The month of April started with some exciting news for Chain Link Fundamentals as the program was honored at the House of Hoops store opening on 34th street. Chain Link was the recipient of the Nike Game Changer Award for it’s work in the community in the past year. On hand to receive the award were Josh Gotthelf and Eric Newman who have proudly helped put Chain Link on the map not just as a high quality basketball program but as an organization that changes lives with each and every clinic and event.  With the summer months around the corner Chain Link Fundamentals will once again be a game changer in a community near you. Please keep checking the site and our facebook page for updates.

On January 8th and January 22nd Chain Link Fundamentals teamed up with Nike to run two dynamic Saturdays of skill development clinics at the El Faro Beacon Scan Facility on 120th Street and 1st avenue. The Chain Link Fundamentals staff worked with over 500 participants over the course of the two Saturdays. The participants were middle school aged girls who are members of the DYCD/Beacon program which is spread throughout all five boroughs. From beginners to more advanced participants the gym was filled with eager participants who were given two great hours on the court featuring the dynamic warmup, skills and drills in the Chain Link station cycle and an court team building activity.

Chain Link Fundamentals will next activate during all-star weekend in Los Angeles.

For ten weeks this summer, 23 lucky Harlemites participated in the Jordan Breakfast Club, a re-enactment of Michael Jordan’s training regimen during his career, that had them working out every Saturday at nine in the morning at PS 92.

To culminate the program, His Airness stepped onto the hallowed ground at Rucker Park with three of his disciples to congratulate the kids himself.

The GOAT stopped by Rucker to conclude Breakfast Club in NYC.

For what must have been a dream come true, kids faced up against Carmelo, D-Wade and CP3 in full-court drills. In a 3-on-2 defensive drill, three petrified pre-teens got their shots blocked and their passes picked by Wade and Paul, while Anthony showed off his shooting stroke.  In a grand gesture of philanthropy, three checks, each worth $23,000, were presented to the Harlem YMCA, Boys & Girls Club of Harlem, and the New York Urban League.

D-Wade wasn't having it.

Each participant received a certificate of completion for their hard work.

What better way to kick off the World Basketball Festival than with a brisk workout provided by the top-notch coaching staff of Chain Link Fundamentals. After a brief opening with Jerry Colangelo, Coach K, and two of the nation’s best, Kevin Durant and Rajon Rondo, kids of Alianza Dominicana took to the amazing court set-up at Radio City Music Hall to learn the game.

Chinese national Yi Jianlian assists at the shooting station.

Coaches Cliff Brooks and Lance Williams anchored the defensive station, encouraging footwork and active hands. Pro-caliber players Kenny Satterfield and Nate Brown manned the ball-handling station, giving proper instruction in lieu of the flashy, excessive crossovers young NYC players are known for.  Chinese national Yi Jianlian helped out at the shooting station, helmed by Andrew Feeley and city legend Mike Campbell. To close, Rajon Rondo gave an insightful speech to the kids about the importance of hard work, getting their education, and the concept of “United We Rise.”

USA guard Rajon Rondo imparts knowledge to the kids.

Due to the weather today CONVERSE OPEN GYM will be held indoors at the Kennedy Center, which is located on 135th Street between 5th ave and Lenox Ave (entrance on the south side of the street)

10am – 12pm for ages 11-14 and 12pm – 2pm for ages 15-18.

Our hotline is 646 380 0241 which will also have our rain site information. Please print the waiver from the registration page and bring with you to the site where you will receive a Converse Open Gym reversible jersey and where you will be able to get your run in!!!

Rain or shine the gym is always open, for CONVERSE OPEN GYM!!!