Ship Masters' Chicago

06/13/2026

Happy Birthday to our Lodge president, Capt. Ray Novak!

06/05/2026

Come on out Next Tuesday for our monthly meeting.

This month at Chicago Boat Conpany’s Rockwell location. Details in flyer.

05/22/2026

Join us today at 1230 to celebrate National Maritime Day.

⚓ Join Us for National Maritime Day | May 22nd | Navy Pier

On May 22, 1819, the steamship SS Savannah made the first steam-powered crossing of the Atlantic. Congress chose that date in 1933 to honor the men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine: the nation’s fourth arm of defense.

When America went to war, the Merchant Marine went first. In World War II, they crossed enemy-patrolled oceans to deliver the troops, weapons, and supplies that made victory possible — at tremendous personal sacrifice. Their service was essential.

But the Merchant Mariner’s work didn’t end when the wars did. Today, they move the goods that stock our shelves, fuel our industry, and keep our economy running. On our Great Lakes, our rivers, and every navigable waterway in between, they remain quiet guardians of American commerce, safety, and security — largely unseen, absolutely indispensable.

This National Maritime Day, join the Chicago Shipmasters at the Captain at the Helm statue, Navy Pier — 12:30 PM as we recognize National Maritime Day and then host our Blessing of the Fleet, asking safe passage for all who sail and honoring those who served before us. Our website will have a detailed schedule and information on how to join us by land or by water.

We don’t just observe this history, we carry it. The International Ship Masters’ Association are keepers of 140 years of Great Lakes maritime tradition — honoring those who came before, passing it forward with intention.

🌊 chicagoshipmasters.com

05/18/2026

Join us this Friday, May 22nd at 12:30 PM for our National Maritime Day celebration and Blessing of the Fleet ceremony at the Captain at the Helm statue, Navy Pier main entrance.

The program will feature remarks from MARAD, MSU Chicago, and Chicago Shipmasters, followed by an on-water Blessing of the Fleet aboard the Cap Streeter, including a wreath laying in honor of mariners lost to our waters.
Members participating in full dress uniform should arrive by 11:45 AM. Vessels wishing to join the on-water ceremony may queue on the west side of Dime Pier by 1 pm.

All are welcome. We hope to see you there.

05/15/2026

Chicago lost a true legend today. Sam Sianis, the heart and soul of the Billy Goat Tavern, was one of a kind — and for the crews of Chicago’s tour and charter boats, his place was more than a bar. It was our port of call.

We made our way to lower Michigan Ave for the last 60 plus years where we found cold drinks, hot burgers, and a place to unwind after a long shift — and occasionally, to settle a dispute or two. The Billy Goat had a way of making things right.

We’re grateful for the home the Billy Goat gave us and are thankful that our history lives on those walls — in the photographs alongside the other pillars of this great city — and that means the world to us at Chicago Shipmasters and the rest of our maritime community.

Thank you, Sam. Thank you, Billy Goat. May your memory be eternal. 🐐⚓

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sam Sianis — the legendary, longtime owner of Billy Goat Tavern and a true Chicago original. Sam passed away peacefully this morning in his sleep, surrounded by his loving family.

Sam was more than a restaurateur; he was a Chicago legend. His tireless work ethic, devotion to his beloved Tavern, and deep love for this city made him a cultural icon and an inspiration to all who knew him. Above all, he was a devoted family man and a cherished friend to countless people whose lives he touched.

Loved by many, he will be deeply missed. May his memory be eternal.

05/12/2026

*****UPDATED LOCATION******

Well folks, we said we were working on a few surprises for the BBQ, but did not anticipate this one…due to a conflict at location we need to move tonight’s BBQ to the the Fred A Busse docked behind the Columbia Yacht Club. Still starting at 5 pm.

As an added treat, Maritime Throwdown will have their training rig on site so come and test those skills.

Again, sorry for pivot here, but happy to have the Busse able to host us. Parking code being sent out to membership for the Dusable lot.

05/11/2026

⚓ Join Us for National Maritime Day | May 22nd | Navy Pier

On May 22, 1819, the steamship SS Savannah made the first steam-powered crossing of the Atlantic. Congress chose that date in 1933 to honor the men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine: the nation’s fourth arm of defense.

When America went to war, the Merchant Marine went first. In World War II, they crossed enemy-patrolled oceans to deliver the troops, weapons, and supplies that made victory possible — at tremendous personal sacrifice. Their service was essential.

But the Merchant Mariner’s work didn’t end when the wars did. Today, they move the goods that stock our shelves, fuel our industry, and keep our economy running. On our Great Lakes, our rivers, and every navigable waterway in between, they remain quiet guardians of American commerce, safety, and security — largely unseen, absolutely indispensable.

This National Maritime Day, join the Chicago Shipmasters at the Captain at the Helm statue, Navy Pier — 12:30 PM as we recognize National Maritime Day and then host our Blessing of the Fleet, asking safe passage for all who sail and honoring those who served before us. Our website will have a detailed schedule and information on how to join us by land or by water.

We don’t just observe this history, we carry it. The International Ship Masters’ Association are keepers of 140 years of Great Lakes maritime tradition — honoring those who came before, passing it forward with intention.

🌊 chicagoshipmasters.com

04/27/2026

We are proud to once again sponsor the Recreational Charter Workshop with the Chicago Harbor Safety Committee.

Learn from USCG, IDNR, CPD, CFD, Chicago Harbors, and Maritime Lawyers.

The event is 1 week away on Tuesday, May 5th at Columbia Yacht Club.

Register for free at https://www.chicagoharborsafety.org/upcomingmeetings

04/21/2026

Bridge lifts starting up on Wednesday, April 22nd.

04/14/2026

City Cruises is rolling out the red carpet for us tonight as they host our monthly meeting on Odyssey Lake Michigan at Navy Pier.

Tonight we have a speaker from the USCG Foundation giving a presentation.