese of Chicago; however, it is open to young people of all faiths.
CYO, under the auspices of Maryville, recently celebrated its 80th anniversary. CYO revitalized its summer basketball league with competition from 26 teams at Marist and Christian Fenger High Schools, and Washington Park in Chicago, with help from a grant from World Sport Chicago. We are working hard to rejuvenate this venerable institution as we seek to promote our healthy, organized and structured programs in our community. We thank everyone who participates in our programs and are asking for memories and photos of CYO glory past, which can be sent via email to cyo@maryvilleacademy.org.
Foundation founder, James "Big Cat" Williams hosted an inaugural bowling event to support Maryville Academy's Center for Children and CYO and Debra's Place and invited a host of his football friends. Representatives from the 1985 Chicago Bears, Richard Dent, Otis Wilson, Keith Van Horne, Glen Kozlowski and Jim Morrissey, along with a number of other celebrities, were on hand to bowl away the evening. Special thanks to Delana Price, co-founder and executive director of Big Cat Charities, for organizing this great event. The children and families of Maryville's Center for Children and CYO participants would like to thank everyone that attended, volunteered or supported this worth while event.
Contact Information:
Maryville Catholic Youth Organization (CYO)
1658 W Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone (312) 491-3534
Fax (312) 491-3531
Coordinator of Athletics • Kimberly Williams
