ASCOLA 2025

ASCOLA stands for Academic Society for Competition Law. It unites several hundred researchers and scholars from all continents who focus on competition law, economics and policy. Members of ASCOLA usually meet once a year for a big annual conference with in-depth discussions of scholarship. Here you can find more information on the association.

The ASCOLA 2025 Host Team

Loyola University Chicago School of Law and the Institute for Consumer Antitrust Studies are proud to host the 20^th Annual ASCOLA meeting in Chicago, Illinois on June 26-28, 2025. All panels of the Annual Meeting will be held in the Corboy Law Center which is located at 25 E. Pearson, Chicago, IL 60611. The Institute for Consumer Antitrust Studies is proud to host ASCOLA as part of the celebration of the 30^th Anniversary of the Institute. Some of the many people who have worked on the ASCOLA Annual Meeting include:

Spencer Weber Waller, John Paul Stevens Chair in Competition Law; Director, Institute for Consumer Antitrust Law, Loyola University Chicago School of Law

Joyce Marvel, Office Coordinator, Loyola University Chicago School of Law

The ASCOLA 2025 Advisors

Gregory Day, Associate Professor of Law, Terry College of Business, University of Georgia

Theodosia Stavroulaki, Assistant Professor of Law, St. Louis University School of Law

Stacey Dogan, Professor of Law, Boston University Law School

Max Huffman, Vice Dean and Professor of Law, Indiana University McKinney School of Law

Loyola Chicago Student Captains

Grace Franklin, JD expected 2027

Leanna Nasrallah, JD expected 2026

Sam Hunt, JD expected 2027

Stephanie Haines, JD expected 2027

Loyola Chicago Student Assistants

TBD

Law Firm Sponsor of the Thursday Evening Reception

Cohen & Gresser, an international law firm with offices in New York City, Paris, Washington D.C., and London. The firm represents clients in complex litigation and corporate transactions throughout the world. Special thanks to Melissa Maxman, managing partner of the Washington, D.C. office of the firm and a member of the Advisory Board of the Institute for Consumer Antitrust Studies.

There are two large airports in Chicago both of which are approximately 28 kilometers from downtown but in different parts of the city.

If you are traveling to Chicago from outside the United States most flights will be arriving and clearing customs at the international terminal of Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. If you clear customs somewhere other than Chicago (and depending on your connections) you may arrive in either O’Hare or Midway Airport.

Taxis are available in both airports, but are expensive and can cost between $50-70 dollars to the law school depending on traffic conditions. Uber and Lyft ride shares are also available and usually (but not always) somewhat less expensive with varying rates.

The least expensive option for traveling to the law school from either of Chicago’s airports will be on the public transportation subway system known as the Chicago El. The fares are around $5 from O’Hare and $2.50 from Midway and can be paid by credit or debit card or by purchasing a prepaid Ventra card at the El station in either airport.

If you are coming from O’Hare Airport and traveling directly to the law center:

1. Locate the Blue Line Station: The CTA Blue Line station is situated in the lower level of Terminal 2 of the domestic section at O'Hare Airport.
2. If arriving at Terminal 5 (international flights), take the Airport Transit System (ATS) to Terminal 2.
3. If arriving at Terminal 1 or 3, the Blue Line station is easily accessible from the lower levels of these terminals.
4. Look for trains heading towards Forest Park.
5. The Blue Line will take you through downtown Chicago, with a number of stops before you reach downtown. It usually take 40-45 minutes to get downtown.
6. If you are going directly to the law school, you will need to get off at the Clark & Lake station downtown and change to the northbound Red Line train heading toward Howard Street.
7. Take the northbound Red Line train two stops to the Chicago Avenue station. When you exit the train station, walk one block north on State Street to Pearson Street, turn right and walk one block east to the Law Center located at 25 E. Pearson on your right hand side.
    

If you are coming from Midway Airport and traveling directly to the law center:

1. Look for signs that say "CTA Trains" or "Train to the City" within Midway Airport.
2. The Orange Line station is located east of the airport terminal building and is connected by an enclosed walkway.
3. You can purchase a Ventra Card or Ventra Ticket at the Midway station or use your credit or debit card.  
4. All Orange Line trains from Midway go to the downtown Loop.
5. Transfer at the Roosevelt Street Station to the Red Line going north to Howard Street.
6. Take the northbound Red Line train to the Chicago Avenue station. When you exit the train station, walk one block north on State Street to Pearson Street, turn right and walk one block east to the Law Center located at 25 E. Pearson on your right hand side.
7. Travel Time: The ride to downtown typically takes around 20-25 minutes.

Chicago is a world-class city with many hotels and other lodging options. Loyola University Chicago School of Law happens to be located in an exciting part of downtown, next to many attractions. However, many of the closest hotels can be pricey, especially during the summer months when demand is high. The ASCOLA 2025 team has identified several more modestly priced hotel options in the general vicinity of the law school. When making your hotel plans, please consider the following options starting from the ones closest to the law school:

Baumhart Hall, 26 E. Pearson. Baumhart Hall is the graduate dorm of Loyola University Chicago, located directly across the street from the law school. Dorm-style beds are $63.15 per night (shared bedroom), and the cost of a single room is $126.25 per night (plus tax); these do not include breakfast. If interested in booking, go to https://lodging.luc.edu/. Make sure to use to include the following details:

• Enter the dates; check-in dates begin on June 24, and check-out as late as June 30, 2025.
• Enter the number of rooms/beds you want to reserve
• Location is Baumhart
• Promotion Code is: ASCOLA25
• Press the Search button

Royal Sonesta Suites, 201 E. Walton Place, Chicago, IL 60610. This all-suite hotel is approximately one kilometer from the law school and includes breakfast. The Royal Sonesta has offered a discounted rate of $199 a day (plus tax and fees) if you book before May 25, 2025 on line at ASCOLA 2025 or you would prefer to call in and make their reservation, you may call the toll-free reservations department at 1-800-SONESTA to make your reservations. Make sure to give the hotel name (Sonesta ES Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile) and this code when doing so: (062525LUC).

Claridge Hotel, 1244 N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60611. The Claridge Hotel is a smaller boutique hotel located in the Gold Coast section of Chicago, less than 2 kilometers from the law school. It has various special discounted rates that change frequently. Book here.

HI Chicago Hostel, 24 W. Ida B. Wells Dr., Chicago, IL, 60605. This hostel, designed for international travelers, is approximately 3 kilometers from the law school. This clean, but spartan, hostel is also a short walk from public transportation, taking you within a block of the law school. There are both dorm rooms (6-10 people) and private rooms. Prices vary, and spots often fill up well in advance. Book here.

The Ambassador Hotel is located in Chicago’s gold coast just over one kilometer north of the law school. It is a vintage boutique hotel with a storied history dating back to its opening in 1926. The Ambassador Hotel often runs affordable special rates.

The Drake Hotel
140 East Walton Place
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312.296.0029
Loyola University Discounted Corporate Link
Direct corporate code: 2744508
Contact: Shauna Jaskot
Shauna.Jaskot@hilton.com

There are many other options to consider through AirBnB, VRBO, and the major booking websites. Be aware that Chicago is a very large city. We want to make sure that you book in a convenient neighborhood with easy public transportation to the Loyola Corboy Law Center. If you are not familiar with Chicago, we recommend you contact ASCOLA2025@luc.edu before you make your final arrangements so you can be assisted in identifying an affordable appropriate location with easy transportation to the law school.

For After ASCOLA

All good things must come to an end. ASCOLA itself will wrap up around 1PM on Saturday, 28 June. But the fun has just begun. For those of you who can stay in Chicago on Saturday and Sunday morning we invite you to consider the following activities that might be of interest. All listed activities (except Chicago White Sox Baseball) are within eight kilometers of the law school. In addition to the suggestions below, you can also find some suggestions for exploring Chicago on a limited budget in this recent NY Times article.

Saturday Afternoon

Museum Campus

The Museum Campus is approximately five kilometers south of the law school on the lakefront and features three of the best museums in Chicago, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium. It is also an easy walk from the Art Institute, Grant Park and Millennium Park.

Chicago Architectural Center Walking and Boat Tours

The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is a non-profit organization that inspires people to discover why design matters. It provides a variety of walking and boat tours focusing on the architectural diversity and history of Chicago. The 90-minute architectural boat tour of the Chicago River is their most popular offering.

Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the World’s greatest art museums and is an easy two kilometer walk from the law school. The Art Institute of Chicago is home to a collection of art that spans centuries and the globe—and one of Tripadvisor’s “Best of the Best” U.S. attractions of 2024. It is located in Grant Park, which also features many outdoor attractions and is known for, among other things, the setting of Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential election victory speech.

Museum of Contemporary Art

Located less than .5 kilometers east of the law school, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to contemporary art. Here, the public can experience the work and ideas of living artists and understand the historical, social, and cultural context of the art of our time. Since its inception in 1967, the museum’s mission has been to exhibit new and experimental work in all media, paired with ambitious learning programs.

The Bear Food Tour

The Bear is a hit TV show set in Chicago. It covers the owners, family, and staff of a fictional Chicago restaurant called The Bear that is making the transition from a sandwich shop featuring Italian Beef sandwiches (a Chicago specialty) to a Michelin starred fine dining experience. The show has won numerous Emmy awards and streams on Hulu.

There are several different companies that host food tours based on the locations, restaurants, and foods featured on The Bear. These tours take you to the actual spots where Carmy, Sydney, and Richie cook up their magic, and pair each stop with the insider stories that connect the dots between the show's fictional drama and our real-life foodie destination.

Hop aboard your air-conditioned/heated bus and get inside the beating heart of Chicago’s world-renowned restaurant scene in Logan Square, River North, and the West Loop. One of the leading tours, you’ll stop at trendy, chef-driven fine dining eateries, the Italian beef shop that inspired “Mr. Beef,” and a sweet finale at the legendary Margie’s Candies. View the schedules and tickets for one of these leading food tours.

Chicago History Museum

Explore the city with the museum’s expert guides, delve into their exhibitions through thematic programs, or discover Chicago history through family-friendly activities including a terrific exhibit on the Chicago Fire and how the modern city of Chicago rebuilt following this defining event in our history.

Lincoln Park Zoo

In a city where skyscrapers are built every day, Lincoln Park Zoo is dedicated to being the place in Chicago for all things wildlife—where children learn to love animals, where adults rediscover what it’s like to wonder, and where nature isn’t just an escape, but the priority. The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the only free city zoos left in the United States and is located less than five kilometers north of the law school in a beautiful section of Lincoln Park.

The zoo is across the street from the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, a separate museum with an entrance fee that features a butterfly room where you will be surrounded by butterflies who may land on you for photos or just a peaceful encounter.

The zoo is also next door to the Lincoln Park Conservatory which has free entry and lovely botanical displays but may require online registration for timed entry. The zoo is also a short walk from the beach where you can walk, swim, rent bicycles, and relax at various cafes and restaurants along the shores of Lake Michigan.

Chicago Riverwalk

Explore beautiful views of the Chicago skyline along the river if you’d like to opt for a walk rather than a boat ride. The 1.25-mile-long path has been constructed in phases over time and includes four distinct districts; The Confluence, The Arcade, The Civic, and the Esplanade. The Chicago River is a treasured natural amenity in the urban canyon of world-famous architecture and the Chicago RiverwaIk allows a close proximity to the waterway. The continuous path from Lake Street to the lake front also allows a vertical connection from Upper Wacker Drive down to the waterway.

Saturday Evening

Chicago White Sox Game

See the national pastime of the United States while you are in town for ASCOLA. The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team that play their home games about ten kilometers south of downtown Chicago. The 35^th Street stop red line of the Chicago subway takes you within 2 blocks of the stadium. Tickets range between $20-100 or more depending on the location of the seats and how well the team is doing. Tickets can be purchased from the team’s website and many reputable secondary ticketing sites.

Live Music

Chicago is a city of music. There are free concerts in The Pritzker Pavilion about two kilometers south of the law school. These include the Grant Park Symphony and other types of music. View the Grant Park Symphony schedule.

Chicago is a leading center of the blues, a uniquely American musical art form. Leading blues clubs include Buddy Guy’s Legends, Kingston Mines, and Blues Chicago. Please check each club’s website for schedules and cover charges.

The other great American musical art form is jazz, and Chicago has some of the country’s greatest jazz clubs, including The Jazz Showcase, The Green Mill, Winter’s Jazz Club, Andy’s, and more. Please check each club’s website for schedules and cover charges. Professor Theodosia Stavroulaki of Saint Louis University School of Law will lead a group to one or two jazz clubs on Saturday evening. Registration for the Jazz Club Tour is required and can be done when you register for the conference.

Pub Crawl

Professor Gregory Day of the University of George Terry School of Business has graciously volunteered to lead a pub crawl on Saturday evening. The pub crawl will begin in front at the law school and feature a traditional Irish pub, a piano bar, and more surprises! Registration for the Pub Crawl is required and can be done when you register for the conference.

Second City Comedy Club

Chicago is home to the world famous Second City Comedy Club which presents sketch comedy and improvisations nightly for over 65 years. Second City alumni include Bill Murray, Jim Belushi, Tina Fey, and many more, and this year’s cast may be the stars of tomorrow. Second City is located less than three kilometers north of the law school in the charming Old Town neighborhood filled with many restaurants, clubs, small theaters, and many shops. Order Second City tickets.

Chicago Fire Soccer

You call it football, we call it soccer, but it’s the same beautiful sport. The Chicago Fire plays in Major League Soccer, the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. The Fire’s home games are played in Soldier Field on Chicago’s lakefront, less than 8 kilometers from the law school. Reserve tickets for the Chicago Fire’s home game.

Fireworks at Navy Pier

Every Saturday, Navy Pier hosts a summer firework display at 10PM. You can go watch for free and walk around Navy Pier!

Sunday Morning

If you are still in town, join us at 8AM for the first ever ASCOLA 5K Race for Competition. There will be divisions for both runners and walkers. All finishers will receive a medal and are invited for an informal brunch in Professor Waller’s apartment afterward.

All finishers will receive a commemorative medal reflecting their accomplishments and commitment to competition. To receive a medal, runners and walkers need to provide a selfie of themselves with the statue of Schiller by the zoo and show on their phones through any app that they have covered at least 5K from the start of the race.

There is no specific race course as long as you make it to the statue and back to Professor Waller’s apartment covering at least 5K. Professor Waller and Huffman will lead groups of runners as different pace groups if you prefer to run with a group through the park or along the beach. Registration for the ASCOLA 5K is free but is required by June 15, 2024. Race details including Professor Waller’s address will be provided to all registered participants the week before the annual meeting.