QUEEN PAGEANT: Calling all aspiring-queens! The 2025 Columbus Day Queen Pageant will be on Saturday, July 26 at the Des Plaines Theatre. Make history and become the next Bella Regina! Learn why this tradition is so important to our community with the Fra Noi article: "Who will be crowned this year’s queen?" For more information or to apply, CLICK HERE!

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! Explore all the different opportunities to participate and support!

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.

CIAO LEADERSHIP: Longtime CIAO member, Gina Badagliacca was elected as the 2025-26 president—continuing the CIAO legacy with a mission to inspire the next generation of Italian Americans! We are excited to see what big plans she has for the organization and the community! "Badagliacca honors parents as CIAO president" by Doug Graham.

TOUR PUGLIA: Join Roselle Sister Cities for a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the magic of Puglia—history, wine, and seaside beauty await! Read more with "Roselle Sister Cities to host tour of Puglia" by Fra Noi.

FESTA FAMIGLIA: CIACO’s Festa della Famiglia e Amici is coming up! Support scholarships and veteran families while celebrating Italian American pride with Tony Ocean, The Jersey Girls, and a chance to win big with a $5,000 raffle! "CIACO gears up for fourth family and friends fest" by Fra Noi.

FAITH CELEBRATION: A full week of Masses, memories, and miracles—don’t miss Mount Carmel’s grand tribute to the Blessed Mother. "Mount Carmel Parish to celebrate 132nd feast" by Fra Noi.

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

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)

July 14 | Columbian Club Golf Outing

Columbian Club of Chicago (MORE INFO)

July 14 | Tommy Lasorda Open: Golf Outing

National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (MORE INFO)

July 14 | Conversational Italian for Travelers

Casa Italia (Contact: 708-345-5933)

July 19 | Picnic & Fundraiser for Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center

Society Burgio for Women (Contact: SocietyBurgioforWomen@gmail.com)

July 19 | ARC 35th Anniversary

Associazione Regionale Campania (Contact: arccampania@gmail.com)

July 20 | CIAO Golf Outing

Calabresi in America Organization (MORE INFO)

July 20 | Feast of Beato Giovanni Liccio

Società Beato Giovanni Liccio di Caccamo (Contact: 312-363-8617)

July 21 | Conversational Italian for Travelers

Casa Italia (Contact: 708-345-5933)

July 22 | Italian American Authors Book Club

Casa Italia (Contact: lincapuz@gmail.com)

July 25 - 27 | Festa Italiana

Cesare Battisti Lodge (MORE INFO)

July 26 | Columbus Day Queen Pageant

Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (MORE INFO)

July 31 | Sausage Fest

Marchegiana Society of Chicago Heights (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: There are currently 55 Italian students looking for a home from the EF Exchange Program, and we are looking to place 5 of the students in the Chicago region! Make an Italian students' dreams come true! Host a student for 5 to 10 months - the exchange will go quickly, but the connections you make will last forever! CLICK HERE for more information, or contact Diana Hartmann at 815-703-4893.

WINDY CITY VINO: As tariffs loom, Italy’s wine world rallies in Chicago to protect its top global market: the U.S. "Italian wine creates a network in the United States: “wine2wine” in Chicago with Vinitaly.Usa n. 2" by Wine News.

PROFESSOR POWER-UP: Discover how Dr. Nancy Caronia is bringing a cultural comeback to Chicago! "Dr. Nancy Caronia Named Paul and Ann Rubino Endowed Professorship of Italian American Studies" by Loyola University Chicago.

ICE COLD ICON: Rockford’s beloved granita stand, Zammuto’s, celebrates 100 years of Sicilian sweetness—still using the original 1925 recipe! "Rockford granita stand Zammuto’s celebrates 100 years in business" by Alyssa Kelly.

BASKETBALL BOSS: Jill Pizzotti takes charge of DePaul women’s basketball, ready to lead the team to new heights this season. “DePaul women’s basketball coach Jill Pizzotti” by Doug Graham.

FESTA FEVER: Benld’s 71st Italian-American Days brought big fun, great food, and lively music to kick off the season right! “Benld Italian American Days holds 71st annual celebration” by Jackson Wilson

RIVERSIDE ROCKSTAR: Terri Sarro turned a pandemic crisis into a lasting community lifeline—discover how she’s keeping North Riverside connected and cared for. "Sarro a force for good in North Riverside" by Elena Ferrarin.

OUTDOOR EXCELLENCE: From Venice to Chicago, Tortello brings fresh flavors and old-world charm to a top-rated outdoor setting! "Tortello earns high marks for outdoor dining" by Fra Noi.

JUDGE FOR JUSTICE: He made history, mentored many, and never forgot his roots—discover the remarkable legacy of Justice Moses W. Harrison II. "Illinois Supreme Court Justice Moses W. Harrison II" by Leonard F. Amari.

SLICE OF HISTORY: After 54 legendary years, My Pi Pizza says goodbye—find out how this deep-dish icon helped shape America’s pizza scene. "Legendary pizza joint closes up shop" by Fra Noi.

FESTA COMEBACK: After 25 years, Festa Italiana is making a triumphant return to Grand Rapids—don’t miss the food, family, and flair! "A Beloved West Michigan Festival Returns After 25 Years" by Tommy McNeill.

MANDOLA MILESTONE: Celebrate 50 flavorful years with the man who brought Little Italy to Texas! "Owner of Mandola’s Italian Kitchen Celebrates 50 Years Since Opening First Restaurant" by Analise Pickerrell.

SOFIA SCORES: The Washington Spirit just made NWSL history with their newest Italian import—find out what she brings to the field! "Washington Spirit signs forward Sofia Cantore, first Italian NWSL player" by José Umaña.

CULTURAL CENTER REVAMP: After years of planning and fundraising, Des Moines’ Italian-American community prepares for a stunning new cultural center! "Work on new Italian-American center begins soon" by Kathy A. Bolten.

LA DOLCE VITA: From Cinema Paradiso to The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, discover how Morricone’s masterpieces are being relived in a spectacular concert event. "FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY > Maria Manetti Celebrates La Dolce Vita! honoring Ennio Morricone" by L'Istituto Italiano di Cultura di San Francisco.

FRESH FLAVORS: Celebrate the joy of Italian summer cooking with Cathy Whims’ vibrant recipes and storytelling-filled cookbook! "Acclaimed chef releases veggie-rich Italian cookbook" by Fra Noi.

BATTER UP ITALIA: With his Italian heritage and MLB experience, Mastrobuoni is a strong candidate to represent Italy on baseball’s global stage in 2026! "Miles Mastrobuoni’s Italian Dream: Will He Suit Up for Team Italy in 2026 WBC?" by Redação.

BIG BOOST: A new 650,000 sq. ft. cable plant backed by Italian investment will ramp up production and jobs in McKinney by 2027."Italian firm plans to invest $500M at McKinney electric wire manufacturing facility" by Nick Wooten.

SLICE OF A CENTURY: Discover how New Haven honors Frank Pepe’s 100 years with a street corner dedication, celebrating a true Italian-American icon! "New Haven celebrates famed pizzeria, Frank Pepe's, with street corner dedication, marking 100 years" by Conrad Lewis.

LEADERSHIP IN LAW: NIABA welcomes Madame Alice Salvo as president, steering Italian American attorneys into a bold new chapter! "NIABA Board Meeting Concludes with Gala Dinner at The Magic Castle of Los Angeles: New President Appointed for the 2025-2027 Term" by We the Italians.

DAVENPORT DELIGHTS: A seasonal treat! Discover the magic of Italian street dining at Cafe San Lorenzo’s pop-up, open through summer evenings. "‘Little Italy’ pop-up cafe opens in downtown Davenport" by KWQC Staff.

CITIZENSHIP CHALLENGE: A landmark case is already challenging Italy’s new citizenship law in court. Could it be ruled unconstitutional? "Big News for the Italian Citizenship Community!" by Alessandro Bovino.

SOUND OF NAPES: Explore how Pino Daniele transformed Naples’ music scene, blending blues and tradition into timeless songs loved across Italy and beyond! "Italian entertainment: Pino Daniele, the heart and soul of contemporary Naples" by We the Italians.

SICILY FOR SALE: Scoop up a home in the Old Country for just 1 euro—yes, really! Discover how Sicilian towns are bringing history back to life."1 euro houses for sale in Sicily in 2025" by Emma Donaldson.

LIQUID GOLD: Made from mountain blossoms and centuries of tradition, Varesino DOP Acacia Honey is Lombardy’s sweet gift to the world. Discover its rich history and delicate flavor."Italian flavors: Varesino DOP acacia honey, a Lombard treasure rooted in nature and tradition" by We the Italians.

UNDERRATED ELEGANCE: It’s charming, it’s peaceful, and now it’s award-winning. Learn how Umbria quietly beat out dozens of rivals to be crowned Europe’s top underrated getaway! "This Italian City Was Named the Most Underrated Luxury Destination in Europe—and It's Known as the 'New Tuscany'" by Evie Carrick.

RENAISSANCE REVIVAL: Step into 15th-century Italy at this magical event where nobles dine, jesters dance, and the fortress glows in firelight! "Italian traditions: The wild boar hunt of Mondavio, a journey into renaissance pageantry" by We the Italians.

BLUE BANDIERE: Italy now has 487 Blue Flag beaches—more than ever before—marking a major win for sustainability, tourism, and community pride. "The Blue Standard: how Bandiere Blu shape the sustainable future of Italy" by Barbara Minafra.

BEACH BOOM: Coastal Italy is set for another record-breaking summer! See why both locals and tourists can’t get enough of the seaside escape. "Summer 2025 outlook: growth in Italy’s coastal tourism continues" by We the Italians Editorial Staff

CREATIVE CAPITAL: Gibellina was destroyed in 1968—but its spirit wasn’t. Discover how this Sicilian village rebuilt itself with imagination, ambition, and world-class art! "Why Gibellina, Sicily Is Italy's Next Capital of Contemporary Art" by Giulia Grimaldi.

MAGICAL MELODIES: From August 27–31, Ferrara becomes one giant stage. Explore the festival where history, harmony, and high energy collide! "Ferrara: where music takes over the streets" by We the Italians Editorial Staff.

TRAVELING TUSCANY: From ancient baths to medieval fortresses, Casciana Terme Lari blends relaxation and history in the heart of Tuscany. "A trip to Casciana Terme Lari: wellness and nature in the heart of Tuscany" by IIlaria Capatti.