Club History
For more than 100 years, OTSC has been a safe haven for kids in one of the toughest, most crime-ridden neighborhoods in Chicago. Started in 1900 by Brother John McMurry, OTSC was the first Club of its kind for inner city kids. Two years later McMurry gained the support of the Advertising Club of Chicago and adopted the name Off The Street Club. Under the direction of August Mathieu, the club moved first to Van Buren Street and later to Jackson Boulevard before the building was destroyed in a fire. The Club then moved to its current location on Karlov Avenue.
Ever since Ralph Campagna took over in 1981 he has worked tirelessly to make positive improvements.
- In 1991, a million dollar improvement project significantly upgraded the facility.
- In 1995, improvements to the recreational facilities at Camp Mathieu made the camp experience more exciting than ever for the kids.
- In 2000, the new building was completed across the street from the Club. Thanks to the "bridge that love built," the two buildings are connected, doubling the size of the Club.
The kids depend on the Club as much today as kids did when it was founded over 100 years ago. And thanks to the generous support and dedication of so many people like you, the Club continues to grow and thrive.