Last night, the 2025 Black Student-Athlete Summit kicked off with a powerful evening of community, conversation, and inspiration at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago—setting the tone for what will be a transformative four-day experience.
Ryan Clark, Super Bowl champion and ESPN analyst, served as featured speaker and guest of honor, delivering an electrifying keynote that challenged student-athletes to dream bigger, lead with purpose, and redefine success beyond the field. In a room filled with over 1,300 student-athletes and athletic department leaders from across the country, Clark’s words were a rallying call for ownership, identity, and the lifelong power of discipline.
Dr. Zaldwaynaka Scott, President of Chicago State University, opened the evening with welcoming remarks, acknowledging the importance of hosting the summit in Chicago and underscoring the university’s commitment to the advancement of Black student-athletes both academically and professionally.
Held at McCormick Place from May 21–24, the Black Student-Athlete Summit is the largest and most impactful gathering of its kind, focusing on academic excellence, mental health, financial literacy, and professional development. With over 1,300 student-athletes, young professionals, and industry leaders attending, the summit features events such as:
Career & Graduate School Fair
Elevate Experience Workshops
Morning Wellness Activities
Breakout & Plenary Sessions led by ESPN’s Jess Sims, retired NFL player Jeremy Hill, and more.
This week is more than a conference—it’s a cultural movement redefining how we support the 98% of Black student-athletes who won’t go pro, but are destined to lead in boardrooms, businesses, and their communities.