Support a Chicago Nightlife Legend - Mendy

For over 30 years, Maurilio "Mendy" Mendoza has been the driving force behind Chicago’s nightlife, making unforgettable nights possible for countless people. From legendary clubs like Exit, Neo, Excalibur, Palladium, Castle, and Vision to the heart of Wrigleyville’s bar scene, Mendy has worked tirelessly behind the scenes as a DJ, lighting expert, A/V technician, and the ultimate “get-it-done” guy. He keeps businesses running smoothly, ensures events go off without a hitch, and makes sure promoters have nothing to worry about—because when Mendy’s on the job, everything just works.

If you’ve ever enjoyed a night out in Chicago, chances are you’ve said it—or heard it—before: “I know Mendy.”

It started as an inside joke, a running slogan, because Mendy is literally everywhere—always helping, always making things happen. But it wasn’t just a saying—it’s the truth. Whether fixing a last-minute issue at a club, keeping the night running seamlessly, or just being the guy who always has your back, Mendy has made an impact on countless lives.

Now, he’s facing serious medical challenges, and with them, mounting bills and ongoing expenses. The guy who has always stepped up for others now needs us.

Mendy is battling kidney failure and will soon require regular dialysis, with a kidney transplant on the horizon. On top of that, he’s also suffering from diabetic retinopathy, a condition that has severely affected his vision—leaving him with just 30% vision in one eye and 40% in the other. His declining eyesight has forced him out of work, making it impossible to support himself as he faces lifesaving treatments, mounting medical bills, and the daily costs of simply getting by.

With ongoing medical procedures, dialysis, and future transplant surgery ahead, Mendy also needs help covering transportation for hospital visits, essential living expenses, and existing medical debt. He’s spent a lifetime making sure others could enjoy their nights without worry—now, he needs that same support from us.

I had the privilege of working alongside Mendy for 12 of his many years in the industry. In that time, I grew—not just as a tech, but as a person and a friend—all because of him and the incredible team he built around him. That’s what Mendy does—he brings people together, whether you’ve known him for a day or a lifetime.

But Mendy isn’t just nightlife—he’s good people. Even if you didn’t work in the industry, if you know Mendy in any capacity, you know exactly what that means. He’s the guy who shows up, who helps, who makes things better—no matter where, no matter who. No further explanation needed.

If you’ve ever said, “I know Mendy,” now’s the time to prove it. Let’s come together and give back to the guy who gave so much—night after night, never asking for anything in return.

Every bit helps. Please contribute if you can, share this fundraiser, and help us support Mendy the way he’s supported so many of us. Even if you never met him, chances are he played a role in a night you’ll never forget.

Because at the end of the day, we all know Mendy—and now, he needs to know we’ve got his back.