Application Fee Waiver
The application fee is waived for all US military veteran applicants to The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. As of August 2019, this application fee waiver is also available to international veterans!
Please use the waiver request form at this link.
VA Health Benefit
The regional VA center is the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, located at 820 S. Damen Ave, west of the Loop. You will need a car to get there (free valet parking is provided). The most convenient clinic at which you can see your primary care provider is the downtown Lakeside Clinic at 211 E. Ontario, which is walkable from anywhere in downtown.
If you want to see a specialist, or if you need to complete your VA physical to apply for benefits, you'll need to go to Jesse Brown. Be prepared to spend a full day there, most of it in a waiting room.
For more information on VA health benefits and eligibility, click here.
Military Discounts in Chicago
For the US Veterans, ensure you complete your VA application process before you leave your duty station (if at all possible). This will allow you to avoid the hassle and lengthy appointment process of trying to enter the local VA system and completing your benefits application.
Free Museums and Landmarks: Use your military ID to get free admission to the world-class Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Chicago Art Institute, and Museum of Science and Industry
Free Baseball: Use your military ID to get free admission to Chicago White Sox games (as long as they aren’t sold out…and they don’t sell out except for opening day)
Free Chicago Transit Authority: The Military Service Pass allows for free use of all CTA buses and trains (both the subway and the “L") for Active Duty US service members with valid ID at the time of registration, active drilling reservists and National Guard, as well as US Veterans who are receive VA disability compensation of 10% or greater. You can obtain this Pass at the Ventra Customer Service Center at 567 W. Lake Street in the Loop
Metra train discounts: For those of you who are interested in living downtown and taking the Metra to school, make sure to buy a military 50% reduced priced ticket. You must have your military ID. Download the Ventra app on Google Play or the App Store for tickets
O'Hare International Airport: Make sure you bring your military ID when arriving back at O'Hare because there is a special military line at immigration
No Cover Charge: Most Chicago establishments don’t have cover charges here, but those that do they will typically let you in for free if you show the bouncer your Military ID