Chicago City Wire

Supporters of President Donald Trump are planning a "Flag Wave Rally" in Chicago's Garfield Ridge neighborhood this Saturday, August 10, in what organizers say is a celebration of Trump’s 200 days in office.

The event, hosted by the grassroots Trump Illinois MAGA Official (TIMO) group, will take place at 6348 S. Archer Ave. from 2-4 p.m., and is expected to draw pro-Trump supporters from across the city and suburbs.

Among those organizing the rally is David Dewar, who describes himself as a “Trump MAGA Republican” candidate for the 35th House District running against incumbent State Rep. Mary Gill (D-Chicago), who said the rally marks both a patriotic gathering and a political statement.

“What we’re doing is we’re celebrating the 200 days of Donald Trump being in office,” Dewar told Chicago City Wire. 

The August 10 rally is open to the public, and organizers encourage attendees to bring American flags and patriotic signs. The event, they say, will be peaceful, family-friendly and focused on “celebrating freedom, faith, and the America First agenda.”

Dewar emphasized that the upcoming rally is not just about symbolism, but about recognizing what he sees as real accomplishments under Trump's leadership.

“What we do at Trump Illinois MAGA Official is, we are very thankful that he’s in office because of the fact of the things he has done,” Dewar said.

Dewar pointed to economic and immigration policies under Trump’s current term as examples of what he views as positive progress.

“He’s done a great job on tariffs, the market’s getting stronger, the price of goods is going down, inflation’s getting better,” Dewar continued. “Even CNN said he’s the most influential president in many, many years because he’s getting things done. Illegal immigration is down dramatically.”

The Trump Illinois MAGA Official group, a private online community of more than 3,200 members, focuses exclusively on organizing MAGA-themed parades and rallies across the state. Its rules prohibit unrelated political discussions and campaigning, highlighting its mission to build visible support for Trump-aligned candidates and causes.

According to Dewar, Saturday’s rally is also meant to remind voters not to lose focus ahead of 2026.

“We’re there to make sure people don’t lose focus, to really say, ‘Please celebrate our president,’” he said. “But also he’s putting in action his words and getting things accomplished. So we'll be out there with our group to celebrate his 200 days.” 

Dewar mentioned possible appearances by candidates Niki Conforti and Christine McGovern at Saturday’s rally. 

Conforti recently announced a 2026 rematch against Democratic Congressman Sean Casten in Illinois' 6th District, following their 2024 contest which Conforti lost receiving 45.8% of the vote with 166,116 votes to Casten’s 54.2% with 196,647 votes.

"With our strong foundation from the 2024 election and my background in business and policy, I am confident we can flip this seat in 2026,” Conforti said, according to Politico. “People feel disenfranchised. Something needs to give, and I am the change agent.

McGovern has announced she will run again in the 18th State Senate District.

In 2024, McGovern ran unsuccessfully for Illinois House District 36, losing to Democrat Rick Ryan with 40.8% of the vote. She also was defeated in the 2022 Illinois State Senate District 18 race by incumbent State Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago), receiving 40.6% of the vote.