SJ Model UN Travels to Chicago
By: Trevor Higgins '27
It was another amazing trip to Chicago for the Saint John’s Model United Nations team. On February 4th, 2026, SJMUN boarded a flight from Logan Airport to the Windy City to participate in the 38th Annual United Nations of University of Chicago (MUNUC). The Conference was held at the Hyatt Regency in the heart of downtown Chicago from February 5th to February 8th. In 38 years, Saint John’s is one of three schools that have never missed an-in person MUNUC, and this year’s Conference did not disappoint. Our SJ delegates enthusiastically participated in five committee sessions where they gained experience in debate, negotiation, and public speaking to address international problems facing contemporary society.
When the Conference was not in session, SJMUN had the opportunity to tour Chicago and partake in all the city has to offer. On Wednesday night, the team attended Second City, a famous comedy club where many Saturday Night Live stars got their start. On Thursday morning, SJMUN ate cheeseburgers for breakfast at the famous Billy Goat Tavern, home of the infamous “Cheezborger.” Saturday night’s dinner was Chicago-style pizza at Pizzeria Ora where the team was joined by SJ alumnus Francis Devaney ‘23. It would not be a SJMUN trip to Chicago without a team photo at the Bean and football game in Millennial Park. This year, with snow flurries in the air, the evenly-matched teams ended the game in a tie.
SJMUN would like to thank its senior leadership and head delegates for their support and mentorship. In addition, recognition is in order for the following SJMUN delegates who received awards for their outstanding performances at MUNUC: JR Chopra ‘26; Sean Connor ‘26; Manav Guttalapalli ‘26; Alex Krolewski ‘27; and Aryan Modi ‘27. Congratulations gentlemen!
This remarkable experience would not have been possible without our incomparable moderators Mr. Abdella ‘92, Dr. McClintock P’25, and Mr. Lizotte ‘89. We thank them for their guidance, support, and infinite patience, especially on a weekend when the New England Patriots were playing in the Super Bowl for the first time in 7 years. SJMUN would be remiss not to thank United Airlines and Mr. Keith Menard ‘92 of FTI Lines for getting the team home in time for the Big Game.
After such a transformative experience, SJMUN is eager to hone their skills and participate in more debate and collaboration at a conference being held at BC High next month. For more information and updates, follow @SJMUN on Instagram and Facebook.
To view all photos from the SJMUN Chicago visit: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCKvFG
Saint John's High School
Saint John’s High School has educated young men under the sponsorship of the Xaverian Brothers since 1898. Through the Saint John’s strong college preparatory curriculum, over 900 students in grades seven through twelve pursue personal and intellectual growth in an environment that is committed to the development of the whole person and recognizes a moral dimension of life through service to God and to others.