Jeremy Izzo Shootout

Join us for a heartfelt event dedicated to raising awareness for Marfan syndrome and honoring the life of Coach Jeremy Izzo and his inspiring story. Experience thrilling basketball games hosted at Aurora Central Catholic and a Marfan Awareness fundraiser event at Ballydoyle Pub in Aurora!

Saturday, January 2, 2027
at Aurora Central Catholic

Game Day Tickets

11:30 AM
DeKalb High School vs. Nazareth Academy

1:00 PM
Riverdale High School vs. Immaculate Conception

2:30 PM
Yorkville Christian vs. Joliet Catholic Academy

4:00 PM
Plainfield North High School vs. Aurora Central Catholic

6:00 PM
Marfan Awareness Fundraiser at Ballydoyle Pub

Teams

We thank our schools for raising awareness of Marfan syndrome by participating in this shootout. Good luck to all. Let's meet our teams!

Aurora Central Catholic Chargers
Immaculate Conception College Prep Knights
Joliet Catholic Academy Hilltoppers
Nazareth Academy Roadrunners
DeKalb High School Barbs
Plainfield North High School Tigers
Riverdale High School Rams
Yorkville Christian Mustangs

Marfan Awareness Fundraiser

Join us at Ballydoyle Pub from 6:30-9:30 PM after the games for live music, food and drinks, raffle prizes, and a silent auction.Each ticket includes: 1 meal, 2 drinks, and 10 raffle tickets. Additional raffle tickets available for purchase at event.Silent Auction: Bidding closes at 8:30 PM, with winners announced shortly after.

Fundraiser Tickets

Marfan syndrome is a genetic condition that affects the body’s connective tissue. Connective tissue holds our organs, bones, blood vessels, and other parts of the body together. It can affect people in many different ways, particularly the heart, blood vessels, bones, joints, and eyes. Some complications, including enlargement of the aorta, can be life-threatening, but early diagnosis, regular medical care, and proper treatment can make a life-changing difference. People with Marfan syndrome are born with the condition, yet its signs may not become noticeable until later in childhood or adulthood.Through the Jeremy Izzo Shootout, we’re using the power of basketball and community to raise awareness of Marfan syndrome, help people to recognize its signs, and encourage more individuals to get the diagnosis and care they need.For more information about Marfan syndrome, visit marfan.org.

About Coach Jeremy Izzo

Coach Jeremy Izzo died at age 29 due to complications with Marfan syndrome. Coach Izzo, a Nazareth alum and basketball star in the making, was forced to stop playing at age 14 due to this diagnosis. However, he remained involved with the game, becoming the first student coach at Nazareth. To celebrate his dedication and perseverance, he became the first recipient of the Jeremy Izzo Award: For the Love of the Game. Each year, this award is now given to a high school senior who inspires the basketball community.After high school, Coach Izzo went on to become the Head Manager at University of Illinois under some of college basketball’s brightest coaches, including Lon Kruger, Bill Self, and Bruce Weber. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s in Sports Management from U of I. He was then hired onto their Men’s Basketball staff, participating in U of I's renowned Final Four run of 2005.After college, Jeremy was hired as the Head Coach of the Boys Basketball program at Joliet Catholic Academy (JCA) in 2009. That same year, he and his wife gave birth to their beautiful daughter, Addison. After one full season at JCA, in October of 2010, he suddenly collapsed in his Joliet home. Jeremy has left behind a wonderful legacy of a short life very well lived. His efforts to make the most of each day are a testament to his love of family, friends, and the game of basketball.