2026 EVENTS

HAPPY HOUR WITH WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
COACH CHARMIN SMITH CANCELLED

July 27 HAPPY HOUR WITH WBB Coach Charmin Smith in Chicago CANCELLED due to unforeseen recruiting schedule changes.

‘From Cal Athletics: A special thank you to Cal Alumni Club of Chicago leadership, Leslie Behnke, Bill Hall, and Nelson Lin for their help in planning this event. We look forward to future opportunities to engage with our Cal Bears in Chicago this upcoming year - those include:

• Cal Men's Soccer at Notre Dame on Saturday, October 3

• Cal Volleyball at Notre Dame on Sunday, October 11

• Cal Men's Basketball will be playing at Notre Dame this season (date/time TBA) - (women's basketball likely will, too, but their ACC opponents have yet to be officially announced - stay tuned!)

Thank you for your understanding. Tim McLaughlin Cal Athletics welcomes connecting with you individually to provide a preview of the upcoming women's basketball season as well as our other fall sports if you would like to connect over Zoom. You can always book here.

PHOTOS FROM SUMMER WELCOME PARTY 2026

Unhealthy air quality from the Canadian wildfires prompted the CACC to move our annual SWP from the Lake Michigan beach indoors to the air-conditioned Lake Bluff Paddle Tennis Club on July 19.

The Chicago alums quickly transported and set up all the party goods, food and beverages and were ready to meet and greet the Cal students and their families from across Illinois. Alums networked with the parents and students over a light lunch. The students enjoyed sharing majors, dorm information and formed a group chat. Alums led a rousing chorus of the CAL FIGHT SONG and CALIFORNIA spell-out.

Students were gifted CAL swag bags containing Cal pins, pens, stickers, Cal new student guide and munchies. As an extra bonus for the indoor venue, we were able to watch the end of the World Cup Soccer finals. Everyone left with new Cal friends and the parents and students were invited to join the CACC network and participate in ongoing Cal Chicago activities.

 CAL ALUMS ATTEND CUBS-GIANTS GAME AT WRIGLEY FIELD

On June 6th, 21 members of the Cal Alumni Club of Chicago watched the Cubs beat the Giants in overtime at Wrigley Field. Cal’s Blue and Gold mixed in with the SF Giants Black and Orange.

A great time was had by one and all and CACC looks forward to organizing another Cubs Giants game at Wrigley in 2027.

START TIMES FOR FIRST FIVE FOOTBALL GAMES ANNOUNCED

The first five game times of the 2026 Cal Football season have officially been announced. The Bears will host UCLA on September 5 at 9:30 PM, and play Syracuse on Sept. 12 at 2:30 PM, Wagner on September 19 at 2:30 PM, and host a Friday night kickoff against Clemson on September 25 at 9:30 PM. All five of the first games of the season are listed in the photo at left. Plan on joining your fellow alums for Cal football watch parties throughout the 2026 season at: The Bad Apple Lincoln Park, 658 W. Belden Ave, Chicago.

Overall the Golden Bears are set for 12 matchups, including 7 games at California Memorial Stadium, as a new era begins under coach Tosh Lupoi. We’ll have game watch parties in Chicago throughout the season so bookmark this page to keep your calendars updated for 2026 Cal football and so you’ll know for which dates we’ll be gathering.

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.