Math Circles of Chicago

Our Math Programs

At its core, Math Circles of Chicago serves students and families. Through our empowering and engaging math programs, we connect with students who want to explore their passion for math and expand their opportunities for the future. The curiosity and drive of these students, along with the support of their families, is what powers our mission. In order to provide students with high-quality math programs, Math Circles of Chicago partners with all those who share a passion for making math enrichment equitable and accessible.  We work with skilled teachers, STEM professionals, graduate students, undergraduate students, donors, funders, board members, and leaders of schools, districts, and communities to ensure all students in Chicago have the opportunity to learn and love math.

Program Information

In-Person Hubs

Math Circles meet during the academic year at various Chicago schools and the University of Chicago. Students do not need to attend the school where the Hub takes place to participate. Hubs meet roughly two out of every three weeks either late afternoon, early evening, or on Saturdays. See our Locations page for details.

After School Programs

Math Circles meet regularly at middle schools after the school day throughout the academic year. These sessions are led by CPS teachers for their own students, and students participate at the same location where they spend their school day. Instructors interested in leading such a program should complete our Teacher Interest Form.

College Pathways

Launching in Summer 2025, Math Circles of Chicago College Pathways is for all ninth to twelfth grade students in Chicago to get access to university-level mathematics, explore careers in math education, and connect with other young mathematicians. In particular, we aim to create pathways to higher education and careers in STEM for underrepresented groups.

College Pathways gives students opportunities to build a resume of math experiences that will improve their outcomes in college admissions and build their sense of achievement and belonging in math . Our programming is tuition-free for all, and qualifying students can receive scholarships for participating. Learn more and express interest here

Summer Camps

Our summer camps run half-day for two weeks in July. Like all of our programs, students engage in hands-on, collaborative math activities emphasizing community and creativity--frequently outdoors. More information about summer sites, dates, times, and grade levels served can be found on our Locations page.

Festivals

MC2 holds large math festivals throughout the year (at public. spaces like libraries), and our festival each May at Payton HS is our biggest. We also support schools in holding their own festivals, possibly part of another event like a back to school night. Schools and organizations that would like to co-host a festival with MC2 should complete our General Interest Form.

QED: Chicago's Youth Math Symposium

QED is MC2's biggest annual event. Students present their original math research to pairs of highly qualified judges. MC2 will also help you get started--complete our QED Student Support Form and you'll get information about our workshops, and possibly be assigned a QED mentor.

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