Events
Where the mission shows up.
Two signature events anchor the year. Recurring programs run around them. Every one is free, open to veterans, military families, and the neighbors who serve alongside them.
Upcoming events
Smaller programs across every pillar: recreation outings, service days, growth workshops, family gatherings.
Autumn in Action: Pitch In at Humboldt Park
Sat, October 24, 2026 - 10 AM
Humboldt Park Boathouse
EDC is volunteering alongside the Chicago Parks Foundation to close out a successful volunteer season at Humboldt Park. Whether you're local to Humboldt or elsewhere in the city, join us for a productive and fun morning of special park projects. Roll up your sleeves and choose between a few activities led by CPF staff — go beyond a standard trash pick-up and take part in impactful playground woodchip resurfacing or tree mulching. **Event activities (choose any, led by CPF staff):** - **Playground woodchip resurfacing** — grab a shovel, wheelbarrow, or rake to distribute large piles of woodchips around an entire playground area. - **Tree mulching** — distribute piles of mulch to trees with provided tools, giving each trunk a fresh "donut" of mulch. - **Trash pick-up** — stroll around the park with a bag and trash grabber to pick up litter. Come and go anytime between 10am–12pm. Stay for as little or as long as you can. Light refreshments provided. Family friendly. Rain or shine — dress for the weather. **Dress safely:** long pants and close-toed shoes strongly encouraged. All volunteers must wear the provided protective gloves. Avoid hazardous materials such as glass and needles. **Event day contact:** Triana Callam, Chicago Parks Foundation — (773) 505-9477, tcallam@chicagoparksfoundation.org Registering in advance is the best way to ensure enough materials are provided for all volunteers on event day. The full name and email address of each registered volunteer will be shared with the event host for communication purposes.
Esprit de Corps Hot Cocoa Run
Sun, November 1, 2026 - 7:30 AM
Grant Park
Esprit de Corps is fielding a run/walk team at the 2026 Skechers Hot Chocolate Chicago - sponsored by **Wells Fargo**. **All 45 EDC spots are free** - we cover the race fee for everyone on our roster. Reserve below. **What you'll do** - Run or walk a 5K, 10K, 15K, or 2-mile walk through downtown Chicago - Pick up your bib + race shirt at the McCormick Place West expo (Oct 30 or 31) - Meet other EDC veterans, service members, military families + ally supporters at the start line - Finish on a chocolate course - hot cocoa + chocolate treats at the end **Our team sponsor** Wells Fargo is covering the Esprit team entry fees. In return they'd love to invite interested runners to a short info session on home-buying opportunities, loans, and veteran-friendly lending programs (date TBD, after the race). It's totally optional - check the box on the form if that's useful to you. **After you register below**, Becca (becca@espritdcf.org) will email you the official Skechers registration link so you can lock in your spot. Keep an eye out for that email.
Adaptive Swings Project: Washington Middle School (Springfield)
Date TBD
Washington Middle School · Springfield, IL
EDC is volunteering with the Travis Manion Foundation Chicago Chapter on a Springfield road trip to help install two adaptive swings on the Washington Middle School playground. Dates + scope are being finalized now. **Why it matters.** Washington Middle School serves 488 students in grades 6–8 within Springfield Public Schools District 186. A significant portion of the student community has autism and other disabilities and relies on adaptive playground equipment to access outdoor play and sensory regulation opportunities alongside peers. Several years ago the school's playground included swings that served those students well. The swings were later removed in favor of a ninja-style obstacle course — a great addition for the general population, but it left a gap for the students who most needed a safe, independent way to participate in outdoor play. Installing two adaptive swings restores that access. **What EDC is doing.** Supporting the install day — labor, logistics, and travel from Chicago to Springfield for anyone on the EDC team willing to make the trip. TMF Chicago is coordinating with the school; EDC is volunteering alongside. Dates, meet-up time, and ride-share details post here as soon as they're confirmed.
Flagship Event - Recreation & Adventure
Operation Adventure
MURPH Challenge & Festival.
Honor the fallen. Push yourself. Do it together.
Chicago’s Memorial Day fitness & wellbeing weekend. Workouts, mind-body programming, vendor village, ceremony, and remembrance. Two days honoring the fallen through shared physical challenge. 18+ to compete, all ages welcome to attend.
Year-round
Programs by pillar.
Recurring programming lives under the four pillars. Each pillar page lists what runs, when, and how to join.
Recreation & Adventure
Operation Adventure
Kayaking, hiking, the Muster, seasonal outings, fitness meetups.
See programs
Community & Service
Operation Serve
Cleanups, school drives, Memorial Day and Veterans Day activations.
See programs
Growth & Opportunity
Operation Next Mission
Leadership workshops, career development, benefits navigation.
See programs
Family & Belonging
Operation Anchor
Family recreation, holiday events, spouse and youth programming.
See programs
Past events
Where we’ve shown up.
The programs above are the plan for the year ahead. The photography below is the record so far. Every event the Foundation has run or shown up for in Chicago.
Signature Event - Community & Service - August 29, 2026
Back to School Community Day
344 backpacks and school supplies, free haircuts, immunizations, food, and family fun in Chicago's Back of the Yards. 25+ community partners including Travis Manion Foundation (co-host), Wells Fargo (platinum sponsor), and a veteran-owned host location.
Memorial Day 2025 - Recreation & Adventure - May 2025
EWF MURPH Challenge & Festival at UIC
Chicago veterans, first responders, and community members completed a Memorial Day fitness gathering together in honor of the fallen. Hosted in partnership with the University of Illinois Chicago Student Veterans Affairs.
Recreation & Adventure
Chicago River Kayak Outing
A veteran kayak outing on the Chicago River, run with Urban Kayak Chicago. Free, open to veterans and military families. More outings on the way if we can come up with the resources and community to make it happen.
Community & Service
Chicago Fire FC - Military Appreciation Night
The Foundation joined Chicago Fire FC for Military Appreciation Night. A night at Soldier Field honoring the Chicago veteran community.
Community & Service
Chicago Stars Military Event
Community appreciation night with the Chicago Stars. Recognizing veteran service members and military families.
Recognition
Sponsor & Community Recognition
Recognizing the sponsors, partners, and community members whose support makes every program possible.
“The activity is the excuse. The people are the point.”
Your community
Show up.
Every event is a door in. Pick the one that fits you this month.