Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame

In memory of Coach Lou Holtz, we're sharing his Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame induction video from our Class of 2019. For over 3 decades, Coach Holtz led programs across the country, but it was his 11 seasons at Notre Dame from 1986 to 1996 where he truly made his mark, building champions and developing some of Chicagoland's finest. His 1988 Fighting Irish went a perfect 12–0, won the Fiesta Bowl, and claimed the consensus national championship. He is the only college football coach to lead six different programs to bowl games, a record that may never be broken. Rest in peace, Coach.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lou Holtz, one of the greatest college football coaches of all time. We are proud to have inducted Coach Holtz into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame as part of our Class of 2019, introduced by fellow inductee Dan Hampton (Class of 1998), who played under Holtz during his time at the University of Arkansas. It was a fitting tribute from one legend to another. Over 3 decades of remarkable coaching, Holtz became the only college football coach to lead six different programs to bowl games. His 1988 Notre Dame team went a perfect 12–0, capped by a Fiesta Bowl victory and a consensus national championship, a season that cemented his legacy forever. Beyond the wins and records, Coach Holtz had deep ties to the Chicago community and the players he shaped here. We were honored to welcome him into our Hall and to celebrate what he meant to this region. Rest well, Coach. The game is better because of you.

We mourn the passing of Mike Wagner, a four-time Super Bowl champion. We had the honor of inducting him to our hall as part of the Class of 2000. From his roots in Waukegan to becoming a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Steelers “Steel Curtain” defense, Wagner built a legacy defined by toughness, consistency, and heart. An 11th-round draft pick who recorded 36 career interceptions and helped deliver four Super Bowl titles to Pittsburgh, he embodied perseverance at every level of the game. His impact as a champion, mentor, and leader will never be forgotten.

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Wilbur Wood, a 1990 inductee into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame. One of the toughest and most beloved pitchers in White Sox history, Wilbur gave everything to the city of Chicago and helped shape the team's identity in the 1970s. His legacy as a workhorse, a knuckleball master, and a true professional lives on in the hearts of Sox fans and baseball lovers across the country. Our thoughts are with his family and all who were inspired by his remarkable career.

We are excited to share the sizzle reel from the 2025 Induction Ceremony! It was a wonderful night that brought together Chicago greats to celebrate what makes this the greatest sports city in the world. Enjoy reliving the celebration and we will see you at the Class of 2026 at the Rosemont Convention Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2026

Crane Kenney, President of Cubs Business Operations and a 2022 Hall of Fame inductee, joined us once again for the 2025 Induction Ceremony. It was an honor to have him back with us. His support, insight, and love for Chicago sports make him an invaluable part of our Hall of Fame family.

Sonny Parker, former NBA first-round pick and founder of the Sonny Parker Youth Foundation, accepted his Hall of Fame honor with the same heart and purpose that have shaped generations in Chicago. We were proud to welcome him into the Class of 2025.

Bobby Jenks helped seal the White Sox’s 2005 World Series title with his dominant presence on the mound. His wife Eleni and son Zeno accepted his award with pride. We were honored to induct him into the Class of 2025.

Charles “Peanut” Tillman, creator of the iconic “Peanut Punch” and 2013 Walter Payton Man of the Year, accepted his Hall of Fame honor with the same humility and heart that defined his legendary Bears career. We were proud to induct him into the Class of 2025.

Russell Maryland, three-time Super Bowl champion and first overall pick in the 1991 NFL Draft, accepted the George Connor Award at the 2025 Induction Ceremony. We were honored to welcome him home to Chicago and celebrate his remarkable career.

Mike Hartenstine, a key part of the legendary 1985 Bears and one of the franchise’s 100 Greatest Players, was honored as part of the Class of 2025. While recovering from surgery, his children Jill and Michael accepted the award on his behalf, sharing moving words about his impact on and off the field.

Ryan Dempster, two-time All-Star and 2013 World Series champion, accepted his Hall of Fame honor with the same wit and heart that made him a fan favorite in Chicago. We were proud to celebrate his incredible career as part of the Class of 2025.

We were proud to honor the lives and legacies of Hall of Fame members we’ve lost over the past year during our 2025 In Memoriam tribute at this year’s induction ceremony. Their impact on Chicago sports and our community will never be forgotten.

Dan McGrath, longtime Chicago Tribune sports editor and current president of Leo Catholic High School, accepted the Excellence in Media Award for a career spent shaping Chicago’s sports stories and futures. We were honored to celebrate his impact as part of the Class of 2025.

Tim Brosnan, former MLB Executive, accepted the Lifetime Contribution to Sports Award for a career that helped globalize baseball and reshape how fans experience the game. We were honored to celebrate his impact as part of the Class of 2025.

Alexandria Anderson, one of the most decorated sprinters in Illinois and NCAA history, accepted her Hall of Fame honor after representing Team USA on the world stage and setting lasting records at every level. We were proud to celebrate her remarkable journey as part of the Class of 2025.

Dave Bolland, Stanley Cup hero for the Chicago Blackhawks, accepted the Stan Mikita Award at this year's ceremony. We were honored to induct him into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025.

Brad Spencer, head coach of North Central College football, accepted the Ray Meyer Coaching Excellence Award after leading his team to two national championships. We were honored to celebrate his incredible journey and induct him into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025. @northcentralcol