Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs

Chicago is a military town with one of the most diverse veterans community and a rich military history from Navy Pier to Soldier Field. The Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs (MOVA) is dedicated to building on this history by enhancing services and engaging Chicago's diverse veteran community through increased collaboration with local organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector. MOVA is committed to improving the day-to-day experiences of our 65 thousand veterans and their family members who call Chicago home, including thousands of additional service members currently stationed in the city.

MOVA is supported by the Advisory Council on Veteran Affairs (ACVA), a 21-member council comprising subject matter experts. It is one of five advisory councils to the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR). Council members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. ACVA serves as a vital link between the community and City Government, aiding in policy development and public outreach.

Chicago is also home to numerous Congressionally chartered Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), some of which originated in the Chicagoland area, such as the Navy Club of USA and Polish Legion of American Veterans. Congressionally chartered VSOs are organizations that have been granted charters by Congress. Among the congressionally chartered VSOs in the Chicagoland area are, National Association of Black Veterans, Disabled American Veterans, VFW, American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of American and many more. Click here to see the full list of Congressionally Chartered VSOs.

The Chicago Park District hosted the 11th Annual Valor Games Midwest in August of this year. Valor Games Midwest is a three-day Paralympic sports competition for disabled veterans and wounded, ill, or injured service members. It serves as an introductory competition where athletes compete in various events such as discus, shot put, cycling, archery, powerlifting, indoor rowing, biathlon, and more.

As part of Valor Games Midwest, the Chicago Park District organized a Resource Fair at Soldier Field, featuring resources and information from over 30 organizations and agencies specializing in military-specific assistance. These services encompass areas such as education, employment, housing, legal support, disabilities, mental health, and family services. Below, you can find some photos from the event.