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 and 2026, ISP Chicago was an official partner of 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 and are a part of the leadership opportunities offered by the ISP Network. 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.

Ambassadors of Hope (AOH) is an 18-month leadership formation program for ISP alumni and team members. It’s one of the ways we empower alumni to bear witness to the hope and healing they’ve found. We are so excited to have two members of the Chicago team, Corneisha and Martina, a part of our 4th cohort. Read more about our current cohort here.

Community Partners

ISP is grateful for the many agencies, retreat centers, and parishes that are a part of our work including:

Interested in working with us? Contact us or read more about retreats and spiritual reflections here.

Contact us

For more information about joining ISP Chicago as a volunteer, general supporter, or partner agency, please contact

Matt Meyers, Director of Programs
mmeyers@ispretreats.org

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Events

Winter Walk February 2026: Over 200 people came out to support WinterWalk 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. Winter Walk 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.

Loyola University Chicago October 2026: As part of our partnership with Loyola University Chicago, ISP Chicago volunteers Queen and Carol Ann introduced ISP’s mission to Loyola’s Damen Legacy Fellows, a cohort-based formation program for faculty and staff. Queen also shared her story and the impact ISP has had on her life before joining Carol Ann to lead the Fellows through ISP’s Fear vs. Trust exercise. The gathering is one example of how ISP can create meaningful educational experiences for students, faculty, and staff, and we are grateful for the opportunity!

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. Let’s do more together!

150+

overnight retreats

7000+

spiritual reflection participants

35+

current volunteers

ISP Chicago

Since 1998

SOCIAL MEDIA