Chicago Marines

06/13/2026

This is where it starts! RS Chicago All Hands Pool Function

06/08/2026

Over the weekend RS Chicago had the pleasure of promoting now Gunnery Sergeant Noemi Cortez. Through hard work, dedication to the Marines to her left and right, and devotion to the Marines Corps. Gunny Sergeant Cortez has shown she has what it takes to lead Marines.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Noemi Cortez, Marine Corps Recruiting Station Chicago, receives her promotion warrant during her promotion ceremony at Cloud Gate, Chicago, Illinois, June 6, 2026. This promotion recognized Cortez for her great discipline, hard work, leadership skills and dedication to mission accomplishment. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Staff Sgt. Dalton J. Payne)

05/29/2026

The Tiltrotor aircraft turned 38 this month.

On May 23, 1988 the V-22 Osprey, the world's first production tilt-rotor aircraft, made its debut at Bell Helicopter Textron's Arlington, Texas, facility.

Now it’s one of the primary aircraft of the Marine Corps.

Videos by Gunnery Sgt. Kassie McDole and Staff Sgt. Alexander Henninger

05/25/2026

Memorial Day, we remember those who gave the last full measure of devotion. May we never forget the courage, sacrifice, and love of country carried by those who gave everything for the freedoms we hold today. We carry your legacy, your sacrifice, your names, with us. You will never be forgotten.

“We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow, this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us, that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Abraham Lincoln
November 19, 1863

05/15/2026

Living by the core values of the Marine Corps: honor, courage, and commitment.

A Downers Grove South graduate and member of the Marine Corp stepped up to assist a man he met during a snow storm

05/09/2026

Rolling into this NROTC season with an incredible group of young men and women.

First to be awarded: Barbara Schuessler, soon to be Downers Grove South High School graduate, 2026 NROTC recipient, but most importantly a future Marine Corps Officer.

Congratulations and Semper Fidelis!

05/01/2026

Finish the phrase:
“One Mind, ___ ______“

U.S. Marine Corps students with Martial Arts Instructor course 74-26 engage in a sparring match during the MAI course free sparring event on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, April 29, 2026. Squads implemented techniques learned throughout the MAI course by engaging in head-to-head combat, utilizing various weapons as part of the curriculum to become MAI’s. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Sgt. Chancellor Reynolds)

03/31/2026

The second week of March, Chicagoland had some visitors from San Diego. These visitors were the brass band from Marine Corps Band San Diego that we call “Hot Brass”. These talented musicians shared their love of music and performing with local high schools and universities.

If you are interested in performing as your career, visit the link in our bio.

If you are a local band director interested in having one of our many talented band ensembles perform at your school, send us a DM and we can get you on the schedule during the next Chicago Band Tour.



U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Band San Diego perform at Marian Catholic High School, Chicago Heights, Illinois, on March 10, 2026. Marine Corps Band San Diego, brass ensemble “Hot Brass”, toured the Chicagoland area playing at various venues and schools. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Dalton J. Payne)