Meet the new Cook County State’s Attorney: Eileen O’Neill Burke
2025-01-30 11:30 - 13:15 (America/Chicago) | Union League Club of Chicago, 65 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, 60610, United States
Meet the new Cook County State’s Attorney: Eileen O’Neill Burke
Join Lincoln Forum, in partnership with the Union League Club of Chicago and The Chicago Bar Association, for a luncheon with the new Cook County State’s Attorney, Eileen O’Neill Burke, on January 30, 2025, at 11:30 am. This exclusive event is an opportunity to gain insights into her strategic vision and priorities for a better future. Don’t miss this chance to hear from a leader poised to drive impactful change.
**For table and other sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lori Montana at Lori@lincolnforum.org or 773-320-1938.

Cook County Sheriff Dart: Dispelling Myth​s—The Fight Against Human Trafficking
2025-02-13 11:30 - 13:15 | Union League Club of Chicago, 65 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, 60610, United States
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart: Dispelling Myths—The Fight Against Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is a deeply under-reported crime and one of the fastest-growing criminal enterprises—happening closer to home than many realize. Join Lincoln Forum and the Union League Club of Chicago on February 13 at 11:30am for a powerful discussion with Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, who will shed light on common misconceptions about human trafficking, its far-reaching impact in our communities, and the innovative solutions being implemented locally that are setting a national standard. WGN TV News Anchor Lourdes Duarte will moderate this important conversation.
Register: https://bit.ly/4059aPN

Serving Chicago's 34th Ward: A Conversation with Alderman Bill Conway
2025-03-26 11:30 - 13:15 | Union League Club of Chicago, 65 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, 60610, United States
Serving Chicago’s 34th Ward: A Conversation with Alderman Bill Conway

Lincoln Forum and Union League Club of Chicago are pleased to present “Serving Chicago’s 34th Ward: A Conversation with Alderman Bill Conway” at 11:30 AM on March 26, 2025. Representing parts of the Loop, South Loop, Greektown, West Loop, and Little Italy, Alderman Conway will share insights on the critical issues shaping both the ward and the city. He will discuss the transformative redevelopment of LaSalle Street, efforts to address crime and enhance public safety, and strategies for strengthening education and fostering economic growth.
The conversation will be moderated by Craig Dellimore, Political Editor for WBBM Newsradio.
Tickets: https://bit.ly/4hTfSzC

Inspector General Deborah Witzburg on Accountability and Reform in Chicago
2025-04-15 11:30 - 13:30 | Union League Club of Chicago, 65 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, 60610, United States
Lincoln Forum and the Union League Club of Chicago present:
Guarding the Public Trust: The Watchdog at Work
Inspector General Deborah Witzburg on Accountability and Reform in Chicago
Inspector General, Deborah Witzburg leads the charge against corruption, waste, and inefficiency, serving as the city’s independent watchdog.
Join us for a compelling discussion as Witzburg unveils her office’s work—rooting out fraud, enforcing transparency, and ensuring government accountability. From investigating city contracts to evaluating police oversight, her efforts uphold the public trust and demand integrity in governance.
With a career dedicated to justice and reform, Witzburg’s expertise and tenacity have made her a key figure in Chicago’s accountability landscape. This is more than a conversation—it’s a call to civic engagement.
Reserve your seat today: https://bit.ly/4iEaLnf
Tuesday, April 15 | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Union League Club of Chicago, 65 West Jackson Blvd
Attire: Smart Casual

The Quantum Era: Illinois’ Journey as a Global Quantum Leader
2025-05-06 11:30 - 13:30 | Union League Club of Chicago, 65 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, 60610, United States
The Quantum Era: Illinois’ Journey as a Global Quantum Leader

Join Lincoln Forum and the Union League Club of Chicago on May 6 at 11:30am for an insightful discussion on the evolution of Quantum in Illinois. This event will explore the breakthroughs that have positioned the state as a leader in quantum research and innovation, the collaborations driving progress, and the opportunities that lie ahead. Experts from academia, industry, government and business will share perspectives on how quantum advancements will shape the future of computing, communication, and economic development in Illinois and beyond.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with leading minds at the forefront of the quantum revolution. The conversation will be moderated by Brad Henderson, CEO of P33.
Panelists:

Kristin Richards, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)
Harley Johnson, Executive Director and CEO for the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) and Professor, Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Anne Caprara, Chief of Staff for Illinois Governor JB Pritzker
Preeti Chalsani, SVP and Chief Quantum Officer, Intersect Illinois

**For table and other sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lori Montana at Lori@lincolnforum.org or 773-320-1938.

Inside City Hall: Understanding Chicago’s Aldermanic System
2025-05-14 11:30 - 13:30 | Union League Club of Chicago, 65 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, 60610, United States
Lincoln Forum and the Union League Club of Chicago present:
Inside City Hall: Understanding Chicago’s Aldermanic System
A Candid Discussion with Former and Current Aldermen on How Chicago’s Government Really Works
Wednesday, May 14 | 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Union League Club of Chicago, 65 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago
Chicago’s City Council plays a crucial role in shaping the city’s future, but how does it really work behind the scenes? Join us for an insightful luncheon panel featuring three seasoned public servants—Retired Alderman James Balcer (11th Ward), Retired Alderman Leslie Hairston (5th Ward), Retired Alderman Michele Smith (43rd Ward) and 15th Ward Alderman Raymond Lopez—as they share firsthand insights on navigating the political landscape of the nation’s third-largest city. Veteran Political Reporter, Mike Flannery will moderate the conversation.
From balancing constituent needs and mayoral priorities to negotiating major policies and unwritten rules, this discussion will offer an unfiltered look at how decisions are made at City Hall. Whether you’re a policy enthusiast, engaged citizen, or just curious about how Chicago’s government operates, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Tickets: https://bit.ly/4iDFykm
**For table and other sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lori Montana atLori@lincolnforum.org or 773-320-1938.

WBEZ Presents: An Evening with Jake Tapper & Alex Thompson
2025-06-05 19:30 - 21:00 | The Vic Theatre, 3145 North Sheffield Avenue, Chicago, 60657, United States
WBEZ Presents: An Evening with Jake Tapper & Alex Thompson
June 5, 2025, 7:30 PM, Doors open at 6:30 PM

Join award-winning journalists Jake Tapper (CNN) and Alex Thompson (Axios) for a conversation about their new book, Original Sin—moderated by NPR’s David Folkenflik.
Through exclusive insider accounts—from White House staffers to Hollywood players—they examine how efforts to conceal Joe Biden’s health decline shaped his reelection bid and ultimately backfired, leading to the return of a Trump administration.
Drawing from their in-depth reporting, the authors reveal the political decisions that defined this pivotal chapter in American history.
This event is supported, in part, by Lincoln Forum and The Union League Club.

Every book & ticket bundle comes with a pre-signed copy of “Original Sin”.
**USE PROMO CODE “CLUB” FOR 20% OFF TICKETS OR TICKET/BOOK BUNDLE**

Chicagoland Transit in Crisis: What is the Fix?
2025-06-25 12:00 - 13:00 | FREE ZOOM WEBINAR
Join Lincoln Forum and the Union League Club of Chicago Transportation Subcommittee in partnership with ACEC-IL for a free virtual event, Chicagoland Transit in Crisis: What is the Fix?, on Wednesday, June 25 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. CT.
Dr. Joe Schwieterman of DePaul University will moderate a timely discussion with IL State Representative Eva-Dina Delgado and IL State Senator Ram Villivalam on the looming $770 million budget shortfall facing regional transit agencies when funding runs out on December 31. The panel will explore potential solutions, including a proposed statewide $1.50 retail delivery tax.
Register: https://ulcc-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0T2TAbBHTruzlSChcsJGOQ#/registrationh

Draw the Line: Why Fair Maps Matter
2025-08-19 08:00 - 10:00 | Union League Club of Chicago, 65 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, 60610, United States
Draw the Line: Why Fair Maps Matter
A Conversation on Redistricting, Representation, and Reform
Lincoln Forum and the Union League Club of Chicago invite you to a timely breakfast panel exploring the complex and critical issue of gerrymandering and its impact on political representation. With redistricting reform continuing to spark debate across Illinois and the nation, this discussion will examine the current system and potential paths forward.
The panel features William M. “Bill” Daley, former U.S. Secretary of Commerce and White House Chief of Staff, and Ray LaHood, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and longtime Illinois Congressman—both co-chairs of Fair Maps Illinois.
They’ll be joined by Michael Dorf, constitutional scholar and former General Counsel to the Democratic Party of Illinois, and Bill Cadigan, former chair of the Illinois State Board of Elections, both who played a key role in the 2014 Yes for Independent Maps campaign.
Moderated by Chicago Tribune chief political reporter Rick Pearson, the conversation will offer insights from experienced public servants and legal experts on a topic that continues to shape electoral outcomes.
📅 Tuesday, August 19, 2025
🕗 Doors open: 8:00 AM | Breakfast & Program: 8:30 AM
📍 Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W. Jackson

Part 2 - Chicagoland Transit in Crisis: What is the Fix?
2025-09-25 12:00 - 13:00 | FREE ZOOM WEBINAR
Part 2 – Chicagoland Transit in Crisis: What is the Fix?
Join the Lincoln Forum and the Union League Club Transportation Subcommittee for a follow-up virtual discussion on the growing transit funding crisis in our region.
Moderator: Joe Donlon, Anchor, CBS 2 News
Panelists:

Illinois State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-8th District)
Illinois State Senator Seth Lewis (R-24th District)
Illinois State Representative Kam Buckner (D-26th)
Illinois State Representative Brad Stephens (R-20th)

Regional transit agencies continue to face a looming $770 million budget shortfall when emergency funding runs out on December 31, 2025. Unless lawmakers reach a funding deal during the October fall veto session, the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) will be forced to move ahead with budget scenarios that include severe service cuts and fare increases beginning January 1, 2026.
With agencies already developing their 2026 budgets around a projected 20% funding gap, this conversation will focus on potential solutions, legislative pathways, and the very real consequences for riders, workers, and businesses across Chicagoland.

Reclaiming Civility: How America Moves Forward Together
2025-11-10 09:30 - 10:30 | FREE ZOOM WEBINAR
Reclaiming Civility: How America Moves Forward Together
Monday, November 10, 2025 | 9:30–10:30 a.m. CT | Virtual Event
Presented by Lincoln Forum and the Union League Club of Chicag​o
At a time when civility and trust in public life are being tested, Lincoln Forum and the Union League Club of Chicago will host a one-hour virtual discussion on how America can rebuild respect and unity in our democracy. Vice President Mike Pence and Ambassador Rahm Emanuel will share their perspectives in a bipartisan dialogue moderated by Jonathan Martin, politics bureau chief and senior political columnist at POLITICO.
We invite you to join us for this free ​conversation, an opportunity for civic leaders, policymakers, and engaged citizens to reflect on how we move forward, stronger, together, and with a renewed commitment to dialogue, understanding, and the democratic values that unite us.
Register: https://ulcc-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DeXx7-zTTCCAbCQCSPrmqg

Cementing Illinois’ AI Leadership Through Smart Policy
2025-12-02 12:00 - 13:00 | FREE ZOOM WEBINAR
Cementing Illinois’ AI Leadership Through Smart Policy
Tuesday, December 2 | 12:00–1:00 PM CT
Free Virtual Panel Discussion
Presented by the Lincoln Forum & The Union League Club of Chicago
As artificial intelligence accelerates, Illinois has a unique opportunity to solidify its role as the Midwest’s center of innovation and AI leadership.
We invite you to join a timely virtual conversation that brings together voices from government, tech, law, business, and academia to explore how Illinois can remain competitive, attract investment, and build the workforce of the future.
Featured Panelists:
• State Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr., Chair, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics & IT Committee
• Birju Shah, Clinical Assistant Professor of Product & AI, Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management & CEO of Loam
• Erika Knierim, Emerging Tech Attorney, Founders Law
• Brad Folkens, Entrepreneur, Technologist, Investor & CTO/Co-Founder, iAsk.ai
We hope you’ll join us for this important conversation.

The Future of Higher Education
2026-03-02 11:30 - 13:15 | Union League Club of Chicago, 65 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, 60610, United States
The Future of Higher Education
Hear from academic leaders shaping tomorrow.
Presented by Lincoln Forum and the Union League Club of Chicago
Please join us for a luncheon discussion on the Future of Higher Education, featuring senior leadership from three of the nation’s leading research universities, in a forward-looking conversation on the opportunities and challenges facing colleges and universities today. The event will take place at 11:30 a.m. CT on Monday, March 2, at the Union League Club of Chicago.
Featured University Leaders

Henry Bienen, President, Northwestern University
Charles Isbell Jr., Chancellor, University of Illinois
Paul Alivisatos, President, University of Chicago

The discussion will explore leadership, access, innovation, and the evolving role of major public and private research universities in shaping regional and national outcomes. Topics will include financial sustainability, enrollment and demographic shifts, workforce, industry, and civic partnerships, and the growing impact of technology on research and university operations. The conversation will also highlight how leading institutions are increasingly collaborating across institutional lines, including initiatives such as the Chicago Quantum Exchange.

The Bracket Briefing
2026-03-16 12:00 - 13:00 | FREE ZOOM WEBINAR
The Bracket Briefing
Monday, March 16 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CT
Free Virtual Event
Presented by Lincoln Forum & the Union League Club of Chicago
The bracket drops Sunday night. Monday at noon, we break it down.
Join us for a sharp, fast-moving conversation on the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Our panel of sports experts will reveal their Elite Eight, Final Four, and national champion, breaking down key matchups, potential upsets, and the logic behind their picks.
Whether you’re entering a pool or just love the strategy of March basketball, this is your inside look before tipoff.
Moderator:

​Lou Canellis, NBC 5 Chicago

Panelists:

Carmen Defalco, ESPN Chicago
David Haugh, 104.3 The Score
Kevin Powell, WGN Radio
Tina Nguyen, Fox 32 Chicago
