--- title: "University Speaker Chicago | Michael Anthony" description: "Michael Anthony delivers keynotes at Northwestern, UChicago, and campuses across Chicago. A dropout-to-champion story that connects with students." 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": "University Motivational Speaker Chicago", "item": "https://michaelunbroken.com/university-motivational-speaker-chicago" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does a university motivational speaker cost in Chicago?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "University speaker fees vary based on event type, audience size, and funding source. Michael works with student activity funds, academic departments, and athletic budgets across Chicago area colleges." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What types of campus events does Michael speak at?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Michael speaks at new student orientations, welcome week keynotes, Greek life leadership events, student athlete programs, mental health awareness weeks, and graduation ceremonies throughout Chicagoland." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can Michael customize his talk for our student population?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Every campus presentation is customized. Michael researches your university and student demographics to deliver content that resonates, whether speaking at Northwestern, DePaul, or community colleges." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Michael do Q&A sessions with students after his talk?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, Q&A sessions are highly encouraged. Students often have powerful questions after hearing Michael's story, creating additional opportunities for connection." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do we book a speaker through student activity funds?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Michael's team is experienced in working with student government and campus activities boards. We can provide documentation and invoicing for your campus purchasing process." } } ] }, { "@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": "University 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. University Speaker Chicago ![Michael Anthony speaking at campus event](/assets/hero-background-optimized-BhR9ZSez.webp) Chicago, Illinois Universities # University Motivational Speaker in Chicago, IL From high school dropout to national champion speaker. Michael Anthony delivers the authentic message Chicago college students need to navigate challenges and build their future with purpose. [Check Availability for Your Campus](#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 University Students Connect With Michael University of Chicago, Northwestern, DePaul, Loyola, University of Illinois Chicago, and Columbia College attract students from every background imaginable. Many are first generation college students navigating systems their families never experienced. Others deal with imposter syndrome at elite institutions or anxiety about career paths in competitive fields. Michael Anthony speaks directly to these realities because he has lived similar challenges. A learning disabled high school dropout who rebuilt his life from homelessness, he offers proof that your starting point does not determine your destination. Chicago's competitive academic and professional environment creates pressure that can overwhelm students. Whether they are preparing for careers in finance, medicine, arts, or technology, young people here feel the weight of expectation. Michael's message cuts through the performance anxiety to address what students are actually experiencing. His podcast reaches over 5 million downloads because young people recognize authentic voices, and Chicago students deserve that authenticity on their campus. Whether addressing incoming freshmen at orientation, Greek life leaders seeking purpose beyond parties, or student athletes wrestling with identity beyond their sport, Michael delivers a message that sticks. His framework of personal responsibility and radical ownership gives students tools they can implement immediately. ## Campus Topics for Chicago Universities ### Second City, First Choice Chicago students actively chose to be here. Michael helps them own that decision fully, building purpose and identity in a city with infinite possibilities. ### The Pressure of the Prestigious Northwestern, UChicago, and other elite institutions create unique anxieties. Michael addresses imposter syndrome and performance pressure at high achieving campuses. ### From the Streets to the Seminar Room First generation urban students navigate worlds their families never experienced. Michael bridges these realities with authenticity and practical wisdom. ### Deep Dish Dreams Chicago does everything with substance and depth. Michael channels that energy into building a life of meaning, not just surface level success or social media appearances. ## What Happens After Michael Speaks 1 Students seek out campus counseling and mental health resources 2 Orientation cohorts bond over shared vulnerability 3 Student organizations see increased leadership applications 4 RAs report residents opening up about struggles ## Trusted by Illinois Universities Michael has spoken at universities and campus events across the country, connecting with college students through his authentic story of transformation. His message resonates with Chicago campus leaders who are looking for a speaker who can genuinely reach young adults. 5M+ Podcast Downloads National Speak Off Winner Bestselling Author ## Chicago Campus Events Michael Speaks At ### New Student Orientation Kick off college with purpose ### Welcome Week Keynotes Unite incoming classes ### Greek Life Leadership Lead with purpose ### Student Athlete Programs Identity beyond sports ### Mental Health Awareness Honest conversations ### Graduation Commencement Inspiring addresses ## About Michael Anthony Michael Anthony did not follow the expected path. He dropped out of high school, struggled with a learning disability, and grew up in foster care and homelessness. Instead of becoming another statistic, Michael chose to rewrite his story. He generated over $7 million in sales at a Fortune 10 company, authored a bestselling book, built a podcast with over 5 million downloads, and won Grant Cardone's National Speak-Off. Michael speaks to college students because he knows what it means to feel like an outsider. [Read Full Biography](/about) ## How to Book Michael for Your Chicago Campus ### Inquire Share your campus details using the form below. ### Discovery Call We'll discuss your students and goals. ### Confirm Finalize and prepare a customized presentation. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much does a university motivational speaker cost in Chicago? ### What types of campus events does Michael speak at? ### Can Michael customize his talk for our student population? ### Does Michael do Q&A sessions with students after his talk? ### How do we book a speaker through student activity funds? ## University Motivational Speaker in Chicago, IL We respond within 24 to 48 hours First Name \* Last Name \* Email \* Phone \* University/College Name \* Your Role \*Select your role Event Type \*Select event type Estimated Audience Size \* Tentative Event Date \* Event Description \* Check Availability for Chicago Related Pages: [Chicago High Schools](/high-school-motivational-speaker-chicago)[Chicago Corporate Events](/corporate-speaker-chicago)[Denver Universities](/university-motivational-speaker-denver)[Philadelphia Universities](/university-motivational-speaker-philadelphia) [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. 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