As the age-old saying goes, “If it ain't broke, don’t fix it!” Such is the case for the third iteration of the Chicago Adaptive Open presented by Illinois Bone & Joint Institute. Following a location change from year one to year two, the world-class event for top golfers with physical and intellectual disabilities will return to Fox Bend Golf Course, June 13–14.
A field of 84 players will compete across 15 different Sports Classifications based on their disability. Categories include lower limb impairments, visual impairments, short in stature and intellectual disabilities. World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD) points will also be awarded. Prizes will be distributed within each Sports Classification, with Overall, Overall Women’s and Overall Senior crowns also being honored.
“Winning at Fox Bend was an unforgettable experience, and I’m fired up to return and defend my title at the Chicago Adaptive Open in 2026,” said Nashville, Tennessee’s Ford Martin, who won the 2025 Overall Championship with a scintillating birdie on the first sudden-death playo hole. “The CDGA truly puts on one of the best tournaments of the year.”
Fox Bend was met with rave reviews from Martin and the entire field. A 6,900-yard, par-72 from the tips, the course played from four di erent tee sets ranging from 5,000-6,000 yards to provide for an accessible challenge. The three-time Illinois Open host located 45 miles west of Chicago continues to embrace the unique and impactful event.
“The Chicago Adaptive Open at Fox Bend Golf Course is more than a tournament – it’s a celebration of resilience, competition and community,” said Fox Bend General Manager Lou Ramadani, PGA. “The camaraderie among the players is unmatched. Fox Bend’s partnership with the CDGA has helped create one of the premier adaptive golf events in the country, where every athlete is welcomed, challenged and inspired.”
The Oswego community also took great pride in showcasing the adaptive athletes. Roughly 100 individuals volunteered in various capacities and nine local businesses purchased sponsorships. Similar opportunities will exist in 2026.
“The Chicago Adaptive Open at Fox Bend brings our community together in a powerful way,” said Oswegoland Park District Executive Director Chad Feldotto. “Our partnership with the CDGA reflects our commitment to inclusive recreation.
After elevating the 2025 event with an infusion of support, Illinois Bone & Joint Institute (IBJI) returns as the presenting sponsor. This partnership carries on the natural synergy between IBJI’s mission of supporting athletes and the CDGA’s efforts to grow adaptive golf.
“The Chicago Adaptive Open is a special event that showcases incredible athleticism, resilience and community,” said Andre Blom, CEO of Illinois Bone & Joint Institute. “After seeing the impact of last year’s championship, Illinois Bone & Joint Institute is honored to return as the presenting sponsor in 2026 and continue supporting adaptive athletes in Chicago and beyond.”
Wintrust and Wadsworth Golf Charities also will return as Major Sponsors and the event will be live-streamed for a third time through a collaboration between the CDGA and CGN.
One new element being introduced in 2026 is the Click-Pearl Cup, a team competition consisting of the University of Arizona adaptive golf team and a group of five adaptive golfers from Illinois. Named in honor of benefactors Jim Click and Steve Pearl (see Pg. 22 for a profile of Pearl), the Cup serves as a home-and-home series designed to spotlight the rapid growth of adaptive golf — particularly at the collegiate level. The University of Arizona team won the inaugural leg at the Arizona Adaptive Open in December, with the second leg slated for Fox Bend in June.
Take it from World Golf Hall of Famer and Bob Jones Award winner Dennis Walters – the name may say Chicago, but the event’s impact and footprint goes well beyond.
"The CDGA runs one of the best adaptive open events in the nation,” said the adaptive golf luminary.
Player registration, volunteer sign-up and sponsorship opportunities are currently open. The event will also feature a CDGA Foundation Nine & Dine Pro-Am fundraiser on Friday, June 12. Scan the QR code or visit CDGA.org/AdaptiveOpen to learn more.
Casey Richards is the CDGA’s Senior Managing Director, Communications and Marketing. He has been with the CDGA since 2014.
