Jeyda's Last Lap
The Grad Finale: Class of 2027
One last lap. One unforgettable night.
Chicago • Sunday, May 30, 2027
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Hotel Information
Hilton Chicago/Oak Lawn
9333 S Cicero Ave, Oak Lawn, IL 60453
open_in_new
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Stylish stay close to Midway Airport
Conveniently located in Oak Lawn, the Hilton Chicago/Oak Lawn hotel is within five miles of Midway Airport, and offers a free airport shuttle. Downtown is easily accessible via the Oak Lawn Metro, a half mile away. During your stay, enjoy South Side staples and cocktails at the restaurant. They also offer modern rooms, an indoor pool, a fitness center, versatile meeting space, and EV charging.
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
301 E North Water St, Chicago, IL 60611
open_in_new
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 12:00 PM
Upscale hotel near Michigan Avenue
Located close to Millennium Park and 875 North Michigan Avenue, Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk provides a grocery/convenience store, a terrace, and a coffee shop/cafe. At the 3 on-site restaurants, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, light fare, and American cuisine. Free WiFi in public areas is available to all guests, along with a garden and dry cleaning/laundry services.
Recreation Activities
Chicago Fireworks Signature Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan
Note: This event is an optional activity for the graduation party invitees.
Tickets are limited. To reserve, call 312-321-1241 and reserve under the following Booking ID: #87631497 and request general seating.
Elevate your evening with a delicious dinner and jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Navy Pier fireworks display illuminating the Chicago city skyline! On our Fireworks Signature Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan, a dazzling show of light and color will be the backdrop to a chef-prepared buffet meal, specialty cocktails, live DJ entertainment, and dancing. From the breezy open-air decks and comfortable indoor spaces, you’ll soak in spectacular views of Chicago’s most famous landmarks, such as the Willis Tower and the Adler Planetarium. A spectacular fireworks dinner cruise on the water awaits!
Date: Sat, May 29th, 2027
Boarding Time: 7:15 PM (45 minutes before)
Time: 8:00 PM–11:00 PM
Meetup Location: Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA open_in_new
See The Bean (Cloud Gate) at Millennium Park
Cloud Gate is a large, stainless steel, bean-shaped sculpture in Millennium Park. Snap a photo of your group's reflection in The Bean with Chicago's skyscrapers in the background and the clouds floating above.
Visit the Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. It houses a collection of over 300,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and decorative arts from around the world.
Walk along the Chicago Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk is a pedestrian path along the south bank of the Chicago River. It features restaurants, bars, public art, and beautiful views of the city skyline.
Explore Navy Pier
Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. It features attractions such as the Centennial Wheel, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and various restaurants and shops.
Take an Architecture Boat Tour
Chicago is known for its architecture, and one of the best ways to see it is from the water. Take a guided boat tour along the Chicago River to learn about the city's history and architecture.
Chicago's Famous Food
Deep Dish Pizza
Deep-dish is Chicago’s most famous food: a buttery, high-walled pie built in reverse, with cheese on the bottom, chunky tomato sauce on top, and a thick cornmeal crust holding it all together. It was invented in Chicago in 1943 at Pizzeria Uno. A personal deep-dish runs about $12 to $16 in 2026; a large shared pie runs $30 or more and takes 30 to 45 minutes to bake.
Italian Beef Sandwich
The Italian beef is Chicago’s signature sandwich: thin-sliced, slow-roasted beef piled on a long Italian roll, soaked in seasoned pan juices (called gravy or jus), and topped with either sweet roasted peppers or spicy giardiniera. It was created by Chicago’s Italian-American community in the 1930s. Expect to pay about $8 to $11 in 2026, and be ready to order it the local way.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
A Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef Vienna Beef frank on a steamed poppy-seed bun, topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onion, bright green sweet relish, tomato wedges, a dill pickle spear, two or three sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. The one rule locals enforce: never ketchup. A dog runs about $4 to $6 in 2026.
Maxwell Street Polish
The Maxwell Street Polish is a grilled Polish sausage on a bun, smothered in caramelized grilled onions and yellow mustard, usually with sport peppers on the side. It was born on the old Maxwell Street Market on the Near West Side and remains a late-night Chicago staple, priced around $6 to $8 in 2026.
Jibarito
The jibarito is a Chicago original sandwich that swaps bread for two flattened, fried green plantains, layered with garlicky steak (or chicken or pork), lettuce, tomato, cheese, and mayo-garlic sauce. It was invented in Chicago in 1996 at the Puerto Rican restaurant Borinquen in Humboldt Park. Expect about $12 to $16 in 2026.
Garrett's Popcorn
Chicago’s signature snack is caramel-and-cheddar popcorn mix, popularized by Garrett Popcorn Shops and known citywide as “Chicago Mix.” A small bag runs about $8 to $12 in 2026. The salty-sweet combination of buttery CaramelCrisp and sharp CheeseCorn is a downtown staple and an easy edible souvenir.
For more information on Chicago's famous food, check out this article from Jamshed V Rajan at thebettervacation.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
The graduation party is scheduled for Sunday, May 30, 2027 from 7PM to 10PM at Paradise Banquets, which is located on 9220 S. Harlem Ave, Bridgeview, IL 60455. open_in_new We can't wait to celebrate this special milestone with you!
There is no specific dress code or theme. We only ask that you come dressed to party!
Yes! Light refreshments, including snacks and desserts, will be provided.
Your love and support mean everything, and your presence is the greatest gift of all! For anyone who would like to give Jeyda a little something extra, gift cards or monetary gifts are always appreciated, but never expected.
- Cash App: $whoamije
- Zelle: Please contact Teisha or Jeyda for details.
Thank you for celebrating this special milestone and Jeyda’s next chapter!schoolstar_shine