Top-Rated Debate Academy in Chicago
Chicago Speech & Debate Classes

Civic Debate Academy is now hosting debate and speaking classes for Chicago! CDA debate is the #1 ranked speech and debate class in Chicago and we can't wait to work with your child!

Intro to Debate - High School

Introductory

Sep 08 - Nov 10, 2025

6:00 – 7:00 PM CT

$549

Intro to Debate - High School

Introductory

Sep 08 - Nov 10, 2025

6:00 – 7:00 PM CT

$549

Intro to Debate - High School

Introductory

Sep 08 - Nov 10, 2025

6:00 – 7:00 PM CT

$549

Hear them direct

Parents loves CDA

Our Achievements

Our 2024-2025 Results

26
Bids
21
Tournaments
54
Team Awards
4
Champions
1334
Rounds
40
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Schedule a Free Consultation
Learn More

Why Debate?

Become A Critical Thinker

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Supercharge Confidence

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Understand The World

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Boost College Admissions

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Still Not Convinced

Numbers Don’t Lie

30%

Top Tier College
Acceptance Rates

37%

Increase in Core Test Scores

87%

Increase in Analytical Skills

15%

Increase in Internal Self-Esteem Scores

What’s in your mind?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CDA offer online or in-person classes?

CDA offers both online and in-person classes to fit students’ needs, ensuring flexibility and access to high-quality coaching regardless of location. The National Debate Club Travel Team is hosted online with in-person and online tournaments.

How can I get started with CDA?

Getting started is simple! Explore our class options with our easy to use class search tool or apply to join the National Debate Club for a competitive travel team.

What makes CDA different from other debate organizations?

CDA provides a full-service academy experience, combining accountability, regular progress evaluations, competitive travel teams, and introductory classes. With everything students need to excel in debate, CDA ensures you never have to look elsewhere.

What is the National Debate Club?

The National Debate Club is CDA’s elite competitive travel team, designed for top-performing students who are ready to compete on the national circuit. Members receive advanced coaching, access to top-tier tournaments, and support to secure TOC bids and achieve success at the highest levels of debate. Click here to learn more!

What is Civic Debate Academy (CDA)?

Civic Debate Academy (CDA) is a premier debate coaching organization dedicated to helping students improve critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills through expert-led classes, workshops, and competitive travel teams.

Chicago

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Register by 1/10/2026

Chicago Speech & Debate Classes

Civic Debate Academy is now hosting debate and speaking classes for Chicago! CDA debate is the #1 ranked speech and debate class in Chicago and we can't wait to work with your child!

Want to learn more?

Student's Voice

CDA has smoothed out my transition between local competition and debate at the national level with generous considerations regarding my family’s financial situation. From the weekly lectures to the tight-knit labs, the tailored education at CDA has helped me hone my technical debate skills and become a better speaker.

Adonay Mahatsente-Tewelde

University of Pennsylvania c/o 2029

Intro to Debate - High School

Dates: Jan 17, 2026 – Apr 18, 2026

Times: Saturday 10:30-12:00 PM CT

In Partnership With:

Price (R/NR): $995 / $

Price: $995

A structured introduction to debate designed for middle school students interested in argumentation and public speaking.

Intro to Debate - High School

Dates: Jan 14, 2026 – Apr 15, 2026

Times: Wednesday 8:00-9:30 PM CT

In Partnership With:

Price (R/NR): $995 / $

Price: $995

A structured introduction to debate designed for middle school students interested in argumentation and public speaking.

Intro to Debate - High School

Dates: Jan 12, 2026 – Apr 13, 2026

Times: Monday 6:15-7:45 PM CT

In Partnership With:

Price (R/NR): $995 / $

Price: $995

A structured introduction to debate designed for middle school students interested in argumentation and public speaking.

Intro to Debate - High School

Dates: Jan 17, 2026 – Apr 18, 2026

Times: Saturday 10:30-12:00 PM CT

In Partnership With:

Skill Level: Introductory

Price (R/NR): $995 / $

Price: $995

A structured introduction to debate designed for middle school students interested in argumentation and public speaking.

Intro to Debate - High School

Dates: Jan 14, 2026 – Apr 15, 2026

Times: Wednesday 8:00-9:30 PM CT

In Partnership With:

Skill Level: Introductory

Price (R/NR): $995 / $

Price: $995

A structured introduction to debate designed for middle school students interested in argumentation and public speaking.

Intro to Debate - High School

Dates: Jan 12, 2026 – Apr 13, 2026

Times: Monday 6:15-7:45 PM CT

In Partnership With:

Skill Level: Introductory

Price (R/NR): $995 / $

Price: $995

A structured introduction to debate designed for middle school students interested in argumentation and public speaking.

View Full Class Schedule

Our 2024-2025 Results

26

Bids

21

Tournaments

54

Team Awards

4

Championships

1,334

Rounds

Why Debate?

Become A Critical Thinker

Debate sharpens students’ critical thinking, requiring them to evaluate multiple perspectives, construct well-reasoned arguments, and respond to opposing views.

Supercharge Confidence

Debate empowers students to articulate their thoughts clearly, handle adversity, and engage confidently in real-world discussions, enhancing their communication skills and self-assurance.

Understand The World

Engaging with debate topics makes learning relevant and dynamic, fostering informed citizens who can articulate diverse perspectives and understand the world around them.

Boost College Admissions

Debate's unparalleled ability to teach essential skills makes it the number one activity for Ivy League admittance. Almost half of the 2027 Harvard class competed in a debate activity.

Still Not Convinced? Numbers Don't Lie.

30%

Top Tier College
Acceptance Rates

37%

Increase in Core Test Scores

87%

Increase in Analytical Skills

15%

Increase in Internal Self-Esteem Scores

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