Our Mission

The Illini 4000 is a non-profit organization dedicated to documenting the American cancer experience through The Portraits Project, raising funds for cancer research and patient support services, as well as spreading awareness for the fight against cancer through annual cross-country bike rides.

organization History

Two UIUC students, Jon Schlesinger and Anish Thakkar, met each other biking while studying abroad together in Singapore in 2006. When they arrived back to Illinois within the walls of Allen Hall, the idea of Illini 4000 first began upon discussing something great they could do together with their summers. Riders were recruited from on campus as well as nation-wide through the Adventure Cycling Association. 

The first ride took place during the summer of 2007. They rode from New York City to San Diego with 18 members, 14 students from UIUC and 4 from off campus. Originally the intent was to donate to pediatric cancer, but in the end, their $55,000 went to the University of Illinois' American Cancer Society & Camp Kesem. Our CK-Illinois donation is what allowed for their chapter to open at UIUC!

This year will be the Illini 4000's 17th ride, donating to 10 different beneficiaries in our history, with over 275 alumni, and we have donated over $1 million.

Achievements

• Over 58,320 miles ridden as an organization. This is equivalent to riding around the earth 2.3 times!

• 410 portraits collected for the Portraits Project

• We have biked through 25 states on our routes

• Over 75 majors have been represented by our riders

• Over $1,302,500 raised and donated since 2006