Joining a support group is a great way to connect with others who understand what you are going through, learn about Parkinson disease and ways to cope with the challenges that come with having PD.
Our support groups are for:
People new to PD
People who have had PD a long time
People with Young Onset of PD
People who are caregivers or relatives of those with PD
Some groups meet via zoom and some groups meet at locations across the state. We encourage you to find the one that best meets your needs.
Some groups are specifically for certain people – like care partners or those with young onset Parkinson’s. Others are open to anyone who wishes to attend. A group may invite guest speakers, plan an event or just discuss topics of interest to the participants.
APDA Support Groups
These support groups are led by APDA trained facilitators and are free of charge.
Alton, IL (Madison County)
Monthly 2nd Wednesday at 2:00 pm Senior Services Plus (Main Building) – (618) 465-3298 2603 N. Rogers Ave.
Care Partners Only 2nd Tuesday of the month at 2:00 pm Senior Services Plus (Main Building) – (618) 465-3298 2603 N. Rogers Ave.
Aurora, IL (Kane County)
Monthly 1st Tuesdays 10:30 am Waterford Place 1310 Waterford Dr. Aurora, IL Contact: Cheryl Rerko 1-630-499-6681
For Care Partners Only Monthly 3rd Tuesdays 10:30 am Waterford Place 1310 Waterford Dr. Aurora, IL Contact: Cheryl Rerko 1-630-499-6681
Belleville, IL (St. Clair County)
Monthly 3rd Mondays 1:30 pm SWIC’s Programs and Services For Older Persons (618) 234-4410 ext.7031 Older Adult and Caregiver Counseling Program 201 N. Church St. Belleville, IL 62220
Care Partners Only 3rd Tuesday of the Month 11:00 am Southwestern IL College’s Program and Services for Older Persons (618) 234-4410 ext.7031 201 N. Church St. Belleville, IL 62220
Carbondale, IL (Jackson County)
Monthly 1st Wednesdays 1:00 pm Prairie Living at Chautauqua – (618)351-7955 955 Villa Ct, West Bldg, 3rd Fl Carbondale, IL 62901
Carlinville, IL (Macoupin County)
4th Tuesday of the month 11:00 am Carlinville Area Hospital- (217) 854-3839 20613 N. Broad St.
Champaign, IL (Champaign County)
Weekly Mondays 10:00 am Savoy United Methodist Church – (217) 352-3993 3002 W. Old Church Road Champaign, IL 61821
Chicago, IL
Monthly 4th Tuesdays 11:00am Central Time University of Chicago, virtual Parkinson Disease support group Contact: Nicole Reidy 1-773-834-1688 or nicole.reidy@uchicagomedicine.org Group takes the Summer off and doesn’t meet during June, July and August. For more information click here.
1st and 3rd Mondays 12:00 pm Central Time University of Chicago, virtual Education and Enrichment Group. This group combines education, enrichment and exercise for those who have Parkinson’s disease. The exercise sessions include Rock Steady Boxing, tai chi, dance, yoga, physical therapy and and music therapy led by licensed professionals. The educational sessions include a variety of speakers including neurologists, Dr. Xie and Dr. Padmanaban, a physical therapist, a speech/swallow therapist and a nutritionist. Contact: Nicole Reidy 1-773-834-1688 or nicole.reidy@uchicagomedicine.org Group takes the Summer off and doesn’t meet during June, July and August. For more information click here.
2nd Tuesdays 10:00 am Central Time University of Chicago African Americans Living with Parkinson’s Disease virtually over Zoom Are you interested in learning more about Parkinson’s disease (PD) and connecting with others? We work to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment to support and engage with others who are diagnosed with PD and their care partner. Our monthly Parkinson’s group is a great way to receive education and build support. Please call 773-834-1688 or email Dr. Reidy at nicole.reidy@uchicagomedicine.org for more information. This group is facilitated by: Sydney Jackson, MSW, and Dr. Nicole Reidy, LCSW, ICDVP
Decatur, IL
Monthly 3rd Thursday 1:30 pm Westminster Church- (217) 428-6603 1380 W. Main Decatur, IL
Edwardsville, IL (Madison County)
1st Tuesday of the month at 2:00 pm Edwardsville YMCA Niebur Center – (618) 656-0436 1200 Esic Dr.
Monthly 2nd Tuesdays 11:00 am– 12:00 pm Endeaver Health Ambulatory Care Center Hospital Room 3 and F 2180 Pfingsten Rd. Glenview, IL 60026 Contacts: Toni Pliskin ,MSW, LCSW 847.570.2570 Tplinskin@northshore.org
Greenville, IL (Bound County)
2nd Tuesday of the month at 1:00 pm Bond County Senior Citizens (618) 664-1465 1001 East Harris Ave.
Highland, IL (Madison County)
4th Tuesday of the month at 2:00 pm St. Joseph’s Hospital – Sullivan Conference Room – (618) 651-2600 12866 Troxler Ave.
Jacksonville, IL (Morgan County)
Virtual 1st Wednesday of the month at 1:00 pm virtually
Maywood, IL
Monthly 1st Mondays 2:00 pm Loyola Outpatient Center 2160 S. First Ave., 4th floor Conference Room Maywood, IL Check in at Neurology Front Desk Contact: Isabella Dahlke 512-202-8208 or Isabella.dahlke@abbott.co
Normal, IL (McLean County)
Monthly 3rd Tuesdays 1:00 pm – No meetings in Nov. or Dec. The Activity and Recreational Center (The ARC) 600 East Willow Street Normal, Illinois 61761 Contact: Kay Book 1-309-212-6834 or Roger Halleen 309-699-7394 or roghfish@comcast.net
North Utica, IL
Monthly 1st Mondays 1:30 – 3:00 pm Utica Fire Station 2945 N IL 178 North Utica, IL 61373 Contact: Sue English 815-434-7117 senglish1950@gmail.com
Northbrook, IL
Monthly 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 2:00 – 3:30 pm Brandel Care Center 2155 Pfingsten Road Northbrook, IL 60062 Contact: Diane Behnke dbehnke@nssc.org
Northfield, IL
Twice a month 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 2:00 -3:00 pm North Shore Senior Center 161 Northfield Road Northfeild, IL 60093 Contact: Diane Behnke 847-784-6078
Quincy, IL
Monthly 2nd Saturdays 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Quincy Library – (217) 223-1309 526 Jersey St. Quincy, Il 62301
Please be sure to call ahead to confirm schedules.
Other Community Support Groups
Arlington Heights, IL
Korean American Support Group Monthly 2nd Saturdays 10 am-Noon Arlington Heights Senior Center)1801 W. Central Road Arlington Heights, IL 60005 Contact: Sunghee Park, 630-667-3209 or sunghee101@gmail.com
Chicago, IL
Monthly 1st Wednesdays 3:00 pm Northwestern, This is an virtual/online group. Once registered, you will be given information to join the group. Contact: movementdisorders@nm.org
For Care Partners Only Monthly 2nd Wednesdays 2:00 pm This is a virtual/online group. Once registered, you will be given information to join the group. Contact: movementdisorders@nm.org
Dixon, IL
Monthly 2nd Thursdays 1:00-2:30 pm KSB Hospital, Town Square Center 102 S. Hennepin Avenue Dixon, IL 61021 Use Parking Lot Entrance on 2nd St. Contact: Megan 815-285-5591 or ahilliard@ksbhospital.com
Effingham, IL
Monthly last Wednesday 1:00 pm Effingham Library 200 N 3rd St Effingham, IL 62401 Contact: Jessica Mottashed 618-322-5478 or jessica.mottashed@hshs.org
Oak Park, IL
Monthly 2nd Saturdays 9:30 am to Noon – No meeting in August Oak Park Hospital 520 S. Maple Avenue – 2nd Floor Oak Park, IL 60304 Contact: Lucia Blasucci, RN 312-563-2900 lucia_blasucci@rush.edu
Peoria, IL
Monthly 1st Saturday 1:30-3:30pm *No meetings on Holidays/Holiday Weekends* OSF Center for Health 5114 N. Glen Park Place Peoria, IL 61614 Contact: contact@cipdsupportgroup.org
Spring Valley, IL
Monthly 1st Mondays 1:30 – 3:30pm St. Margaret’s Hospital 600 E. 1st Street Spring Valley, IL 61362 Contact: 815-434-7114 or mikesue72@sbcglobal.net
Winfield, IL
Monthly 2nd Thursdays 10:30 am Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital 25 North Winfield Road Conference Center, BedTower Conference Room Winfield, IL 60190 Register at 630.933.4234, Registration is encouraged Contact: Debra Crystal 630-933-4234 or Debra.crystal@cadencehealth.org
Illinois – Young Onset Support Groups
Peoria, IL
When: Meets 3rd Wednesday at 3:30 pm Meeting at Panera’s, 2515 W. Lake Street (Westlake), Peoria, IL 60515 Barb Halleen -309.699.7934, peoriapdgroup@comcast.net
Illinois – Exercise Groups
Aurora
When: Tues and Thur at 2:00-3:00pm Rush Copley Healthplex, 1900 Ogden Avenue, Aurora, IL 60504 Free! Just call 630.978.6280 to register
Chicago, IL
Galter Life Center, 5157 N. Francisco, Chicago, IL 60625 Call for information regarding times and programs and trainers available. Laura McDonagh – 773.878.9936; Amy Petersen – 773.878.9936
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago RIC Center for Health and Fitness, 710 N. Lake Shore Drive, 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60611 NOTE: discounted parking at 321 East Erie. When calling for info, ask specifically for Parkinson’s exercise classes and fees. Registration required, class size limited. Carolyn Mueller, Manager 312.238.5001
Naperville, IL
Aqua Parkinson’s/Arthritis at Naperville
Water-based Class –
Therapy Pool Introducing exercise in the early to mid-stages of Parkinson’s has been shown to help improve mobility and possibly delay further impairment, so why not reap the benefits while enjoying the warmth of our Therapy Pool.
MON, WED & FRI 10:30 – 11:30am (60-min class; 10-week Session) Mem: $43.00 Non-Mem: $115.00 Delay the Disease: Exercise for Parkinson’s at 7Bridges Land-based Class – Aerobic Studio Certified
More Information:
Aquatic Classes – (630)646-5905 or Alice.Novotny@EEHealth.org • Land Classes – (630)646-7920 or Daniel.Johnson@EEHealth.org
To Register:
Aquatic Classes (630)646-5917 or Toni.Kadera@EEHealth.org
Land Classes (630)646-7913 or Dina.Kuban@EEHealth.org
Lake Forest, IL
Pedaling for Parkinson’s (Stationary bicycle pedaling therapy) When/Place: Lake Forest location – Tuesday 11am – Noon *Registration is required* When/Place:Lindenhurst location – Thursday 10:15am to 11am *Registration is required* Call Rehabilitative Services Dept. 847-535-8060
Additional programs include:
Rock Steady Boxing
Parkinson’s Support Group
Strength & Balance
Stride & Strength
TRX for Parkinson’s
Yoga for Parkinson’s
Orland Park, IL
When: Parkinson Disease exercise class – Weekly on Friday at 11:00 – 11:45am. Orland Park/Palos Park Health and Fitness Center, 15430 West Avenue, Orland Park, IL 60462 Pre-registration required at 708.226.0555.
Rockford, IL
Pedaling for Parkinson’s – No Fee Riverfront YMCA M-W-F 11:30-12:15 815-489-1252
Knock Out Parkinson’s K.O.P.Inc. Core Combat Sports Loves Park, IL Tommy: 815-708-8751
Roscoe, IL
Location: Roscoe YMCA Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11:15am-12:00pm Cost: Free for members and non-members Contact: For more information contact Erin, 815.623.5858, or email at: escott@statelineymca.org
Woodridge, IL
Delay the Disease® instructor will help improve quality of life with exercises that incorporate joint strength, range of motion, balance, coordination, and neurological training.
Parkinson’s Cycle at 7Bridges Land-based Class – Children’s Multipurpose Room Program follows parameters set forth in Cleveland Clinic study that revealed an increase in brain activity and reduction in Parkinson’s symptoms after performing a specific cycling protocol.
TUE and/or THU 10:00 – 11:00am (1-hour class; 8-week Session) Mem: $80 or $144 Non-Mem: $152 or $273.60
Parkinson’s Cardio Circuit Training at 7Bridges Land-based Class – Basketball Court A rigorous and challenging program to take participants past their comfort zone and improve motor control and delay the progression of symptoms.
Knockout Parkinson’s at 7Bridges Land-based Class – Basketball Court & Boxing Area/Track Certified Rock Steady Boxing® instructor leads a non-contact boxing and circuit training-based curriculum proven to be neuro-protective and delay progression of symptoms!
Parkinson’s Triple Threat at 7Bridges Land-based Class – Children’s Multipurpose Room & Boxing Area/Track Increase exercise intensity & heart rate to increase the neurotransmitter dopamine with 20-minute segments each of cycling, boxing, and weight training.
TUE and/or THU 6:00 – 7:30pm (1.5-hour class; 8-week Session) Mem: $120 or $216 Non-Mem: $228 or $410.40
Parkinson’s Yoga at 7Bridges Land-based Class – Adult Multipurpose Room Yoga postures, breath techniques, and guided visualization to support those who live with PD, or other chronic progressive movement disorders. Class is practiced mainly on a chair – yoga mat recommended.
Aquatic Classes – (630)646-5905 or Alice.Novotny@EEHealth.org
Land Classes – (630)646-7920 or Daniel.Johnson@EEHealth.org
To Register:
Aquatic Classes (630)646-5917 or Toni.Kadera@EEHealth.org
Land Classes (630)646-7913 or Dina.Kuban@EEHealth.org
Indiana Community Support Groups
Evansville, IN
Second Wednesday of the month 6-8P.M. Location: 5130 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, IN 47715 Aldersgate United Methodist Church Contact: (812) 477-7816
Goshen, IN
Monthly 4th Thursday 10am Greencroft Senior Center, 1820 Greencroft Blvd., Goshen, IN 46526 Contact: 574-537-4000
Merrillville, IN
For information, call 219-738-4926 Southlake Campus, Pavilion B, 1st Floor Conference Room, 200 E. 89th Ave, Merrillville 12 noon to 1:30 pm • The third Monday of every month.
Munster, IN
Second Wednesday Monthly 1-3pm Board Room Second floor –901 MacArthur Blvd., Munster, IN 46321 Andrea Dance – 219-663-5953, andreaaha222@sbcglobal.net
Warsaw, IN
2nd Friday of the month at 6:30pm-7:30P.M Warsaw Parkinson’s, Support Group Kosciusko Community Hospital, 2101 Dubois Drive Warsaw, IN 46580, The Administration Building Pam: 1-574-370-5709
West Lafayette, IN
Meeting: On the third Thursday most months from 5-6 BoxFit Lafayette when we are back to being in person. The address is 3540 SR 38 E, Suite 202, Lafayette, IN 47905. Jessica Huber – 765-494-3796, jhuber@purdue.edu Sandy Snyder at 765-494-6488
Indiana – Young Onset Support Groups
Indianapolis, IN
Monthly, 4th Thursdays, 6:30-8pm Young Parkinsons of Indiana Allisonville Christian Church, 7701 N. Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46240 Paula Tomlin – 317-570-0545, ptomlin3@comcast.net
Indiana – Exercise Classes
Fort Wayne, IN
Ft.Wayne Parkinson’s Exercise Group Turnstone Center, 3320 N. Clinton Street, Ft. Wayne, IN 46805 Contact – 260-483-2100
Rock Steady Boxing
Rock Steady Boxing combines non-contact boxing with group fitness and focuses on building strength, power, flexibility and confidence. This class is specifically for those who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. It is designed to delay the symptoms that come along with Parkinson’s and have fun while doing it. The mission of Rock Steady Boxing is to empower people with Parkinson’s disease to fight back. Located in the new Rock Steady Boxing group exercise room. Schedule: Monday & Wednesday 10-11:30 a.m., Tuesday & Thursday 3-4:30 p.m.
An innovative program for those with Parkinson’s disease
Contact: 1-765-771-7200
For more information or if you have additions, deletions, or edits, please call APDA Illinois Chapter 708-329-9527 or email us at apdail@apdaparkinson.org.
