CHICAGO - The Jesuit Invitational, a men's soccer tournament originally formed in 1997 by former Rambler Head Coach Ray O'Connell, is making its comeback this week. In collaboration with Loyola Chicago alumni, coaching staffs, and the Jesuit community, the Jesuit Invitational is holding its first iteration since 2005 and will be hosted by Creighton University.

Spanning Aug. 29 – Sept. 1, the invite will feature Loyola Chicago, Creighton, and San Francisco - all Jesuit universities. Additionally, Omaha will compete in the invite. The Ramblers will take on Creighton Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. inside Morrison Stadium with the action streaming live on FloSports. LUC will conclude the weekend Sept. 1 by facing Omaha on Caniglia Field at 1 p.m. with the match streaming on Summit League Network.

The first Jesuit Invitation, which was originally called the Jesuit Cup, took place Labor Day weekend in 1997 at Loyola Soccer Park. The Ramblers hosted future Atlantic 10 co-members Saint Joseph's and Fordham, as well as former Midwestern Collegiate Conference rival, Detroit Mercy. Shutting out Saint Joesph's and Fordham 4-0 in both contests, Loyola were crowned the first Jesuit Cup champions. 

Ray O'Connell, the Ramblers' first men's soccer coach (1980-2004), spearheaded the Jesuit Cup. O'Connell believed that student-athletes at Jesuit schools should not only strive for athletic success but, more importantly, become men and women in service to others.

"Ray was really focused on values-based athletics and academics," said Tom Burns, a Rambler soccer alum (1986-89) who helped O'Connell create the Jesuit Cup. "The invitational really fits in with those that have been Jesuit educated. The Jesuit culture, values-based academics and athletics - all those things can come together at the invitational,"

The original Jesuit Cup saw four more iterations (1998, 2000, 2002, 2005) on Hoyne Field. But now, Burns, as well as his former teammate Jim Ambrose, are committed to resurrecting the event. The goal is for the event to occur every other year with host school rotating.

"Playing a sport at a Jesuit institution was formative in so many ways," said Ambrose. "I love that Ray O'Connell, Tom Burns, and a contingent of Chicago-based Loyola soccer alums put this together back in the '90s. It is an honor for Paul and Jim Smith, and me, as Omaha-based Loyola soccer alums, to reprise it this year. We hope to do it every other year on Labor Day weekend, with Loyola Chicago serving as the next host."

This year, the three Jesuit schools will compete and collaborate by giving back to Omaha during their rest day. They will serve at Completely Kids, The Jesuit Academy, the Simple Foundation, and Football for the World, all of which support Omaha youth with the goal of bettering the community.

After their service, the teams will share a meal, where Fr. Tim Breen S.J. will give the invocation and lead a brief program. Fr. Breen served as chaplain to the Loyola Chicago men's soccer team and briefly was the goalkeeping coach for the Loyola women's soccer team. Fr. Breen, who has ties to all the participating schools, currently directs Gonzaga's student-athlete wellness program.

At the celebration dinner, Monica Bosiljevac, Executive Director and Board President of Football for the World Foundation, will speak about the organization's mission to enhance children's lives through soccer. They have supported thousands of youths in 18 countries, providing equipment, safe environments, and skill development.

"The Jesuit Invitational's mission is about community," Burns continued. "What sticks with you after leaving college are the values you learn and the people. It's cliché but true that the relationships you build last forever. You leave with an education that teaches a greater purpose. Having a relationship with competitors is okay. Fulfilling the Jesuit mission and focusing on its values is manifested through working, competing, and learning together."

Loyola Chicago heads to Omaha for the Jesuit Invitational following their season-opener at Michigan on Aug. 22. Fans can stay up to date with all things Rambler soccer by following @RamblersMSOC on Instagram and X.