The Silent Film Society of Chicago

10/16/2025

SILENT FILM FANS: Come this Tues. Oct. 21st (7:30pm) Nosferatu (Silent Film with Live Organ by The Phantom) at the Davis Theater (4614 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago) Show! Doors at 7pm. Tix only $12 presale (or $15 cash, at the door) here: https://www.ticketleap.events/events/terrorintheaisles Sponsored by The Silent Film Society of Chicago. Plus: Vendors, Giveaways & A Live Charity Auction for Groceryland Chicago.

09/20/2025

TOMORROW! ONLY A FEW TICKETS LEFT!

Join us in keeping the Silent Film Society alive and relive the magic of Jay Warren’s music which shaped Chicago’s silent film community in this centennial event of The Phantom Of The Opera.

This event will take place at The Filament Theatre in Six Corners (4041 N Milwaukee Ave) and is proudly sponsored by the Silent Film Society of Chicago.

Showtimes:
Saturday, September 20th – 3:00pm & 7:00pm
Sunday, September 21st – 3:00pm & 7:00pm
(Doors open one hour before showtime.)

Tickets Available At:
https://www.ticketleap.events/events/syneverse

09/18/2025

This weekend, the Silent Film Society of Chicago honors the 100th Anniversary of The Phantom of the Opera (1925) with Lon Chaney’s legendary performance brought to life by Jay Warren’s pipe organ score at The Filament Theatre, a longtime partner where we’re excited to continue presenting more Silent Film programming in the future.

And while we celebrate Phantom’s centennial now, we’re also proud to be working with Chris Bauman to bring the Silent Film Society of Chicago back home to the historic Portage Theater as part of its revitalization plan. We fully support Chris and have seen first hand his unique capabilities to bring historic theaters like Portage back to life. His dedication and passion for preserving Chicago’s theater treasures, as well as strong history of supporting community centric event programming is inspiring and gives us a tremendous amount of confidence in Portage Theater’s future.
We’re proud to support Chris and his plans for programming movie events at The Portage Theater, whose passion for preserving and revitalizing historic theaters speaks for itself. His dedication gives us confidence in the future of the Portage and the exciting plans ahead.

The Phantom may haunt the Paris Opera House, but the spirit of The Silent Film Society is very much alive in Six Corners!

Saturday, Sept. 20 at 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Sunday, Sept. 21 at 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Filament Theatre 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Tickets are going fast so be sure to get them now!
https://www.ticketleap.events/events/syneverse

09/17/2025

Have you reserved your seat for this weekend's huge 100th Anniversary of The Phantom Of The Opera event? There are four showtimes to choose from to ensure a comfortable experience for everyone and tickets are limited and going fast.
For those who prefer to purchase tickets at the venue, we have set aside a LIMITED amount of seats so be sure to arrive early. Doors open an hour before each showtime.
Online tickets are available at https://www.ticketleap.events/events/syneverse

08/19/2025

Join us for the 100th Anniversary of the 1925 Silent Film The Phantom Of The Opera starring “The Man Of 1,000 Faces” Lon Chaney, Mary Philbin, and Norman Kerry. Directed by Rupert Julian. Based on the haunting original story by Gaston Leroux.

Jay Warren frequently provided the soundtrack live to The Phantom Of The Opera—one of his favorite films to accompany during his legendary career. He was so looking forward to this special anniversary milestone. And now, for the very first time, with the Jay Warren Legacy Archive, this exclusive screening will feature a never-before-heard recorded presentation of Jay Warren performing his original pipe organ score.

This event will be held at the Filament Theatre, one of Jay Warren's favorite intimate venues to play. There will be multiple screenings to accommodate everyone comfortably.

Members of The Silent Film Society, please call 312-841-4546 for information on members only prices on tickets!

📅 Saturday, Sept. 20th & Sunday, Sept. 21st
🕒 Showtimes: 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM each day
🚪 Doors open one hour before showtime
📽️ Don’t miss this once-in-a-century experience that combines classic film, timeless music, and a true Chicago legacy.

Tickets available at

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03/05/2025

https://chicago.suntimes.com/obituaries/2025/03/04/dennis-wolkowicz-dead-jay-warren-organist-silent-film-society-chicago

Mr. Wolkowicz, who played under the stage name Jay Warren because it was easier to pronounce, first tried his hand at accompanying silent films after hearing another guy perform and thinking, "I can do it better than that."

02/28/2025

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our dear friend and longtime Silent Photoplay Organist and The Silent Film Society of Chicago program director, Jay Warren (Dennis Wolkowicz).

For decades, Jay dedicated himself to preserving and celebrating the magic of silent cinema. As one of the nation’s leading silent film accompanists, his masterful performances on the theater pipe organ brought classic films to life for audiences across Chicago and beyond. His passion for the art form was unparalleled, and his contributions to the Silent Film Society’s Summer Film Festival, educational programs, and historic theater preservation efforts made an indelible impact.

Beyond his work in film, Jay was also deeply involved in community revitalization efforts, including his instrumental role in the Six Corners Chamber of Commerce, his 18 year management and restoration of the Gateway Theater, now the Copernicus Foundation, his reopening and revitalization of the Portage Theater in the early 2000's as well as the founding of The Silent Film Society of Chicago. His love for history, music, and storytelling shaped so many of the cultural experiences we cherish today.

We will be honoring Jay’s legacy in the coming weeks and will share details on any memorials or tributes as they become available. In the meantime, please use the Obituary – Kolbus May Funeral Home links for obituary information.
https://www.kolbusmayfh.com/obituary/dennis-wolkowicz

02/24/2025

"Spooky Silents" Felix the Cat, Buster Keaton, and Laurel & Hardy tonight (MonFeb24@7:30PM) for our Silent Film Cafe concept at City News Cafe, 4018 N. Cicero in Chicago.
FREE EVENT!