JUAN IGNACIO GONZALEZ

Let's Educate Our Future.

Juan Ignacio Gonzalez is a father, Marine veteran, CPD detective, and small business owner who has spent his life serving and investing in our community. Now, he’s running for Chicago Board of Education District 8B to bring greater accountability, quality education, and a community-first voice to our newly elected school board.

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About Us

We believe communication is essential to building a connected and informed community. That’s why we are committed to transparency, accessibility, and keeping our neighbors informed. Our goal is to empower voters with the knowledge they need to understand our priorities, engage with our campaign, and play an active role in shaping the future of our schools.

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Our Campaign Focus

Educational Excellence

Strong Schools & High Standards

We want to raise expectations and bring back a culture of high standards, academic excellence, and healthy competition. Students should be challenged to work hard, push themselves, and experience the genuine accomplishment that comes from achieving their goals.

Parents & Community at the Table

Strengthening Community Bonds

The people who know our schools best should have a meaningful voice in their future. Parents, educators, students, and community members deserve to be heard and included in the decisions that affect their schools.

Accountability & Transparency

Informed Decision-Making

Chicago families deserve a Board of Education that is responsible, transparent, and accountable. We will advocate for responsible use of taxpayer dollars, clear decision-making, and leadership that puts students and schools first.

Opportunity & Student Success

Inspiring Change

Every student should leave school prepared to pursue their own definition of success. Whether that means college, skilled trades, a career, entrepreneurship, or public service. We want to expand opportunities and give students the tools, support, and confidence to reach their potential.

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Join Our Campaign

Volunteer Opportunities

Support Our Mission

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Get Involved Today

Be Part of Our Vision

Our Focus Areas

Creating a Brighter Future Together

Education Reform

Empowering Students and Teachers

Language Emersion

Supporting Language Programs.

Safety in Schools

Promoting Safe Environments.

Equity in Education

Ensuring Fair Opportunities for All

Community Development

Building Stronger Neighborhoods

Support for Local Organizations

Enhancing Community Welfare

juanignacio4chicago

19 posts

63 followers

23 following

Let's Educate Our Future Together
Father | Veteran | Business Owner | Running for Chicago Board of Education District 8B

https://linktr.ee/juangonzalezforchicagoschools?utm_source=qr_code&utm_medium=desktop_profile

Community Spotlight: Juvenal Gomez & CBSL Soccer ⚽️

I’m proud to have known Juvenal Gomez for many years. To see the tremendous impact he continues to make through CBSL Soccer is truly special.

He’s bringing young people and families together while teaching discipline, teamwork, and confidence through the game.

Juvenal’s impact on our community is tremendous. This is community leadership in action. ⚽️💪

#CommunityFirst #YouthSports #CBSLSoccer #Chicago #SupportOurYouth #BuildingCommunity

Today, I had the opportunity to join this wonderful back-to-school community event at 47th & Ashland. I love being part of events like these and seeing the connections we can build when we come together as a community. 💙

And the community has more ahead! Join us on August 29th at Dreamcatcher Cafe for another back-to-school event supporting local families and helping students get ready for the school year. 📚🎒

Every student deserves access to a high-quality education, a safe learning environment, and leaders who are accountable to the community.
My priorities are clear: raising academic achievement, strengthening school safety and accountability, and ensuring transparency and fiscal responsibility in every decision. By working alongside parents, educators, businesses, and community organizations, we can provide every student with the opportunities they deserve and build a stronger future for our schools.

#juanignacio4chicago #chicagoboardofeducation #grassrootscampaign #educationmatters #studentsfirst

I’ve known Ana since I was a little kid, and it’s incredible how life brought us back together on this journey to restore education.

Ana has dedicated her life to our schools. From teaching in the classroom, to serving as a principal, to preparing and mentoring future principals. I’ve been blessed to learn from her since I was young, and her wisdom, experience, and honest perspective on how education has changed have been invaluable to me.

She’s also someone who will always hold me accountable, and I’m grateful for her support and her heartfelt introduction.

This grassroots campaign is powered by people like Ana; educators, parents, and community members who genuinely care about our students, our teachers, and the future of our schools. Together, we can build an education system that puts children first.

#juanignacio4chicago #vote #educationmatters #studentsfirst #district8b

There is nothing more powerful than a community that shows up for one another.

To every family member, friend, neighbor, volunteer, and community member who came to our campaign kickoff; thank you. Your support means more than you know. Seeing so many familiar faces reminded me exactly why I decided to run.

I was raised here, I live here, I’m raising my family here, and this community had helped shape who I am. That’s why this campaign has always been about making sure the voices of District 8B are heard by someone who truly understands our neighborhoods, schools and the challenges our families face every day.

Real change is going to happen when neighbors help neighbors, when families support one another, and when a community refuses to stop believing in its future. Even when others don’t show up, we will. That’s what makes our community so special.

I’m honored to stand alongside you, speak for the community that raised me, and fight for the students, parents, and educators who deserve every opportunity to excel.

Together, we will continue building a stronger future for District 8B.

#juanignacio4chicago #communitymatters #vote #boardofeducation #grassrootscampaign

Education has a way of bringing people together.

I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who came out to support our campaign kickoff and for the experienced leaders, elected officials, and community members who have offered their guidance, encouragement, and support along the way.

No matter our backgrounds or perspectives, we all share the same goal: giving our students the opportunities they deserve and ensuring our teachers have the resources and support they need to help every child succeed.

This campaign has always been about more than one person, it’s all of us working together. Thank you to everyone who has joined this journey so far.

#juanignacio4chicago #chicagoboardofeducation #boardofeducation2026 #grassrootscampaign #district8b

Thank you to La Casa Playroom for the opportunity to speak at the Bebetón event! It was inspiring to connect with so many families and share my vision for our schools and community.

I’ve seen firsthand that when neighbors come together to support one another, amazing things happen. The strongest communities are built by people who care, show up, and work together. That’s the kind of leadership I’ll continue to bring to our schools.

Thank you to everyone who made this event so special!

Today is the day! It’s going to be a great time, and everyone is invited. I truly feel blessed to be able to host this event right here in my own backyard.

This community has shaped who I am, and it means the world to spend an evening with people who care deeply about our kids and our schools.

I hope to see you tonight. Come by, say hello, and let’s kick this campaign off the right way!

#juanignacio4chicago #boardofeducation #firstcampaign #fundraiserevent #backoftheyardschicago

Every child deserves to feel supported, encouraged, and inspired to pursue their dreams, just as I was.

As I continue this journey across District 8B, I look forward to meeting more families, educators, students, and neighbors. As someone who lives just two blocks from my elementary school and opened a coffee shop only a block away, I am deeply rooted in this community. It would be an honor to represent the Southwest Side and every family throughout District 8B.

Stay tuned for more content as I share my vision and specific priorities for our schools and the future of public education in our community.

I also hope you’ll join me at our Campaign Kickoff Fundraiser this Thursday, where I’ll be sharing more about my vision and why I’m running. If you’d like to get to know me in person, I’d love to see you there. If you haven’t purchased your ticket yet, there’s still time, the link is at the top of my Linktree in my bio.

#juanignacio4chicago #chicagoboardofeducation #backoftheyardschicago #mckinleyparkchicago #brightonparkchicago

I hope everyone has a safe and meaningful Fourth of July.

Today we celebrate the freedoms and opportunities that make this country so special. I am deeply grateful to have had the privilege of serving our nation as a United States Marine and continuing that service here at home as a Chicago Police Officer.

America is not perfect, but it has given generations of people the opportunity to work hard, serve others, and build a better future for their families. That spirit of service is what continues to guide me today as I run for the Chicago Board of Education.

I believe each of us has a responsibility to leave every person, place, and institution better than we found it. That’s how stronger neighborhoods are built. That’s how stronger schools are built. And that’s how we honor those who came before us while creating greater opportunities for the next generation.

Happy Independence Day. God bless our community, God bless those who serve, and God bless the United States of America. 🇺🇸

#godblessamerica🇺🇸 #happyforth #chicago #servingourcommunity #honorandservice

🎙️ It’s officially live!
Episode 462: Back of the Yards Community with Ignacio Gonzalez is now available on the Straight Up Chicago Investors Podcast.
I had the opportunity to share my journey from opening Dreamcatcher Coffee and joining NAHREP to running for the Chicago Board of Education. I also discuss why I believe stronger neighborhoods and stronger schools go hand in hand.

A special thank you to Tom and Mark for having me on. I hope you’ll tune in!

🎧 Watch or listen here: https://tr.ee/cOO1J2-cn9
Or visit the @sucipodcast bio for the link!

#backoftheyards #sucipodcast #nahrepchicago #chicagoboardofeducation #communityvoice

Some campaigns are built on politics. This one is built on people.

This campaign has never been about one person. It has always been about our community, our children, and the future we leave behind.

It’s about giving parents a voice. It’s about creating opportunities for every student. It’s about ensuring our schools are places where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

Join me on Wednesday, July 30th, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM for an evening of conversation, community, and support as we continue building a true grassroots campaign for the Chicago Board of Education, District 8B.

Whether you’ve supported this campaign from the beginning or are just getting to know me, I’d be honored to meet you, hear your thoughts, and share my vision for strengthening our schools.

Every conversation, every shared post, every donation, and every person who attends helps us reach more families and build momentum for this historic election.

I hope you’ll join us as we work together to build stronger schools, stronger neighborhoods, and a brighter future for every child. 💙📚

📍 South Side Social at Effortless Look HQ
🗓️ July 30, 2026
⏰ 6:00–9:00 PM

#grassrootscampaign #juanignacio4chicago #chicagopublicschools #educationmatters📚 #chicagocommunity

Today I had the opportunity to attend the City Club of Chicago’s discussion on our city’s historic transition to a fully elected school board.

It was encouraging to hear different perspectives on governance, accountability, and the future of public education in Chicago. More importantly, it was an opportunity to meet with leaders, advocates, educators, and community members who all care deeply about the success of our students.

As a candidate for District 8B, I believe strong governance is built on collaboration, compromise, and consensus. We won’t always agree, but we can always work together with one goal in mind: providing every child with the best education possible.

I am excited about the opportunity to represent the families of District 8B and remain committed to leaving every person, every place, and every institution better than I found it.

Thank you to the City Club of Chicago for hosting an important conversation about the future of education in our city.

#juanignacio4chicago #chicagoboardofeducation #district8b #communityvoices #chicagoschools

Thank you to Tom and Mark for having me on Straight Up Chicago Investors to discuss my campaign for the Chicago Board of Education.

We had a great conversation about the future of our Southside community, and how community investment, neighborhood growth, and quality education all go hand in hand.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my journey of service. From serving in the Marines, to investing in and improving homes in our neighborhood, to opening a local coffee shop that brings people together. Now, I’m ready to bring that same commitment to strengthening our schools and creating better opportunities for our students.

#backoftheyards #district8b #educationmatters #chicagoboardofeducation

Today it becomes official. After weeks of walking through our communities and listening to parents, teachers, and residents share their concerns about our school system, I am honored to officially be on the ballot for the Chicago Board of Education, District 8B.

Our children, teachers, and schools must be our priority. Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, and every educator deserves the support and respect needed to help them thrive.

Thank you for your trust and support. Together, we can strengthen our schools and build a brighter future for the next generation.

#ChicagoBoardOfEducation #District8B #EducationFirst #SupportOurTeachers #SupportOurChildren

As we get closer to submitting petitions, I’ve been organizing, collecting signatures, and having conversations across our communities about what the future of education in Chicago should look like.
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend a NAHREP event focused on the transition from residential to commercial real estate within our Hispanic community. What stood out to me most was how connected these conversations are to the lives of our students and families.
Too often, we talk about education as if it only happens inside the classroom. But the reality is that student success is deeply connected to the stability of the communities they come from. When families have access to stable housing, economic opportunity, and safe neighborhoods, students are more likely to feel supported, focused, and confident about their future.
As I continue my campaign for the Chicago Board of Education, I remain committed to advocating for students by understanding the full environment surrounding them. Not just school policy, but the conditions that impact their everyday lives. Strong communities help build strong schools, and our children deserve both.

A huge thank you for the support, Let’s Educate Our Future Together.

I’ve been out in the community, walking door to door, talking with neighbors, and collecting signatures to get on the ballot for November.

This is one of the most meaningful parts of the journey for me. I recognize building a strong community starts with courage and dedication. It is a challenge and an honor to put in the work to the conversations that build genuine connections.

A humbling opportunity like this grows my gratitude for every win and fuels a deeper commitment to work harder in protecting and uplifting our community. Every signature represents trust, and I don’t take that lightly.

I’m especially grateful for the incredible people who show up and put in the work alongside me. Your time, energy, and belief in this campaign means everything.

A special thank you to Alderwoman Silvana Tabares for the support, I sincerely appreciate it.

We’re building this together, one conversation at a time.

#juanignacio4chicago #grassrootscampaign #peoplepowered #chicago

I’m running for the Chicago Board of Education for District 8B because our schools deserve leadership that listens shows up and stays accountable to families.

As a parent and community member of Chicago’s South West Side, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges our students and families face. I believe we can do better with the right voices at the table.

I would deeply appreciate if you’re able to support this campaign, no matter the size of your contribution. It will help me reach more voters, acquire petition materials and continue to grow my connections with our communities and schools.

Donate through ActBlue here:
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/juanignaciogonzalez?refcode=ab_qr_code&utm_source=qr_code

Link also available in my Bio.

Thank you for being a part of this effort.

Juan Ignacio Gonzalez

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JUAN IGNACIO GONZALEZ

Let's Educate Our Future.

About Us

Our Campaign Focus

Educational Excellence

Parents & Community at the Table

Accountability & Transparency

Opportunity & Student Success

Take Action

Support Our Mission

Our Focus Areas

Education Reform

Language Emersion

Safety in Schools

Equity in Education

Community Development

Support for Local Organizations

​

juanignacio4chicago

JUAN IGNACIO GONZALEZ