CHICAGODEBATESHOWCASE
Live debates. Real skills. Chicago's most electrifying evening of ideas.
100% Free · All skill levels · An evening you won't forget
The Invitation
Come see what happens when a room full of Chicagoans decides to argue — the right way
Tired of hot takes and people shouting past each other? Us too. This evening is about something different — watching real people make real arguments, learning skills that actually work, and connecting with others who care about ideas.
The Chicago Debate Showcase is not an elite competition — it's an open invitation to experience live debate at its most exciting. Three exhibition matches, a hands-on workshop, and an evening you won't stop talking about.
For the Curious
Never debated? Perfect. Come watch the fireworks, learn the techniques, and leave thinking differently.
For Professionals
Level up the skills you already use — in meetings, negotiations, pitches, and everyday life.
For Educators & Students
See debate in action. Bring your classroom, your study group, or your most opinionated friends.
For Community Builders
Help launch a new kind of civic entertainment in Chicago. Sponsor, volunteer, or just show up.
Why Debate Matters Now
In a world of soundbites, structured argument is a radical act
We've Forgotten How to Disagree
Most arguments today end in unfollows, not understanding. Debate teaches us to disagree without destruction.
Ideas Deserve Stress-Testing
The best ideas survive scrutiny. Debate is the gym where reasoning gets stronger.
Listening is a Lost Art
In debate, you must listen to respond. Imagine if we brought that discipline to everyday conversation.
Democracy Needs This
Self-governance requires citizens who can evaluate arguments. Debate is civic infrastructure.
It's Actually Fun
Forget boring panels. Debate is fast, unpredictable, and genuinely entertaining. You'll be surprised.
Everyone Can Learn
You don't need a degree in rhetoric. The workshop teaches practical skills you'll use tomorrow.
“The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.”
Evening Format
Workshop, debates, and conversation—all in one evening
Interactive Workshop
45 minutes
Learn the fundamentals of winning arguments. Build a case, handle objections, and structure your reasoning. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned speaker, you'll walk away with tools you can use immediately.
Exhibition Debates
2-3 matches
2v2 team debates on topics relevant to Chicago—tech ethics, urban policy, startup culture, and more.
Flagship Debate
30 minutes
The main event: skilled debaters tackle a High-profile Chicago issue. Extended format with audience Q&A. The audience participates too — this isn't passive entertainment.
Evening Schedule
Friday, June 26, 2026 • Premier Chicago Innovation Space
Doors Open
Check-in, light refreshments, networking
Workshop: "How to Win Any Argument"
Interactive session on argument structure and persuasion techniques (45 min)
Exhibition Debate 1
Topic: Chicago tech/policy issue • Format: 2v2, 20 minutes
Intermission
Refreshments, sponsor activations, networking
Exhibition Debate 2
Topic: Audience-selected from options • Format: 2v2, 20 minutes
Flagship Debate
Topic: High-profile Chicago issue • Format: 2v2 extended, 30 minutes
Awards & Closing
Best Debater, Best Argument, Audience Favorite
Networking Reception
Connect with debaters, sponsors, and fellow attendees
Event Concludes
Thank you for joining us!
Schedule subject to minor adjustments. Debate topics announced 2 weeks before the event.
Be Part of It
Every seat filled is a vote for better discourse
Grab Your Seat
FREE · OPEN TO ALL
- Full evening access
- Workshop participation
- Watch all 3 debates
- Networking reception
- Light refreshments
- Vote for awards
No ticket needed — just you. Every person in the room makes this movement stronger.
This event is completely free thanks to our sponsors. RSVP helps us plan the evening. Can't make it? Let us know so someone else can join.
Become a Sponsor
Help bring this community together
The Chicago Debate Showcase is 100% free for attendees because of people like you. Your support keeps the doors open for anyone who wants to walk in, learn something, and be part of something new.
This isn't just branding — it's community building. Your name stands alongside an event that's bringing real conversation back to Chicago.
Gold
$2,500
- Logo on all event materials
- Logo on livestream
- 10 reserved tickets
- 2-minute speaking slot
- Premium booth space
- Social media spotlight
- Newsletter feature
Silver
$1,250
- Logo on event materials
- Logo on livestream
- 5 reserved tickets
- Standard booth space
- Social media mention
Bronze
$500
- Logo on event materials
- 2 reserved tickets
- Social media mention
Community
In-kind
- Venue partnership
- Catering partnership
- A/V equipment
- Media coverage
- Custom arrangement
Contact John Connor at john@superdebate.org
The Venue
A premier Chicago innovation space
Premier Chicago Innovation Space
VENUE ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON
We're finalizing partnership with one of Chicago's most exciting innovation venues. Expect a modern space designed for events, networking, and collaboration—perfectly suited for live debate events.
RSVP now to receive venue details as soon as they're announced.
The Experience
Why you'll be glad you came
Sharpen How You Think
The workshop teaches argumentation skills you'll use everywhere — pitches, meetings, dinner table debates. Walk out sharper than you walked in.
Meet Your People
Connect with Chicagoans who love ideas. The kind of conversation that makes you lose track of time.
Both Sides, No Filter
Watch skilled debaters steelman both sides of issues that actually matter. You'll leave thinking differently.
Get Fired Up
There's nothing like watching someone nail a rebuttal in real time. Prepare to be inspired (and maybe a little jealous).
Be Part of Something New
This is Chicago's first Showcase. You're not just attending — you're founding a movement.
An Evening You'll Talk About
The crowd reactions, the mic-drop moments, the "I can't believe they said that" — debate is pure entertainment.
This is Chicago's first Showcase. We're building a community that turns disagreement into a skill, not a fight. You don't have to be a debater. You just have to be curious enough to show up.
Event filmed for SuperDebate's media library
Frequently Asked Questions
This Is How It Starts
Every movement begins with a room full of people who showed up.
The Chicago Debate Showcase isn't just an event — it's the spark for something bigger. A city where ideas are tested, not just tweeted. Where disagreement is structured, not destructive. Where the sharpest argument wins, not the loudest voice.
June 26. Chicago. Be in the room.
Friday, June 26, 2026 · 5:30 PM · Chicago, IL
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