JACL Chicago

JACL Chicago The JACL is the oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization in the United States. The Chicago Chapter was established in 1945.

Founded in 1929, the JACL is the oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization in the United States. The JACL monitors and responds to issues that enhance or threaten the civil and human rights of all Americans and implements strategies to effect positive social change, particularly to the Asian Pacific American community. The Chicago Chapter's Inception

On January 1, 1943, National

JACL established the JACL Midwest Regional Office by leasing a space on the 9th floor of 189 West Madison in the Loop. The office served to provide information and assistance to Japanese Americans either considering or already coping with relocation to Chicago. Dr. Thomas Yatabe, the first elected JACL National President, was asked to run the office upon his release from Jerome, Arkansas internment camp. Dr. Yatabe was committed to the idea that the growing Chicago Japanese American community needed a JACL chapter to represent its long-term interests. Meetings to discuss chapter formation began in the summer of 1943 at such locations as the International House at the University of Chicago, and were attended by the nucleus of what later became the 25 charter members required to form a chapter. Along with Bill Minami (who had been asked by Dr. Yatabe to eventually be the Chapter’s first president), George Hiura, William Hiura, Noboru Honda, Dixie Ishida, Togo Tanaka, and Kumeo Yoshinari were prominent among those 25 individuals. Chicago became the first JACL chapter of the Midwest after receiving its charter on April 15, 1945. The JACL Midwest Office has continued to work closely with the Chicago Chapter by providing guidance and assistance in implementing national JACL programs in the Chicago area. JACL’s Midwest Directors have been Richard Akagi, Tats Kushida, Tom Hibino and William Yoshino.

06/19/2026

06/12/2026
KANSHA PROJECT'S15th ANNIVERSARY FUNDRAISER! Join us in celebrating 15 years of Kansha at our Go Go Go Kansha! fundraise...
06/12/2026

KANSHA PROJECT'S
15th ANNIVERSARY FUNDRAISER! Join us in celebrating 15 years of Kansha at our Go Go Go Kansha! fundraiser! Kansha alumni, family, friends, and supporters are invited to gather for a fun afternoon at Kamehachi to reconnect, share memories, celebrate the community we've built, and support the future of the Kansha Project. We'll also be honoring Kansha visionaries Bill Yoshino and Pat Harada for their lasting impact. We hope you'll join us for this
special milestone celebration!
SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, Oct 18t, 2026
LOCATION: Kamehachi - Northbrook

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06/12/2026

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COME VOLUNTEER Japan Festival ChicagoSaturday, July 11, 11AM-6PM & Sunday, July 12, 11AM-4PM | Skokie Sports Park East (...
06/11/2026

COME VOLUNTEER
Japan Festival Chicago
Saturday, July 11, 11AM-6PM & Sunday, July 12, 11AM-4PM | Skokie Sports Park East (3333 Oakton St. Skokie, IL 60076)
The Chicago Japanese American Council will be hosting the annual Japan Festival Chicago on Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12 at Sports Park East in Skokie. From taiko drums and J-pop to anime art and street food, Japan Fest is a premier opportunity to experience Japanese culture.
SIGN UP and be part of this exciting event! Volunteers will receive lunch and a FREE unique Japan Fest t-shirt. Click here to learn more and sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfdM3FftPq6iLbdfih5BVhRoZhH7245OKSZDsD4C7j-JT31tw/viewform

06/05/2026
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05/29/2026

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05/29/2026

JACL is excited to announce our new Executive Director, Lilly Simmering!

Lilly brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and dedication to the organization, and we look forward to this next chapter in our history as we near our centennial birthday.

You can learn more about Lilly by reading our full release here: jacl.org/statements/jacl-welcomes-new-full-time-executive-director-lilly-simmering

Address

5415 N Clark Street
Chicago, IL
60640

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17737287171

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