Welcome to the Next Gen Leadership Institute
Welcome to the Next Gen Leadership Institute
You are about to embark on a journey that will deepen your knowledge of yourself, your leadership style, your family, and your business.
Upcoming Events
We invite you to visit our upcoming events calendar and consider joining a Family Business Center event or two before the Opening Retreat.
Opening Retreat
Mark your calendar for October 2-3, 2026, Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook
The program kicks off with a dynamic opening retreat featuring in-class sessions, outdoor individual and team exercises, and opportunities for individual and team development. The retreat fosters peer connections and facilitates confidential discussions. The program starts at 8:30 a.m. on Friday and concludes at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Dress code for the weekend is casual.
Retreat Location
The Hyatt Lodge
2815 Jorie Boulevard Oak Brook, IL 60523
Retreat Housing
We have secured a special NGLI rate of $199 per night at the Hyatt. Please make you reservation here by September 11, 2026
If you’re traveling a significant distance, we recommend arriving at the Hyatt on Thursday so you’re settled and ready for our 8:30 a.m. start on Friday. Since Friday evening includes a group dinner that will run later, we also encourage you to stay at the Hyatt Friday night so you can fully engage in the experience and avoid late travel.
Retreat Objectives
- Establish a strong group foundation
- Give a basic overview of the curriculum for the next 18months
- Provide a baseline of knowledge about family business leadership
Retreat Overview
- What to Wear: The dress code for the weekend is casual. Please bring athletic wear and a light jacket, in case of rain, for Saturday’s activities on the challenge course.
- Friday Kick-Off: The retreat starts at 8:30am on Friday, October 2, 2026 in the Forestview room. Breakfast and coffee will be waiting for you. Please bring any luggage to the Forestview room upon arrival, as you’ll be able to check into your room in the afternoon.
- Introductions: On Friday, please be prepared to share a 3-5-minute introduction of yourself and your family business to the peer group that will accompany you on this journey. This group will become your sounding board, confidants, and friends over the course of NGLI.
- Gifts from Your Family Business: To add a creative touch to introductions, we encourage you to bring a small “gift” (15 items) that represents your family business. This could be a physical product, a sample, or something that showcases the service you offer (e.g., tools, food samples, pens, or other branded items – just to name a few). These will be shared with your peers, faculty and staff as a fun way to get acquainted.
- Saturday’s Challenge Course: On Saturday, we will head to the challenge course after breakfast. The course is located at Lincoln Marsh Natural Area within the Wheaton Park District, Wheaton, IL 60187. All participants must complete and sign two waivers: Wheaton Park District Waiver and Corporate Learning Institute Participant Waiver. Please download and bring the completed waivers with you to the retreat. Please review this list of important information for challenge course participants and parking and driving instructions.
Retreat Checklist
- Prepare a 3–5-minute introduction of you and your business
- Bring 15 introductory gifts representing your family business
- Pack athletic/fitness clothing for challenge course (Saturday)
- Review and sign the following and bring them to the Opening Retreat:
- Complete the online Photo Release Form
- Attend office hours with prospective NGLI coaches
Questions?
If you have any questions about the Next Gen Leadership Institute or the opening retreat, please don’t hesitate to contact fbc@luc.edu.
Important dates and deadlines
September 11, 2026
Deadline to book your room at the Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook (opening retreat)
Date TBD
Virtual Meet 'n Greet
October 2-3, 2026
Opening Retreat at the Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook
Your Commitment
A $1,000 deposit is required to secure your spot in the class. An invoice will be sent shortly after your application is processed. Payment will confirm your spot in the class and will be applied to the total cost of NGLI. Please note the deposit is non-refundable.
Upcoming Events
We invite you to visit our upcoming events calendar and consider joining a Family Business Center event or two before the Opening Retreat.
Virtual Meet ‘n Greet
A virtual meet ‘n greet (via Zoom) will be scheduled within a month of the kick-off retreat. The date will be posted here once available.
Opening Retreat
Mark your calendar for October 2-3, 2026, Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook
The program kicks off with a dynamic opening retreat featuring in-class sessions, outdoor individual and team exercises, and opportunities for individual and team development. The retreat fosters peer connections and facilitates confidential discussions. The program starts at 8:30 a.m. on Friday and concludes at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Dress code for the weekend is casual.
Retreat Location
The Hyatt Lodge
2815 Jorie Boulevard Oak Brook, IL 60523
Retreat Housing
We have secured a special NGLI rate of $199 per night at the Hyatt. Please make you reservation here by September 11, 2026
If you’re traveling a significant distance, we recommend arriving at the Hyatt on Thursday so you’re settled and ready for our 8:30 a.m. start on Friday. Since Friday evening includes a group dinner that will run later, we also encourage you to stay at the Hyatt Friday night so you can fully engage in the experience and avoid late travel.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the Next Gen Leadership Institute or the opening retreat, please don’t hesitate to contact fbc@luc.edu.