Opportunity Knocks is dedicated to providing opportunities and resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they may pursue their educational, occupational and social interests.
Opportunity Knocks is dedicated to providing opportunities and resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they may pursue their educational, occupational and social interests.
The people we serve are Warriors and it is our belief that their place in the community is both valuable and necessary. Because of their perseverance and strength, we endearingly dub our participants as Warriors.
Connect your AmazonSmile account to support Opportunity Knocks and every time you shop on Amazon, a portion of select sales will be donated to OK. Support us every time you shop. Click below for a direct link to the settings page where you can connect OK as your AmazonSmile Org.
Show some love to individuals with intellectual disabilities by supporting Opportunity Knocks through the Combined Federal Campaign. Our designation number is 87963
Each year, Opportunity Knocks hosts 4 major events, that while are designed to be a great time for all, are crucial in funding the day to day operations. But, there are a lot more! Stay informed of ALL our events by following our events page.
$30 admission after 1.12.19
Kids 12 and under are free!
Complimentary appetizers and dessert
Full access to chili contest entries
Live music & entertainment
Donation to Opportunity Knocks
Chef-testants will battle over three rounds for this year’s Chili Cook-Off title! The contest judges will be revealed in advance of the event. Think your chili can win the overall and/or vegetarian divisions? Register now!
It’s no small task to sit at the judge’s table at the OK Chili Cook-off. We are grateful to have these professional chefs and chili aficionados taking the charge.
Owner/chef of Big Guy's Sausage in Berwyn
Brendan has been a long-time supporter and partner of OK. His restaurant has been featured on Food Network and was chosen as the best burger in Chicagoland by a Chicagoist.com vote
Owner of Bishop's Famous Chili in Westmont
Mary Ellen is the great granddaughter of the original owner when the shop opened in 1925. The historic restaurant is still going strong in Westmont and has been featured on the show Chicago’s Best.
Chef/owner of Old School Tavern and Grill in Forest Park
A long time supporter of Opportunity Knocks, Old School was one of the first restaurants to feature Knockout Pickles and Ted is a past winner of Restaurant Wars at The OK Classic.
Kitchen Manager at Smoque BBQ in Chicago
Sean is our only returning judge form last year. He works his day job at one of Chicago’s finest BBQ joints. He was also a second place finisher in Restaurant Wars at the OK Classic.
This contest is meant to be a fun interactive feature at the event, allowing groups to participate in the event while connecting with this mission. We encourage each group to bring their families and friends out in force, as we always find, the more the merrier and the more people you bring, the more votes you secure! The 2019 contestants will be announced soon…
This contest is meant to be a fun interactive feature at the event, allowing groups to participate in the event while connecting with this mission. We encourage each group to bring their families and friends out in force, as we always find, the more the merrier and the more people you bring, the more votes you secure! The 2019 contestants will be announced soon…
12:00 PM
2:00 PM
If interested in event sponsorships, please contact Renee Rotatori at: renee@opportunityknocksnow.org
Enter for a chance to win one of this year’s prizes! For online purchases, please save your confirmation email as proof of purchase. A physical stub will be produced by OK Event Staff and placed in the raffle wheel on the day of the event.
Winner need not be present.
Volunteers are what make our events so successful. Without you, we couldn’t put on such amazing events. THANK YOU for your time and support. Please consider joining our event staff team to help host another great Chili Cook-Off.
How to be successful in obtaining funding for a Developmentally Delayed Person -Join us with guest speaker Robert H. Farley Jr. – Legal specialist as he addresses the needs of children and adults with disabilities and their families.
• Why It Is Essential To Get On State of Illinois “Waiting List?”
• What To Do If You Cannot Wait For Your Child’s Name To Be Pulled From The Waiting List
• What Services Are Available For Your Child From The State of Illinois?
• Guardianship – How To Obtain / Is Guardianship Necessary?
• Special Needs Trusts
• Applying for SSI Benefits at age 18.
• Update on Current Litigation in Illinois On Behalf of Disabled Persons & How It Will Affect Your Child.
• Strategies To Obtain Funding For Disability Services & Overcome Those Persons Who Tell You That You Cannot Succeed Unless You Are An Emergency.
Parents, caregivers, those diagnosed with disabilities and all interested parties are welcome.
After Opps is an after school work program offering a wide variety of activities that are developed in collaboration with the participants. Program activities are embedded with a focus on peer leadership, health and wellness, social interaction and community connections.
The Life Shop is an adult day program that takes a Warrior-centered approach to life in the community. The program is designed for Warriors older than age 22, focusing on building life skills, health and wellness, community integration and vocational skills.
OK has three connected initiatives that comprise our social enterprise which provide meaningful and gainful employment opportunities for the Warriors, as well as an added revenue stream to support the organization. The initiatives are Knockout Pickles, the Warrior Catering Co., and the OK Farm.
After Opps is an after school work program offering a wide variety of activities that are developed in collaboration with the participants. Program activities are embedded with a focus on peer leadership, health and wellness, social interaction and community connections.
The Life Shop is an adult day program that takes a Warrior-centered approach to life in the community. The program is designed for Warriors older than age 22, focusing on building life skills, health and wellness, community integration and vocational skills.
OK has three connected initiatives that comprise our social enterprise which provide meaningful and gainful employment opportunities for the Warriors, as well as an added revenue stream to support the organization. The initiatives are Knockout Pickles, the Warrior Catering Co., and the OK Farm.
After Opps is an after school/after work program offering a wide variety of activities that are developed in collaboration with the Warrior participants. Program activities are embedded with a focus on peer leadership, health and wellness, social interaction and...
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Warriors had another fun-filled After Opps session in Summer 2! Check it out! Mondays: The Water Sports group enjoyed the dog days of summer by heading to Washington Park in River Forest for fun with water balloons, water guns, and a variety of...
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Life Shop Warriors ventured down south to visit Legends Farm - a farm affiliated with Windy City Harvest of the Chicago Botanic Gardens. Windy City Harvest’s largest farm is a 2-plus acre site that serves as an incubator for small farm businesses...
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(Click Image to view and download full version of brochure) Registration for the OK After Opps Fall Season, Sessions 1 & 2 is now open! See descriptions of activities being offered below. Please use the form on this page to register for either or both...
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Warriors had another fun-filled After Opps session in Summer 1! Check it out! Mondays: The Swimming group had some summer fun enjoying the pool, water-slides, structured activities, and sunshine at the Forest Park Aquatic Center. Cartoon Club explored the...
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Sunday, August 16th, 2018 was a prominent milestone in the history of Opportunity Knocks and our social enterprises. We worked alongside the culinary masters at The Heritage in Forest Park to create the very first Warrior Harvest Dinner. The evening's...
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