Geo-Sources

Ukrainian Village Chicago, Illinois

Tucked away in the larger West Town community of Chicago’s Near West Side sits Ukrainian Village—a vibrant corridor of shops, restaurants, and history—that’s cultivated one of the largest communities of Ukrainian immigrants in the entire United States. In 2016, Ukrainian Village was named the hottest neighborhood in America. Ukrainian Village has been the home to a vibrant Ukrainian immigrant population. Like many places in North America, Chicago’s Ukrainian Village began as farmland and was impacted by the Great Chicago Fire. In the aftermath, it was settled and rebuilt by a predominantly German population already in Chicago. In succeeding decades, a heavy wave of Ukrainian and Russian population immigrated and settled in this area. By the early 1900s, Ukrainian’s were the dominant population in the area with an estimated 30,000 immigrating to the area. Soon A large number of Ukrainians and Russians moved to the neighborhood. Many of these newcomers were working class families, who contributed to the craft and construction of the exquisite mansions of their wealthy Wicker Park neighbors.

Ukrainian Village was built between 1913 and 1915, and is still home to over 15,000 Ukrainians. Even after many Ukrainians moved to the surrounding suburbs of Chicago, the area is still strongly identified with the Ukrainian community and one to which many Ukrainians and tourists come for religious observance and to enjoy the distinctly Ukrainian cuisine and customs.

The neighborhood was officially designated as Ukrainian Village in 1983 by then-MayorJane Byrne. To this day, however, the neighborhood is less populated with people of actual Ukrainian descent.

More recently, Ukrainian Village, Chicago has been home to numerous pro Ukraine demonstrations and the seat of numerous Ukrainian charities directed to the refugees and Territorial Forces of Ukraine..

Tucked away in the larger West Town community of Chicago’s Near West Side sits Ukrainian Village—a vibrant corridor of shops, restaurants, and history—

Landmarks

Ukrainian Village is home to some of the most beautiful churches in the city, including St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church, and St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral. Other notable structures include, the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral—one of only two churches that the iconic “Chicago- School” architect Louis Sullivan designed. Other landmarks important to the Ukrainian community are, the Ukrainian Cultural Center and the Ukrainian National Museum.

Not surprisingly, Kyiv is one of Chicago’s many sister cities and the original St. Volodymyr Church can be found there.

All proceeds collected from the Ukrainian community in Chicago go to vetted organizations for humanitarian and medical aid in the Russia Ukraine War.. Additionally, Stephen Colbert and The Late Show put a list of vetted national organizations that include World Central Kitchen and Global Giving. There is also a list on the Ukraine page on this site. There is a terrific article in the March 24, 2022 issue of the Chicago Tribune which details the long history and pride which Ukrainians have for their community and sister city.

Finally, If you are planning to visit Chicago, plan a trip to the vibrant and interesting Ukrainian VIllage and a list walking tours and great restaurants can be found at these sites.