Junior Bear is a tackle football program with two divisions; the 8-10-year-old pee wee division and the 11-13-year-old varsity division. In a season that runs from August to October, players participate in opening ceremonies, clinics, and league play, along with the championship game and closing ceremonies. Uniforms, transportation, and giveaways are provided. Games are played at several locations throughout the city, usually on Saturdays, with some Tuesday night games. The championship Mum Bowl is held at historic Soldier Field at the end of the season, usually in late October. This program is coordinated and administered by the Chicago Park District’s Athletics Department, and partially funded by a grant from Bears Care, the charitable arm of the Chicago Bears.
In 2024, we celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Junior Bear program, a legacy built on passion, teamwork, and unforgettable memories.
76th Annual Mum Bowl Championship
Saturday, October 25th
at Soldier Field
Mum Ceremony: 11:30 AM | Kickoff: 12:00 PM
Loyola Park Dolphins vs. the Kelvyn Park Hurricanes
Join us at Soldier Field to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our athletes all season long. It’s a special tradition and one of the most exciting moments of the Junior Bear program. Bring your family, friends, and plenty of energy to cheer on these great athletes —we can’t wait to see you there!
Free Admission (at Gate 0, 1410 Special Olympics Dr.)
Free Parking (in the Waldron Lot, 458 E. 18th Dr.)
More about the Mum Bowl
Chicago Public Schools Girls Flag Football players will compete in an All-Star game from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Then, Junior Bear Football players will honor their parents and guardians with the chrysanthemum ceremony at 11:30 a.m. The Mum Bowl will kickoff at 12:00 p.m. At halftime, each Junior Bear Football team nominates a player to be recognized for the Walter Payton award for leadership.
Entry to Soldier Field via gate 0, located at 1410 Special Olympics Dr., will be free for spectators, and free parking is available in the Waldron lot, located at 458 E. 18th Dr. Gates open at 10:30 a.m. Concessions will be available for purchase, and general admission seating will be offered in sections 101 through 145.
Come out and support these athletes as they compete for the Mum Bowl title at historic Soldier Field.
2025 Junior Bear Teams
Ada Park Bears
(Morgan Park)
11250 S. Ada St.
(312) 747-6002
** Pee Wee & Varsity Divisions **
Altgeld Park Saints
(East Garfield Park)
515 S. Washtenaw
(312) 746-5001
** Pee Wee Division Only **
Carver Park Steelers
(Riverdale)
939 E. 132nd St.
(312) 747-6047
** Pee Wee & Varsity Divisions **
Chopin Park Colts
(Portage Park)
3420 N. Long
(773) 685-3247
** Pee Wee & Varsity Divisions **
Fosco Park Chargers
(Near West)
1312 S. Racine
(312) 746-5086
** Pee Wee & Varsity Divisions **
Hamilton Park Steelers
(Englewood)
513 W. 72nd St.
(312) 747-6174
** Varsity Division Only **
Jackson Park Raiders
(Woodlawn)
6401 S. Stony Island
(773) 256-0903
** Pee Wee & Varsity Divisions **
Kelvyn Park Hurricanes
(Hermosa)
4438 W. Wrightwood
(312) 742-7547
** Pee Wee & Varsity Divisions **
LaFollette Park Wildcats
(North Austin)
1333 N. Laramie
(773) 287-0541
** Pee Wee & Varsity Divisions **
LeClaire Park Titans
(Garfield Ridge)
5120 W. 44th St.
(312) 747-6438
** Pee Wee & Varsity Divisions **
Lindblom Park Ravens
(Englewood)
6054 S. Damen
(312) 747-6443
** Pee Wee & Varsity Divisions **
Loyola Park Dolphins
(East Rogers Park)
1230 W. Greenleaf Ave.
(773) 626-8605
** Varsity Division Only **
Ogden Park Vikings
(Englewood)
6500 S. Racine
(312) 747-6572
** Pee Wee & Varsity Divisions **
Taylor Park Falcons
(Grand Boulevard)
39 W. 47th St.
(312) 747-6728
** Pee Wee & Varsity Divisions **
Washington Park Football Team
(Washington Park)
5531 S. King Dr.
(773) 256-1248
** Pee Wee & Varsity Divisions **
Willye B. White Wolverines
(Rogers Park)
1610 W. Howard
(773) 262-5051
** Pee Wee & Varsity Divisions **
Past Mum Bowl Champions
The Junior Bear program did not take place in 2020 due to COVID-19.
