Joabe Barbosa’s Quest to Run Every Street in Chicago

Joabe Barbosa, Chicago’s marathon runner and graduate student, granted visa extension to stay in U.S.

Chicago, May 18, 2026 — Joabe Barbosa, the Brazilian-born graduate student who has become a beloved figure in Chicago for his quest to run every street in the city, will be allowed to remain in the United States after all. His visa extension, which had been in jeopardy due to an unmatched clinical internship placement, was approved following a public outcry and efforts by supporters, including his university and local officials.

Barbosa, 25, had been on track to graduate from Roosevelt University in 2027 with a doctorate in clinical psychology. However, his F-1 student visa was set to expire after he failed to secure a required clinical internship—a process he described as "out of my control" in a March 2026 Instagram post. With no legal basis to stay, Barbosa faced the possibility of being forced to leave the city he has called home since 2022.

His situation gained national attention after he announced his plight, sharing tearful messages about the impact Chicago had on him. "People here have treated me so well, and not being able to stay here—," he said, pausing to wipe away tears. "I’m so sad." His father launched a GoFundMe campaign to help him continue his studies, and Barbosa’s story resonated widely, with supporters rallying for a solution.

A Record-Breaking Runner with a Mission

Barbosa’s journey to Chicago began in 2022, when he moved to pursue his doctoral degree. Along the way, he embarked on an extraordinary personal challenge: running every street in Chicago—approximately 4,000 miles across 77 neighborhoods. His efforts have earned him global recognition, including a Guinness World Record in 2025 for visiting every CTA "L" station in under nine hours.

Despite extreme weather, Barbosa has maintained a rigorous schedule, averaging 10 miles a day, six days a week. He has documented his progress on social media, using platforms like Strava and Instagram to map his routes. As of January 2026, he had completed about 80% of the city’s streets, with plans to finish by June. His runs have taken him through all corners of Chicago, from Englewood to Edgewater, where he has been met with overwhelming support from locals.

The Visa Crisis and a Path Forward

Barbosa’s visa issues stemmed from a nationwide shortage of clinical internship sites, with roughly 600 students nationwide struggling to find placements in 2026, according to Courtney Kibble, director of the Psychology Program at Roosevelt University. "He’s a well-qualified student, and he’s done phenomenally in our program," Kibble said in March. "It’s just the limitations on current training availability."

The resolution of Barbosa’s visa status comes as a relief to supporters who had mobilized to keep him in Chicago. While the exact details of the visa extension have not been publicly disclosed, sources close to the situation confirm that Barbosa will now be able to complete his degree and continue his work in the city.

A Symbol of Chicago’s Inclusivity

Barbosa’s story has highlighted the challenges international students face in the U.S. Immigration system, particularly in fields with limited training opportunities. His journey also reflects Chicago’s reputation as a welcoming city, where residents from all backgrounds have embraced his mission. "Everywhere in Chicago, amazing people everywhere you go—they always support me on my journey," Barbosa said in a January 2026 interview with ABC7 Chicago. "I feel safe everywhere I go."

As Barbosa prepares to finish his run across every Chicago street, his visa extension ensures that his story—and his contributions to the city—will continue.

For those who wish to support Barbosa’s efforts or learn more about his mission, updates can be found on his social media accounts, including Instagram (@joabe.barbosa) and Strava.