Chicago Veterans

What Chicago Veterans does

Chicago Veterans is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization founded in 2015 that serves military veterans and their families across 65+ communities in the Chicagoland area. Its mission is to empower veterans to take control of their transitions throughout life by addressing social isolation, mental health, unemployment, and civilian reintegration challenges. The organization delivers a portfolio of community programs including a Social Program, an Education Program, Roll Call Chicagoland (an employment networking program merged in 2023), a Women Veterans Program, a Veterans in Recovery peer-support program, and Latina Veterans Roundtable events. Signature events include the annual Chicago Veterans Ruck March (a 20-mile Memorial Day walk for veteran suicide and mental health awareness) and the Chicago Veterans Ball. All services are provided free of charge to participants.

The business model is donation- and grant-funded rather than commercial: revenue is sourced from individual donations through the website, foundation grants (including a Pritzker Military Foundation matching grant of up to $20,000 for Roll Call Chicagoland), and corporate sponsorships from employers such as PepsiCo, Molson Coors, Edelman, Google, T-Mobile, and Hilton. The organization is volunteer-driven, with only one documented full-time employee (Executive Director Karen Hernandez, a U.S. Army Major) and an additional small staff of roughly six total. Programs are distributed through in-person community events, corporate-hosted venues, referrals from veteran service organizations (VFW, American Legion, AMVETS), and the chicagovets.org website. Technology is not a core competency; the digital footprint is limited to a WordPress website, Facebook, and email newsletter.

Name

Chicago Veterans

Legal name

Chicago Veterans

Website

https://chicagovets.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Chicago Veterans is a Chicago-based nonprofit, founded in 2015, that delivers free community programs—social, educational, employment (Roll Call Chicagoland), women-veteran, recovery, and Latina-veteran initiatives—plus signature events like the annual Ruck March to Chicagoland military veterans and their families, funded by donations, grants, and corporate sponsorships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Veteran Services Nonprofit

NAICS

Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Veterans Affairs & Military Family Services (BPAIAHAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Veterans & Military-to-Civilian Transition Programs (EDAAAOAH)

Keywords

• Veteran community services
• Employment readiness programs
• Peer recovery support
• Veteran social programs
• Military transition support

Headquarters

HQ city

CHICAGO, IL

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Personnel

Revenue model

1. Donations: Chicago Veterans accepts monetary donations from individuals and organizations through its fundraising portal to support programs and operations.
2. Foundation Grants: The organization receives grant funding from foundations such as the Pritzker Foundation, which matched donations to Roll Call Chicagoland up to $20,000.
3. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors such as PepsiCo and Molson Coors Beverage Company sponsor Roll Call Chicagoland events, providing financial and in-kind support.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Chicago Veterans is a community-led nonprofit organization that provides free programs and events to help military veterans transition to civilian life. Its offerings include a Social Program for community connection, an Education Program for resource access, the Roll Call Chicagoland employment networking program, a Women Veterans Program, a Veterans in Recovery peer-to-peer sobriety program, and Latina Veterans Roundtable events. All services are delivered free of charge through in-person events across the Chicagoland area.

Product overview

Chicago Veterans is a nonprofit veteran support organization offering multiple community programs including a Social Program for building connections, an Education Program for resource access, Roll Call Chicagoland for employment readiness, a Women Veterans Program, Veterans in Recovery for sobriety support, and Latina Veterans Roundtable events. The organization hosts signature events including the annual Ruck March (20-mile Memorial Day walk for mental health awareness), the Chicago Veterans Ball (formal celebration), and various community-building activities. The portfolio operates as interconnected programs under one organization, with Roll Call Chicagoland merged in 2023 to expand employment services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Social Program Community-based social support system helping veterans find their tribe, build bonds, friendships and purpose after service through various in-person events and activities across the Chicagoland area.
• Education Program Program focused on increasing access to educational resources, opportunities, and systems navigation assistance for veterans and their families to help them pursue further education and training.
• Roll Call Chicagoland (Employment Readiness Program) Employment networking program that connects employers directly with veterans and military-connected families, hosting events at corporate headquarters to educate Employment Resource Groups on hiring from the military community.
• Women Veterans Program Program creating impactful events for women veterans to highlight their service, strengthen community bonds, and recognize their contributions, including spa days, boat cruises, wake surfing, and other activities curated by women veterans.
• Veterans in Recovery Program Peer-to-peer support program focused on sobriety, providing a space for veterans to share experiences, strengths, and hopes to overcome substance abuse and mental health challenges.
• Latina Veterans Roundtable Events Series of panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities bringing together Latina veterans to share stories, discuss challenges and successes, and build a supportive community.
• Chicago Veterans Ruck March Annual 20-mile ruck/walk hosted every Memorial Day Weekend to bring awareness around veteran suicide, reduce stigma around mental health and PTSD, and provide connection among veterans.
• Chicago Veterans Ball Annual formal event bringing together veterans from every branch to celebrate Veterans Day as one community, featuring dinner, awards, and entertainment.
• 25 in 2025 (Veterans Recognition Initiative) Annual initiative celebrating veterans who exemplify excellence through professional achievements, leadership, and impact across industries.

Quantifiable outcome

• 500 community events over 10 years, serving 65+ Chicagoland communities with 15K unique interactions
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• GooglecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 September 2024Google hosted the Roll Call Chicagoland employment networking event at its Chicago headquarters, providing networking space, food, drinks, and facility tours. Veterans and their families connected with Google employees and leadership and engaged with Google's internal veterans network 'VetNet'. This event set a new record with over 200 RSVPs and 100+ veteran job seekers.
• Molson Coors Beverage CompanycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2024Molson Coors hosted a Roll Call Chicagoland anniversary event at its downtown Chicago headquarters. The company's Veterans Employment Resource Group (VERG) connected directly with job seekers. Molson Coors, along with PepsiCo, sponsored the event and opened their doors to the veteran community.
• EdelmancoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2024Edelman hosted a Roll Call Chicagoland event at its downtown Chicago building and has been a long-time supporter of the veteran community, providing both venue and sponsorship support.
• Pritzker Military Museum and LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2023Collaborated with Chicago Veterans to host the Inaugural Veterans Town Hall event, providing a platform for over 25 veterans to share their stories in a communal storytelling forum.
• Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2023Partnered with Chicago Veterans to host the Inaugural Veterans Town Hall event in October 2023, supporting communal storytelling for veterans.
• MOVA (Missouri Veterans Commission)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2023Partnered with Chicago Veterans to host the Inaugural Veterans Town Hall event, contributing to cross-state veteran community collaboration.
• Roll Call ChicagolandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2023Chicago Veterans and Roll Call Chicagoland announced a merger, combining their shared missions. Roll Call Chicagoland operates as a program within Chicago Veterans, focusing on employment readiness while benefiting from Chicago Veterans' marketing platform, tools, and operational support. Justin Miller serves as Vice Chair of Operations for Roll Call.
• Navy Club of the USA (Navy Club of Chicago Ship 69)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Chicago Veterans played a pivotal role in reviving the Navy Club of Chicago Ship 69, providing startup resources and helping identify the 15 members needed to reestablish the chapter. The Navy Club was originally established in 1938 and decommissioned in the early 2000s.
• Chicago White SoxminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Chicago White Sox selected Chicago Veterans to host Brunch at the Ballpark at Guaranteed Rate Field, providing a family event for 160+ veteran members with stadium tours, activities, and donations.
• Chicago BullsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChicago Veterans partnered with the Chicago Bulls organization to host a designated section event at the United Center with over 120 attendees. Jose Campos worked with the Bulls organization to arrange the event.
• Chicago CubsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChicago Cubs are listed as a partner organization supporting Chicago Veterans.
• Chicago BearsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChicago Bears are listed as a partner organization supporting Chicago Veterans.
• National Veterans Art Museum (NVAM)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChicago Veterans organized an inspirational guided tour of the National Veterans Art Museum for its members, providing alternative therapeutic and cultural engagement through veteran art.
• Chicago Botanic GardenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Chicago Botanic Garden, through veteran employee Juan Cornejo, provided exclusive horticultural therapy tours for Chicago Veterans members, promoting healing, stress reduction, and physical exercise through therapeutic horticulture.
• Wounded Warrior ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner organization appearing in the partner logos section of the Chicago Veterans website.
• Mission ContinuesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner organization appearing in the partner logos section of the Chicago Veterans website.
• Volunteers of America (VOA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner organization appearing in the partner logos section of the Chicago Veterans website.
• NSCDA (National Society of Colonial Dames)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner organization appearing in the partner logos section of the Chicago Veterans website.
• I.J. F. (unspecified)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner organization appearing in the partner logos section of the Chicago Veterans website.
• ForFront MarketingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner organization appearing in the partner logos section of the Chicago Veterans website.
• T-MobileminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner organization appearing in the partner logos section of the Chicago Veterans website.
• HiltonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner organization appearing in the partner logos section of the Chicago Veterans website.
• VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVFW is mentioned as a partner veteran organization that collaborated with Chicago Veterans, including participation in the 5th Annual Chicago Veterans Picnic.
• American LegionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmerican Legion participated in the 5th Annual Chicago Veterans Picnic and collaborated on veteran community events.
• AMVETSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAMVETS participated in the 5th Annual Chicago Veterans Picnic and collaborated on veteran community events, including presenting an award to a fellow Vietnam veteran.
• Marine Corps LeagueminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarine Corps League participated in the 5th Annual Chicago Veterans Picnic alongside other veteran organizations.
• Cook County Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChicago Veterans is part of a coalition of 38 veteran organizations advocating for increased funding for the Cook County Veterans Assistance Commission, which secured a historic $2 million budget in 2024.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Wounded Warrior Project: National nonprofit serving post-9/11 veterans with programs spanning mental health, physical recovery, employment, and community building. Highly comparable to Chicago Veterans in mission (veteran transition support) and community-led programming model, though substantially larger in budget and scope.
• Team Rubicon: Veteran-led humanitarian organization that engages veterans in disaster response and community service. Highly comparable as a veteran-led nonprofit focused on purpose, community, and post-service transition through collective action.
• Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA): Leading post-9/11 veterans advocacy and services organization with programming on mental health, employment, and community. Comparable in mission scope (employment, community, transition) though operating nationally with a much larger paid staff and budget.
• The Mission Continues: National nonprofit empowering veterans through community impact volunteerism and civic engagement. Listed as a partner organization of Chicago Veterans and shares the same community-driven transition philosophy targeting underserved veteran populations.
• Student Veterans of America: Nonprofit supporting veteran transition through higher education, with campus chapters analogous to Chicago Veterans' community hubs. Comparable in mission focus on veteran transition and community-based support model.
• Hire Heroes USA: Nonprofit dedicated to empowering U.S. military veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses to succeed in the civilian workforce. Directly comparable to Chicago Veterans' Roll Call Chicagoland employment readiness program in mission and employer-engagement model.

Broad incumbents

• American Legion: One of the oldest U.S. veteran service organizations with local posts delivering community, advocacy, and transition support. Comparable to Chicago Veterans in community-led veteran support but at vastly greater scale, with established brand and donor network.
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): Largest U.S. war veterans service organization with community-based posts across the country. Directly comparable in veteran community-building mission; Chicago Veterans works alongside VFW locally and shares the post/picnic-style community engagement model.
• Disabled American Veterans (DAV): National nonprofit providing lifelong support to veterans of all generations, especially those with service-related disabilities. Comparable to Chicago Veterans in veteran support mission but with a much larger infrastructure and chapter network.
• Volunteers of America: Large national nonprofit providing services to veterans, the elderly, and at-risk populations. Listed as a partner organization of Chicago Veterans; comparable in veteran services mission but operates at far greater scale across many program areas.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xfacebook.com/ChicagoVeterans
• Facebookfacebook.com/ChicagoVeterans
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/chicago-veterans

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Chicago Veterans