Introduction to Teen Gatherings in Downtown Chicago

As hundreds of young people congregated in the Loop last week, a 14-year-old was killed and eight other teens were wounded by gunfire, reigniting debate about how to handle such gatherings of teenagers in Chicago.

Background of Teen Trends

The meetups, known as “teen trends” or, when they go awry, “teen takeovers,” have sometimes led to violence and prompted questions about curfews, how to provide alternatives for teenagers and the role of parents. The shooting was the latest of these kinds of gatherings to turn chaotic. In March, a 15-year-old was grazed by gunfire in Streeterville. The get-togethers aren’t unique to Chicago — they’ve also happened in San Antonio and Denver.

Perception and Safety Concerns

Most gatherings are peaceful, but race is often cited as a factor in the negative perception of the events, even before they turn violent. The groups often include Black and Brown kids who say they don’t have safe spaces to gather in their communities, raising other questions about investment and the needs of teens.

How do these gatherings come together, and why are they popular among teens?

Young people have been organizing meetups in the Loop for years because they feel there isn’t much to do in their neighborhoods. Someone creates a flyer with a time and place and shares it on social media, where it can spread like wildfire. Teens have said they are drawn to these events because they can connect with their peers without spending money or worrying about their safety in their communities.

Structure and Intent

Vondale Singleton, who heads CHAMPS, a youth mentorship organization, said these meetups aren’t intended to cause violence and don’t promote it. They can go wrong because they don’t have structure, leaving teens with nothing to do in busy areas, which may lead to conflict. “That’s not usually the intent,” Singleton said. “But the gap is when it’s not structured.” Places where teens can get together can be hard to find.

Availability of Safe Spaces

In 2023, an analysis by WBEZ found places that might be suitable for teens — like skating rinks, bowling alleys and arcades — were concentrated around downtown. Some neighborhoods had none. “People just want to go hang out,” a 19-year-old named Quan told WBEZ in 2023. “We’re just trying to have fun.”

Public Response and Teen Perspectives

When these meetups turn chaotic, public officials have usually tried to keep young people from being out downtown by themselves. After the shooting on Nov. 21, Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd) said his unsuccessful proposal for a “snap” curfew — which would have allowed Chicago police to declare a curfew with only 30 minutes’ notice — could have made a difference. Hopkins said he plans to reintroduce the measure, which was approved by the City Council in June but vetoed by Mayor Brandon Johnson, by the end of the year. Johnson has said a curfew with little heads up would lead to over-policing of teenagers.

Past Measures and Their Impact

In 2022, then-Mayor Lori Lightfoot moved up the city’s weekend curfew from 11 p.m. to 10 p.m. after crowds of young people gathered in the Loop and a 16-year-old boy was fatally shot near “The Bean” in Millennium Park. Lightfoot also banned minors from the park on weekend evenings unless they were with an adult. These measures have caused some teens to say they feel unwelcome in their own city. “There’s no point for all that if it’s just for adults to go to,” Kyran Quiroga, who was 17 at the time, told the Sun-Times last year. “It shouldn’t be like that.”

Alternatives and Solutions

Singleton, of CHAMPS, stressed the need for structured teen events. His organization holds gatherings in different neighborhoods every week, he said. These vary from trips to museums and playing paintball to simple hangouts with a DJ. But he said it’s important that these events go hand-in-hand with increased investment toward spaces for kids in their own communities. He said curfews won’t solve that problem. “Curfews might disperse crowds for a night, but they don’t build belonging, skill building, leadership or hope,” Singleton said.

Community Investment

BUILD Chicago, a youth development and violence prevention organization, frequently hosts events, such as late-night basketball games, to provide teens with safe spaces, said the group’s interim CEO, Bradly Johnson. He said there are scores of other organizations doing similar work, but they need more funding to be most effective and broaden their reach. “All these things already exist,” Johnson said. “So invest in them.”

Parental Guidance

Johnson, of BUILD, said parents should speak to their children about the potential risks of these gatherings. And they should familiarize themselves with local organizations that offer weekend activities to let teens know about alternatives to downtown meetups. Parents of teens who are out of school can get to know groups that help with job placement, he said. But Johnson added that parents often need support, too. “Sometimes they’re at work and their teen is going out,” he said. That’s why he’s opposed to penalizing parents with a fine if their child gets in trouble at one of these gatherings. “That just, I think, will cause more problems in the long haul,” Johnson said.

Conclusion

The issue of teen gatherings in downtown Chicago is complex, involving concerns about safety, the need for structured activities, and the role of race and community investment. While some public officials have proposed curfews as a solution, others argue that this approach is too simplistic and could lead to over-policing. Instead, many advocate for increased investment in community spaces and programs that provide alternatives for teens, as well as support for parents. Ultimately, finding a solution will require a nuanced understanding of the issues at play and a willingness to listen to the perspectives of teens and community leaders.

FAQs

• Q: What are "teen trends" or "teen takeovers"?
  A: These are gatherings of teenagers, often in downtown areas, which can sometimes lead to violence and have prompted discussions about curfews and alternatives for teens.
• Q: Why do teens participate in these gatherings?
  A: Teens are drawn to these events because they offer a space to connect with peers without spending money and can provide a sense of safety and community that may be lacking in their own neighborhoods.
• Q: How have public officials responded to these gatherings?
  A: Public officials have proposed measures such as curfews to manage these gatherings, but there is debate about the effectiveness and fairness of such approaches.
• Q: What alternatives are being recommended?
  A: Recommendations include structured teen events, increased investment in community spaces for teens, and support for organizations that provide safe activities and job placement services.
• Q: How should parents approach this issue with their teens?
  A: Parents should discuss the potential risks of these gatherings with their teens, explore local organizations offering safe activities, and seek support when needed, without facing penalties for their child’s actions.