Dates:

July 14-17, 2026

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Participants:

Encore: Chicago is for teacher participants who are interested in spending a few days enjoying the sights and sounds of Chicago while taking some time to renew from the school year. Spots are limited to eight (8) participants.

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Retreat Information:

Participants will participate in a multi-day retreat enjoying the sights and sounds of Chicago, while also taking time to reflect and renew. Morning sessions focus on topics that will help you explore the reasons you chose to become a teacher, help you reflect on where you are now, and where you want to go in your teaching career.

 

Included in this retreat are daily lunches and nightly dinners and discussions in some of Chicago's iconic restaurants. Additionally, we include an architecture Chicago river cruise, a Broadway in Chicago show, and a concert at Millennium Park. (All events are subject to availability at the time of booking. In the event that an event is not available, a replacement event will be booked or the itinerary may be changed to accommodate a different day or time for the activity). 

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We prove all of the materials you will need for our sessions and workshops.

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PD Credit:

Throughout the retreat, workshops and sessions will be included to total 11 hours of professional development, pending your school district's approval. Participants will receive a participation certificate at the end of the retreat. Certificates can be submitted to schools/school districts or state departments of education for consideration for teacher certificate renewal credits.

 

Although we do not guarantee that teacher certificate renewal credits will be awarded for attending our retreats, we will be happy to provide any additional information that we can to assist you if needed.

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What is Included?

• Hotel accommodations for three (3) nights

• All meals from dinner 7/14 through breakfast 7/17 

• Entry to group events on itinerary

• All PD materials

• All transportation during the retreat

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What is Not Included?

• Alcoholic beverages

• Travel to and from the retreat

• Souvenirs​​​​​

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Day 1: Tuesday, July 14

 Arrival & Welcome

• 5:00 Evening Meet & Greet Dinner at a local restaurant

• 7:30 Light Opening Session

  • Retreat Overview​​​

  • Setting Intentions

 

Day 2: Wednesday, July 15

Looking Back & Your "Why"

• 8:00 Breakfast at Hotel

• 9:00 Morning Workshop

• 12:00 Lunch at Local Restaurant

• 2:00 Architecture Chicago River Cruise 

• 5:00 Dinner & Discussion at Local Restaurant

• 7:00 Broadway in Chicago Show

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Day 3: Thursday, July 16

Where You Are Today & Reflection

• 8:00 Breakfast at Hotel

• 9:00 Morning Workshop

• 12:00 Lunch at Local Restaurant

• 1:30 Visit to the Art Institute of Chicago 

• 3:30 Afternoon Discussion

• 5:00 Dinner at Local Restaurant

• 7:00 Attend an Outdoor Concert at Millenium Park 

 

Day 4: Friday, July 17

Going Forward & Setting Intentions

• 8:00 Breakfast:

• 9:00 Closing Discussion

• 11:00 Goodbyes

 

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Retreat Investment:

The total cost of the Encore: Chicago Retreat is $1,500 per participant.

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Early Registration Incentives (Available Through January 31, 2026):​

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• A $300 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot.

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• Pay-in-Full Discount – Save $75
Receive a reduced rate of $1,425 when you pay the full retreat balance at the time of registration on or before January 31, 2026.

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• Early Bird Deposit Discount – Save $50
Prefer to pay over time? Pay only the retreat deposit by January 31, 2026, and your total retreat cost will be $1,450. (Standard price of $1,500 applies after this date.)

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Space is limited to 8 participants, and discounts cannot be combined.

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Secure your spot early to access these limited-time savings.

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Cancellation & Refund Policy

A non-refundable deposit of $300 is required to reserve your spot for the Encore: Chicago Retreat. This deposit is applied toward your total retreat cost.

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Because this retreat requires significant upfront planning costs and has limited enrollment, the following cancellation schedule applies:

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Participant Cancellations

• On or before March 1, 2026:
  You may cancel for any reason and receive a refund of all payments minus the $300 deposit.

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• March 2 – April 30, 2026:
  Cancellations during this period will receive a 50% refund of the total amount paid (deposit remains non-refundable).

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• On or after May 1, 2026:
  No refunds will be issued, as all reservations and payments for your participation will have been finalized.

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Transfer of Registration

If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your retreat spot to another participant at any time, at no additional cost. All financial arrangements between you and the replacement participant are your responsibility.

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Retreat Cancellation by Encore Global Retreats

Encore Global Retreats reserves the right to cancel the retreat due to insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. In the event of cancellation, all payments made by participants will be fully refunded.

 

Encore Global Retreats is not responsible for incidental costs such as airfare, travel insurance, or additional lodging.

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Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended to protect your investment in case of unexpected illness, emergencies, or travel disruption, and is not provided by Encore Global Retreats.

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Suggested Packing List

Chicago weather can be a bit unpredictable, even in the summertime. Days can be quite hot, while evenings can become quite cool at times. Air conditioning in buildings can be quite cold as well. There is also the possibility of a summer rain from time to time. To keep you as comfortable as possible in all weather possibilities, as well as to ensure you have what you need, we highly recommend bringing the following:

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• Light jacket or sweater

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Umbrella or jacket with a hood

• Extra pair or two of socks

• Sunscreen

• Refillable water bottle

• Sunglasses

• Hat or visor

• Any needed medications

• Phone/device chargers

• Bug spray

• Small day pack or bag 

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