Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame

Paying tribute to the sports legends whose careers have thrilled, entertained and enriched our lives with unforgettable moments of greatness in Chicago.

[Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame @CSHOFChicago]

We will be proud to welcome Glen Grunwald to the Class of 2026 on October 22 in Rosemont!

From East Leyden High School standout to one of basketball's most respected executives, Glen Grunwald has left his mark on the game at every level.

The only four-time All-Chicago Area selection in history, Grunwald went on to captain Indiana University's 1981 national championship team before building a distinguished @NBA executive career with the Toronto @Raptors, @nyknicks , and beyond.

Will we see you at the induction ceremony? Tickets are available now at https://t.co/fqQWDsxzgM

[Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame @CSHOFChicago]

We mourn the passing of Dennis Hull, the "Silver Jet", who passed away yesterday at the age of 81.

Dennis stepped out of his brother Bobby's shadow to become a Chicago hockey great in his own right.

Five-time NHL All-Star. 90 points in his finest season. Three Stanley Cup Finals runs with the @NHLBlackhawks in 1965, 1971, and 1973. A wit that lit up every room.

He was inducted into our hall of fame as part of the class of 1990. We are honored to call him one of our own. Rest in peace, Dennis.

[Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame @CSHOFChicago]

Mark your calendar! The Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame's 29th Annual Induction & Awards Dinner is coming and you don't want to miss it.

📅 Thursday, October 22, 2026
📍 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center | Rosemont, IL
🍸 Doors & Cocktail Hour @ 5:30 PM
🏆 Dinner & Awards @ 7:00 PM

The Class of 2026 will be announced soon. Follow along to stay up to date. We look forward to celebrating the legacy of Chicago sports with you!

🎟️ Tickets on sale NOW at https://t.co/2wfomgUejb

[Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame @CSHOFChicago]

In memory of Coach Lou Holtz, we're sharing his Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame induction video from our Class of 2019.

For over 3 decades, Coach Holtz led programs across the country, but it was his 11 seasons at Notre Dame from 1986 to 1996 where he truly made his mark, building champions and developing some of Chicagoland's finest. His 1988 Fighting Irish went a perfect 12–0, won the Fiesta Bowl, and claimed the consensus national championship.

He is the only college football coach to lead six different programs to bowl games, a record that may never be broken.

Rest in peace, Coach.

[Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame @CSHOFChicago]

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lou Holtz, one of the greatest college football coaches of all time.

We are proud to have inducted Coach Holtz into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame as part of our Class of 2019, introduced by fellow inductee Dan Hampton (Class of 1998), who played under Holtz during his time at the University of Arkansas. It was a fitting tribute from one legend to another.

Over 3 decades of remarkable coaching, Holtz became the only college football coach to lead six different programs to bowl games. His 1988 Notre Dame team went a perfect 12–0, capped by a Fiesta Bowl victory and a consensus national championship, a season that cemented his legacy forever.

Beyond the wins and records, Coach Holtz had deep ties to the Chicago community and the players he shaped here. We were honored to welcome him into our Hall and to celebrate what he meant to this region.

Rest well, Coach. The game is better because of you.

[Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame @CSHOFChicago]

We mourn the passing of Mike Wagner, a four-time Super Bowl champion. We had the honor of inducting him to our hall as part of the Class of 2000. From his roots in Waukegan to becoming a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Steelers “Steel Curtain” defense, Wagner built a legacy defined by toughness, consistency, and heart. An 11th-round draft pick who recorded 36 career interceptions and helped deliver four Super Bowl titles to Pittsburgh, he embodied perseverance at every level of the game. His impact as a champion, mentor, and leader will never be forgotten.

[Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame @CSHOFChicago]

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Wilbur Wood, a 1990 inductee into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame. One of the toughest and most beloved pitchers in White Sox history, Wilbur gave everything to the city of Chicago and helped shape the team's identity in the 1970s. His legacy as a workhorse, a knuckleball master, and a true professional lives on in the hearts of Sox fans and baseball lovers across the country. Our thoughts are with his family and all who were inspired by his remarkable career.

[Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame @CSHOFChicago]

We are excited to share the sizzle reel from the 2025 Induction Ceremony! It was a wonderful night that brought together Chicago greats to celebrate what makes this the greatest sports city in the world. Enjoy reliving the celebration and we will see you at the Class of 2026 at the Rosemont Convention Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2026

[Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame @CSHOFChicago]

Crane Kenney, President of Cubs Business Operations and a 2022 Hall of Fame inductee, joined us once again for the 2025 Induction Ceremony. It was an honor to have him back with us. His support, insight, and love for Chicago sports make him an invaluable part of our Hall of Fame family.

[Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame @CSHOFChicago]

Sonny Parker, former NBA first-round pick and founder of the Sonny Parker Youth Foundation, accepted his Hall of Fame honor with the same heart and purpose that have shaped generations in Chicago. We were proud to welcome him into the Class of 2025.

[Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame @CSHOFChicago]

Bobby Jenks helped seal the White Sox’s 2005 World Series title with his dominant presence on the mound. His wife Eleni and son Zeno accepted his award with pride. We were honored to induct him into the Class of 2025.

[Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame @CSHOFChicago]

Charles “Peanut” Tillman, creator of the iconic “Peanut Punch” and 2013 Walter Payton Man of the Year, accepted his Hall of Fame honor with the same humility and heart that defined his legendary Bears career. We were proud to induct him into the Class of 2025.

[Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame @CSHOFChicago]

Russell Maryland, three-time Super Bowl champion and first overall pick in the 1991 NFL Draft, accepted the George Connor Award at the 2025 Induction Ceremony. We were honored to welcome him home to Chicago and celebrate his remarkable career.

[Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame @CSHOFChicago]

Mike Hartenstine, a key part of the legendary 1985 Bears and one of the franchise’s 100 Greatest Players, was honored as part of the Class of 2025. While recovering from surgery, his children Jill and Michael accepted the award on his behalf, sharing moving words about his impact on and off the field.

[Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame @CSHOFChicago]

Ryan Dempster, two-time All-Star and 2013 World Series champion, accepted his Hall of Fame honor with the same wit and heart that made him a fan favorite in Chicago. We were proud to celebrate his incredible career as part of the Class of 2025.

[Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame @CSHOFChicago]

We were proud to honor the lives and legacies of Hall of Fame members we’ve lost over the past year during our 2025 In Memoriam tribute at this year’s induction ceremony. Their impact on Chicago sports and our community will never be forgotten.