CHICAGO, March 19, 2026 — Thousands of participants from across the region will gather October 3 at Montrose Harbor for the nation’s largest suicide prevention event: the Out of the Darkness (OOTD) Chicagoland Walk. Hosted by the Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), this powerful annual event serves as a beacon of hope for those affected by suicide and is a vital fundraiser for life-saving research and education. This year, the Presenting Sponsor is Happiness Project.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among Illinois residents for ages 15 through 34; it is the fourth leading cause of death for people from 35 through 54 years of age.
“Each year, the Chicagoland Walk reminds us that no one has to face their mental health journey alone,” said Angela Cummings, AFSP Illinois Executive Director. “By coming together at Montrose Harbor, we aren’t just walking. We are building a culture that prioritizes mental health and honors those we’ve lost with action and hope. This community is the heartbeat of our mission to reduce the annual suicide rate.”
Chicagoland Out of the Darkness Walk Details
The three-mile walk features a resource and programs tent, loss survivors’ tent, the “Why We Walk” Wall to honor loved ones lost, and the signature AFSP honor beads: colored strands that allow participants to identify their personal connection to the cause.
- Date: October 3, 2026
- Location: Montrose Harbor, 601 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL
- Check-In: 9:00 AM (CDT)
- Event Start: 10:30 AM (CDT)
- Registration/Donations: www.afsp.org/Chicago
Community & Media Support
Happiness Project is a mission-driven clothing brand to fight mental health stigma and support suicide prevention aligns perfectly with AFSP’s goals.
“Working with AFSP Chicago has been an incredible opportunity. Our goal with Happiness Project is to break the stigma behind mental health, and there is no better partner to do so with than the incredible group at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention,” said Mike Jones, Co-Founder/CMO of Happiness Project. “We want to make it ‘cool’ to talk about your feelings, especially for the next generation. I love to say, when you break a bone, you let everyone know, tell people to sign your cast, etc. The same should be done with your mental health. Mental health, physical health—it’s all your health, and you are not alone, no matter what you are going through.”
The 2026 event will be emceed by Stefan Holt, anchor for NBC 5 Chicago, which serves as a media partner. Other media partners will be announced soon.
How to Get Involved: Register, Create a Team, Raise Funds, Donate
AFSP Illinois is calling on the community to help reach a fundraising milestone of $1 million. Funds raised at the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk directly support research, advocacy efforts, and educational programs in schools, workplaces, and communities across Illinois and throughout the country. There is no fee to register.
- Register: Sign up as an individual walker to show your support.
- Form a Team: Gather friends, family, or coworkers to walk together in solidarity.
- Donate: If you cannot attend, you can still make a difference by donating at www.chicagowalk.org/Donate.
To find a community walk nationwide, check www.afsp.org/Walks. To find a local Illinois community walk, check www.afsp.org/ILTogether