Our story…

River City began as a biblical search for a truth-driven, Jesus-centered community of faith. Looking to the early church, our founding group discovered that following Jesus was never about behavior modification or religion—it was about transformation through His grace and love, lived out in community.

Inspired by that revelation, we identified three core passions that became our pillars: Worship, Reconciliation, and Neighborhood Development.
We believe worship is the natural response of a life transformed by God. Reconciliation flows from that transformation—bringing healing and wholeness to what’s broken in relationships, systems, and communities. And neighborhood development reflects God’s heart for justice and shalom right where we live.

Sensing God’s call, we were led to Humboldt Park, a diverse Chicago neighborhood rich in culture but marked by tension and transition. Since our beginning, River City has remained rooted here, growing in love and partnership with our neighbors.

Our journey…

2003–2005 | Beginnings
We launched River City in 2003, first gathering in a small storefront on Milwaukee Avenue across from the Congress Theater. Early on, we built partnerships with local churches, city leaders, and neighbors. One of our first community initiatives—free English classes—was born from listening to local needs.

2005–2012 | Growing Roots
As we grew, we began meeting at New Life Covenant Church, deepening our identity around our three pillars. We sensed God calling us to invest long-term in the neighborhood, especially in the healthy development of children and families. This conviction led to a lasting partnership with Cameron Elementary School, where we began to see how faith and community transformation intersect.

2013–Present | Building for the Future
In 2010, we purchased and 2013, we renovated a foreclosed warehouse at 3709 W. Grand Avenue, just a block from Cameron. The space became a hub for worship and community impact. Out of this vision, our nonprofit R CITY was born in 2015—building a “cradle to career” pathway for local families through after-school programs, youth employment, and neighborhood restoration projects like the Harambee Tuckpointing Program.

Today, River City continues to live out Jesus’ call in Mark 11:17:

“My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”

We remain committed to being a Spirit-led, reconciling community where God’s transforming love renews people, neighborhoods, and generations.