Chicago Football Classic Returns Sept. 2, Marking 25 Years of HBCU Culture

For Black College football in Chicago, the Chicago Football Classic is a tradition unlike any other. The storied game returns to Soldier Field on Sept. 2 after a 4-year hiatus.

The Labor Day weekend contest between Mississippi Valley State and Central State will mark the 25th anniversary of this HBCU football event. The game will serve as the culminating event in a week of activities throughout the city to highlight the enriching and enlightening culture of HBCUs. It’s what organizers call “HBCU Week in Chicago.”

And the activities will be in full effect.

There will be a softball game at Rainbow Beach, HBCU Day with the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field and a pep rally featuring a mini “Battle of the Bands” at Daley Plaza.

Other significant events in this historic week include a Greek Step Show at Chicago State University, an annual golf outing at Harborside, tailgating and a college & career fair/empowerment summit sponsored by BMO Bank.

Moreover, 20 new and returning students from the Chicagoland area will receive $350,000 in scholarship funds. There will also be a raffle for a Jeep Gladiator donated by presenting sponsor Sherman Dodge. The winner will be announced at the end of the game.

Proceeds from the raffle go toward the scholarships given out by the CFC Scholarship Fund.

If you can’t make it to Soldier Field to see the game in person, you can watch it on the go or from your couch.

The CFC was selected by Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group (AMG) free-streaming digital platform HBCU GO as its broadcast partner for the game, which will be aired live on WGN-TV.