Father Gregory Boyle, SJ: Founder and Director of LA's Homeboy Industries
Schedule
Fri Mar 06 2026 at 12:00 pm to 01:15 pm
UTC-06:00Location
Union League Club | Chicago, IL
About this Event
Cherished Belonging: The Healing Power of Love in Divided Times
In a world increasingly marked by division and discord, Jesuit priest Father Gregory Boyle offers a transformative vision of community and compassion. Over the past thirty years, Fr. Boyle has transformed tens of thousands of lives through his work as the founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang-intervention program in the world. The program runs on two unwavering principles: We are all inherently good (no exceptions) and we belong to each other (no exceptions). Fr. Boyle believes that these two ideas allow all of us to cultivate a new way of seeing the world. Rather than the tribalism that excludes and punishes, this new narrative proposes a village that cherishes. With Homeboy Industries as a backdrop, this talk will explore the power of love to transform the disunity that currently keeps us from each other.
More ...
Father Gregory Boyle, a Jesuit priest, is the founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, the largest gang-intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in the world. Founded in 1988, Homeboy Industries employs and trains former gang members in a range of social enterprises, as well as provides critical services to thousands of individuals who walk through its doors every year seeking a better life.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Fr. Boyle served as pastor of Dolores Mission Church in Boyle Heights from 1986 to 1992. At that time, Dolores Mission was the poorest Catholic parish in Los Angeles that also had the highest concentration of gang activity in the city.
Fr. Boyle witnessed the devastating impact of gang violence on his community during the so-called “decade of death” that began in the late 1980s and peaked at 1,000 gang-related killings in 1992. In the face of law enforcement tactics and criminal justice policies of suppression and mass incarceration as the means to end gang violence, he along with parish and community members adopted what was a radical approach at the time: treat gang members as human beings. This commitment led to the founding of Homeboy Industries in 1988.
Reserve early. Reservations close Tuesday, March 3, 2026 @ 5 pm
The Speaker Luncheon Price per Ticket is as follows:
$55 for Members**
$65 for Non-Members**
$650 - Purchase of One Table (Seating for 10 People)**
(In order to help First Friday cover increasing expenses, a processing fee will be added to the price of your ticket(s) at checkout. Thank you)
**If you wish to purchase a Membership (starting at $75), please click
When checking out, you will be asked the following (required) questions:
- Any dietary requirements
- A group or person you wish to sit with (all attendees are assigned a seat)
- A request for a hearing assistance kit
For additional information please call (312.466.9610), email [email protected] or visit our website at
Thank You!
LUNCHEON LOCATION:
This luncheon will be held at The Union League Club - Lincoln Ballroom on the 6th floor at 65 West Jackson Blvd (1/2 block east of Clark). Upon entering the ULC, coat check is mandatory on the first floor (no charge) and you will be directed to the check-in location.
THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB DRESS CODE:
The Union League Club Dress Code is Smart Casual, a relaxed, well-dressed look which may include jeans with no visible rips or tears, denim, and collared shirts. Athletic wear, tennis shoes, t-shirts or hats are not permitted.
PARKING AT THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB:
Valet Parking is available at Union League's Federal Street Entrance (Union League Club's parking fee will apply; no discount to attendees).
Discounted parking as low as $15 for All First Friday Club Attendees is available through the in the South Loop Self Park, 318 S. Federal St, Chicago (self parking in the garage on the northwest corner of Federal and Van Buren). For information on this special offer, click the following link:
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:
The Club is just two blocks from the LaSalle Street Metra Station, six blocks from Union Metra Station and only blocks from every EL Station
Agenda
🕑: 11:15 AM - 01:15 PM
Doors open at 11:15am, 6th Floor, Lincoln Ballroom. Check-in on 1st Floor.
Info: Check-in is required on the First Floor for all attendees. Elevators are provided along with stairs to reach the 6th floor venue. Coat check, also located on the first floor, is required with no charge. Please note: the coat check line can be long dependent on other events taking place at the Union League Club.
🕑: 11:20 AM - 11:45 AM
Fr. Boyle Book Sales before & After Luncheon
Info: Fr. Greg Boyle will be available to sign books for a limited time in the Lincoln Ballroom, from 11:20 -11:45 am in the Lincoln ballroom on the 6th floor.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Welcome + Luncheon served
Info: Three course meal is provided. When registering, please specify any dietary restrictions for you and your guests plus any seating requests. Table assignments will be listed outside the Presidents Hall. First Friday board members will also be available to assist with seating.
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:10 PM
Speaker Introduced & Presentation
Info: Speaker will be introduced at 12:30 pm, followed by presentation
🕑: 01:10 PM - 01:15 PM
Final Announcements for Next Month's Speaker. Luncheon Ends!
Info: Tickets for the next month's speaker can be purchased before and after the luncheon at the welcome table, right outside the Lincoln Ballroom. Credit card and checks accepted.
Where is it happening?
Union League Club, 65 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
