Chicago Debates

Our mission is to advance the educational achievement, community contributions, and life success of Chicago’s youth through the transformative power of academic debate. While debate has long been offered to students from affluent backgrounds, we exist to ensure that all Chicago students have access to this life-changing activity. Our programming seeks to address educational disparities by providing students with an after-school activity that supports both their academic achievement and competitive interests. In the 25 years since Chicago Debates first partnered with Chicago Public Schools, we have served over 20,000 students as Chicago’s only Urban Debate League.