At The Chicago Strategist Club, we all agree on one principle: “Great minds proceed by art, others by chance.”

As scholars, you recognize that historical evidence shows prosperity follows when great minds, despite holding diverse opinions, pursue the same goal; in contrast, discord arises otherwise.

In America, as elsewhere, History tends to repeat itself. Periods of polarization—from the ideological battles of Adams and Jefferson to the assassinations of politicians and public figures- have given rise to America's greatest minds, who “proceed by art.”

When I founded The Chicago Strategist Club, I envisioned the role of a “Chicago Strategist” as one who recognizes that civil discourse—even across the full spectrum of political perspectives—can produce exceptional outcomes when guided by a thoughtful strategy.

We are not responsible for the country we have inherited, but we will be held accountable for the direction we choose to take it.

History may not recall your mundane comments, but you will remember the regrets of unfulfilled potential embodied in your “what ifs.” What if I had surrounded myself with great, successful individuals and spoken my mind? The Chicago Strategist Club is the road to become what you will be.

If you do not proceed by chance, now is your chance to proceed by art.