You’ve probably seen the sleek headshots on LinkedIn or heard the buzz at a Loop happy hour. Every year, Crain’s Chicago Business drops its annual list, and the city goes into a bit of a frenzy. It’s the 40 Under 40 Chicago roster—a collection of founders, neurosurgeons, and community leaders who somehow achieved more by age 34 than most people do in a lifetime.
Honestly, it’s easy to look at these lists and feel a mix of inspiration and intense "what am I doing with my life?" energy. But there is a lot more to this program than just a fancy photo shoot. It’s an institution that has been tracking the city's power shifts for over three decades.
Why 40 Under 40 Chicago Matters (And Why It Doesn't)
If you think this is just a vanity project, you’re only half right. Yes, the winners get a shiny trophy and a bump in their Google search results. But for the Chicago business ecosystem, this list acts as a sort of early-warning system for who is going to be running the city in ten years.
Look at the alumni. Barack Obama made the list in 1993. Oprah Winfrey was on it. Current Governor JB Pritzker? Yep, he was a 40 Under 40 honoree too.
When you make the cut, you aren't just getting an award; you're joining a network. The 2025 class, for example, features heavy hitters like Elizabeth Butler, a partner at Taft Stettinius & Hollister, and Dr. Abdullah Pratt from UChicago Medicine. These aren't just names on a page. They are the people negotiating the massive real estate deals and saving lives on the South Side.
The Real Selection Process
A lot of people think you just get "tapped" for this. That’s not how it works. You have to be nominated, and it’s a competitive, often grueling process.
- The Nomination: There is a fee—usually around $199. You can nominate yourself (people do it all the time, though they might not admit it) or have a colleague do it.
- The Criteria: You must be working in the Chicago area. You have to be 39 or younger by the cutoff date, which for the next cycle is October 6, 2026.
- The Proof: Editors don't care about "passion" or "potential." They want numbers. How much revenue did your startup generate? How many lives did your non-profit save? What specific, measurable impact did you have on your industry?
Behind the Scenes of the 2024 and 2025 Classes
The diversity of the recent classes is pretty wild. It’s no longer just "finance guys in suits."
Take Klaus Mäkelä, the 28-year-old music director designate for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He’s on the 2024 list because he’s literally one of the most sought-after conductors in the world. Then you have someone like Anthony Driver, the 31-year-old president of the Community Commission for Public Safety & Accountability.
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Driving a symphony is one thing; driving police reform in Chicago is another beast entirely. Both made the cut.
Breaking Down the 2025 Power Players
In the most recent 2025 announcements, we see a shift toward tech and social equity.
- Ravi Reddi (JPMorgan Chase): Leading massive initiatives in the banking sector.
- Megan Mackinson (JLL): Redefining how office spaces work in a post-pandemic world.
- Joseph Michaels (Sidley Austin): Navigating the complex legal waters of corporate Chicago.
It’s also worth noting that it isn't just about the "Big Five" consulting firms anymore. We are seeing more "creators" and "strategists." Filmmakers like Minhal Baig and chefs like Anna Posey (of the Michelin-starred Elske) are proving that "business" in Chicago is a broad term.
Common Misconceptions About the List
Let’s be real for a second. There is a common cynical take that these lists are "pay-to-play." People see the nomination fee and assume they are buying a spot.
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That's not exactly true. While Crain’s is a business and the fees help cover the massive editorial lift, paying the $199 doesn't guarantee you anything but a look. Thousands apply. Only 40 get in.
Another myth: You have to work at a Fortune 500 company.
Actually, the editors love a "scrappy" story. If you’re a founder who built a $10 million company out of a garage in Logan Square, you have a better shot than a middle-manager at a giant bank who hasn't actually disrupted anything.
How to Get Noticed for the Next 40 Under 40
If you’re eyeing a spot for 2026, you need to start planning now. The deadline for the next round is April 17, 2026.
Be Specific with Data
Don’t say you "helped grow the company." Say you "scaled ARR from $2M to $12M in 18 months." Numbers are the language of these nominations.
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Civic Engagement is Non-Negotiable
Chicago is a city built on "who you know" and "what you give back." If you aren't on a non-profit board or leading a community initiative, your chances drop significantly. The selection committee looks for leaders, not just high-earners.
The Narrative Matters
What is your "why"? Did you overcome a major industry hurdle? Did you pivot your business during a crisis? A compelling story makes an editor’s job easier.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to be on that list—or get someone else on it—here is exactly what you should do:
- Review the Alumni: Go through the 2024 and 2025 lists on the Crain’s website. Look at the job titles and the scale of their achievements. If your metrics aren't there yet, wait a year.
- Audit Your Resume: Does it show "leadership" or just "responsibilities"? Start taking on visible roles in industry associations or local civic groups like Leadership Greater Chicago.
- Gather Your Documentation: Start a folder of your wins. Press mentions, revenue growth charts, and letters of recommendation from established Chicago leaders.
- Mark the Calendar: Set a reminder for March 2026 to start the application. Giving yourself only a week to fill out the form is a recipe for a rejection letter.
Ultimately, the 40 Under 40 Chicago list is a snapshot of the city's ambition. Whether you’re on it or just reading it, it tells you exactly where the money and the influence are moving. Keep your eyes on these names; they’re the ones who will be signing the checks and making the laws in this city for the next few decades.