Chicago, one of the world’s most elite tourist destinations, provides some of the best food, culture, sights and entertainment experiences for local and visiting patrons.
However, due to various circumstances such as redlining, racism, discrimination, greed and violence, the opportunity for young Black and minority audiences to access prominent spaces, high-end experiences, events and nightlife has been stifled.
For years many venues and brands closed their doors to filter out certain demographic groups, yet, one individual has built a career strategically addressing these misconceptions and bridging the gap between young Black minorities and access to elevated spaces, providing consistent solutions to the common complaint that “there’s nothing for Us to do in the city.”
Over the past few years, Sigma Chris has immensely impacted the world of Chicago entertainment, brand initiatives and nightlife. Chris currently curates an average of 10 events per week, providing fun and safe options for various audiences at some of the top venues in the city. From Downtown to the West Loop and River North to the Gold Coast, Chris has introduced his audience to new spaces and experiences that once seemed out of reach.
“I remember coming up and only having a handful of places that we really could go,” said Chris. “One of the things that people would highlight is that ‘Man, Chicago’s so racist, all of the venues have these dress codes to get in and to keep us out, and they don’t play our music…’ Not to mention the shady promoters hustling you at the door…partying always felt more like a burden than a good time, and I wanted to change that.”
Chris’ primary scope was to prioritize all customers, making going out easy, seamless, safe and accessible for the average patron to participate.
In addition to partnering with brands and organizations such as Remy Martin and the NBA Alumni Association, curating events at Soldier Field and The Wit, and most recently, curating Dwyane Wade’s Hall of Fame celebration, Chris has cultivated vibes within some of the city’s most beautiful and prominent spaces.
Sunday at The Wit is the undisputed “the best day party experience in the city.” Rain or shine, hundreds of guests line up along the side of the hotel every week, awaiting entrance to dance, sing and imbibe 27 stories in the air.
Other than the sophisticated aesthetic, retractable roof, melanin-craving sunlight and soul-filling energy, what makes Sundays at The Wit unique is the proactive measures in place to ensure a safe environment for everyone in attendance.
Unlike most parties and events operating at such a high capacity, each attendee is vetted before being added to the guestlist or booking a reservation. Anyone whose social profile promotes gangs, guns or violence is weeded out. It’s a proactive approach to prioritizing the safety and well-being of everyone in attendance.
“I think it’s important to talk about what it’s like being Black in nightlife and how much of a risk it is for us just bringing out these numbers of people…You can’t control everyone’s temperament or behavior, but we do our best to bring out a good crowd and to live up to the expectations and standards that we set for ourselves,” said Chris.
As a product of Chicago’s South Side, a graduate of Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep Academy and Illinois State University, and having a former career in social services at a therapeutic day school, Chris is no stranger to aggression, violence and the blemished reputation of the city.
He constantly pushes positivity and encourages unity to uplift the community to do better.
“During my time in social services, I’d been assaulted, spit on and given an up-close view of our societal flaws,” stated Chris. “Sometimes we end up with a certain reputation in the city due to systemic issues, but sometimes it’s a result of our own decisions.”
Chris continues to be a beam of light, cultivating positive encounters and standing at the forefront of change within the city’s social atmosphere.
By holding both venues and patrons accountable for their actions and choices, Chris’s impact and strategies have proven to not only challenge but redefine the narrative around Black entertainment culture through curating elevated experiences and demanding respectful behavior from all participants.
“This is a beautiful time in Chicago entertainment. We’ve never had this much access, and I want to make sure that we continue to elevate and have a good time amongst one another,” proclaimed Chris.
To learn more about Chris and tap in with his weekly lineup and exclusive experiences in Chicago, follow him @Sigma_Chris or email him at [email protected].
In honor of August being Black Business Month, the Chicago Defender is running a series of profiles on our city’s dynamic Black entrepreneurs.
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