Local youth to weigh in on how to prevent Chicago 'teen takeovers' with city leaders

Updated 2 hours ago
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Local youth will weigh in next to community mentors and city leaders to talk about how to prevent Chicago teen takeovers.



It's expected the series of conversations will not only focus on how to keep the meetups from happening, but also how to create positive alternatives for teens.

The most recent teen gathering was at 57th Street Beach where Chicago police ended up arresting over 50 people. Officers say they also recovered guns that night.

On Wednesday, the meeting is meant to provide recommendations about how to address the issue.



Twenty-sixth Ward Alderperson Jessie Fuentes will chair the meeting and will allow teens to share their thoughts and ideas about the so-called takeovers.

Teen takeovers have remained a major challenge in Chicago, leading to safety concerns and property damage.

Past proposed solutions include holding parents financially responsible for damage and allowing CPD to enact a temporary curfew downtown when crowds get out of hand.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson did not support either initiative.

While some argue the way to address the issue is through curfews and enforcement, youth organizers have said the way to prevent teen takeovers is to create more jobs and structured spaces for teens so they can socialize without being criminalized.



The meeting begins at 11 a.m. at Chicago City Hall Council Chambers.

INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood

RELATED | Gov. Pritzker, Mayor Johnson respond to Trump's comments about violence in Chicago

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.