The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will host an in-person Benefits and Resource fair in Chicago, Illinois. This event is for Veterans, service members, and their families.
Date: Monday, April 13, 2026
Time: 0820 – 1500 CDT (schedule of events below)
Location: University of Chicago David Rubenstein Forum 1201 E 60th St, Chicago, IL 60637
No DOD ID is required. Keep scrolling for more details and the opportunity to register for the event.
NO EARLY ADMISSION. REGISTRATION OPENS AT 0700.
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Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:
VA Serves the Entire Military Community
All Are Welcome
VA is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors. As such, our events are open to the entire military community- Veterans and transitioning Service members, their spouses, family members, caregivers, and survivors.
**No DOD ID is required for participation.**
Claims Clinic
WHAT IS A CLAIMS CLINIC?
The Claims Clinic provides an opportunity for Veterans and/or their dependents to engage with Regional Office staff to address questions regarding VA claims. For those with claims pending, the goal is to move the claim to the next stage of the claims processing cycle through engagement with VSRs or RVSRs as appropriate.
NOTE: you may be asked to bring documentation with you to your appointment.
PACT Act
Special presentation
VA’s Chicago Regional Office will present an overview of The Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. The PACT Act is a law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.
Immediately following Opening Ceremonies from 0930-1000 CDT.
State Veteran Benefits
special presentation
The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) will give a presentation on the unique benefits and services available to Illinois Veterans and their families. Learn about:
- Education
- Employment Resources
- Entrepreneurship
- Fishing and Hunting Permits
- Healthcare
- Survivor and Burial benefits
- Veterans’ Homes
- …and more.
CAREER FAIR
Bring Your Resume
CAREER READINESS AND VETERAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
- Small business information
- Job search
- Resume review
- Career planning guidance
- …plus information, answers, and support for starting your next career.
Be Prepared
career fair
Save time by registering for IllinoisJobLink.com (IJL) before you arrive at the Career Fair.
“There are 68,310 active jobs available through this platform. Utilizing this system prior to arrival will allow the attendees to receive the best possible service during the event and moving forward,” Illinois Department of Employment Security.
Visit IJL at the Career Fair, Benefits Fair and Resume Review table.
Schedule of Events
All times are Central TimeMonday – Apr 13Illinois Veterans Benefits & Resource Fair
08:20 – 08:25
Welcome and Housekeeping
MC, Mrs. Jennifer Burks, Office of Field Operations-National Contact Operations (OFO-NCO), VBA
08:25 – 08:30
Opening Ceremonies
Colors will be presented by the University of Chicago’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). The National Anthem will be performed by Ms. Deanna Love. Invocation by Rev. Conrad Washington, Director, VA Center for Faith
08:30 – 08:35
Opening Remarks
Ms. Donna Meyer-Hickel, Director, Chicago Regional Office, Veterans Benefits Administration
08:35 – 08:45
A Message From Our Sponsor
Dr. Paul Alivisatos, President, University of Chicago
08:45 – 08:55
Keynote Speaker
COL Todd S. Bertulis (Army-R) , Chicago native and recipient of the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and Bronze Star Medal. COL. Bertulis represents Illinois Veterans as well as the event’s sponsor, The Boeing Company.
08:55 – 09:10
National Re-entry Recognition Month Awards
In recognition of distinguished leadership, unwavering dedication, and exceptional service to those who have served. Donna Meyer-Hickel, Director, Chicago Regional Office and Dr. Terrell Odom, Director, Office for Military-affiliated Communities (OMAC), University of Chicago
09:10 – 09:15
Closing Remarks
Mr. Greg Sanchez, Assistant Director, Veterans Restorative Justice Project, Office of Military-affiliated Communities, University of Chicago
09:30 – 10:00
Presentation: Illinois State Benefits
Presented by Mr. Brandon Jagers, Veteran Service Officer, Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA). This presentation provides an overview of the IDVA, the role of Veteran Service Officers, and the state and federal benefits available to Illinois veterans and their families. Attendees will learn how Veteran Service Officers assist with VA claims and benefits, as well as gain insight into key programs including VA compensation, pension, health care, education, home loan benefits, and the five Illinois Veterans Homes operated by IDVA.
09:30 – 15:00
Veterans Benefits and Resource Fair
Up to 100 Veteran Service Organizations and resource providers will be on hand to assist Veterans and their families with benefits from VA and other agencies.
09:30 – 15:00
Veterans Career Fair
More than 20 Veteran-friendly employers will be in attendance ready to speak to job seekers about their open roles, company culture and application process.
09:30 – 15:00
Career Readiness and Veteran Entrepreneurship
VA’s Personalized Career Planning and Guidance Office and Veterans Employment & Readiness (VR&E), in partnership with the Illinois Department of Employment Security, VA Benefits Assistance Service, Hire Heroes USA, Small Business Administration, Veterans Business Project, and Task Force Management will offer Career Readiness and Entrepreneurship services. These include, but not limited to, small business information, job search and resume review, career planning guidance, and information, answers, and support for starting your next career.
09:30 – 15:00
Mobile Vet Center (MVC)
The MVC offers confidential help for Veterans, Service members, and their families at no cost in a non-medical setting. Services include counseling for needs such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST).
09:30 – 15:00
Mobile Medical Unit (MMU)/Homeless PACT Clinic (H-PACT) Jesse Brown VA Medical Center (JBVA)
Medically eligible VEH and those at risk or facing the likelihood of homelessness can receive care on the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center MMU, including those Veterans who are not currently engaged in the VA healthcare system and/or homeless programs. The MMU serves Veterans across all age-categories and military eras.
09:30 – 15:00
Mobile Disability Examination Office (MDEO)
The mission of the Medical Disability Examination Office is to honor Veterans’ service by partnering across the stakeholder community to ensure Veterans receive timely and high-quality disability examinations worldwide.
09:30 – 15:00
Claims Clinic
Make an appointment below- Chicago Regional Office and several national Veteran Service Organizations claims processors will assist Veterans and their families who have pre-scheduled an appointment for processing or checking on the status of a disability claim.
09:30 – 15:00
Immunization Clinic
For Veterans enrolled in VHA healthcare, Jesse Brown VAMC will provide the following vaccines: ♦ RSV | ♦ PCV21 | ♦ Tdap | ♦ HZV (this will require scheduling a second dose at the hospital)
09:30 – 15:00
Toxic Exposure Screening
For Veterans enrolled in VHA healthcare. Toxic Exposure screening is related to the PACT Act. Speak with a PACT Act representative from VHA, Jesse Brown VAMC and receive a quick toxic exposure assessment to determine the need for a toxic exposure screening. If required, an appointment will be made for a follow-up at the VAMC.
09:30 – 15:00
Wellness Clinic
UChicago Medicine will be providing a Wellness Clinic for our Veterans in attendance. The Wellness Clinic brings healthcare directly to our Veterans—meeting them where they are with practical screenings, education, and personalized guidance in a welcoming, accessible environment. Be sure to enroll in VHA healthcare if you have not already.
10:00 – 10:30
Presentation: “VA Center for Faith”
Presented by Rev. Conrad Washington, USMC (ret), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The mission of the VA Center for Faith (VA CF) is to engage, educate and inform faith-based and community organizations across the nation about VA tools and resources to better serve the Veterans, their families, survivors, caregivers and other beneficiaries within their organizations. Come and learn more about the VA Center for Faith, including monthly webinars, in-person outreach events, and VA CF’s initiative, how to start a “Veterans Support Group (VSG)”.
10:30 – 11:00
Presentation: “PACT Act”
Presented by Mr. Arturo Lemos, Public Contact Coach, Chicago Regional Office. The PACT Act is a law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.
11:00 – 11:45
Workshop: “New Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) Overview”
Presented by Mr. Keith Murphy, Illinois Director, Veterans Business Outreach Center powered by SBA. The VBOC program is designed to provide no cost entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling, resource partner referrals and assistance with access to capital to service members, veterans, Guard and Reserve members and military spouses, interested in starting or growing a small business.
11:45 – 12:30
Workshop: “Networking That Works: Finding Purpose Through Connection”
Presented by Mr. Scott Raether, Career Branding Coach, CareerCultivated. Networking That Works helps veterans and career-focused professionals turn conversations into opportunity. This workshop reframes networking as relationship-building rather than self-promotion. Participants will learn how visibility, trust, and consistency open doors to mentorship, referrals, and career growth.
12:30 – 13:15
Workshop: “Helping Veterans Get Banked and Manage Their Money”
Presented by Mr. Michael Ewald, Assistant Director, Veterans’ Benefits Banking Program, VBA The Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP) is a partnership between VA and the Association of Military Banks of America (AMBA) designed to get Veterans and beneficiaries to receive their benefits via direct deposit with a low or no cost bank account with one of our over 140 financial institutions. It has also expanded to include free financial counseling and free financial education.
13:15 – 14:00
Workshop: “Financial Well-being for Veterans”
Presented by Dr. Eric Elbogen, Program Director, National Veterans Financial Resource Center (FINVET). This presentation will review links between financial and mental health, provide strategies for Veterans to improve their financial decision-making, and connect Veterans to resources and education to improve their financial well-being.
14:00 – 14:45
Workshop: “VBA 101 and Office for Military-affiliated Communities”
Presented by Mr. Kevin Howell, Homeless & Justice Involved Veterans Outreach Coordinator, Chicago Regional Office and Mr. Greg Sanchez, Assistant Director, Veterans Restorative Justice Project (VJRP), University of Chicago Office for Military-affiliated Communities (OMAC). This is a collaboration between VA’s Homeless/Justice-involved Veteran Outreach Program and the VJRP, housed within the University of Chicago’s OMAC. The VRJP partners with the Circuit Court of Cook County Veterans Treatment Courts (VTCs) to support justice-involved Veterans. This joint presentation will examine how Veterans enter the criminal justice system, the intensive treatment and supervision provided through VTCs, and the courts’ commitment to rehabilitation over incarceration. Additionally, subject matter experts will provide an overview of VA benefits and services, explain what happens to VA benefits if a Veteran is incarcerated and discuss VBA’s Homeless Veteran Outreach Program. Attendees will leave informed about local impact and inspired to consider serving as veteran mentors to strengthen accountability, restoration, and long-term success.
Continue to the next section to make an appointment with a Disability Claims Processor.
Note: Limited walk-ins will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are not able to schedule a 1-on-1 appointment, please join us at the Benefits and Resource Fair where you can speak with more than 80 resource providers and employers. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about various VA benefits and other resources available for Veterans and their families.
