BECOME A STAR

The Chicago Spirit Brigade is an all-volunteer, fund-raising organization. For CSB to be successful in its mission and continue to help support individuals with life-altering challenges we need your help and dedication! Whether you are interested in joining as a performing or non-performing member, occasionally volunteering, or just want to come out and see us at an event, we welcome your support!

Chicago Spirit Brigade 2025-Midsommerfest 2025 - Day 1-69724853735.jpg

PERFORMING
MEMBER

NON-PERFORMING MEMBER

CHEERLEADING: Prior cheerleading experience is not required, but having a background in gymnastics, dance, or performance arts can be very helpful. Athletic ability is a MUST! Cheerleading is a very demanding and vigorous sport involving cardio-endurance, flexibility, and strength.

DANCE: Prior dance experience is not required, but may prove to be very helpful. Athletic ability and showmanship are a MUST!

DRILL (COLORGUARD): Participants are not required to have prior drill experience, but these may prove to be very helpful. Athletic ability and showmanship are a MUST!

Non-performing members are valued year round in a variety of capacities from team management and administration to photography and videography. Do you have a special administrative talent or experience with non-profits or you just want to be part of something exciting and new? Whatever your skills, we welcome your assistance and would love to have you join our CSB family.

Event Volunteer: If you’ve enjoyed watching the Chicago Spirit Brigade from the sidelines, join in on the excitement at our next parade, performance, or event as a volunteer! CSB is always looking for enthusiastic and friendly volunteers to help with our performances, to carry banners, engage the crowd, and help us raise money for charities. We have events all throughout the year.

Professional Service Provider: Even if you're not an official member of CSB, we invite you to participate in helping us Spread the Cheer. There are many behind-the-scenes aspects that help make the magic happen and quite frankly, we love magic! Especially if you think your skill is "boring," we'll find a way to make you a CSB Star! If you have a particular talent, skill, or passion that you believe will suit our mission, we'd love to hear from you.

Become a CSB Star

PERFORMING MEMBER TRYOUTS

Tryouts for those interested in becoming performing members are held at least once per year in the Winter. The official tryout date is preceded by practice workshops so that you can become familiar with the type of work performances require.

Chicago Spirit Brigade 2025-All photos-71124528761.jpg

CSB TRYOUTS FAQ

Anyone interested in trying out can sign up online and fill out a waiver and a form for coaches to review. They will also consider your overall performance, positive attitude, and commitment to fund-raising. Each squad has some a separate process:

Cheer: You will be instructed with some basic stunting, motions, and safety, and you will learn a mini-routine. You will perform with a tryout group and be reviewed on your individual performance.

Dance: You will review some basics of dance technique and learn a short combination to perform with a tryout group. Everyone will be reviewed on individual performances.

Drill (Colorguard): We will show you the basics of tall flag. Then, you’ll perform a mini-routine taught at the workshops. Everyone will be evaluated on individual performances.

After filling out the Tryout Form, an email will be sent to you with the detailed information you’ll need.

For starters, you should plan to bring the following essentials with you:

All of the completed forms sent to you in the email
A photo copy of your ID (must be a valid Driver’s License, State ID, or Passport with your photo on it)
Comfortable clothing you can move/work out in.
Appropriate gym-friendly shoes, including, but not limited to, gym shoes, dance shoes, cheer shoes, or dance flats
Bottle of water
A fun, cheerful, and positive spirit

Performance is a team effort and requires regular attendance from all performing members. We regularly practice for three hours every Sunday from workshops through mid-August, with certain holidays off throughout the year. In addition, there are several mandatory performances which could require a half to a full day of your time, depending on call times. We also have several optional events, of which you will be required to complete a pre-determined number during the season. More information will be provided at the workshops and Tryouts

The Chicago Spirit Brigade is a fundraising non-profit organization assisting the efforts of local charities by offering our time (or our dime). This is our main focus. Annual membership dues are $200 with an additional requirement of purchasing your uniform in February. Overall, you can expect to pay $300-$400 (including dues) in your first year. Payment plans are available. A more final estimate will be communicated to you during the workshops.

We’re glad you’re interested in joining the CSB family of fundraisers and look forward to meeting you very soon!

Become a CSB Star

BECOME A BENEFICIARY

The Chicago Spirit Brigade is always looking to partner with new organizations. Since our start, CSB has partnered with dozens of organizations around the Chicagoland area regularly appearing at Andersonville Midsommarfest, Chicago Pride Fest and the Pride Parade, Northalsted Market Days, Lakeview East Festival of the Arts, and The Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade.

If your organization participates in other similar events, parades, or festivals, we will certainly consider working with you to fundraise at these events. Or if you sponsor your own annual fundraiser event like a walk-a-thon, we can be there to support and cheer-on your participants — without additional fundraising activity.

CSB requests that all beneficiaries meet minimum criteria. Beneficiary organizations should:

provide direct care services to people facing life-altering challenges.
have a 501(c)3 status.
be willing to assist with event marketing and provide volunteers at our events.

If you meet the minimum criteria, complete and return the Beneficiary Application. We look forward to hearing about your organization.
View many of our past and present Beneficiaries.