Liberty Gala 2026

2025 Liberty Gala Ariel Shot

The 23rd Annual Pritzker Military Museum & Library Liberty Gala will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Chicago.

This year’s theme, Spirit of ’76: Birth of the Citizen Soldier, will honor the 2026 recipient of the Citizen Soldier Award.

The Liberty Gala is our premier event dedicated to honoring the profound legacy of the Citizen Soldier on a national stage. We invite you to join distinguished guests and local leaders for a night of elegance as we celebrate the courage of those who serve. This signature event blends formal tradition with a modern vision for the future of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library.

Building on decades of excellence, the Gala serves as our most significant fundraiser of the year. Your attendance directly supports our mission to preserve military history and share the stories of service members with the world. Join us for an unforgettable evening of fine dining and inspiring tributes that strengthen the bond between our military and the grateful public.

Details

Saturday, September 19, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Chicago

6:00 PM • Cocktail Reception
7:00 PM • Program Dinner
9:00 PM • After Party

Business formal, military full dress or class A uniform.

Make sure to book your room early here or by calling 312-567-1234 and using code 'PML2'.

Sponsorships

Partner with us for this year’s Gala. When you become a sponsor, you align your organization with a world-class institution and gain exclusive access to our top supporters. Most importantly, your generosity ensures that the vital stories of duty and sacrifice continue to be told. Contact Gala@pritzkermilitary.org today to find the perfect sponsorship level for your team.

Tickets

Formal invitations and individual ticket sales will be available soon. Group tickets are available now. Please contact us at gala@pritzkermilitary.org for more information.

We look forward to celebrating this special evening with you.

Gala Sponsorship Gala Donation Gala Tickets

2026 Citizen Soldier Award Recipient

General Stan McChrystal, USA (Ret.)

General Stan McChrystal is a transformative leader known for helping organizations tap into human potential to compete in a complex world. Following thirty-four years of service in the U.S. Army, including as commander of U.S. and International Security Assistance Forces Afghanistan and commander of the nation’s premier counter-terrorism force, General McChrystal delivers his unique blend of on-the-ground experience with decades of leadership to provide practical insight and wisdom to help organizations transform and succeed in challenging, dynamic environments.

2026 Founder's Award Recipients

Eden Juron Pearlman

Eden Juron Pearlman is a seasoned consultant focusing on the not-for-profit sector. She has broad experience in executive leadership and nonprofit strategy and enjoys serving the community through interim leadership and project management.

1LT David Pelizzon, USA (Ret.)

David Pelizzon is a retired US Army officer who served almost 30 years on active duty in airborne and special operations units. Since his retirement from active duty in 2003, he has worked as a manufacturing executive in the US and Asia. Prior to starting Squadron Capital Mr. Pelizzon was the Managing Director of Precision Edge Holdings, Colson Associates in Chicago.

CW5 Phyllis Wilson, USA (Ret.)

Phyllis Wilson served 37 years in the U.S. Army as a military intelligence officer and deployed to Iraq multiple times with the Joint Special Operations Command. Chief Warrant Officer Five Wilson was the most senior warrant officer in the Army Reserve, where she helped manage more than 200,000 personnel and an $8 billion budget.

Founder's Circle - $50,000

Two (2) tables with VIP seating for 16 guests, including 2 seats at an honoree table
On-site recognition of name and logo
Logo included in the invitation, e-blasts & website
Verbal acknowledgement during the program
Acknowledgement in press release, social media, and Gala email blasts
Exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the PMML for up to 10 people
Opportunity for a representative to give an introduction or welcome during the program

Liberty - $25,000

One (1) table with seating for 8 guests plus 2 military guests
On-site recognition of name and logo
Logo included in the invitation, e-blasts & website
Verbal acknowledgement during the program
Acknowledgement in press release, social media, and Gala email blasts
Exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the PMML for up to 10 people

Freedom - $12,500

One (1) table with seating for 8 guests plus 2 military guests
On-site recognition of name and logo
Logo included in the invitation, e-blasts & website link

Honor - $6,000

One (1) table with seating for 8 guests plus 2 military guests
On-site recognition of name and logo

Valor - $3,000

Seating for 4 guests
On-site recognition of name

Individual Ticket - $750

Contact Gala@pritzkermilitary.org for additional information.