2026 Murph Challenge & Festival – Pre-Registration
Schedule
Sat May 16 2026 at 10:00 am to 05:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
Flames Field | Chicago, IL
About this Event
The Murph Challenge & Festival is Esprit Wellness Foundation’s signature annual event, honoring fallen service members through fitness, remembrance, and community action.
Inspired by the legendary Hero WOD created for Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy, this full-day Memorial Day experience brings together veterans, students, ROTC cadets, families, and supporters for a powerful day of movement and meaning.
This is more than a workout — it’s a tradition.
What to Expect:
- 🏋️♂️ Official 2-Person Murph Challenge Format
- 🎤 Opening Ceremony + Moment of Silence + Local Hero Recognition
- 🎧 Live DJ and Emcee Throughout
- 📽️ Professional Media Coverage (Video + Photo)
- 🎪 10+ Local, Veteran-Owned, or Mission-Aligned Vendors
- 🍔 Food Trucks + Raffles + Swag Bags
- 🪖 ROTC and Military Involvement
- 🏅 Custom Challenge Coins + Athlete Giveaways
- 🎞️ Full Recap Video Showcasing Sponsors & Community Impact
Agenda
🕑: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Festival Launch
Info: Festival officially opens to public
Check-in station live
Music, vendors, food trucks, games, and raffles begin
Bounce house opens for families
Volunteer roles confirmed across all zones
Live social media story and welcome post
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Opening Ceremony
Info: Esprit opening remarks
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence for fallen service members
Honoring a nominated veteran or fallen hero
National Anthem
Group warm-up and movement prep
Murph rules and structure explained
Heat 1 teams announced
Heats of TBD based on sign ups
🕑: 12:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Murph Heats (Team of 2 Format)
Info: Heats begin promptly at 12:00 PM
Teams of 2 complete Murph workout in staggered waves
DJ/MC announces each heat
Timekeepers and judges track performance
Bounce house and obstacle zone stay active
Media captures footage throughout heats
Vendors and food trucks continue operating
Announcements shout out sponsors and top teams
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:15 PM
Final Heat + Awards Ceremony
Info: Final Murph heat begins
Score review and final tabulations
Top teams announced on main stage
Medals, prizes, and challenge coins awarded
Raffle winners announced
Group photo of all athletes, volunteers, and staff
Closing remarks by Esprit leadership
🕑: 04:15 PM - 05:00 PM
Community Hangout + Vendor Final Sales
Info: Final DJ set and casual hangout
Vendors and food trucks close out
Final sponsor shout-outs and social media posts
Volunteers assist with light takedown prep
Where is it happening?
Flames Field, 901 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
