A women's self-defense group will offer free training to Rogers Park residents next month.

The program, which will take place at the Loyola fieldhouse, grew out of a police CAPS meeting last year in Rogers Park.

The beat coordinator, Eva McCann, arranged for a demonstration by self-defense instructors with IMPACT Chicago.

Toni Duncan, a neighborhood activist and regular CAPS meeting attendee, was impressed by the demonstration and wanted to make it accessible to more women and in a venue more suited for the training.

Duncan began looking for sponsors for the event, and found a receptive audience with Cary Steinbuck, Executive Director of the Rogers Park Community Council.

Steinbuck agreed to support part of the program through the council's Victim Advocacy Support Program, which assists survivors of violent crime with information, support and advocacy. Alderman Joe Moore (49th Ward) agreed to provide the remaining funds.

The event is scheduled for March 25, 2006 at 11:30 a.m.