Rush University System for Health and Endeavor Health have announced plans to merge, a move that would create one of Illinois's largest health systems. The combined organization would operate 12 hospitals and 400 outpatient clinics, serving more than 2 million patients each year across Northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana. The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, pending regulatory approval.
The partnership is structured as a merger of equals, though leadership and branding are split. Endeavor CEO J.P. Gallagher would serve as president and CEO of the combined system, while the organization would keep the Rush name due to its strong academic reputation. The board would have 20 members, split evenly between the two systems, with a chair appointed by Rush.
Endeavor has committed $1 billion to fund research, community care, and quality and innovation initiatives. Both systems are financially stable—Endeavor reported more than $663 million in net income in its most recent fiscal year, while Rush earned $294 million in the twelve months ended June 30. The merger appears driven by a desire for scale in Chicago's fragmented hospital market, where no single provider holds a dominant position.