2025 IVCA Invitational: A Record-Breaking Celebration of Community and Impact
June 25, 2025
The IVCA Foundation is proud to celebrate the success of the 2025 IVCA Invitational, our largest and most impactful fundraising event to date. Held at the prestigious Olympia Fields Country Club, the event brought together over 200 professionals from across the Chicagoland private equity and venture capital ecosystem for a day of golf, networking, and philanthropy.
Despite the summer heat, attendees braved the high temperatures for a great cause and their commitment paid off. This year’s Invitational set a new fundraising record and welcomed a host of new sponsors and supporters into our growing community.
The funds raised directly support the IVCA Scholar Program, which continues to grow alongside the Foundation’s mission to broaden access to the private capital industry by removing barriers for underrepresented groups and creating pathways for the next generation of investors and innovators.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We are deeply grateful to all the organizations that made this year’s success possible. Special recognition goes to our:
- Champion Sponsors (highest level):
🏅 RSM US LLP
🏅 Winston & Strawn LLP - Supporter Sponsors:
🤝 Wintrust
🤝 Lincoln International
We also thank our Mentor sponsors for their generous support:
Simon Compliance, Alvarez & Marsal, BakerHostetler, BMO, Deloitte, EY, Gallagher, Goldman, Guggenheim Securities, Houlihan Lokey, Katten, Kayne Anderson, Kirkland & Ellis, Macquarie, Monroe Capital, MWE, OceanM19, Plante Moran, PPC, PwC, RW Baird, Twin Brook, UBS, Vokal, and West Monroe.
Congratulations to Our 2025 Invitational Winners
North Course
- Low Foursome: Mike Oberschmidt, Steve Fekety, Scott Walti, Kenny Kluckman – 69 (RSM Foursome)
- Longest Drive – Men: Pat Callahan
- Longest Drive – Women: Waverly Deutsch
- Closest to the Hole – #6: Kenny Kluckman – 1’7”
- Closest to the Hole – #13: Don Rocap – 5’2”
South Course
- Low Foursome: Greg Pondel, Bill Park, Joe Widmar, Claire Dougherty – 64 (West Monroe Foursome)
- Longest Drive – Men: Mike Apostal
- Longest Drive – Women: Allison Reinke
- Closest to the Hole – #5: Claire Dougherty – 3’5”
- Closest to the Hole – #14: Craig Maksymiak – 2’4”
Investor Foursome Participants
We were honored to welcome a dedicated group of investors to this year’s Invitational, representing firms across the private equity and venture capital spectrum. Their participation underscores the strength and unity of our community in supporting the next generation of talent.
Special Thanks to Our Event Committee
This event would not have been possible without the dedication and leadership of our 2025 IVCA Invitational Event Committee:
- Stephanie Paine, Chair – Pritzker Private Capital
- Shoshana Vernick, Chair Emeritus – Avathon Capital
- Walter Florence, Chair Emeritus – Frontenac
- Chris Killackey – Prairie Capital
- Adam Kleffner – The Vistria Group
- Victoria Leon – Hyde Park Venture Partners
- Rocco Martino – OceanM19
- David Namkung – Kinzie Capital Partners
- Jeff Piper – Semper Fi Partners
- Christie Pruyn – IVCA Executive Director
As we reflect on this milestone event, we are reminded of the power of community, collaboration, and shared purpose. Thank you to everyone who participated, supported, donated and helped make the 2025 IVCA Invitational our most successful yet.
Together, we’re not just raising dollars, we’re raising opportunities.