Memorial Day Weekend · Sat + Sun · Chicago
The EDC
Remembrance
Muster
Featuring the ‘Murph’ Hero WOD
Honor the fallen. Push yourself. Do it together.
Chicago’s Memorial Day fitness festival — a workout, a vigil, a village. A two-day Saturday + Sunday gathering, presented by Esprit de Corps Foundation as our flagship annual fundraiser.
Targeting Memorial Day Weekend 2027. Final year pending sponsor and community support — help us lock it in.
Target · Memorial Day Weekend 2027
Why “Muster”?
To gather. To account for one another.
To move forward together.
In military tradition, a muster is the gathering of service members to account for one another before moving forward together.
The EDC Remembrance Muster brings veterans, first responders, athletes, and the broader community together each Memorial Day — to honor those who never came home, and to strengthen the community they fought to protect.
By The Numbers · What We’re Building
4
Pillars: fitness, camaraderie, health, connection
2
Days. One city. One mission.
100%
Proceeds to the mission
For Sponsors & Partners
Stand with the community that builds this.
Six sponsorship tiers, eighteen signature experiences, and founding-partner slots open for year one. Presenting, Title, and Founding Experience slots are first-come.
What We’re Building
Chicago’s newest
Memorial Day
tradition.
Together, we remember.
Every step of the Honor Walk carries a name. Every heat opens with a moment of remembrance for the fallen. Memorial Day is not a sale — it’s a promise.
Together, we move.
HIIT, yoga, functional strength, running, rucking, team relays, and the ‘Murph’ Hero WOD for those who want it. Every body, every level. Fitness as the vehicle, connection as the point.
Together, we build.
Proceeds fuel year-round programming for Chicago veterans and military families and move the Foundation toward its permanent home — the Esprit de Corps Campus.
The Weekend
Fitness. Camaraderie.
Health. Connection.
The Muster is a fitness festival, not a fitness test. Any body, any level, any workout — show up and move alongside your city.
Fitness
Group HIIT, yoga, functional strength, running, rucking. Every fitness level, every body — the 'Murph' Hero WOD is one of many.
Camaraderie
Teams, partners, and unit meet-ups. Show up alone and leave with people. That's the whole point.
Health
Recovery lounge, mobility clinics, wellness talks, mental-health resources, hydration, and rest. Health is not just what you lift.
Connection
Live music, food, vendor village, family space, storytelling, and a shared moment of remembrance for the fallen.
Festival Experiences
Nine experiences.
Two festival days.
The workout. The tribute. The community. Each one is looking for leaders, gyms, brands, and organizations to help build it.
Timeline
Where we are.
01
Community Vision
In progress
Gathering ideas, listening to Chicago, defining the concept.
02
Planning Council
Recruiting
Veterans, event pros, gym owners, healthcare, and community advisors.
03
Partners & Sponsors
Next
Gym outreach, vendor recruitment, community org onboarding.
04
Festival Announcement
Planned
Date, venue, registration, program lineup.
05
Festival Weekend
Memorial Day 2027 target
Launch. One day. One city. One mission.
FAQ
Common questions.
Is this a competition?
No. The Muster is a fitness festival, not a fitness test. The 'Murph' Hero WOD is one of many workouts offered — most attendees are here for group training, wellness talks, the recovery lounge, music, food, and community, not to hit a PR.
Will you offer the 'Murph' workout?
Yes. Participants may choose to complete the 'Murph' Hero WOD as one of several activities during the Muster. The Esprit de Corps Foundation presents it as part of a broader Memorial Day program honoring all who gave their lives in service. 'The Murph Challenge' and 'Murph' are registered trademarks of the LT. Michael P. Murphy USN Memorial Scholarship Foundation; our event is organized independently and is not officially affiliated with or sponsored by the trademark holders.
Do I have to work out at all?
Not at all. The Muster is built as much for spectators, families, and neighbors as it is for athletes. Community Marketplace, Vendor Marketplace, Food Truck Village, Recovery Lounge, Main Stage, and the Muster Wall are all open to everyone with or without a workout.
Can beginners participate?
Yes. Scaled workouts, first-timer clinics, mobility sessions, and mini-classes at the Fitness Village mean a brand-new attendee has more to do than someone who's been training for years.
Will there be adaptive options?
Yes. Adaptive fitness partners are being recruited to run adaptive-friendly sessions, demonstrations, and a dedicated Adaptive Athlete Zone.
Is the festival family-friendly?
The Muster is welcoming to all ages. Youth programming, Food Truck Village, Recovery Lounge, and Main Stage are open to everyone. The Liberty Zone is 21+, and the most demanding workouts (weighted vest, RX) are recommended 17+.
How can my organization get involved?
Five main paths: Planning Council, Experience Leaders, Sponsors, Vendors, and Community Partners. Reach out to Damian at damian@espritdcf.org for anything at the partner or sponsor level, or events@espritdcf.org for volunteering.
The Muster Wall
A living Memorial Day
tribute.
Every service member on the wall died in service to the United States. The wall grows every year — every branch, every era. Add someone you carry with you.
LT
Michael P. Murphy
2005
STG2
Matthew G. Axelson
2005
GM2
Danny P. Dietz
2005
LCDR
Erik S. Kristensen
2005
MA2
Michael A. Monsoor
2006
CPL
Jason Dunham
2004
SFC
Randall D. Shughart
1993
MSG
Gary I. Gordon
1993
GySgt
John Basilone
1945
LT
Joseph P. Kennedy Jr.
1944
COL
Robert Gould Shaw
1863
GROWING
+ Your Submissions
2027
In Remembrance
Memorial Day
For those who did not come home · every branch, every era
We chose this weekend on purpose. Fitness, community, service — three things the fallen would recognize in the veterans and families still here.
Get Involved
Help build Chicago’s next
Memorial Day tradition.
We’re looking for people. Not just participants.