The boxer said he understands the pain some young people feel. He said children need someone they respect and someone who understands what they're going through.
Chicago has been in the spotlight recently because a cell phone video captured the fatal beating of a high school honors student.
Tyson said that if he and boxer Evander Holyfield can make amends, so can warring teenagers in Chicago.
Tyson bit off part of Holyfield's ear during a 1997 fight, but on Friday the two shook hands on "The Oprah Winfrey Show."
