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Join us in celebrating the California Golden Bear spirit at events in our region.
2026 EVENTS
CAL BEARS AND FRIENDS PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT
When: Saturday, May 30, 5-7 PM
Where: Big City Pickle Fulton Market, 170 N. Green St., Chicago
Meet fellow Bears for fun on the pickleball court! We will collect payment (less deposit) on the day of the tournament, with the anticipated cost ranging $15-30 per person, depending on the size of our party. Paddles available for rent on site for $5.
Please RSVP by May 15 using the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cal-alumni-pickleball-tournament-fulton-market-chicago-tickets-1987868357770
After RSVPing on EventBrite, please send a $15 deposit via Venmo to @NikitaGG
CAL RUGBY CAPS PERFECT SEASON WITH
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
On May 2nd Cal Men’s Rugby defeated the US Naval Academy in the D1A Collegiate Rugby Championship game, and alumni from around the Midwest were able to join in a CACC road trip to watch and celebrate. Check out this website regularly for more road trips and Cal-themed events in 2026 and beyond.
April 11- Cal vs San Diego 88-5 WIN
April 18- Cal vs BYU Quarterfinals 96-12 WIN
April 25- Cal vs. St. Mary’s Semifinals 59-19 WIN
May 2- National Championship at Kunz Stadium, Indianapolis, 36-22 WIN
LOOKING AHEAD TO MORE EVENTS IN 2026
Check this site and our newsletter (sign-up at the bottom of this page) for updates on more upcoming events in 2026, including:
June 6 - Cal at Cubs vs. SF Giants game at Wrigley Field.
July 19 - Summer Welcome Party for incoming Cal students, families and Cal alums at Sunrise Beach Lake Bluff, Ill.
July 27 - WBB Coach Charmin Smith in Chicago for Nike Tournament of Champions! Meet and greet with Cal alums downtown.
August 8 - Community service: Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary
CALL FOR ALUMNI TO READ
2026-27 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
The Cal Alumni Association is currently recruiting for The Achievement Award Program (TAAP) and The Leadership Award (TLA) volunteers. Volunteers can register to read scholarship applications or interview scholarship finalists.
All volunteer opportunities are virtual, so it is easy to get involved for the 2026 scholarship selection season. For any questions related to scholarship volunteers opportunities please reach out to scholarships@alumni.berkeley.edu. Please see links below to register:
Application Review Reading
Established in 1934, the Leadership Award (TLA) offers a multi-year scholarship. It supports visionary, innovative, and inspiring leaders who make a positive impact on their communities. Our scholars are known for their intellectual curiosity and creativity, demonstrating initiative and self-awareness.
For 2026-2027, incoming scholars can receive up to $11,600 and continuing students can receive up to $12,200. First-year students receive funding for up to 4 years and transfer students receive funding for up to 2 years. Students also receive workshops and programming to promote their personal, academic, and professional growth.
Eligibility Requirements:
Available to both incoming first-years and junior transfer students
Pell Grant Eligible
Be admitted and enrolled at UC Berkeley
Participate in a virtual interview interview in July 2026
Submit a Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) to UC Berkeley by May 1, 2026 (first years) or by June 1, 2026 (transfers)
APPLY HERE! Applications due by June 7, 2026
2026 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
The athletics department has announced the 2026 Cal Football schedule for fall. The Golden Bears are set for 12 matchups, including 7 games at California Memorial Stadium, as a new era begins under coach Tosh Lupoi. Top match-ups include UCLA, Clemson, Stanford, and Virginia Tech. We’ll have game watch parties in Chicago throughout the season so bookmark this page to keep your calendars updated for 2026 Cal football.
CAL ALUMNI CLUB OF CHICAGO T-SHIRTS FOR SALE
Show your Cal spirit in Chicago by purchasing a Cal Alumni Club of Chicago t-shirt for $35 plus shipping. Email calalumniassociationchicago@gmail.com for orders.
About
We are an officially chartered chapter of the California Alumni Association bringing together Cal alums form the greater Chicagoland area and surrounding Midwest states.
The Cal Alumni Club of Chicago organizes social activities, game watches and volunteer events for Alumni throughout the year. We also work with the University to coordinate and host a Summer Welcome Party for the new Midwest Cal students.
If you are interested in getting involved, sign-up for our events and please email us at calalumniassociationchicago<at>gmail.com. Sign-up for our monthly newsletter below.
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