Closing Walk Celebration
Saturday, August 23, 2025
We’re closing out this year's Rush Walk for Wellness program with a celebration you won’t want to miss — complete with prizes, food and maybe even a few surprises. This event is free and open to everyone.
Join us for a community walk, connect with others and explore health and wellness activities and resources designed to help you thrive year-round. Sign up today and let us know you’ll be there!
Event details
Date: Saturday, August 23
Check-in opens: 9:30 a.m.
Walk begins: 10:00 a.m.
Two locations, one event
- Chicago area: Garfield Park Field House
100 N. Central Park Ave.
Chicago, IL 60624 - Aurora: Church Road Park
1600 Church Road
Aurora, IL 60505
Featured partners
| Partner | Category | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Danie’s Natural Juice Blends | 100% natural cold-pressed fruit juices | Garfield Park |
| Equal Hope | Resources for free breast and reproductive screenings, support for cancer patients and more | Garfield Park |
| CheSa's Gourmet Food Truck | Healthy wraps and smoothies | Garfield Park |
| YMCA Metro Chicago | Wellness activities and resources | Garfield Park |
| The Encompassing Center | Mental health resources | Garfield Park |
| Soulful Hands Home Care | Information on home care for older adults | Garfield Park |
| Rite to Wellness | Sankofa Wellness Center updates, giveaways, and more! | Garfield Park |
The Rush Walk for Wellness is a seven-week summer program designed to inspire people of all ages and abilities to stay active and informed through weekly walks and engaging events both in person and online. Join us as we connect with neighbors, health and wellness experts and community organizations.
Program highlights
Walk and Learns
Every Wednesday at noon through August 20, 2025
Tune in weekly to learn about the health and wellness topics that impact your life the most. Each week, Rush experts will share important evidence-based information and practical information tips to keep you and your loved ones healthy. We encourage listeners to walk or move while you listen and learn.
- Featured Walk and Learn sessions
- Eating for Wellness: How Diet Impacts Health with Yolanda Cartwright, PhD, MS, RD
Walk and Learn with clinical dietitian and researcher Dr. Yolanda Cartwright as she guides us through everyday nutrition tips that make a big difference. - Sleep Smarter: Unlocking Your Best Sleep with James Rowley, MD
Walk and Learn with pulmonologist and sleep expert James Rowley, MD, showing us how to build a sleep routine designed to take us from restless to rested. - The Importance of Mind-Body Connection with Zinal Agnihotri, LCSW
Walk and Learn with Licensed Clinical Social Worker Zinal Agnihotri as she guides us through how the mind-body connection plays a vital role in our overall well-being.
- Eating for Wellness: How Diet Impacts Health with Yolanda Cartwright, PhD, MS, RD
Community Walks
Saturdays through August 16, 2025
Community walks are designed for us to get off screens and come together for a healthy and fun activity right in your neighborhood.
Below you’ll find a list of participating neighborhoods, along with key details to help you meet up with your local team.
- Aurora
Walk time: 7:00 a.m.
Meeting spot: Waubonsie Creek Trail (Eola Public Library parking lot)
Team leader: Ulka Nagarkar - Evergreen Park
Walk time: 10:00 a.m.
Meeting spot: Yukich Fields (89th St. and Kedzie Ave.
Team leader: Karina Fierro - Garfield Park
Walk time: 9:00 a.m.
Meeting spot: Various locations - check the event page
Team leader: Greg Matthews - Humboldt Park
Walk time: 8:00 a.m.
Meeting spot: North Ave. and California Ave.
Team leader: Betty Dominguez - North Lawndale
Walk time: 9:30 a.m.
Meeting spot: McCormick YMCA (1834 N. Lawndale Ave.)
Team leader: Sarah Lemley - Oak Park
Walk time: 8:45 a.m.
Meeting spot: Barrie Park (1011 S. Lombard Ave.)
Team leader: Wanda Ball Turner - West Humboldt Park
Walk time: 9:00 a.m.
Meeting spot: Kelly Hall YMCA (824 N. Hamlin Ave.)
Team leader: Jarita Hern
Frequently asked questions
Anyone of any age or ability is encouraged to participate in the Rush Walk for Wellness. For more information or accommodations please email us at Walk4Wellness@rush.edu.
There is no cost to participate in the Rush Walk for Wellness or attend any of the events. T-shirts will be provided on a first come first served basis while supplies last.
Registration is available online. You only need to register once.
Community Walks will be led by walk ambassadors who will lead the group on a route in their neighborhood. We will be updating registered walkers throughout the program through email for times and locations of the community walks.
Team leaders are our walk ambassadors. This is a volunteer position, and team leaders will schedule and lead their neighborhood walkers. Interested in becoming a team leader? Email us at Walk4Wellness@rush.edu.
You can support the program by:
- Sharing the program with friends and family
- Becoming a team leader
- Businesses and organizations: Fill out our Partner Interest Form
We would love to hear from you. The best way to contact us is through email at Walk4Wellness@rush.edu.
History of the Rush Walk for Wellness
The Rush Walk for Wellness, formerly known as the West Side Walk for Wellness, was founded in 2017 by a first-year medical student at Rush University Medical Center – in collaboration with a local faith leader who was part of program at Rush focused on stress reduction, improved nutrition, and increased physical activity for pastors.
Over the years, the program has expanded to include all of Chicago and surrounding suburbs and has evolved to include both virtual and in-person events rooted in community, equity and the belief that everyone should get a chance to be healthy.