About Us New to Soap Box Derby? Click here -> How do I Start? The GCSBD has been in existance since the 1980's and is a non profit organization. The organization consist of current and past racers, as well as their parents and guardians, who work together to promote derby racing in the Chicago land area. It is only with everyones help that we are able to continue the derby program in the Chicago area. Being a part of this program requires a time commitment from the parents as well as other family members. It is not uncommon to see both parents very involved with the running of the race on race day. Please plan to help out on race day as well as before and after race day. If you are a non racing family this is a great opportunity to volunteer your time and services. We have monthly meeting that are welcome to anyone. The meetings are a time to discuss race dates, race locations, rules, derby ideas and any other pertinant derby matters. Occasionally we change the date and location for various reasons. Please call or email to confirm the date and location. The Greater Chicago Soap Box Derby Association conducts Officially sanctioned All American Soap BOx Derby races in the Chicago area. We hold several rallys throughout the year in Naperville, IL. What is the Greater Chicago Soap Box Derby? The Greater Chicago Soap Box Derby Association is a youth organization made up of boys and girls ages 7-20 who, along with their parents and or guardians, have decided to participate in the exciting sport of All-American Soap Box Derby racing. The GCSBD has been in existance since the 1980's and is a non profit organization. The organization consist of current and past racers, as well as their parents and guardians, who work together to promote soap box derby racing in the Chicago land area. It is only with everyones help that we are able to continue the derby program in the Chicago area. Being a part of this program requires a time commitment from the parents as well as other family members. It is not uncommon to see both parents very involved with the running of the race on race day. Please plan to help out on race day as well as before and after race day. If you are a non racing family this is a great opportunity to volunteer your time and services. We have monthly meeting that are welcome to anyone. The meetings are a time to discuss race dates, race locations, rules, derby ideas and any other pertinant derby matters. Occasionally we change the date and location for various reasons. Please call or email to confirm the date and location. What does the Greater Chicago Soap Box Derby Association do? They conduct sanctioned All-American Soap Box Derby races throughout the Chicagoland area in accordance with All-American Soap Box Derby which is located in Akron,Ohio. Several races are held throughout the year. They include a spring rally, 2 fall rally races, an indoor race in Jan or Feb and a Local All-American race. Since 2003 they have been conducting a winter indoor rally. Races are currently held in Naperville off of Frontenac Rd. If you are interested in learning more about derby racing or bringing the Soap Box Derby program to your city in the Chicagoland suburbs please contact us via email. INTERNATIONAL SOAP BOX DERBY Mission Statement The Soap Box Derby® is an international nonprofit organization whose mission is to build knowledge and character, and to create meaningful experiences through collaboration and fair and honest competition. Core Vaules and Drivers • Youth Education and Leadership Development• Family Engagement and Enrichment• Honesty, Integrity and Perseverance• Innovation and Entrepreneurship• Teamwork and Collaboration• Mentoring• Volunteerism• Commitment to Community The Derby is the official sanctioning body of Soap Box Derby racing and has exclusive licensing partnerships with more than 100 racing districts throughout world. These racing districts conduct sanctioned Soap Box Derby races throughout the year and qualify champs for the annual FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby® World Championship race at the world famous Derby Downs Track in Akron, Ohio. The Derby's Education Program is a fast-growing component of the organization and includes a STEM-Based Curriculum, the Gravity Racing Challenge® STEM Team Competition and a Mini Soap Box Derby program. The Derby also operates the world famous Derby Downs Track in Akron, Ohio where events are held throughout the racing season. The Board of Directors oversees the operation of the Derby, and the day-to-day activities are handled by the Headquarters staff in Akron.
