The whistle has blown, the paddles are down, and the results are in.
On May 8, 2026, the Urban Initiatives community gathered for our annual Game On Gala to celebrate the power of play and the potential of Chicago’s youth. It was a night defined by big dreams, historic conversations, and a record-breaking shared commitment to our city.
We are thrilled to announce that together, we raised a staggering $1.5 million to fuel the pipeline of access!
Insights from the Fireside Chat
The heart of the evening was our Fireside Chat, which looked at the future of sports through the lens of equity and intentionality.
- The Professional Perspective: Laura Ricketts (Chicago Stars) and Nadia Rawlinson (Chicago Sky) shared their vision for the historic moment women’s sports are having. They spoke candidly about the necessity of building a city-wide foundation where girls don’t just have a place to play, but a path to lead.
- The UI Journey: UI alumni Julian Sibley and Yaya Argueta provided the evening’s most moving moments. Julian spoke about the lifelong mentorship UI provides, while Yaya shared her journey from a UI participant to a Northwestern student and coach, reminding everyone that downtown Chicago belongs to our youth just as much as anyone here.
Celebrating a Legacy: Patrick Gallagher
A major highlight of the night was honoring our 2026 honoree, Patrick Gallagher. Patrick’s remarks resonated deeply as he reflected on his long-standing dedication to Urban Initiatives. He challenged the room to continue breaking down the barriers of zip codes, emphasizing that our collective work isn’t just just about sports – it’s about providing every child in Chicago with the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Relive the Night: The Photo Gallery is Live!
We are thrilled to share the official photo album from the evening. From the energy of the Fireside Chat to the record-breaking paddle raise, you can find all the event highlights here.
What’s Next?
This $1.5 million investment will go directly toward ensuring our “Pipeline of Access” remains strong in over 80 Chicago Public Schools.
- Stay Involved: Don’t miss a moment of the action. Click here to join our May 19 virtual Town Hall at 4PM to hear how your investment stays in motion all year long.
- See you in 2028! The Game on Gala is a biennial event.
To our sponsors, our speakers, and our donors: Thank you for being on our team. When Chicago plays together, we win together.
