Chicago’s Historic Moments: From Double Doink to Capitol Riot

January 6 is a significant date in Chicago history, marked by notable events that have shaped both local and national narratives. This day recalls two distinct incidents: the infamous “double doink” that cost the Chicago Bears a playoff victory and the storming of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of then-President Donald Trump in 2021.

The Double Doink: Bears’ Heartbreaking Playoff Loss

On January 6, 2019, the Chicago Bears faced the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card game at Soldier Field. The Bears had taken a 15-10 lead with a 22-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Mitch Trubisky to receiver Allen Robinson. With only minutes remaining, the Bears’ defense held strong against the Eagles, but a late touchdown pass from Nick Foles to Golden Tate shifted the momentum, putting Philadelphia ahead.

In a dramatic final sequence, the Bears quickly advanced to field-goal range with a 35-yard kickoff return by Tarik Cohen. With just ten seconds left, kicker Cody Parkey successfully converted a 43-yard field goal, only for the Eagles to call a timeout, forcing a re-kick. On the second attempt, Parkey’s kick struck the left upright and then the crossbar, a moment that would forever be known as the “double doink,” resulting in a 16-15 loss for the Bears and ending their playoff hopes.

Capitol Riot: A Day of Unrest

The date also resonates due to the events of January 6, 2021, when supporters of Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. This unprecedented breach occurred as Congress convened to certify the electoral votes for President-elect Joe Biden. The attack interrupted the peaceful transfer of power, leading to over 1,500 arrests across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Federal prosecutors have described the investigation into this incident as the largest criminal probe in U.S. history. Following his inauguration in January 2025, President Trump issued pardons or commutations to many involved in the riot, further complicating the aftermath of the events.

From a significant sports moment to a critical political upheaval, January 6 serves as a reminder of Chicago’s connection to broader national stories.

In addition to these events, the archives reveal a historical blizzard that struck Chicago on this date in 1918. A two-day storm deposited nearly 15 inches of snow, ranking as one of the city’s largest snowfalls. The severe weather caused significant disruptions, including stalled vehicles and blocked communication lines, prompting the city to enlist residents in clearing the snow.

Other noteworthy occurrences on January 6 include the achievements of Evelyn Carmon Nicol, a respected immunologist who received a U.S. patent in 1976 for her work on urokinase production. Nicol was one of the few Black women to attain such a recognition in the sciences, and her contributions to medicine continue to inspire future generations.

January 6 stands as a pivotal date in Chicago’s history, marked by moments of triumph and turmoil. As the city reflects on its past, it also looks toward the future, shaped by both the victories and challenges that have come to define it.