Esprit Recreation Center

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There are veteran programs. There are fitness centers. There are VA offices.

But there’s nothing that brings it all together in one public, purpose-built space... until now.

Esprit centers are:

• Designed by veterans, for veterans
   
• Open to the public to support reintegration
   
• Built with family, fitness, and long-term community in mind
   
• Self-sustaining through memberships, donations, and partnerships
   
• A national blueprint for what veteran care should look like

Each Esprit Veteran Recreation Center will include:

• Full-service gym and strength/conditioning zones
   
• Mental health and peer support spaces
   
• Family lounge and childcare support areas
   
• Outdoor recreation and event field
   
• Offices for VA, employment, and nonprofit partners
   
• Multi-use space for programs, classes, and workshops
   
• A community-designed layout that encourages connection, movement, and healing
   

Every center will be staffed by veterans and military-connected individuals, and all members of the public are welcome. Civilian participation helps fund free and discounted access for those who served.

Too often, veterans are left to navigate healing and reintegration alone.

The spaces that exist for them feel clinical, scattered, or temporary.

We’re building something better, a place that finally feels like home.

Veteran Recreation Centers create:

• A culture of strength, recovery, and belonging
   
• Easier access to trusted resources in one place
   
• Natural reintegration through public access and shared use
   
• A new legacy of veteran-designed, community-powered healing
   

Chicago is just the beginning.

We are building a network of Esprit University Chapters to activate future leaders and lay the groundwork for future recreation centers in cities and campuses across the country.

Where there’s a chapter, there can be a facility.

Where there’s a facility, there’s a future for every service member and their family.

 Every Movement Needs People Behind It.

• Volunteer: Help with events, outreach, and build day
   
• Start a Chapter: Bring Esprit to your campus or community
   
• Sponsor or Partner: Support the vision from the ground up
   
• Join the Team: We’re looking for leaders who care

To get involved directly, reach us at:

buildteam@espritwellness.org – For planning and build support

buildthecenter@espritwellness.org – For sponsorships and campaign inquiries