APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

JOIN LEONINE in CHICAGO

Cultivating Catholic Professionals for Virtuous Leadership

First-Year fellowship in Chicago

Sessions run October 2026 – June 2027

The Leonine Forum partners with Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture to host our Chicago cohort in the heart of Chicago.

the LEONINE FORUM

We provide high achieving people with serious intellectual and spiritual formation from the heart of the Church, and the practical tools, resources and network to act upon that formation to transform the culture.

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THE FIRST-YEAR FELLOWSHIP

Through careful study and conversation guided by some of the foremost Catholic thought-leaders in the country, Leonine Fellows acquire the spiritual and professional tools necessary to integrate the truths of the faith into all aspects of their lives.

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WHAT FELLOWS ARE SAYING

“The camaraderie among Leonine Fellows is extraordinary. The opportunity to work with Fellows from across the country, and across professions, is supercharged by our shared missions and values. We grow as professionals and as sons and daughters of God through this support and exchange of ideas.”

Francie Broghammer
Leonine Fellow

Apply to join Leonine in Chicago

Applications close August 31, 2026

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

No. The Leonine Forum exists to equip the emerging generation of leaders in the core tenets of the Catholic Church’s social teachings. While our curriculum is intentionally rooted in the Catholic faith and intellectual tradition, we are open to Fellows of various faith backgrounds committed to understanding the Catholic Church more deeply.

Applicants require a minimum of 3 years of professional and/or graduate school experience. In previous cohorts, most Fellows have had 7-10 years of work or graduate school experience before joining the Leonine Forum.

Yes. When spouses apply in the same year, they are accepted or declined together. Spouses of Fellows who do not apply are welcome to attend all programming opportunities outside the First-Year Fellowship.

The First-Year Fellowship also runs in Washington DC, NYC, Dallas, Denver, and Los Angeles. Explore other cities →

Applications consist of a cover letter, resume, 1-3 letters of recommendation, and a brief video to be submitted by each applicant.

At present, and with gratitude to the generosity of our benefactors, there is no required cost to join the Leonine Forum. We do invite Fellows to participate in the growing community of Leonine alumni committed to the long-term viability of our mission through monthly or annual donations.

First-Year Fellows meet approximately one evening per month. For Chicago, we meet on Thursdays at Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture.

*Subject to change.

In the weeks leading up to each session, Fellows will be given readings (40-80 pages) consisting of papal encyclicals, selections from books and articles, and portions of the Catechism. Tolle Lege!

Have more questions? Read our full FAQ here or contact us here.