UnCommon Core sessions are a signature part of Alumni Weekend, designed to deliver a captivating intellectual experience that reconnects you with the thrill of academic discovery and campus debate. These thought-provoking sessions reimmerse you in the best of the classroom experience, featuring engaging discussions of relevant and intriguing topics led by distinguished faculty, esteemed administrators, and notable alumni. Whether the subject is cutting-edge research, current events, or exploring new advancements across diverse fields, the sessions are curated to connect you to big ideas, bold thinkers, and your UChicago roots. A full schedule of all topics is available on site during the weekend.

Missing trivia nights at the Pub? You won’t want to miss this! Join fellow alumni for some fierce competition and tough questions. Prizes will be awarded to the winning team.

UnCommon Core sessions are a signature part of Alumni Weekend, designed to deliver a captivating intellectual experience that reconnects you with the thrill of academic discovery and campus debate. These thought-provoking sessions reimmerse you in the best of the classroom experience, featuring engaging discussions of relevant and intriguing topics led by distinguished faculty, esteemed administrators, and notable alumni. Whether the subject is cutting-edge research, current events, or exploring new advancements across diverse fields, the sessions are curated to connect you to big ideas, bold thinkers, and your UChicago roots. A full schedule of all topics is available on site during the weekend.

UnCommon Tours offer unique, engaging experiences beyond typical campus tours, focusing on deep dives into campus history; hidden gems; cutting-edge University developments, such as research or new facilities; or themed explorations, such as architectural visits or remodeled spaces. UnCommon Tours invite the alumni community to be part of the ongoing campus adventure. A full campus tour schedule is available in Ida Noyes Hall. Please note: Tours are first come, first served.

Join the Biological Sciences Division and the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering for a fascinating lecture highlighting UChicago’s Cellular Adaptation Lab, where a multidisciplinary team is uncovering how cells respond and adapt over time—from split-second changes inside the cell to genetic shifts that last for generations. Discover how this cutting-edge research aims to transform our understanding of aging, cancer, neurodegeneration, and cellular stress responses linked to climate change.

Tour the Rockefeller Chapel Carillon Tower for an up-close view of a campus treasure. Walk the catwalks in the chapel’s attic, visit the tower’s mechanical room to see the electropneumatic hour chime machine, experience the largest bell (37,000 pounds of bronze) up close, witness a demonstration of how the carillon is played, and visit the roof for a 360-degree view of Chicago. The 271-step spiral staircase is taken at a leisurely pace and is not recommended for anyone who may be afraid of heights or claustrophobic. Children are welcome if they can make it up the stairs and are accompanied by an adult.

Chicago Studies and its many partners make it easy to explore the city—and understand it better—on an architectural walking tour of UChicago’s original campus. In the 1890s, the institution’s founders had a novel idea: a university that was not merely in but also for the young city of Chicago. Learn how that vision is expressed in the historic buildings and landscapes of what is now known as the Main Quad. Please arrive by 9:15 a.m. to pick up audio aids and make introductions. This tour involves about one mile of walking with frequent stops.

Drop in to Joseph Bond Chapel for a time of reflection, and remember members of the University community who have passed away this year. This time and space is open to any member of the University community to sit, write, and reflect.

Experience the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (ISAC) on an hour-long tour of the galleries led by current UChicago student museum educators.

Discover the house Frank Lloyd Wright himself described as “a cornerstone of modern architecture” on this guided tour of the residence. Inspired by the expansive landscape of the Midwestern prairie, Wright’s Robie House is the most famous of his groundbreaking Prairie style houses. Completed in 1910, the house is recognized today as one of the most important buildings of the 20th century. It is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Please meet at Robie House at 10:00 a.m. to begin the tour.

Join undergraduate students from the Office of College Admissions for a guided tour of campus. They’ll highlight important places and share stories about their social and academic experiences as current UChicago students. Bring your questions and get ready to reconnect with the places that shaped your journey at UChicago. Check-in will take place at the information desk in the Ida Noyes Hall Main Lobby.

Discover the house Frank Lloyd Wright himself described as “a cornerstone of modern architecture” on this guided tour of the residence. Inspired by the expansive landscape of the Midwestern prairie, Wright’s Robie House is the most famous of his groundbreaking Prairie style houses. Completed in 1910, the house is recognized today as one of the most important buildings of the 20th century. It is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Please meet at Robie House at 10:15 a.m. to begin the tour.

Join undergraduate students from the Office of College Admissions for a guided tour of campus exclusive to the Class of 1976. The undergraduate tour guides will highlight important places and share stories about their social and academic experiences as current UChicago students. Bring your questions and get ready to reconnect with the places that challenged, inspired, and transformed you. Check-in will take place at the information desk in the Ida Noyes Hall Main Lobby.

Join undergraduate students from the Office of College Admissions for a guided tour of campus exclusive to the Classes of 1975 and earlier. The undergraduate tour guides will highlight important places and share stories about their social and academic experiences as current UChicago students. Bring your questions and return to the classrooms, libraries, and courtyards that sparked a lifetime of learning. Check-in will take place at the information desk in the Ida Noyes Hall Main Lobby. 

Tour the Rockefeller Chapel Carillon Tower for an up-close view of a campus treasure. Walk the catwalks in the chapel’s attic, visit the tower’s mechanical room to see the electropneumatic hour chime machine, experience the largest bell (37,000 pounds of bronze) up close, witness a demonstration of how the carillon is played, and visit the roof for a 360-degree view of Chicago. The 271-step spiral staircase is taken at a leisurely pace and is not recommended for anyone who may be afraid of heights or claustrophobic. Children are welcome if they can make it up the stairs and are accompanied by an adult.

Chicago Studies and its many partners make it easy to explore the city—and understand it better. Students from Chicago Studies’ Chicago Urban Heritage Project will lead a walking tour delving into the past, present, and future of Woodlawn, home to UChicago’s South Campus and the new Obama Presidential Center. Learn what student research—examining historic maps and decades of community archives—reveals about this neighborhood’s proud heritage and dynamic future. Please arrive by 11:15 a.m. to receive audio aids and make introductions. This tour involves about two miles of walking with regular stops.

Was the complex and ultimately incomplete promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness ever realized in the United States, and what have been the cultural, legal, and economic factors that have held back progress? Or were those ideals always contested and partial—a struggle that continues in the vein of our founding? Sponsored by International House and the Institute of Politics, a panel discussion across disciplines and viewpoints will explore the nation’s values on its 250th anniversary. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. A light luncheon will be served at noon, and the program will begin at 12:30 p.m.

Over lunch and conversation, step into a space that has been a home away from home for many students over the years. Learn what’s new at the Center for Identity + Inclusion (which opened as “5710” in 2008) and contribute to a project with words of wisdom for graduating students.

Stop by the Alumni Beer Garden on the Main Quad to enjoy a laid-back afternoon filled with an assortment of brews and bites while reconnecting with friends. Special thanks to Great Lakes Brewing Company founder and owner Patrick Conway, AM’78, for his generous sponsorship this year. Must be 21 or older to attend; government-issued ID required for entry.

Can years of rigorous and specialized inquiry be synthesized into a compelling and accessible three-minute narrative? Twelve UChicago PhD students from across divisions will take on this formidable challenge and present their research with clarity, precision, and impact to a broad audience. A panel of judges will award a $1,000 grand prize; alumni will vote to determine the recipient of the $150 Alumni Choice Award. A celebratory reception with the contestants will follow the presentations from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the Pub.

How do we power human development without destroying the planet? Conor Carney, senior instructional professor of economics in the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth, leads this session, which will tackle the climate growth challenge through the lens of economics, exploring the trade-offs between energy access, climate action, and policy solutions in both developed and emerging economies.

Dollar Shake Day is a UChicago tradition and a sweet break from campus life—but this time it’s free! Come together with the University community to celebrate with tasty treats and good company. No dollar needed to grab your shake at the Ida Noyes pop-up.

Need some inspiration for your next adventure? Explore the world through guided tours with UChicago faculty and alumni. Connect with UChicago Alumni Travel tour operators to get a sneak peek at some of the destinations planned for 2027. Wine and small bites from around the world will be served.

UChicago alumni are invited to the Pub to reconnect with the life of the mind. Mini “rounds of inquiry” will keep the conversation flowing: Faculty will circulate among the tables for brief, informal chats. Grab a beverage, join the conversation, and reengage with your UChicago community.

Honor the 2026 Divinity School Alum of the Year award winner, Winnifred Fallers Sullivan, LAB’67, JD’76, PhD’93. She will deliver a lecture titled “Joan of Arc, Political Theology, and Law: Reflections on the View from Swift Hall.” An award reception will follow. This event is open to members of the Divinity School, alumni, and friends.

Join Dean Hale for a conversation about the College of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Celebrate your 50th Reunion by reminiscing about your days on campus and enjoying food and drinks with your classmates.

Celebrate your 45th Reunion by reminiscing about your days on campus and enjoying food and drinks with your classmates.

Celebrate your 40th Reunion by reminiscing about your days on campus and enjoying food and drinks with your classmates.

Join UCABA for an evening of connection, community, and fun! This mixer brings together alumni and students for great music, light bites, interactive games, and meaningful conversation. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, reconnect with familiar faces, or simply unwind with good vibes, this is the place to be. Come ready to mix, mingle, and celebrate the power of the UCABA community.

Celebrate your 35th Reunion by reminiscing about your days on campus and enjoying food and drinks with your classmates.

Celebrate your 30th Reunion by reminiscing about your days on campus and enjoying food and drinks with your classmates.

Celebrate your 25th Reunion by reminiscing about your days on campus and enjoying food and drinks with your classmates.

Celebrate your 20th Reunion by reminiscing about your days on campus and enjoying food and drinks with your classmates.

Celebrate your 15th Reunion by reminiscing about your days on campus and enjoying food and drinks with your classmates.

Celebrate your 10th Reunion by reminiscing about your days on campus and enjoying food and drinks with your classmates.

Celebrate your 5th Reunion by reminiscing about your days on campus and enjoying food and drinks with your classmates.

Celebrate your 1st Reunion by reminiscing about your days on campus and enjoying food and drinks with your classmates.

Join the alumni community as we transform the finals week tradition of Midnight (more recently, Late-Night) Breakfast into a full-blown party on the quad, with music, dancing, drinks, breakfast-inspired bites, and you. Don’t miss the fun in the festival tent!

UnCommon Core sessions are a signature part of Alumni Weekend, designed to deliver a captivating intellectual experience that reconnects you with the thrill of academic discovery and campus debate. These thought-provoking sessions reimmerse you in the best of the classroom experience, featuring engaging discussions of relevant and intriguing topics led by distinguished faculty, esteemed administrators, and notable alumni. Whether the subject is cutting-edge research, current events, or exploring new advancements across diverse fields, the sessions are curated to connect you to big ideas, bold thinkers, and your UChicago roots. A full schedule of all topics is available on site during the weekend.

UnCommon Tours offer unique, engaging experiences beyond typical campus tours, focusing on deep dives into campus history; hidden gems; cutting-edge University developments, such as research or new facilities; or themed explorations, such as architectural visits or remodeled spaces. UnCommon Tours invite the alumni community to be part of the ongoing campus adventure. A full campus tour schedule is available in Ida Noyes Hall. Please note: Tours are first come, first served.

Tour the Rockefeller Chapel Carillon Tower for an up-close view of a campus treasure. Walk the catwalks in the chapel’s attic, visit the tower’s mechanical room to see the electropneumatic hour chime machine, experience the largest bell (37,000 pounds of bronze) up close, witness a demonstration of how the carillon is played, and visit the roof for a 360-degree view of Chicago. The 271-step spiral staircase is taken at a leisurely pace and is not recommended for anyone who may be afraid of heights or claustrophobic. Children are welcome if they can make it up the stairs and are accompanied by an adult.

Begin your day with breakfast while reconnecting with fellow College alumni from the Class of 1976 and earlier, sharing cherished memories of the College and your remarkable journeys since graduation.

Chicago Studies and its many partners make it easy to explore the city—and understand it better—on an architectural walking tour of UChicago’s original campus. In the 1890s, the institution’s founders had a novel idea: a university that was not merely in but also for the young city of Chicago. Learn how that vision is expressed in the historic buildings and landscapes of what is now known as the Main Quad. Please arrive by 9:15 a.m. to receive audio aids and make introductions. This tour involves about one mile of walking with frequent stops.

Tour the Rockefeller Chapel Carillon Tower for an up-close view of a campus treasure. Walk the catwalks in the chapel’s attic, visit the tower’s mechanical room to see the electropneumatic hour chime machine, experience the largest bell (37,000 pounds of bronze) up close, witness a demonstration of how the carillon is played, and visit the roof for a 360-degree view of Chicago. The 271-step spiral staircase is taken at a leisurely pace and is not recommended for anyone who may be afraid of heights or claustrophobic. Children are welcome if they can make it up the stairs and are accompanied by an adult.

Discover the house Frank Lloyd Wright himself described as “a cornerstone of modern architecture” on this guided tour of the residence. Inspired by the expansive landscape of the Midwestern prairie, Wright’s Robie House is the most famous of his groundbreaking Prairie style houses. Completed in 1910, the house is recognized today as one of the most important buildings of the 20th century. It is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Please meet at Robie House at 10:00 a.m. to begin the tour.

Join undergraduate students from the Office of College Admissions for a guided tour of campus. They’ll highlight important places and share stories about their social and academic experiences as current UChicago students. Bring your questions and get ready to reconnect with the places that shaped your journey at UChicago. Check-in will take place at the information desk in the Ida Noyes Hall Main Lobby.

Discover the house Frank Lloyd Wright himself described as “a cornerstone of modern architecture” on this guided tour of the residence. Inspired by the expansive landscape of the Midwestern prairie, Wright’s Robie House is the most famous of his groundbreaking Prairie style houses. Completed in 1910, the house is recognized today as one of the most important buildings of the 20th century. It is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Please meet at Robie House at 10:15 a.m. to begin the tour.

Former members of the University of Chicago Guild of Carillonists return to perform a concert on the 72-bell Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial Carillon.

Gather on the quad for food, drinks, and entertainment for the whole family. Enjoy a kid-friendly space with games and activities for all ages. Reconnect with old friends and build new connections in a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere, complete with live bands playing your favorites and tours exploring campus spaces old and new.

This panel discussion of inequality will feature faculty from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy: Steven Durlauf, the Frank P. Hixon Distinguished Service Professor; Stephen Raudenbush, the Lewis-Sebring Distinguished Service Professor; and Lesley Turner, associate professor.

Join the Division of the Arts & Humanities at the first daytime instance of Night Owls, Agnes Callard’s wildly popular late-night philosophy discussion series. Callard, AB’97, associate professor of philosophy, will be joined by Professors Sianne Ngai and Matthew Jesse Jackson to tackle the philosophy of art, aesthetic categories, and the role of art in our individual and collective lives.

Chicago Studies and its many partners make it easy to explore the city—and understand it better. Students from Chicago Studies’ Chicago Urban Heritage Project will lead a walking tour delving into the past, present, and future of Woodlawn, home to UChicago’s South Campus and the new Obama Presidential Center. Learn what student research—examining historic maps and decades of community archives—reveals about this neighborhood’s proud heritage and dynamic future. Please arrive by 10:45 a.m. to receive audio aids and make introductions. This tour involves about two miles of walking with regular stops.

Experience the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (ISAC) on an hour-long tour of the galleries led by current UChicago student museum educators. On Saturday, the tour will be followed by drop-in activities for the Ancient Game Day family event. This is your chance to play games from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia!

Join International House for the annual Around the World wine tasting to mark the 93rd year of Welcoming the World, Championing Diversity. International alumni, International House staff, current graduate student fellows, and the Alumni Club of Chicago will cohost this year’s wine tasting. This time-honored reception will teach guests about wines from select regions across the globe while they enjoy food and music. Last call for this event will be at 1:15 p.m.

Separate ticket required ($25 per person). Attendees are encouraged to register in advance. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the door. Must be 21 or older to attend; government-issued ID required for entry.

Honor the 2026 UChicago MBSAA Distinguished Alumni and Service Award recipients during this special luncheon program. Open only to alumni of the Biological Sciences Division and the Pritzker School of Medicine.

Join President Paul Alivisatos, AB’81, and University Trustee Rebecca Jarvis, AB’03, chief business, technology, and economics correspondent for ABC News, for a conversation about how the University is advancing the mission of providing a transformative education, launching new fields, and creating knowledge that shapes the course of history.

Gather on the quad to celebrate the entire University community with an evening of food, drink, entertainment, and more.

Dip beneath the water’s surface and look nature in the eye at Shedd Aquarium. From beautiful belugas to colorful clownfish, diving dolphins to spectacular sea dragons, there’s so much to discover.

Aquarium tour tickets must be picked up during Alumni Weekend check-in/registration. Please stop by the Tours and Information Table in the Ida Noyes Hall lobby when you arrive on campus to collect your ticket. Aquarium tour tickets will be available for pickup during registration hours Thursday–Saturday.

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry offers world-class and uniquely interactive experiences that will inspire the inventive genius in everyone. Along with legacy exhibits like the Coal Mine, the U-505 Submarine, and Science Storms, the museum recently launched exciting new experiences, including the renovated Henry Crown Space Center—home to the awe-inspiring SpaceX Dragon spacecraft—and Griffin Studio, which currently displays Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell.

Griffin MSI tour tickets must be picked up during Alumni Weekend check-in/registration. Please stop by the Tours and Information Table in the Ida Noyes Hall lobby when you arrive on campus to collect your ticket. Griffin MSI tour tickets will be available for pickup during registration hours Thursday–Saturday.

Nuestras Historias (Our Histories) highlights the museum’s permanent collection to showcase the dynamic and diverse stories of Mexican identity in North America. The exhibition presents cultural identity as something that continually evolves across time, regions, and communities, rather than as a static, unchanging entity, and features ancient Mesoamerican and colonial artifacts, modern Mexican art, folk art, and contemporary works from both sides of the US-Mexico border. The vast diversity of Mexican identities demonstrated in these works defies the notion of one linear history and a singular identity.

Admission is free, but limited to 50 guests. No physical ticket is required, but please feel welcome to wear your Alumni Weekend badge to the museum for group identification.

Join UCABA Brunch, a signature Alumni Weekend gathering hosted by the University of Chicago Association of Black Alumni in partnership with Chicago Booth Black Alumni. This event brings together alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends for meaningful connections, celebration, and community building. Enjoy a delicious brunch while reconnecting with classmates, expanding your network, and celebrating the legacy and ongoing impact of Black alumni across generations and academic units. Whether you are returning to campus or engaging for the first time, the UCABA Brunch offers a welcoming space to build relationships and strengthen ties within the dynamic alumni community. This event is open to all alumni and friends.

Join fellow alumni for an architecture boat tour of Chicago. Be inspired by the captivating visual art of Chicago’s legendary architecture—and learn about the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing, dynamic legacy for all to enjoy and admire. This comprehensive tour will navigate through the heart of the city on all three branches of the Chicago River while your guide tells the story of more than 130 years of innovation in design, style, and technique and why it remains important today. Family-friendly! Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Attendees are advised to arrive by 10:15 a.m., 30 minutes prior to departure time. Please wear your Alumni Weekend badge for group identification. Fifty tickets are available. Additional information regarding ticket pickup will be emailed to registrants closer to the event date.

Join International House for Sunday brunch, and experience a vibrant celebration of global melodies at the world music performance. Journey across continents with UChicago a cappella groups as each vocal ensemble performs a unique piece from a different country, weaving a rich tapestry of sound and tradition. Tickets are required for entry, and guests are encouraged to secure tickets in advance. A limited number of tickets may be available for purchase at Alumni Weekend check-in/registration. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the door. Must be 21 or older to attend; government-issued ID required for entry.

Close out Alumni Weekend with breakfast while bidding a fond farewell to friends old and new. Open to College alumni who graduated in 2011 or later.

The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center was founded in 1961 by Margaret Burroughs, an educator, artist, and activist who lived in Chicago. This year, the museum celebrates the 65th anniversary of its founding. Enjoy not only permanent exhibits that celebrate and preserve African American history and culture, but also the new multi-installation, Paris in Black: Internationalism and the Black Renaissance. Throughout the museum, you will learn how Paris became a vital crossroads for Black American artists from the 1890s through the mid-20th century.

For entry, no physical ticket is required, but please wear your Alumni Weekend badge and present it to the ticket takers. Please note: No food, water, or backpacks are permitted in this space.