UNIVERSAL SOLE CHARITY PARTNER - BACK ON MY FEET
Mission: Back on My Feet is a non-profit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of the homeless population by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem.
Philosophy: Back on My Feet does not provide food nor does it provide shelter, but instead provides a community that embraces equality, respect, discipline, teamwork and leadership. There are no labels, no stigmas and no stereotypes. At Back on My Feet, all members – regardless of race, education or socioeconomic status – join together to move their own lives forward as well as the lives of their teammates. Back on My Feet is much more than just running - it is a comprehensive program that offers connections to job training, educational scholarships and housing assistance. The benefits of Back on My Feet are earned through the currency of attitude, commitment, teamwork, respect, dedication and leadership.
Vision: Back on My Feet envisions a community where all members have the support and motivation required to move towards self –sufficiency. Every major city has a homeless problem and while providing food and shelter are very important basic needs, something is missing. We work to rebuild, revive and re-energize individuals. It is only when we have the self-respect, self-confidence that we are truly able to move forward. Back on My Feet focuses on helping our members find a road of happiness, hope and opportunity, which includes a stable job and a place to live. This is our goal and we will get there one step at a time.
Universal Sole is a proud sponsor and partner of Back On My Feet! To find out more information, get involved, or to make a donation, please click HERE!
UNIVERSAL SOLE - CHICAGO MARATHON CHARITY PARTNERS
Universal Sole is proud to partner with the following Chicago Marathon Charity Groups. We believe in their causes and we are proud to have them as partners. Click on the partner logo below for more information on the specific Chicago Marathon Program that they offer.
THE RUNNING INSTITUTE
Located in the heart of Chicago’s Millennium Park, The Running Institute is your all-inclusive place for comprehensive medical and wellness for running athletes from head to toe. It is also the downtown Chicago home of Universal Sole! The Running Institute (TRI) brings a fresh and new concept that provides athletes of all levels all-inclusive access to sports-specific physicians, nutritionists, holistic medicine, and a custom fit process for running shoes and orthotics. TRI was founded by sports-medicine podiatrist Dr. Michael J. Chin because he understands the mindset of athletes. He works in a preventative manner to improve longevity and performance of his patient athletes. His approach to acute injuries includes a safe return to activities based on biofeedback and utilization of physical therapists focused on sport-specific exercises and treatments.
CLOCK TOWER RUNNERS 
Clocktower Runners is Chicago's only independent running club offering free marathon training for runners of all levels. Led by experienced and accomplished marathoners, our goal is to get you from the first day of training to a marathon finish line feeling healthy, strong and satisfied with your remarkable achievement. Our groups are small and personalized to enhance your training and enjoyment of our program.
OFFERING: Marathon Training, Fun Runs & Runners Resources
FREE MARATHON TRAINING: The Clocktower Runners are excited to announce the opening of registration for our 2010 Chicago Marathon Training Program to all runners. Our 2010 marathon training schedule is now available on the Marathon Training 2010 page of our site. You may view and download the entire program. We have 3 levels of training; Novice, Experienced and Advanced.
CHICAGO AREA RUNNERS ASSOCIATION (CARA)
The Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) is a non-profit organization devoted to expanding, motivating, supporting and celebrating the running community of Chicagoland. CARA connects runners to resources that enable them to run—farther, faster, better, for life.
More than an advocacy group, however, CARA has created training programs that consistently see larger number of participants each year, from novices to experts. Through CARA, friendships are formed, running partnerships are born and the life-long gift of running is given. Universal Sole is proud to partner with CARA and all the great programming they offer to the Chicago running community.
CARA QUICK FACTS:
- CARA is a not-for-profit organization that was founded in 1978.
- We have more than 8,600 members.
- We are the largest running organization in the Midwest and the third largest in the nation.
- We are your complete source for recreational running and racing in Chicagoland.
- We produce training and fitness programs for all levels of runners.
- We provide high quality races and race circuit certification
TOGETHER WE TRI TRIATHLON TRAINING
MISSION: At TOGETHER WE TRI, our mission is simple, so join us and be a part of the excitement!
- We provide triathlon training excellence to both groups and individuals
- We serve clients of any ability, experience and fitness level
- We serve our clients in a supportive environment, ensuring that all of our athlete’s needs are met and resources are available
- We help our clients to reach their athletic potential and cross the finish line
- We provide a life-changing experience through the physical and emotional journey of becoming a triathlete
- We help Chicago area athletes achieve their goals
MAX MULTISPORT COACHING
MISSION: Max Multisport Coaching's mission is to help women of all abilities build confidence and maximize their athletic potential through multisport.Whether selecting a one on one live coach, joining a class, or participating in group training programs, professional and caring coaches will guide you on your athletic journey. We focus on strong communication with each athlete on their current fitness levels and goals. Max Multisport coaches provide ongoing guidance and support by delivering comprehensive and progressed training plans. All of our programs accommodate the athlete's lifestyle which allows for maximum balance. We offer one-on-one coaching, group training programs, classes, skills clinics and camps for women.
Balance life by training smarter and more efficiently. Do it with One on One Coaching, Group Training Programs, Classes or Camps. Swimming. Cycling. Running. Triathlon. Using latest tools including heart rate training and power training.
YOU GROW GIRL! FITNESS
You Grow Girl! Fitness (YGG!F) specializes in pre-conception, prenatal and postpartum exercise classes, personal and group fitness training services. Based out of Chicago, You Grow Girl! Fitness also offers general fitness training for weight loss, sport-specific training, partner and small group training and nutritional guidance. Founded by Jen Dixon, You Grow Girl! Fitness is a personal training business founded to meet the "growing" demands of the pregnant and parenting communities of the Chicago area. You Grow Girl! Fitness aims to train women who are expecting or already parenting, yet it is not limited to the mom or mother-to-be. Personalized and group training programs are available to women and men, and even children.
HELIOS PILATES CENTER FOR MOVEMENT
Helios Center for Movement is nestled in the growing community of Roscoe Village at 2258 West Belmont Avenue. The first and only Fletcher Pilates® movement studio and teacher training center to come to Chicago, HCM provides a progressive community where students can expect personal attention to their wellness goals as well as a high level of movement education to use in their daily life. Our staff comes from a vast background of experience and education in Pilates, Dance, Fitness, Theater and Movement Therapy. We believe in upholding the integrity of the classical Pilates work, while implementing modern ideas of functional, free movement to address the specific needs of the student.
BURNHAM RACING AMATEUR CYCLING PROGRAM
Universal Sole is proud to sponsor Burnham Racing, an elite level cycling program based in Chicago. Burnham Racing was founded in 2005 and has previously competed as Team Clif Bar Midwest and as the vitaminwater-Trek Cycling Team. For 2010, the program welcomes Chicago’s Kozy’s Cyclery, Colnago Bicycles and Mad Alchemy to a family of sponsors that also included Universal Sole, Eldorado Trading, SRAM, Saris/CycleOps, BikeReg.com, Craft and Clif Bar. The program prides itself on its community involvement, sportsmanship and competitive spirit. Members race anywhere between 15 and 50 times a year, primarily on the road and in the local cyclocross circuit. Burnham Racing won the 2009 Illinois Cup Men’s Team Championship, and has won the last two Illinois Cup Men’s Cat 3 crowns as well as the last two USAC Illinois State Championship Criteriums. The roster presently consists of USAC Category 2 and 3 cyclists; membership applications are considered at the conclusion of each road season. Visit www.burnhamracing.org for details.
SPIDER MONKEY AMATEUR CYCLING PROGRAM
Spidermonkey Cycling is an all-inclusive cycling club based out of Chicago, Illinois. Spidermonkey formed after the closure of a local Chicago bike shop and cycling hub. Spidermonkeys ride at least two charity rides a year as well as compete in many Chicago land criteriums, road-races and triathlons. Spidermonkey Cycling also prides itself in participating in many other bike related activities. Unlike many area clubs, we have members that are serious about racing and uninterested in racing. We also encourage riders from race specific clubs to participate and become a member of Spidermonkey. All are welcome!
TEAM LUNA CHIX 
www.teamLUNAchix.com/chicago_run
Team LUNA Chix brings together women interested in learning new sports, staying active and inspiring others to do the same. Teams train together and support each other while fundraising for LUNA’s non-profit partner, the Breast Cancer Fund. We would love to have you join us for a 3-6 mile run! Visit us at www.facebook.com/LUNAChixChicagoRun