Chicago Veterans host, co-host and partners with supporting organizations to help produce over 90 events in 2019. Our events help educate our community, provide employment readiness training, and maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of Veterans to help reduce depression, stress, anxiety, and lower PTSD symptoms.
Our Events
Chicago Veterans Events
The Veterans Art Initiative (Biannual)
The Veteran Art Initiative allows Veterans from the Chicagoland area to showcase their artwork in a unique one-day pop-up art show. We host this event twice a year which allows service members, families, and veteran supporters the opportunity to explore local art and socialize with the artist. The Veteran Art Initiative is one of our many Recreational Therapy events that provide a variety of treatment options based on Veterans interests and functional status. Learn more
Liberty Call (Monthly)
Our monthly Liberty Calls provide an opportunity for Veterans to connect, network, learn, and more importantly to get out of their homes and surround themselves with fellow peers. Liberty Calls help empower our veterans to build their social support system by gaining new connections and friends to assist in their many transitions. Each month we partner with a different supportive organization and/or employer to speak and educate our attendees about services available to them in our community.
Chicago Veterans Ball (Annually)
Our Chicago Veterans Ball started with a vision in 2015 of bringing together all military Veterans in the Chicagoland area regardless of branch to celebrate Veterans Day as one community. Every year since then our Veterans Ball has grown into something truly special hosting over 400 guests in 2019. Our Veterans Ball allows Veterans and their family members to relive the experience and camaraderie they had while in service and celebrate the achievements as a Veteran community. View our Video
Chicago Veterans Ruck March (Annually)
Every Memorial Day weekend, thousands of veterans, family members, and friends from all over the United States come together to walk 20 miles through Chicago to raise awareness around PTSD and help end the Veteran suicide epidemic. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, an average of 20 Veterans commit suicide each day. Join us as we raise awareness and help end Veteran suicide. View our Ruck March Video
Chicago Veterans Family Picnic (Annually)
Our Annual Chicago Veterans BBQ continues to grow each year. In 2019, we brought together more than 250 guests to mingle, share stories, and eat some delicious BBQ. Our BBQ is a family-friendly event and has activities for kids such as face painting, bounce house, games and more. We also have plenty of activities for adults such as volleyball, soccer and our annual military branch flag football tournament.