Co-hosted by Ancient Dragon Zen Gate in Chicago and Milwaukee Zen Center
at LUREC, Loyola University’s Recreation and Ecology Center in Woodstock, IL
September 15 – 18

This year’s theme is Bridging and Belonging – Living a Zen Life in the Midst of Conflict
Why are we meeting to explore Bridging and Belonging?
The theme of this year’s gathering was created by the eight members of the Program Committee. As we reflected on the challenges we are facing in our sanghas, our communities, and the world we wanted to highlight the importance of bridging differences, generating an inclusive sense of belonging, and learning ways to meet conflicts and disagreements when they arise.
How is this gathering different from other conferences?
How can we create a gathering to delve into these questions and work together to explore the opportunities inherent in bridging and belonging?
At our 2023 Gathering in Santa Cruz we used the “Open Space” method of generating breakout groups based on the questions, concerns, and expertise of participants. The atmosphere was lively and engaged, and we will use the same method at this year’s Gathering. We will also have time for sharing what’s most alive in your sangha/center, morning and afternoon zazen and morning service, walking on the LUREC campus trails, a skit night and an evening focused on a new collection of Suzuki Roshi’s teachings edited by Green Gulch Farm Abbot Jiryu Rutschmann-Byler, who will participate in the Gathering.
Who is this gathering for? Will I fit in?
We welcome those coming to a Gathering for the first time, as well as those who have attended before. In order to include as many sanghas as possible, we limit the number of participants from any Center or sangha to three. Please check with your guiding teacher/sangha leader before registering.
This dynamic meeting style will create an environment in which people are free to think about and explore issues in entirely different ways. We will be modeling community agreements to create a safe space to discuss what can sometimes be difficult topics and to do so in respectful and constructive ways.

What does it cost?
The registration fee is $650 U.S. dollars, which covers room and board, all conference fees, and shuttle transportation to and from O’Hare International Airport. You can make your payment here if you haven’t already. We are offering partial scholarships and travel support for those who cannot pay the full amount, which can be requested within the registration form.
Thank you to those who have contributed to the scholarship fund, it’s not too late to contribute here to help make the gathering possible for all who are interested in attending.
When should I plan to be there?
You can check in and register from 4 p.m. on Monday September 15. Dinner will be at 6 and the program will begin at 7:30pm. The Gathering will end with lunch from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Thursday September 18.
How do I get to and from the Gathering?
Inbound: There will be two shuttles transporting people from O’Hare airport to the LUREC facility on Monday, September 15th. The 1st shuttle will leave O’Hare at 1 PM CST. The 2nd shuttle will leave O’Hare at 4:20 PM CST. Plan accordingly. If you are flying in to O’Hare, please share your flight info with us. If you did not share this info in your registration, please do so with Paula Lazarz.
Outbound: There will be two shuttles transporting people from the LUREC facility to O’Hare airport on Thursday, September 18th. The 1st shuttle will leave LUREC at 12 PM CST, estimated O’Hare arrival at 1 PM. The 2nd shuttle will leave LUREC at 2:20 PM CST, estimated O’Hare arrival at 3:30 PM. Plan accordingly.
If you are driving, the LUREC address is 2710 S. Country Club Road, Woodstock, IL, 60098.
The 2025 Gathering Program Committee
- Blythe King
- Douglas Floyd
- Erin Garber-Pearson
- Inryu Ponce-Barger
- Michael Shinmon Newton
- Paula Chiplis
- River Shannon
- Tova Green
And the 2025 Local Logistics Committee
- Douglas Floyd
- Paula Lazarz
- Reirin Gumbel
- Tova Green