Chicago Sister Cities International

04/24/2026

In 2024 and 2025, the Shenyang Municipal People’s Government, in collaboration with Shenyang Normal University, hosted an exchange program for Chicago students passionate about learning the Chinese language and culture. This year, they are continuing the program, Hello Shenyang, offering students an opportunity this summer to explore traditional Chinese culture and world heritage through an immersive summer camp experience in Shenyang and Beijing.

Program Details:
Application Deadline: April 29, 2026
Dates: June 24 - July 7, 2026
Locations: Shenyang & Beijing, China
Participants: 20 students (high school or college)

The exchange will host five modules designed to provide a well-rounded exploration of Chinese culture, language learning sessions, special lectures about the culture of Liaoning Province and Shenyang City, complemented by hands-on activities like paper cutting, Chinese painting, Peking opera, and tea ceremonies. The Cultural Heritage module introduces traditional techniques such as sugar paintings and tours of iconic landmarks like the Great Wall, Shenyang Imperial Palace Museum, and the Temple of Heaven. Additionally, participants will enjoy Interactive Communication sessions, fostering cultural exchange with Chinese and international students.

Cost: Students are responsible for airfare and visa fees. All other ground expenses are covered by the host.

If you are interested in applying, please reach out to the contacts below:
Mirah Zukha: [email protected]

04/17/2026

The Prague Committee of CSCI invites you to an evening of Jazz featuring world renowned singer and musician, Martina Barta on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 6:30 - 9:00 pm. In Chicago for the UNESCO International Jazz Day, Martina Barta will perform an intimate concert ahead of International Jazz Day. Additional guests of honor include Šimon Pánek and Tomáš Sedláček.

Event Details:
🎟️Ticket Cost: $100 + taxes and fees
🇨🇿Ticket Includes: Dinner provided by Cafe Prague and live music performance by Martina Barta
📍Location: Cafe Prague, 6710 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60634
🚗Getting there: There is a free parking lot located at 6757 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL (Katt's Auto) on the Southeast corner of Oak Park Ave. and Belmont St. that is one block away from Cafe Prague. There is also street parking.
✅RSVP Here by Friday, April 24: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-of-jazz-with-martina-barta-tickets-1986819524682?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Ticket sales for this event help fund the Prague Committee’s programs including student exchanges between Whitney Young Magnet High School and Gymnázium Nad Alejí in Prague, as well as events for visiting artists, authors, and musicians from Prague. The committee also works in partnership with the Czech Consulate on special events, like Czech Heritage Week and a welcome reception for Czech runners at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. We hope to see you there!

04/16/2026

The Chicago Fire FC's May matches will be turned into a month long global celebration of soccer in preparation of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup! Their My Club, My Country Ticket Pack for the month of May is an exclusive offer that includes a limited-edition Chicago Fire Jersey for any of the following countries: Argentina, England, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Spain, and the United States!

This is a great opportunity to get together to celebrate the global sport of soccer and support the Chicago Fire FC at any of these three home matches!

Saturday, May 2nd, 7:30 pm
Saturday, May 9th, 1:30 pm
Saturday, May 23rd, 7:30 pm

Purchase your ticket here!: https://www.gofevo.com/group/MyClubMyCountry

04/15/2026

Join Irish Community Services and the Galway Committee of CSCI on May 30th for a community-centered Irish themed soccer tournament promoting mental wellness!

The tournament will take place at Skyline Pitch Chicago on May 30th from 4:00pm - 8:00pm. It costs $20 per player and your registration includes at least three 15-minute soccer games, a team shirt, hearty refreshments, and a chance to play with your community! To register, please visit the link here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/mind-yourself-may-soccer-tournament--2026

May is mental health awareness month and this is a great way to connect with the community while doing something fun! This event is being hosted by the Irish Community Services.

SKYLINE PITCH7th Level of the Parking Garage, 1457 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60610 (Lincoln Park Neighborhood) ⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽Join your community on the field to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month! (Must be 18+ to play)Hosted by Irish Community Services and the Chicago-Galway Sister Cities Comm...

04/14/2026

Join the Busan Committee of CSCI for a vibrant evening showcasing the flavors, music and traditions of Korea the evening of April 23rd! All in support of the Busan Committee’s cultural and educational programs, and as they prepare for the 20th sister city anniversary next year!

Celebrate community, Korea and connection - and maybe win a raffle prize - while supporting meaningful international programs. We look forward to seeing you there! Tickets are on sale NOW! Purchase your ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/korean-cultural-food-experience-with-csci-busan-tickets-1982707001013?aff=oddtdtcreator

04/13/2026

On Saturday, March 21st, the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Chicago, the Japan America Society of Chicago and the Osaka Committee of CSCI hosted the 40th Annual Japanese Language Speech Contest. The Osaka Committee awarded 11th grade student, Amelie, for her speech titled “The Meaning of Ganbaru.” Amelie wrote about her understanding of ganbaru, generally meaning "do one's best," based on her experiences.

04/13/2026

03/25/2026

This week, we were honored to host Valdas Benkunskas, Mayor of our sister city Vilnius, Lithuania, along with two of his advisors. During their visit, the delegation met with Mayor Brandon Johnson, as well as representatives from the Chicago Department of Transportation, the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications, the Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 and the Obama Presidential Center.

The visit also featured attending a Chicago Bulls game, where they cheered on Lithuanian-American forward Matas Buzelis.

Many thanks to the Vilnius Committee of CSCI and the Consulate General of the Republic of Lithuania in Chicago for welcoming Mayor Benkunskas and helping make this visit a success!🇱🇹

Generalinis konsulatas Čikagoje/Consulate Gen. of Lithuania in Chicago Chicago Mayor's Office City of Chicago – Government Chicago Department of Transportation Obama Foundation Chicago Bulls

03/20/2026

Holi, often referred to as the “Festival of Colors,” celebrates the start of spring, which is the season of hope and new beginnings, and Chicago celebrated in more ways than one.

On March 7th, more than 12,000 guests visited Navy Pier for Holi 2026. For the last few years, Chicago Sister Cities International has proudly supported this event, and this year was no different.

Additionally, the Mayor's Office of Community Engagement hosted a Holi celebration at City Hall that welcomed the Consul General of India in Chicago, as well as other community members and organizations.

Thank you to Navy Pier for hosting the largest Holi celebration in the US and highlighting Chicago's global community, and many thanks to the City of Chicago for hosting their first Holi celebration at City Hall.

Photos 1, 3, 4 provided by: Kyle Flubacker Photography
Photos 2, 5, 6 provided by: Vashon Jordan Jr./City of Chicago

City of Chicago – Government India in USA (Consulate General of India, Chicago) Navy Pier

03/19/2026

Bringing Chicago pride to Galway this St. Patrick's Day! 🇮🇪☘️ The Chicago Garda Pipes & Drums led the the St. Patrick's Day Parade in our sister city of Galway, showcasing the bond between the two cities. Thank you to the Galway City Council for inviting the Chicago Garda Pipes and Drums to lead the parade!

PC📸: Chicago Garda Pipe and Drum Band