Croatian Cultural Center Chicago
Hrvatski Kulturni Centar Chicago
ABOUT US
The Croatian Cultural Center of Chicago was born out of a simple but powerful idea: that culture, language, and tradition are strongest when they are shared. Founded in 1974 by a group of dedicated community leaders, the Center was created to give Croatian families in Chicago a place to gather, celebrate, and stay connected to their heritage.
From its earliest days, the Center has served as a bridge between generations, honoring the customs brought from Croatia while creating space for new traditions to grow. Through music, dance, language, faith, sport, and celebration, the Center has helped preserve a sense of identity for thousands of Croatian Americans across the Chicagoland area.
Located in Rogers Park, the Center reflects the vibrant, multicultural spirit of Chicago itself. Each year, its doors open to host weddings, banquets, concerts, festivals, language classes, and educational programs, events that turn a building into a true community home.
Today, the Croatian Cultural Center of Chicago proudly supports a wide range of organizations and programs, including the Croatian Language School Hrvatska Škola, the Hrvatska Loza Tambura, Folklore, and Dance Group, and the Leteći Anđeli soccer program. Together, these groups ensure that Croatian language, music, movement, and values continue to thrive for future generations.
Beyond its walls, the Center remains deeply connected to the broader civic and cultural community. It actively partners with the Embassy and Consulate of the Republic of Croatia, local and county leaders, and fellow cultural organizations, strengthening ties between Croatia, Chicago, and the generations who call both home.
OUR HISTORY
Croatians have been part of Chicago’s history since the late nineteenth century, arriving in successive waves as economic migrants, laborers, and skilled tradespeople seeking opportunity in a rapidly industrializing city. By the early twentieth century, tens of thousands of Croatians had settled in Chicago, forming tight-knit communities anchored by churches, newspapers, fraternal organizations, and cultural societies. These early institutions provided practical support for new arrivals while preserving language, customs, and a shared sense of identity in a new homeland.
Over time, Chicago grew into one of the most significant centers of Croatian life outside of Europe. Generations of Croatian families established roots across the city and surrounding suburbs, creating a vibrant and enduring presence that now spans more than a century and a half. Community life evolved alongside the city itself, with cultural, religious, educational, and social organizations adapting to new generations while maintaining strong ties to Croatian heritage. For many, Chicago became not just a destination but a second home deeply intertwined with family history and collective memory.
Within this broader historical context, the Croatian Cultural Center of Chicago was founded in 1974 to serve as a permanent gathering place for the community. Established by civic-minded leaders who recognized the need for a shared cultural home, the Center brought together language education, performing arts, athletics, and social events under one roof. It became a place where traditions could be practiced openly, passed between generations, and shared with the wider Chicago community through public events, celebrations, and educational programming.
The Center’s story is also part of Chicago’s larger cultural landscape, reflecting the city’s tradition of public art, civic engagement, and neighborhood identity. From concerts and festivals to highly visible cultural projects, the Center has consistently served as a bridge between Croatian heritage and the multicultural fabric of Chicago. Located in Rogers Park, one of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods, it reflects the idea that ethnic identity and civic belonging can grow side by side.
Croatian Americans have also left a lasting mark on Chicago through leadership, achievement, and public life. Figures such as Mayor Michael A. Bilandic, who led the city in the late 1970s, exemplify the community’s role in civic leadership. In sports, Toni Kukoč became synonymous with Chicago during the Chicago Bulls’ championship era, bringing international recognition and pride to both the city and the Croatian community. Artists, educators, faith leaders, and entrepreneurs of Croatian descent have similarly contributed to Chicago’s cultural and institutional life, reinforcing the enduring connection between the city and one of its longest-standing immigrant communities.