Lil’ Kickers – Wicker Park/Bucktown

Lil’ Kickers, operated by LK Soccer, is one of the nation’s premier youth soccer programs, offering carefully designed classes for children ages 18 months through 10 years. With over 20 years of experience serving more than 200,000 families across the Chicagoland area, Lil’ Kickers uses outdoor park settings during the spring through fall season to deliver imaginative, high-energy classes where children develop soccer skills alongside critical life skills such as coordination, confidence, teamwork, and listening.

The program is divided into age-appropriate levels that grow with each child. The youngest participants start in the Bunnies class (18-24 months) and Thumpers class (2-3 years), both of which are parent-child interactive sessions featuring parachutes, bubbles, and creative play. Cottontails (2.5-3.5 years) helps toddlers begin developing independence on the field. Hoppers and Jackrabbits serve 3-4 year olds at beginner and intermediate levels respectively, while Micro 4/5 is designed for experienced 4-5 year olds. Big Feet (5-6 years) provides a welcoming entry point for older beginners.

For children ages 5-10, the Skills Institute program offers three progressive levels of technical soccer training in a coed environment, with an 8:1 or 10:1 player-to-coach ratio. Skills Institute focuses on dribbling, passing, shooting, positioning, and small-sided scrimmages. An All Girls Skills Institute class is also available for girls ages 5-8. All classes meet weekly for 50 minutes at this seasonal outdoor location, operating from approximately April through October.

LK Soccer also offers payment plans and a scholarship program to make classes accessible to all families. Free trial classes are offered at all locations. Registration is always open with rolling enrollment.

The Wicker Park/Bucktown location operates outdoors at Holstein Park during the spring through fall season. This location offers Lil’ Kickers and Skills Institute classes in an outdoor park setting, providing a unique open-air soccer experience for children.