JCCIA JUNE MEETING: Save the date! The JCCIA June General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 25.

QUEEN PAGEANT: Calling all aspiring-queens! The 2025 Columbus Day Queen Pageant has been scheduled for Saturday, July 26 at the Des Plaines Theatre. Make history and become the next bella Regina!

CLICK HERE for more information or to apply!

IMPRESA AWARDS: Save the date! the 2025 Impresa Awards will be held on Sunday, September 7 at the Medinah Country Club. CLICK HERE for more information!

COLUMBUS DAY PARADE: Save the date! the 2025 Chicago Columbus Day Parade will be on Monday, October 13, 12:30pm on State Street, from Wacker to Van Buren!

SCHOLARSHIPS: JCCIA Scholarships are available! Upcoming deadlines for scholarships are September 15 and November 1. CLICK HERE for more information of to apply!

ITALICO INFO: Have Italian American Community updates or information you would like to see in the next edition of ITALICO? Submit your request to the JCCIA Office at jcc@jccia.com!

SAINT FESTS: Every year various patron saint celebrations are held in Chicago — sacred, festive, and full of community spirit! View the "2025 patron saint festival calendar" by Fra Noi.

BURGIO SUPPORT: Rooted in his Sicilian heritage and community ties, two-time cancer survivor Dylan Provenzano’s drive inspires ongoing support for young cancer fighters. This year, Provenzano’s D’Fense Holiday Drive teams up with Society Burgio for Women! Read more about Dylan's story: "Provenzano goes to bat for cancer patients" by Elena Ferrarin.

VISITING THE VATICAN: Pope Leo XIV personally praised and blessed NIAF for 50 years of keeping Italian culture and faith alive in the U.S. A monumental moment! "Pope Leo XIV meets leaders of Italian American foundation, blesses their cultural mission" by Kristina Millare.

MONUMENTAL MILESTONE: NIAF hosted a gala in Rome, the heart of Italy, honoring five decades of building bridges and cultural connection! "NIAF to host Gala in Rome in honor of 50th anniversary" by We the Italians.

CAMP CASA: Casa Italia will be hosting the 2025 Italian Language & Culture Summer Camp! Explore how the camp keeps Italian heritage alive and provides an immersive experience for the campers - "Casa Italia, Fermi school to host summer camps" by Fra Noi.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Mark your calendars! Exciting events are just around the corner, brought to you by the JCCIA & Affiliate Organizations!

June 11 | Interactive Presentation by Lindsay Marie Morris

Casa Italia (Contact: 708-345-5933)

June 13 | Scopa Tournament

San Francesco di Paola (MORE INFO)

June 14 | The Man & Woman of the Year 2025

Lucchesi Nel Mondo (Contact: 630-443-8722 or 773-908-1004)

June 16 - 20 | Italian Language & Culture Summer Camp

Casa Italia (Contact: 708-345-5933)

June 17 | Italian American Authors Book Club

Casa Italia (Contact: lincapuz@gmail.com)

June 17 | OSDIA Meeting & Scholarship Awards

Our Sons and Daughter of Italy in America Grand Lodge of IL/WI

June 19 | Summer Italian Wine Class with Tony Margiotta

National Italian American Foundation (MORE INFO)

June 20 | IAPA 3rd Annual Golf Outing

Italian American Police Association (Contact: IAPAIL@yahoo.com)

June 22 | Mazzini Verdi Golf Outing

Mazzini Verdi Club Golf Outing (Contact: mazziniverdiclub@gmail.com)

June 23 | Conversational Italian for Travelers

Casa Italia (Contact: 708-345-5933)

June 23 - 27 | Italian Language & Culture Summer Camp

Casa Italia (Contact: 708-345-5933)

June 25 | JCCIA General Meeting

Joint Civic Committee of Italian American (Contact: jcc@jccia.com)

June 28 | Faith Food Family Pilgrimage Event

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii (MORE INFO)

June 29 | Mass in Honor of San Pio

Società di San Pio (Contact: 630-217-7415)

June 29 | Sicilian Summer Block Party

Associazione Regionale Siciliana in America (Contact: 630-935-6998)

June 30 | Conversational Italian for Travelers

Casa Italia (Contact: 708-345-5933)

July 6 | Amici Naperville Picnic

Amici Italian American Club of Naperville (Contact: 630-745-1085)

July 7 | Conversational Italian for Travelers

Casa Italia (Contact: 708-345-5933)

July 8 | White Sox Italian Heritage Night Pre & Post Game Dinner

Italian American Executives of Transportation (MORE INFO)

July 8 | White Sox vs Blue Jays Italian Heritage Night

Chicago White Sox (MORE INFO)

July 11 | Arcolian Dental Annual Golf Outing

Arcolian Dental Arts Society (Contact: molrman@sbcglobal.net - Cell: 847-489-8844)

July 12 | Mass in Honor of San Pio

Italian Catholic Federation Branch #392 (Contact: 773-763-0507)

July 13 | Festa della Famiglia e Amici

Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization (MORE INFO)

CLICK HERE for the full calendar of events! Have an event you would like to be added to the calendar? Submit your request to jcc@jccia.com! 

HOST A STUDENT: Make an Italian students' dreams come true! The International Student Exchange (ISE) is seeking families to host Italian high school students for a short-term exchange program this summer. Help these students fulfill their dreams of experiencing American life, improving their English, and sharing their rich culture, language and traditions with you! For more information contact Mark Schader at 847-447-1048 or mschader@gmail.org.

RUSH STREET REVIVAL: The reimagined Carmine’s blends old-school charm with sleek new upgrades—steak, seafood, and stuffed mushrooms are back and better than ever! "Carmine’s set to reopen on Rush Street" by Fra Noi.

ITALIAN INNOVATORS: Seventeen Italian researchers earned top honors at ASCO Chicago for groundbreaking cancer studies! Discover how these award-winning Italian scientists are advancing cancer research across continents! "Seventeen Italian researchers awarded in Chicago for innovative cancer studies" by We the Italians.

CHICAGO CELEBRATION: Chicago’s Rate Field hosts a historic day of prayer and music to honor hometown Pope Leo XIV’s election! "Chicago set to celebrate election of Pope Leo XIV" by Vatican News from The Catholic Telegraph.

GIADA IN JOLIET: Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis brings her signature Italian-Californian flair to Aurora and Joliet with two stylish new casino restaurants—Sorellina and Sorella! "De Laurentiis sets up shop in Aurora, Joliet" by Fra Noi.

CHICAGO TO ST. LOUIS: Chicago’s legendary Buona is bringing its famous Italian beef sandwich to St. Louis! Learn how Buona is kicking off this exciting franchise expansion! "Buona will bring Chicago’s iconic Italian beef to St. Louis" by Micah Barnes.

HUNTLEY HEATS UP: Beloved Elgin eatery Cafe Roma is bringing its global flavors and Roman flair to Huntley this fall! "Cafe Roma expands to Huntley" by Fra Noi.

SERGEANT SERVICE: From Chicago police officer to Army National Guard Staff Sergeant, Pulia uses his skills to fight crime and support communities. "Army Staff Sergeant Eric Pulia" by Linda Grisolia.

BEEF BREAKTHROUGH: Food Network’s Sandwich King perfects the Italian beef, now serving it up at West Loop’s hottest food hall! "Chicago sandwich king debuts new Italian beef collab at Time Out Market" by Rheanna O'Neil Bellomo.

LASTING LEGACY: After 30 years, Tarantino’s Lincoln Park spot closes with loyal fans celebrating family recipes and memories. "Tarnatino says goodbye after 30 years" by Fra Noi.

FIGHTING FOR THE FUTURE: From New York to Rome, Italian American leaders are launching a powerful new effort to restore dual citizenship for future generations."‘We Will Not Rest’: Italian American Leaders Step Up Fight for Dual Citizenship" by ISDA Staff.

MICHIGAN FESTA: Discover how Michigan’s Italian community lights up Festa della Repubblica with passion, pride, and unforgettable traditions! "Italian community in Michigan celebrates Festa della Repubblica with special event" by the WXYZ Web Team.

ITALY IN INDY: Food, music, and famiglia—explore the lively two-day celebration of Italian culture in downtown Indianapolis! "Italian street festival brings authentic Italian culture to Indianapolis" by Cody Adams.

TEXAS TRICOLORE: Houston and Dallas pulled out all the stops to honor Festa della Repubblica with flair, pride, and a mayoral proclamation! "Festa della Repubblica celebrated in Texas" by We the Italians.

HOLE-IN-ONE: The Italian-American Charity Golf Association hits a hole-in-one with a $100,000 pledge completed for The Star Hospice House! "Italian-American Charity Golf Association Completes $100,000 Pledge To The Star Hospice House" by The Post-Journal.

MIAMI MEDICAL MOMENTUM: Italy’s medical exports are booming—and they’re bringing the innovation to Miami’s global health stage. "World Health Expo in Miami: Italian MedTech Exports to the U.S. Up 14%" by the Miami Scientific Italian Community.

SLICE OF HISTORY: Half a century later, Garibaldi’s Pizza is where classic Italian recipes meet friendly vibes—Memphis’ beloved pizzeria. "Pizza Hall of Fame: Old-School Italian Meets ‘Cheers’ at This 50-Year-Old Memphis Pizzeria" by Tracy Morin.

FESTA FAREWELL: Ambassador Zappia hosts a dazzling Republic Day send-off, marking a high point in Italy–U.S. relations. "Italian Embassy in Washington celebrates 79th anniversary of the Italian republic Ambassador Mariangela Zappia bids farewell at end of her term" by Ambasciata d'Italia a Washington.

CENTURY CELEBRATION: From opera to outreach, Steubenville’s Italian American club celebrates 100 years of culture and community. "IACC celebrates 100 years" by Julie Stenger.

BIG LEAGUE BAT: From the minors to the majors, the Royals’ top slugger is ready to take on the MLB stage. "Kansas City Royals are calling up top prospect Jac Caglianone" by Jaylon Thompson.

BRUSCHETTA BITES: The Battle of the Bruschetta returns with bold new bites. Which flavor will reign supreme? "Postino’s Battle of The Bruschetta is Back for Year Three!" by Mallory Gleich.

HOLLYWOOD & HERITAGE: Jimmy Kimmel joins 500 guests for an unforgettable Republic Day at a Beverly Hills estate! "Jimmy Kimmel joins LA’s Italian community to celebrate Republic Day" by Silvia Nittoli.

ALASKA AIRLINES: From Seattle to the heart of Italy—Alaska Airlines’ new nonstop Rome flights promise style and comfort. "Alaska Airlines to launch Rome flights, new flagship international experience" by Sean Cudahy.

ITALY IN ORBIT: From Mars rovers to NASA radar, Italian scientists are making their mark across the galaxy—and they’re sharing it all at this fascinating ISSNAF event. "Bridging Worlds: Italians at the Forefront of Science and Space" by the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles.

HIDDEN GEM: Just off Calabria’s coast lies Isola di Dino—rugged, quiet, and rich with history and natural wonder! "Cliffs, caves, and legends: a journey to Isola di Dino" by Chiara Dalessio.

SAVORY SWEETS: Discover the unique lemon cream pastry made only on Procida Island, a breakfast treat with a twist. "Lingua di Procida, the lemon-based sweet made only on the smallest island in the Gulf of Naples" by Gambero Rosso.

GOING GREEN: Leonardo da Vinci Airport just launched Italy’s largest clean energy storage project. Is the future of travel electric? "Clean energy in the Rome Airport Leonardo Da Vinci, even when the sun isn't shining" by We the Italians Editorial Staff.

LOVELY LAKES: Garda, Como, or Maggiore? Get the honest scoop on Italy’s major lakes—crowds, charm, and all. "An honest review of every (major) Italian lake" by Tim Jepson.

TARIFF TENSIONS: Italian exports are feeling the pinch as new U.S. tariffs shake up transatlantic trade—here’s what the latest numbers reveal. "How Italian businesses are feeling the strain of US trade tensions" by We the Italians Editorial Staff.

SECRET CITIES: Skip the crowds and discover sunlit streets—no crowds, just charm and stories around every corner! "Italy's ten most underrated cities" by Cesca Rampley.

MILANO CANAL: Discover Milan’s ancient waterways that pulse with history and charm beneath the city’s modern shine. "Milano Canal Discrict in Milan: what to know about Navigli" by Gaetano Del Gaiso.

SPECTACULAR SICILY: Explore Val di Noto’s charming cities and breathtaking views on a romantic getaway. "Sicilia Val di Noto: a romantic itinerary around Baroque Towns in Sicily" by Massimiliano Antonio Primi.

CASHMERE KING: Oscar-winning director Giuseppe Tornatore reveals the story behind Italy’s king of luxury cashmere! "Giuseppe Tornatore Doc on Italy’s ‘King of Cashmere’ Brunello Cucinelli Revealed Ahead of American Academy in Rome Honor" by Nick Vivarelli.

SCENIC SIENA: Discover how Siena’s timeless elegance runs through its medieval stones, poetic language, and hilltop charm. "Siena, the capital of elegance" by Redazione.