--- title: "HS Motivational Speaker Chicago | Michael" description: "Book Michael Anthony for your Chicago high school assembly. A story of overcoming adversity that resonates with CPS students. Inquire now." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "@id": "https://michaelunbroken.com/#person", "name": "Michael Anthony Unbroken", "alternateName": "Michael Unbroken", "jobTitle": "Keynote Speaker & Author", "description": "Award-winning keynote speaker helping organizations and high-performing teams embrace adversity to forge resilience.", "url": "https://michaelunbroken.com", "image": "https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/693b313073f5c0638a193c5f/3c5c849d-5b5a-4827-99d7-e9eb4b87e32d/Homepage+Hero.png", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressLocality": "Phoenix", "addressRegion": "AZ", "addressCountry": "US" }, "sameAs": [ "https://instagram.com/michaelunbroken", "https://linkedin.com/in/michael-anthony-unbroken", "https://youtube.com/@thinkunbroken", "https://twitter.com/michaelunbroken", "https://facebook.com/thinkunbroken" ], "knowsAbout": [ "Leadership", "Resilience", "Corporate Speaking", "Trauma Recovery", "Personal Transformation", "Executive Coaching" ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://michaelunbroken.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Speaking", "item": "https://michaelunbroken.com/speaking" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "High School Motivational Speaker Chicago", "item": "https://michaelunbroken.com/high-school-motivational-speaker-chicago" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does a high school motivational speaker cost in Chicago?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "High school speaker fees in Chicago vary based on assembly size, customization, and whether multiple sessions are booked. Michael works with Chicago Public Schools budgets and suburban district funding. Contact us for a personalized quote." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long is a typical high school assembly presentation?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Most assemblies run 45 to 60 minutes, fitting standard class periods. Michael can adjust timing for block schedules or extended sessions that include Q&A with students." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is Michael's content appropriate for all grade levels?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, Michael tailors his message for different audiences. His high school presentations use age appropriate examples and language, whether speaking to freshmen or seniors." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can Michael speak to specific student groups like athletes or at risk youth?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Absolutely. Michael is especially effective with student athletes, alternative school students, and young people facing urban challenges. His story of overcoming poverty and trauma resonates with Chicago students from all backgrounds." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How far in advance should we book a speaker for our Chicago school?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "We recommend booking 2 to 4 months in advance, especially for popular dates during the school year. CPS and suburban districts should reach out early to secure preferred dates." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://michaelunbroken.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Speaking", "item": "https://michaelunbroken.com/speaking" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "High School Speaker Chicago", "item": "https://michaelunbroken.com#" } ] } ] --- ## Accessibility Customize your experience Text Size AA+A++ High Contrast Increase color contrast Reduce Motion Minimize animations Reset to Defaults [MICHAEL UNBROKEN ](/) [Home](/)[Speaker Reel](https://www.michaelunbroken.com/speaking)[About](/about)[Blog](/blog)[Media](/media)[FAQ](/faq)[Request a Call](/contact) 1. [](/) 2. [Speaking](/speaking) 3. High School Speaker Chicago ![Michael Anthony speaking to students](/assets/hero-background-optimized-BhR9ZSez.webp) Chicago, Illinois High Schools # High School Motivational Speaker in Chicago, IL A high school dropout who became a national champion speaker. Michael Anthony delivers the truth Chicago students need to hear from someone who actually lived it. [Check Availability for Your School](#inquire)[Watch Speaking Reel](/speaking) Dropout to Award Winner National Speak-Off Champion 5M+ Podcast Downloads Students Listen Globally 10,000+ Books Sold Think Unbroken Overcame Learning Disability Proof It's Possible ## Why Chicago Students Connect With Michael Students across Chicago Public Schools, the third largest district in America, and suburban districts from Naperville to Evanston face unique pressures that require more than standard motivational talks. Chicago's economic disparities, neighborhood challenges, and competitive academic environments create stress that many adults fail to understand. Michael Anthony speaks directly to these realities because he has lived similar challenges. As a high school dropout with a learning disability who grew up in poverty, he offers proof that circumstances do not have to define destiny. The diversity of Chicago's student population requires a speaker who can connect across backgrounds. From students at selective enrollment schools to young people in alternative education programs, Michael's message transcends demographics because it is rooted in universal experiences of struggle and transformation. He does not offer platitudes. He shares specific strategies that helped him overcome trauma, failure, and self doubt, giving Chicago students tools they can actually use. Whether speaking to student athletes at suburban schools or first generation college bound students on the South Side, Michael tailors his presentation to the specific audience. His message of personal responsibility and becoming the hero of your own story gives Chicago students a framework for taking control of their lives, regardless of what neighborhood they call home. ## Assembly Topics for Chicago Schools ### Chi-Town Resilience Chicago students carry a city's pride on their shoulders. Michael channels that grit into a message about overcoming adversity without losing yourself in the process. ### Surviving More Than the Winter Chicago winters are brutal, but so are the challenges facing young people here. Michael teaches strategies for enduring seasons of difficulty that have nothing to do with weather. ### North Side, South Side, Your Side Chicago's neighborhoods create real and perceived divisions. Michael bridges these gaps, showing students that struggles and dreams exist everywhere, and so does the potential to overcome. ### The Student No One Expected to Make It Every school has students written off by the system. Michael was one of them. He speaks directly to young people who have been told they will not amount to anything and shows them otherwise. ## What Happens After Michael Speaks 1 Students approach counselors to discuss struggles they have been hiding 2 Conversations shift from blame to personal responsibility 3 Athletes and leaders take on mentorship roles 4 Teachers report students referencing the assembly weeks later ## Trusted by Chicago Schools Michael has spoken at schools and educational events across the country, connecting with students through his authentic story of transformation. His message resonates with Illinois educators who are looking for a speaker who can genuinely reach young people. 5M+ Podcast Downloads National Speak Off Winner Bestselling Author ## Chicago High School Events Michael Speaks At ### School Wide Assemblies Engaging presentations for the entire student body ### Class Presentations Targeted sessions for specific grades ### Alternative School Programs Tailored content for alternative education ### Athletic Team Talks High energy sessions for student athletes ### Leadership Programs Workshops for student council and peer leaders ### Graduation Ceremonies Inspiring commencement addresses ## About Michael Anthony Michael Anthony was a high school dropout with a learning disability, raised in foster care and homelessness. His mother was an addict. His best friends went to prison. By every measure, the odds were stacked against him. Instead of becoming a statistic, Michael rebuilt his life. He generated over $7 million in sales at a Fortune 10 company, wrote a bestselling book, built a podcast with over 5 million downloads, and won Grant Cardone's National Speak-Off. Today, Michael speaks to students because he remembers being the kid no one believed in. [Read Full Biography](/about) ## How to Book Michael for Your Chicago School ### Inquire Share your school's details using the form below. ### Discovery Call We'll discuss your students and how Michael can serve them. ### Confirm Finalize the agreement and prepare a customized presentation. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much does a high school motivational speaker cost in Chicago? ### How long is a typical high school assembly presentation? ### Is Michael's content appropriate for all grade levels? ### Can Michael speak to specific student groups like athletes or at risk youth? ### How far in advance should we book a speaker for our Chicago school? ## High School Motivational Speaker in Chicago, IL We respond within 24 to 48 hours First Name \* Last Name \* Email \* Phone \* School Name \* Your Role \*Select your role Principal Vice Principal Counselor Teacher Student Life Coordinator Activities Director Dean of Students Other Event Type \*Select event type School Assembly Class Presentation Leadership Event Athletic Program Graduation Ceremony After School Program Mental Health Event Career Day Other Estimated Audience Size \* Tentative Event Date \* Grade Levels (optional) Event Description \* Check Availability for Chicago Related Pages: [Chicago Universities](/university-motivational-speaker-chicago)[Chicago Corporate Events](/corporate-speaker-chicago)[Denver High Schools](/high-school-motivational-speaker-denver)[Dallas High Schools](/high-school-motivational-speaker-dallas) [MICHAEL UNBROKEN ](/) Embrace adversity. Forge resilience. Helping leaders become the hero of their own story. Based in Dallas, TX • Available Worldwide [](https://instagram.com/michaelunbroken)[](https://linkedin.com/in/michael-anthony-unbroken)[](https://youtube.com/@thinkunbroken)[](https://twitter.com/michaelunbroken)[](https://facebook.com/thinkunbroken) ### Keynote Topics - [Leadership](/keynote/leadership) - [Sales](/keynote/sales) - [Entrepreneurs](/keynote/entrepreneurs) - [Executives](/keynote/executives) - [Resilience Speaker](/keynote/resilience-speaker) - [Mental Health](/keynote/mental-health-speaker) ### Industries - [Corporate](/industry/corporate) - [Healthcare](/industry/healthcare) - [Technology](/industry/technology) - [Education](/industry/education) - [Financial Services](/industry/financial-services) ### Why Michael - [Testimonials](/testimonials) - [Case Studies](/case-studies) - [Past Clients](/past-clients) - [Press](/press) - [Speaking Reel](/speaking-reel) - [Think Unbroken Book](/think-unbroken-book) - [About Michael](/about) - [Podcast](/podcast) ### Locations - [United States](/keynote-speaker-united-states) - [Texas](/keynote-speaker-texas) - [California](/keynote-speaker-california) - [Dallas](/motivational-speaker-dallas) - [Houston](/keynote-speaker-houston) [Home](/)[Speaking](/speaking)[Blog](/blog)[Media](/media)[Media Kit](/media-kit)[How to Hire a Speaker](/how-to-hire-a-keynote-speaker)[FAQ](/faq)[Book Michael](/contact) © 2026 Michael Anthony Unbroken. All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy](/privacy)| [Terms of Service](/terms)