Yesterday evening, the Chicago Bulls teamed up with local non-profit Peace Runners 773 for a special nighttime basketball clinic at the United Center. Titled “Play Like a Pro” and presented by Michelob ULTRA Courtside, the event gave participants a chance to step into the shoes of a Bulls player for an evening.
Bulls center Lachlan Olbrich stopped by to coach the players and lead a Q&A session, making the night both fun and educational. The event highlighted the Bulls’ commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for fans while using basketball to unite communities.
I had the chance to speak with Jackie Hoffman, founder of Peace Runners 773, who has been recognized by the Bulls and the city as a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Honoree. He reflected on the significance of the event:
“I’m the ultimate team player. Everything I do is never about me, it’s about creating experiences that change lives. Today is beautiful, I’ve got my mom, my wife, some of my best childhood friends here with me. I can’t even put into words what this moment means.”
Jackie, a West Side native, shared how special it was to be on a historic court at the United Center:
“Madison has always been a dream place for me. To be here now, sharing it with friends and family, and celebrating community, it’s truly beautiful.”
His passion for community health stems from his mother’s own journey:
“Life expectancy in Garfield Park is 66, compared to 85 just a few miles away in the West Loop. My mom struggled with cardiovascular issues and pre-diabetes. When she started walking a mile a day, she lost over 60 pounds. Her medications went from 13 to zero, and her doctor visits dropped from every two months to every six months. Seeing her transformation made me ask: how many more people can we get moving?”
Under Jackie’s leadership, Peace Runners 773 now offers nutrition programs, mental health workshops, runs, walks, and training for 5Ks, half marathons, and full marathons.
“Last year, over 1,500 people participated in a 5K, 200 completed a half marathon, and 51 ran the Chicago Marathon. We’ve even had participants run internationally in Sydney, Tokyo, and Boston. We’ve raised over $100,000 to ensure our community has the resources it needs. We even turned a liquor store into a wellness studio at Garfield Hall,” he said.
Reflecting on being honored during Black History Month, Jackie said:
“It’s such a special moment to be recognized. I usually grind every day and rarely pause to reflect. To be acknowledged with my mom in the stands, with so many people cheering, it was humbling. The Bulls took action, not just acknowledgment, and that means everything.”
Jackie Hoffman’s story is a testament to how dedication, family, and community-focused initiatives can transform lives, on and off the court.
