ISP Chicago
“I am more than what the world says I am.”
ISP Chicago participant
About Us
ISP was founded in Chicago in 1998 and was a key part of the formation of the entire ISP Network across the United States. As new teams and cities were added and formed, ISP Chicago took on a life of its own with a core group of team members, alumni, and social service agencies. ISP Chicago currently hosts nine overnight retreats per year (including one specialized training retreat for alumni leaders) as well as multiple small group reflection circles in person and virtually across the city. Several Chicago team members have been recognized as Ambassadors of Hope and leaders on a national level. In 2025, ISP Chicago was an official partner of the inaugural Winter Walk, a citywide walk and movement to end homelessness.
As one of over 20 cities within the ISP Network, ISP Chicago has brought experiences of love, hope and healing to thousands of individuals. For more information, please see the Chicago information sheet..
Alumni Voices
Many ISP participants become retreat witnesses, team leaders, and facilitators. We are so grateful for their authenticity and willingness to share their stories with the community. Reggie grew up in Chicago and came to Salvation Army after struggling with addiction for 30 years; ISP was a turning point for him and today he is thriving as a team leader, Ambassador of Hope, and a proud employee of the CTA. Reggie’s joyful spirit lights up the room! Read other stories of hope and belonging here.
Community Partners
ISP is grateful for the many agencies, retreat centers, and parishes that are a part of our work including:
- Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House
- Bonaventure House
- SisterHouse
- Loyola University Chicago
Interested in working with us? Contact us or read more about retreats and spiritual reflections here.
Contact us
Contact usFor more information about joining ISP Chicago as a volunteer, general supporter, or partner agency, please contact
Claire DesHotels
cdeshotels@ispretreats.org
Events
EventsIn February of 2026, 200+ people came out to support Winter Walk Chicago! We were joined by some 4-legged friends, students and staff from Christ the King Jesuit Jesuit College Prep, ISP supporters (including our co-founder Ed Shurna and his wife Michelle) and many others from in and around Chicagoland. Our very own Ambassador of Hope Reggie shared his story with the crowd, and together we walked, talked and raised over $12,000 for ISP. This is the 2nd annual Winter Walk in Chicago and is part of a larger effort to raise awareness and demand action for our unhoused neighbors — we are grateful to work with so many amazing partners in this effort. Check back for more events in Chicago including Winter Walk 2027!
Join the Movement
All ISP programs are offered free of charge to participants and agencies. By choosing to support ISP Chicago, your donation funds programs in this community. Lets do more together!
150+
overnight retreats
7000+
spiritual reflection participants
35+
current volunteers
