Concerned Parents of Illinois is proud to announce that Riley Gaines, a nationally recognized women’s rights advocate and former NCAA athlete, will serve as the keynote speaker at this year’s Annual Gala, to be held on January 31, 2026, at Gibsons Oak Brook.
Gaines has become a household name in the national conversation on fairness in women’s sports, biological reality, and parental rights.
A frequent Fox News contributor, she rose to prominence after speaking out about being forced to compete in swimming against a male athlete in NCAA competition and being told to stay silent.
Since then, she has toured the country standing up for girls, families, and the truth.
Her presence at the Concerned Parents of Illinois Gala sends a clear message: Illinois parents need to be organized, energized, and unafraid to speak up. It is the same message that has driven Concerned Parents of Illinois from the beginning.
“We are thrilled to welcome Riley Gaines to Illinois,” said Kristina McCloy, founder of Concerned Parents of Illinois. “She represents everything we stand for: courage, conviction, and the unapologetic defense of truth, children, and parental rights.”
The original speaker was intended to be conservative legend Charlie Kirk, a pivotal force in today’s conservative movement.
Riley Gaines has worked closely with Kirk as a contributor for Turning Point USA and has toured alongside him at major TPUSA events, making her presence at the gala a perfect continuation of that mission and impact.
Concerned Parents of Illinois is proud to continue carrying the Turning Point USA torch, honoring the legacy of Charlie Kirk and TPUSA, defending American values, and equipping parents to lead in their communities.
This year’s event board is comprised of 13 strong, conservative women from across the collar counties, each playing a critical role in advancing the parent-led movement and strengthening the grassroots leadership that is reshaping Illinois. Both Rose McNaul and Amy Erkenswick are members of the Concerned Parents event board.
“I am deeply honored to stand alongside this powerhouse group of conservative women leading the charge in Illinois. Kristina McCloy is a true patriot who has tirelessly been the voice for children and families across our state for years. Riley Gaines perfectly embodies our mission: we will never back down from defending what we believe – especially when facing opposition and hatred. Parental rights are under attack every single day in Illinois, and groups like Concerned Parents of Illinois exist to welcome, equip, and empower mothers while setting an example for the communities we love and serve. Events like our January 31 Gala prove that when fearless women unite for truth and our kids, real change happens.” – Rose McNaul, Batavia Township Republican Central Committee Chairman
“The extraordinary women of Concerned Parents are united by our commitment to strengthening our community and advancing the conservative values that so many families here hold dear. This organization represents the very best of civic engagement — parents and neighbors stepping forward to advocate for transparency, accountability, and the preservation of the principles that support strong families and strong schools. I extend my most sincere thanks to Kristina McCloy for acting as a driving force in elevating parents’ voices, ensuring that concerns are not only heard but acted upon.” – Amy Erkenswick, Wheaton Mom
The Annual Gala brings together parents and leaders from across the state who are willing to stand up. This year’s event will feature dinner, keynote remarks, and a celebration of the grassroots movement that is rising across Illinois.
Concerned Parents of Illinois is a parent-led movement dedicated to protecting children, restoring academic excellence in our schools, increasing family engagement in local government, and improving turnout among voters who share our values and concern for the future.
To purchase tickets visit: https://www.concernedparentsil.com/concerned_parents_gala_2026
