Pritzker

Pritzker is a surname associated with a prominent American family of Jewish descent whose members have been influential in business, philanthropy, and public life. Emerging in the 20th century, the family built a diversified holding network and is best known for developing the Hyatt Hotels chain, through the efforts of Jay A. Pritzker and his brother Donald Pritzker. They also established foundations that fund cultural, educational, and civic initiatives, notably the Hyatt Foundation and the Pritzker Family Foundation.

One of the most widely recognized legacies is the Pritzker Architecture Prize, established in 1979 by Jay A. Pritzker and his wife Cindy. Administered by the Hyatt Foundation, the prize honors living architects whose bodies of work demonstrate significant contributions to humanity and the built environment. It is often described as one of the world's premier architecture awards.

Prominent family members include Jay A. Pritzker, founder of Hyatt; his brother Donald Pritzker; Penny Pritzker, a businesswoman who served as U.S. Secretary of Commerce; Thomas Pritzker, a senior executive; and Jennifer N. Pritzker, founder of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library. The Illinois governor J. B. Pritzker is also a member of the extended family.

Beyond business and philanthropy, the name appears in cultural and educational institutions financed by the family, and in charitable activities associated with architecture, the military, and civic life.