Polish Community in Illinois
Illinois, particularly the Chicago metropolitan area, is home to one of the largest Polish populations in the United States and the world outside of Poland. Chicago has been a center of Polish-American life since the late 19th century, earning the nickname “the American Warsaw.”
About Polish Chicago
Chicago has approximately 1 million people of Polish descent in its metropolitan area, making it one of the world’s largest Polish communities outside of Poland itself. Historic Polish neighborhoods include:
- Jacowo (Jackovo) - Northwest Side
- Polish Downtown - Noble Square/West Town
- Avondale and Jefferson Park
- Portage Park - Still has a significant Polish presence
Major Organizations
Polish Museum of America
Location: 984 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642 Phone: (773) 384-3352 Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday, 11 AM - 4 PM Website: polishmuseumofamerica.org Wikipedia: Polish Museum of America
Established in 1935 and opened in 1937, the Polish Museum of America is located in the historic Polish Downtown neighborhood. The museum offers:
- Permanent and temporary exhibits on Polish-American history and culture
- Library with over 100,000 books in Polish and English
- Polonica Collection with rare books and periodicals
- Archives preserving historic documents, maps, and photographs
- Cultural events, lectures, concerts, and workshops
- Author and artist meetings
The museum received the Heritage Award from the Polish American Congress, Illinois Division.
Polish American Congress
Headquarters: 6100 N. Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60646 Website: pac1944.org Wikipedia: Polish American Congress
The Polish American Congress is the national umbrella organization representing over 10 million Americans of Polish descent. The Illinois Division is one of the most active state divisions. The organization includes:
- Fraternal organizations
- Educational institutions
- Veterans groups
- Religious organizations
- Cultural societies
- Business associations
- Individual members
Religious Communities
Polish Roman Catholic Churches
Chicago has numerous Polish Roman Catholic parishes, many established in the late 1800s and early 1900s:
- St. Hyacinth Basilica - Historic Avondale church
- St. Stanislaus Kostka - One of the oldest Polish churches
- Five Holy Martyrs - Brighton Park
- St. Constance - Jefferson Park
- St. Mary of the Angels - Bucktown
Many churches still offer masses in Polish.
Cultural Organizations
Polish National Alliance (PNA)
One of the largest Polish fraternal organizations, headquartered in Chicago since 1880. Provides insurance services, cultural programs, and community support.
Polish Roman Catholic Union of America
Another major fraternal organization preserving Polish culture and Catholic traditions.
Polish American Association
Provides social services, immigration assistance, and cultural programs for the Polish community.
Educational Institutions
Polish Language Schools
- Copernicus Foundation Polish Saturday School
- Various parish-based Polish schools
- Polish language programs at local universities
University Programs
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Polish Studies
- Northwestern University - Polish language courses
Media
Polish Language Media
- Dziennik Związkowy (Polish Daily News) - One of the oldest Polish-language dailies in America
- Puls Biznesu - Business publication
- Polish radio programs on multiple stations
- Polish TV channels available via cable and satellite
Business Districts
Milwaukee Avenue Corridor
The historic heart of Polish Chicago, running through:
- Noble Square/West Town (Polish Downtown)
- Wicker Park
- Bucktown
- Avondale
- Jefferson Park
Features Polish:
- Restaurants and bakeries
- Delis and butcher shops
- Bookstores
- Travel agencies
- Professional services
Annual Events
- Polish Constitution Day Parade (May 3) - One of the largest in the US
- Taste of Polonia Festival (Labor Day weekend) - At Copernicus Center
- Casimir Pulaski Day - Illinois state holiday (first Monday in March)
- Polish Fest - Cultural celebrations throughout the year
Other Polish Communities in Illinois
Outside Chicago
- Lemont - Significant Polish population
- Niles - Polish cultural presence
- Des Plaines - Polish community
- Orland Park - Growing Polish population
- Rockford - Historic Polish community
Resources
Connect with Polish Communities in Other States
Nearby States:
- Wisconsin - Major Polish communities in Milwaukee
- Michigan - Detroit and Hamtramck
- Indiana - South Bend and Fort Wayne
- Ohio - Cleveland and Toledo
Other Major Polish Communities:
- New York - NYC, Buffalo, and across the state
- Pennsylvania - Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
- New Jersey - Passaic and Bergen counties
- Massachusetts - Boston and Worcester
Know of an organization not listed? Contact us to help keep this directory up to date.