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Welcome Family & Friends
Congratulations on your family member joining the United States Navy, the strongest Navy in the world. Looking ahead, your commitment, sacrifice and support of your Sailor is greatly valued. Traveling to a recruit graduation ceremony will allow you to witness hundreds of recruits begin their careers as Sailors. The Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR) Department at Naval Station Great Lakes designed this travel guide to assist you with your graduation arrangements.
RTC Graduation Hotel Accommodations
For the best availability and current rates, please call the hotels directly to make your reservation and reference this web page or the promotional code listed. If you should have any additional questions after looking over this travel guide, contact MWR at 847-688-3593.
Hotel Amenities Chart and Map
Featured hotel highlights and area map with information on amenities and proximity to graduation ceremony.
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Hotel Accomodations - Quick Listings
Baymont Inn & Suites - Gurnee
5430 Grand Avenue | Gurnee, IL 60031
For Reservations: 847-782-0890
Super 8 - Gurnee
5220 Grand Avenue | Gurnee, IL 60031
For Reservations: 847-249-7777
LaQuinta Inn & Suites - Gurnee
5688 Northridge Dr | Gurnee, IL 60031
Navy Graduation Rates: 847-662-7600
Courtyard by Marriott - Waukegan
3800 Northpoint Blvd | Waukegan, IL 60085
Graduation Code G42: 847-689-8000
Sonesta Simply Suites - Waukegan
1151 S. Waukegan Rd. | Waukegan, IL 60085
For Reservations: 847-578-5250
Americas Best Value Inn - Waukegan
411 S. Green Bay Rd. | Waukegan, IL 60085
For Reservations: 847-244-6100
Wingate by Wyndham - Gurnee
6090 Gurnee Mills Cir. E | Gurnee, IL 60031
For Reservations: 847- 855-8868
Sonesta ES Suites - Waukegan
1440 S. White Oak Dr. | Waukegan, IL 60085
For Reservations: 847-689-9240
Springhill Suites by Marriott - Waukegan
4101 Fountain Sq Pl. | Waukegan, IL 60085
Navy Graduation Rates: 847-688-9800
Comfort Inn - Gurnee Near Six Flags
6080 Gurnee Mills Cir E. | Gurnee, IL 60031
Navy Graduation Rates: 847-855-8866
Illinoise Beach Hotel - Zion
100 Lakefront Drive | Zion, IL 60099
Navy Graduation Rates: 224-259-2600
Hampton Inn & Suites - Waukegan
438 Lakehurst Road | Waukegan, IL 60085
For Reservations: 847-473-6600
Red Roof Plus - Northbrook/Deerfield
340 S. Waukegan Rd. | Deerfield, IL 60015
For Reservations: 847-205-1755
Travel, Transportation Resources & More
Dining, Entertainment & More
ON BASE & LOCAL AMENITIES
Facilities and services available for you and your recruit at Naval Station Great Lakes
More InformationRTC Graduation Information
The recruit graduation ceremony is a ticketed event. Tickets will be issued to those on the authorized access list. You must come to the Recruit Family Welcome Center (Navy Exchange, 2630 Green Bay Rd., Great Lakes, IL 60088) to pick up your tickets before attending graduation. The Recruit Family Welcome Center is open Thursday 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Friday 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Information will be provided with your tickets on entry to the base and Graduation ceremony.
Graduation News & Live Streaming
What to expect before and after graduation. (pdf)
Follow RTC social media accounts for updates and check https://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/ for the most up-to-date information. For specific questions and inquiries, contact the RTC Public Affairs Office. Live streaming of our graduations begins at 9 a.m. CST every Friday. Videos will also be available for viewing afterwards as well on our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/NavyRecruitTrainingCommand/ and our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/RTCPublicAffairs/community.
Need Mobile Support? MyNavy has an app for that!
Here's a list of Great Apps for New Recruits!
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One way we do that is by providing apps that give you the resources you need, anytime and anywhere, on your mobile device.
Recruit Family Welcome Center
You must stop at the Recruit Family Welcome Center to pick up your tickets BEFORE attending graduation.
GPS Address: Navy Exchange (NEX) Burkey Mall 2650 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60088
Welcome Center Hours: Thursday - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday - 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Holidays may adjust hours, please refer to bootcamp.navy.mil website for specific updates.
MWR Merchandise Kiosk
Once you arrive in the Drill Hall on graduation morning, you’ll find a Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) booth on both ends of the Drill Hall. Commemorative coins, apparel and other souvenirs are available for purchase, along with refreshments. Take home a wonderful keepsake in memory of your graduation at the Navy’s only boot camp! Cash and credit are accepted for purchases. No personal checks. The merchandise kiosk is open Friday from 6:45 to 8:30 a.m.
Visit Us After Graduation
MWR Recreation Center
RTC (After Graduation) Lounge
Bldg. 1326, North End | 847-688-3645
After the graduation ceremony is over, all Sailors and family members are welcome to visit the MWR Recreation Center inside the north end of Bldg. 1326. It is just two blocks walking distance from the Drill Hall and has snacks, beverages and is a comfortable place to gather. Additionally, the MWR Recreation Center has a computer lab, FREE WI-FI, and the souvenir division apparel special orders
Recruit Division Apparel
Support your recruit while they complete their mission at boot camp.
More Information
