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Our History

Celebrating 20+ Years

Having first opened our doors in the fall of 2001, rEvolution officially celebrated its 20th anniversary throughout 2021-2022. From a white paper that our founder and CEO John Rowady wrote, to becoming one of the largest independent sports marketing agencies in the world – with offices in Chicago, Detroit, Henley-on-Thames, Indianapolis and London –  learn more about our agency’s journey via the timeline below.

2001

Agency Founded

Agency Founded

After penning a white paper seeing the lack of agencies representing brands in the sports marketing landscape, John Rowady launches rEvolution to deliver brand-focused and integrated sports marketing solutions.

2003
2005

Launch of the “Times of Greatness Tour”

Launch of the “Times of Greatness Tour”

The “Times of Greatness” tour sponsored by Roadway and conceived by rEvolution was a three-year, multi-city tour is intended to build public awareness for the history of the Negro Baseball Leagues and enable Roadway to build bridges with key customers in major MLB markets.

2007
2008

The NBA on ESPN RV Hits the Road

The NBA on ESPN RV Hits the Road

Executed by rEvolution, the NBA on ESPN RV Tour started its trip in January as an integrated marketing effort to promote ESPN and ABC’s expanded NBA television coverage.

2009

Acquisition of Birdsong 3

Acquisition of Birdsong 3

rEvolution, announces the acquisition of Birdsong 3, a leading digital and youth culture agency.

2010

Red Bull Stomping Ground Takes Over the Windy City

Red Bull Stomping Ground Takes Over the Windy City

One of rEvolution’s earliest partnerships with Red Bull sees top riders in BMX compete in Red Bull Stomping Ground, where an abandoned lot was be converted into the ultimate dirt playground. The course designed by BMX legend Fuzzy Hall saw the likes of Ryan Nyquist, Cam White, Corey Bohan and..

2011
2014

Chipotle Homegrown Game in MLS

Chipotle Homegrown Game in MLS

rEvolution’s research revealed that Chipotle customers share a close alignment with Major League Soccer fans. In collaboration, the brand created “Cultivating Youth Soccer,” a program that ties back to Chipotle’s “Cultivate a Better World” campaign and leverages its MLS partnership. The focal point of the program was the 2014 Chipotle..

2015

rEvolution acquires Act(s) Marketing in Indy

rEvolution acquires Act(s) Marketing in Indy

rEvolution acquires Indianapolis-based Act(s) Marketing. Founded in 2008, Act(s) Marketing is the official sponsorship marketing agency of record for Continental Tire in the U.S. and Canada.

rEvolution launches new gaming and esports consultancy

rEvolution launches new gaming and esports consultancy

rEvolution launches a new gaming and esports consultancy, REV/XP, to serve brands, platforms and players in advancing their respective brand connections with fans. The creation of REV/XP bolsters rEvolution’s expertise in the emerging gaming and esports arena.

2016
2018

Unveiling of New Global Headquarters in Fulton Market

rEvolution moves its corporate headquarters to Chicago’s Fulton Market neighborhood, relocating from the River North neighborhood, where the company operated since it was founded in 2001. The agency occupies the ninth floor of Sterling Bay’s latest development, 210 N. Carpenter.

2019

rEvolution Takes Youth Seriously

rEvolution Takes Youth Seriously

rEvolution announces the launch of rEv YOUTH, its latest Firestarter agency dedicated to youth-focused brand campaigns.

Concacaf Gold Cup Station

Concacaf Gold Cup Station

A championship matchup between USMNT and Mexico on Soldier Field can only be evenly matched by a week’s worth of global soccer celebration. And what better than a Gold Cup takeover of Union Station, the city’s busiest commuter station.

USWNT World Cup Watch Party

USWNT World Cup Watch Party

U.S. Soccer Fans descend upon Lincoln Park for a World Cup Final Viewing Party as the USWNT beats the Netherlands.

2020

American Family Insurance Names rEvolution as Partnership AOR

American Family Insurance and rEvolution begin a multi-year Agency of Record relationship with rEvolution to support its partnership strategy, event activation and measurement objectives. rEvolution will strategically lead the brand’s expansive sports and entertainment portfolio to further position American Family as the most trusted consumer insurance provider whose mission is..

2021

McLaren Racing Rejoins the Roster

McLaren Racing Rejoins the Roster

One of rEvolution’s earliest clients, McLaren Racing, rejoins the client roster as the agency expands its global communications work.

CAPGEMINI AND RYDER CUP ANNOUNCE SIX-YEAR PARTNERSHIP

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The PGA of America and Ryder Cup Europe today announced a new six-year partnership with Capgemini that kicks off at Whistling Straits.

2022

rEvolution Acquires Centigrade

rEvolution Acquires Centigrade

rEvolution acquires Detroit-based integrated marketing agency Centigrade. The acquisition bolsters rEvolution’s current roster of global clients, joining others in the automotive, motorsports and lifestyle categories.

2023

rEvolution Acquires SQN

Sine Qua Non and rEvolution logos

rEvolution expands geographic footprint in London, and enhances expertise in marketing for clients in technology, sport and automotive with acquisition of SQN.