Note: If you are interested in attending YCA programming please read the following message regarding our COVID-19 guidelines:

• Masks are required to attend all programming.
• We will be practicing social distancing for all in-house programs.
• Seating capacity will be limited to 60 seats for Wordplay.
• Thank you for helping to keep everyone safe. Please do not attend programming if you are experiencing any of the symptoms related to COVID or are feeling at all unwell.

YCA offers weekly writing workshops in poetry (Check the Method), music production & collaboration (Every Word Counts) plus the longest-running youth open mic in Chicago (WordPlay), as well as a yearly youth poetry festival (Rooted & Radical) and many other associated events & workshops.

Come through YCA to develop your voice with the help of professional teaching artists and join the largest, most vibrant youth literary community in Chicago.