Illinois Rock & Roll Museum moves 5th Hall of Fame ceremony to Chicago

The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 will hold its 5th annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Chicago’s Harris Theater on Sept. 27, bringing the event downtown for the first time. The class honors Illinois music figures across rock, blues, soul, jazz, hip hop and radio, with performances, presentations and a fundraising push tied to the museum’s future.

Why it matters: - The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum is taking its largest annual fundraising event to downtown Chicago for the first time. - The move puts the museum’s celebration of Illinois music history on a bigger stage and could widen its audience beyond Joliet. - The 2026 class spans multiple genres and generations, underscoring the reach of Illinois artists and industry leaders.

What happened: - The Illinois Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 5th Annual Induction Ceremony is set for Sept. 27, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Harris Theater in Millennium Park. - Tickets went on sale Tuesday, June 9. - The ceremony is the first time the event will be held in Chicago. - Past induction ceremonies were held in Joliet, where the museum is located. - WGN Radio host and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Bob Sirott will host the event.

The details: - Inductees include Survivor, American Breed, Koko Taylor, The Boyzz, The Flock, Curtis Mayfield, Kevin Cronin, Terri Hemmert, WDRV (The Drive), Brunswick Records, Irving Azoff, Gary Richrath, Golden Voice Studio and Triangle Productions. - Hot Mix 5 and Plain White T’s are also being honored. - Live performances are planned from The Plain White T’s, The Flock, Hot Mix 5 and The Boyzz. - Several surprise guests are expected to be announced. - The event will include live music, award presentations, storytelling and historic recognition. - Ticket prices are $100.50, $75.00 and $64.50, with fees included. - More information - More information

Between the lines: - Ron Romero, founder and president of the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66, said the Harris Theater’s acoustics and 1,550-seat setting make it a strong fit for the ceremony. - Kevin Cronin said he expects to co-host and play an unplugged set with Jim Peterik, unless a Beatles call changes his plans. - The class of 2026 mixes performers, songwriters, radio voices, labels and industry figures, signaling the museum’s broad definition of musical influence.

What’s next: - The museum will continue building toward the Sept. 27 ceremony and add more surprise guests. - Organizers are using the event to celebrate legacy while raising support for the museum’s work in Joliet. - The evening is expected to draw inductees, performers, families and fans for a full-night showcase of Illinois music history.

The bottom line: - Chicago is getting the museum’s biggest night yet, and the 2026 class is built to turn the spotlight on Illinois’ deep music roots.