The Place for Chicago Kids
The Place for Chicago Kids
John McMurray opens a first-of-its-kind community center for inner-city children.
Off The Street Club Timeline
1900
The Name That Stuck
The Name That Stuck
The center officially becomes "Off The Street Club."
1910
1920
Summer Camp, OTSC Style
Summer Camp, OTSC Style
Camp Moss opens in Michigan.
Sweet Competition
Sweet Competition
OTSC hosts its first Watermelon Party and Eating Contest.
1930
More Than Just a Club
More Than Just a Club
New programs expand opportunities in sports, drama, tumbling, boxing, and more.
1940
Champions in Center Field
Champions in Center Field
OTSC's baseball team wins the Chicago American Championship.
1950
A Boxing Legend Gives Back
A Boxing Legend Gives Back
Former heavyweight Max Marek (1 of 3 boxers to defeat Joe Louis) teaches boxing at OTSC.
A New Home
A New Home
OTSC moves to its current location in West Garfield Park, IL.
Honoring our Founder
Honoring our Founder
OTSC founder John McMurray passes away after decades of service.
Girl Power
Girl Power
Penny Cotter becomes OTSC's first female "Kid of the Year."
1,000 Kids Strong
1,000 Kids Strong
Raymond Geraldi becomes the club's 1,000th enrolled member.
1960
Sky High
Sky High
Merrill C. Meigs, newspaper publisher and namesake of the former Meigs Field, celebrates OTSC by taking two children on a flight in his private plane.
1980
A Lifelong Member Takes the Helm
A Lifelong Member Takes the Helm
After growing up at OTSC from the age of three, Ralph Campagna becomes Executive Director and passionately leads the club through one of the most challenging periods in its history.
Ready, Set, Derby
Ready, Set, Derby
OTSC launches its Soap Box Derby program, giving kids the opportunity to design, build, and race gravity-powered cars at the national competition in Akron, Ohio. Over the next 30 years, it became one of Ralph Campagna's most cherished and successful initiatives.
The Bozo Ball
The Bozo Ball
Dennis Fitzsimmons, future CEO of Tribune Company, creates the Bozo Ball—an annual charity event raising millions for the club.
1990
Presidential Approval
Presidential Approval
Ronald Reagan acknowledges Ralph Campagna and the club in a video message.
From OTSC to the Big Screen
From OTSC to the Big Screen
"Hoop Dreams", a documentary following OTSC alumnus Arthur Agee's pursuit of pro basketball, premieres at Sundance.
Camp Gets an Upgrade
Camp Gets an Upgrade
Improvements to Camp Mathieu create a more exciting experience.
Bridging the Future
Bridging the Future
OTSC completes a major building expansion and connecting bridge.
2000
Swing Into Action
Swing Into Action
OTSC hosts the inaugural Swing for Kids Women's Classic—the country's largest and longest-running all-women's golf charity event. Over the years it has attracted the biggest names in golf, including Annika Sorenstam, Paula Kramer, Natalie Gulbis, and Juli Inkster.
100 Holiday Luncheons Later
100 Holiday Luncheons Later
OTSC celebrates a century of its beloved holiday tradition.
2010
50 Years of Ralph
50 Years of Ralph
Ralph Campagna celebrates 50 years of club service, including 30 as Executive Director.
An Award-Winning Message
An Award-Winning Message
"Kids Are Tougher Than The Streets" earns six Effie Awards.
2020
Derby Dominance
Derby Dominance
OTSC racers Anthony and Maria place 1st and 2nd in the international soap box derby program.
Serving Up More Support
Serving Up More Support
OTSC's "Swing for the Kids" charity event grows with the addition of a pickleball tournament.
Touchdown!
Touchdown!
OTSC alumnus Carnell Tate makes history as he is drafted 4th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans.
A Century and a Quarter of Hope
A Century and a Quarter of Hope
OTSC celebrates its 125th anniversary. Here's to the next 125!
Even Happier Campers
Even Happier Campers
Camp Matthieu received major improvements, including paved bike paths which help protect kids from skinned knees.