By Megan Schrecongost

In October 2023, SIG SAUER hosted the second ever ROSE Retreat in Chicago, Illinois, meshing 30 women from all walks of life for the event of a lifetime. ROSE by SIG SAUER takes women from all over the country on a step-by-step journey, from their first time handling a firearm, all the way to their first time at the range –– and beyond. Not only is ROSE an immersive training experience, it’s also a community of tightly knit women, coming together to encourage and inspire each other to share their stories, their experiences, and their common journey. It’s all-encompassing program and kit that includes everything a woman needs to not only kick off her firearms training but to also continue it.  

During the ROSE Retreat in Chicago, 30 women were joined by Lena Miculek, founder of ROSE and 8-time world champion shooter. She’s an adventurous soul that lives fearlessly and freely with a determination to expand her horizon and share her knowledge with other women. The 30 extraordinary ladies that attended ROSE Retreat Chicago all began from varying roots –– some total beginners, some victims of violence looking to learn self-defense and regain their confidence, and some who had handled firearms previously but were looking to continue their journey. 

The Chicago ROSE Retreat covered a variety of training, tactics, and skills led by Lena Miculek herself, along with SIG SAUER’s world-class training crew from the SIG SAUER Academy. These women learned proper techniques, assembly, disassembly, and cleaning along with new skills, concealed carry techniques, and a fashion show featuring daily carry apparel designed specifically for women. The 3-day event was filled with education during the day and incredible mingling, bonding, and shared laughs in the evening. 

NIGHT ONE: The ladies arrived and gathered for a welcome dinner and prepared for an electric weekend. Getting to know all these women and being open to the experience was crucial to having an incredible retreat. So many of these ladies forged relationships that felt like they had known each other a lifetime.

DAY TWO: The second day was filled with unique experiences, one-of-a-kind friendships, laughs, and learning. These 30 women shared stories, threw lead down range in confidence, broke bread, and embraced their competitive spirit with bowling and bocce ball after a decadent group dinner. The highlight of the evening was the opportunity and experience of being around Lena and her energy. Lena’s stands for independence, determination and drive, but her personality is the true force to be reckoned with. Her ability to break barriers, bring out the true badass in other women, and bleed confidence is what makes these Rose Retreats truly a priceless experience. 

DAY THREE: By the third day, these women were as thick as thieves with a bond that would be next to impossible to break. Taking this step and this journey as not just one person but as a group of 30 forms friendships that will last a lifetime. The final day was full of lifestyle sessions, a vendor market with manufacturers from Crossbreed Holsters to 5.11 Tactical, and self-defense training with the SIG SAUER Academy Team. As the Retreat came to a close, the women got to reflect as a group, say their final farewells to Lena, and left with their hearts and cups full. 

To find out more about ROSE Retreats, ROSE Seminars, and other ROSE events, visit the ROSE Community on Facebook.