We've been sharing a lot about events in Chicago recently, but today, let’s forget about business, and take a walk through Ukrainian Village—a vibrant Chicago neighborhood with deep cultural roots. While it’s primarily known for its Ukrainian community, you’ll also find plenty of Polish influences and other culturally close groups. It’s a place where you can wander and, at times, feel like you're in a slice of Eastern Europe, right in the middle of America.
Stores stocked with Ukrainian and Polish products, churches, and schools representing both cultures—welcome to Ukrainian Chicago. While Poles have their well-known Jackowo in Chicago and Greenpoint in NYC, Ukrainians have Ukrainian Village, a thriving hub for nearly 70,000 Ukrainians in the Chicago area.
Did you know it wasn’t always like this? Ukrainian Village, much like East Village, started as farmland, later attracting immigrants from Eastern Europe. By the early 20th century, Ukrainians began settling here, drawn by the familiar presence of Polish communities in the area. Today, it’s home to Ukrainian schools, churches, museums, and even youth organizations.
One interesting landmark is Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral, designed by the legendary architect Louis Sullivan. But the heart of the neighborhood beats strongest in its Ukrainian churches and cultural centers, like the Ukrainian National Museum and the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art.
So, if you’re in Chicago and looking to step into a different cultural world, Ukrainian Village is the perfect place to explore! ...and to eat 😉
