News
May 14, 2026
Since joining the JPMorganChase Corporate Challenge Series in 1992 with a tidy 1,200 participants, Chicago has seen its race grow into the largest single-night Corporate Challenge in the United States.
Much of its success is due to two basics in running a successful event—retaining long-time participants while also recruiting newcomers.
That was evident at the 43rd running of the JPMorganChase Corporate Challenge Chicago, which registered an impressive crowd of 18,710 participants from 500 companies. There were many familiar companies on the starting line and the post-race party within Grant Park, side-by-side with a healthy number of fresh faces.
Molex, a manufacturer of electronic, electrical, and fiber optic connectivity, has been a Corporate Challenge participant since the previous millennium. It is easy to understand why when you walk into the firm’s gym.
“On the Fitness Center walls at Molex is written ‘Health. Family. Work.,’ which defines our wellness culture,” said Angela Chiappetti, the team captain for Molex. “You need your health to be able to take care of your family and show up for work as your best self. That is why Molex has participated in the JPMorganChase Corporate Challenge Chicago for over 35 years. We look forward to this event every year as an opportunity to come together and be part of something bigger through physical activity.”
Asset management company Blue Owl registered for its first Corporate Challenge, and on first impression it does not appear it will be its last.
“I thought it would be a great way to get team members together, stay active, and give back to the community,” said Amit Kumra, team captain for Blue Owl. “We were all looking forward to this year’s event and events in the future!”
Grant Thornton, a multinational professional services firm, was also happily making its JPMorganChase Corporate Challenge Chicago debut.
“With Chicago as our Grant Thornton headquarters, participating in the Corporate Challenge felt like a natural fit,” said team captain Amy Vrtis. “Through our Fit & Wellness BRG in Chicagoland, which I help lead alongside some incredible colleagues, we’re always focused on what will energize and engage our people—and this was an easy yes. As our first year participating, we’re excited to make this our flagship BRG event across our Chicagoland offices and create a new way for our teams to come together”
The 10 largest companies in terms of participants at the 2026 Chicago event were event owner and operator JPMorganChase (1,658 participants), United Airlines (728), Medline Industries (270), Northern Trust (263), McDonald’s (252), Capital One (248), Molex (235), CME Group (230), Mars (219), and University of Chicago (219).
For United, the Corporate Challenge platform provided an opportunity for its employees to celebrate their own special milestone.
“This is a milestone year for United Airlines as we celebrate our 100th anniversary,” said Abigail Hellinga, the United team captain. “As Chicago’s hometown airline, there is no better event for Team United to come together in such a meaningful way. It is an event I look forward to every year, not only for the energy and camaraderie, but for the opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the organization while supporting our community."
“What makes (the Corporate Challenge) especially memorable is the mix of longtime participants, some with more than a decade of involvement, alongside those joining for the first time,” Hellinga continued. “This year marked our strongest turnout yet, with more than 700 participants. It is a powerful reflection of our people and the spirit that brings us together.”
The Corporate Challenge has an earned reputation for attracting participation from diverse industry groups. For example, a university overlooking Grant Park, also celebrating a significant timestamp in its history, made its Corporate Challenge debut on this night.
“This is National Louis University’s first year in the JPMorganChase Corporate Challenge, and our team of 50 is so proud to participate,” said Sarah-Anne Lanman, team captain for National Louis University. “We are running as a part of the university’s 140th anniversary celebration. This race is a perfect reflection of NLU’s legacy—we have been a part of moving the Chicago community forward since 1886. Personally, I am proud to run for a university that has stood the test of time, and I am honored to celebrate 140 years of impact alongside Chicago’s vibrant professional community.”
In the competition, there was proven excellence on display. Matt Centrowitz, the 2016 Summer Olympics gold medalist in the 1500 meters, defended his 2025 Corporate Challenge male individual title, covering the 3.5-mile course in 16:51. Brittany Alvarez, representing Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, was the female individual champion in 20:17. And Emily Alexander, representing Levy Restaurants, earned the non-binary individual crown with a time of 27:34. The average finish time for all participants—racers, joggers, and walkers—was 36:54 on a cool, dry evening.
For the first time, Association House was in the spotlight as the beneficiary of the JPMorganChase Corporate Challenge Chicago. Association House is a vibrant, inclusive home for people on a journey to live their fullest lives. For 126 years, The House has been cultivating and nurturing the growth of its community. It envisions a more inclusive society; one where each person fully participates—economically, politically, socially, and culturally—in their family, community, and society. The House knows the most urgent needs in a community frequently intersect, so it tackles instability in local neighborhoods head-on, offering programs in constant communication with each other.
The entire package of competition, camaraderie and teamwork is what has brought RWE Supply & Trading Americas to the Corporate Challenge starting line each of the last four years.
“As the JPMorganChase Corporate Challenge marks its 50th year, Team RWE is excited to participate with our strongest showing yet: 170 of our people coming together to walk, jog or run side-by-side with a shared purpose to generate impact,” said Dr. Ingmar Ritzenhofen, Chief Commercial Officer for RWE Supply & Trading Americas | RWE Americas. “The Corporate Challenge is a great opportunity for our people to connect with colleagues and contribute to events that directly support community connection and well-being—true teamwork in action!”
Chicago was the fourth stop in the 50th year of the JPMorganChase Corporate Challenge Series, and the events start coming fast and furious now. Rochester, New York (May 21) is next, followed in consecutive weeks by New York City (May 27-28), Frankfurt, Germany (June 3), and Buffalo, New York (June 11).