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Promoting the progress of the albanian-american community of Illinois​

We are a nonprofit organization aimed at uniting and strengthening the Albanian-American community In Illinois.
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Our Mission: Empowering and Strengthening the Albanian-American Community in Illinois

The Albanian-American Community of Illinois is a non-profit organization located in Chicago, IL that works to preserve and promote Albanian culture, traditions, and history through various initiatives and social events.
Cultural Preservation
Community Engagement
Advocacy
About Us
Cultural Heritage
We strive to preserve and celebrate the cultural traditions of Albanian Americans in Illinois in various activities throughout the year. 

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Events and Networking
We host numerous events that bring together members of the community via networking events, speaking engagements and more. 

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Community Resources
We provide community resources including links to various organizations dedicated to helping the community.

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Business Directory
Looking for Albanian-American owned businesses in Illinois? Check out our business directory to find diverse businesses, services, and professionals.
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Employment Resources
Looking for employment opportunities in the Albanian American community or in general? Visit our employment resources page to find job postings, resource links, and more.
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Who Are Albanians?

Albanians are an ethnic group that trace their origins to the ancient Illyrian tribes of Southeastern Europe. They are mostly concentrated in Albania and Kosovo, but there are over millions of Albanians spread throughout Europe and North America. In addition, there is a large diaspora of Albanians living in countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Turkey and the United States.
Albanians speak the Albanian language, which is an Indo-European language that occupies its own branch in the Indo-European family tree. It is believed to have descended from Illyrian, a group of Indo-European languages spoken in the Western Balkans. Standard Albanian (based on the Tosk dialect) is the official language of Albania, where it is spoken by 2.9 million people. Northern dialects are also spoken in Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia.
Many well-known Albanian Americans have made significant contributions to various fields. Some of the most prominent Albanian Americans include the Belushi brothers, Jim and John, both successful actors and comedians with roots in the Albanian community, and Eliza Dushku, an actress, and producer known for her roles in television shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Dollhouse. Other notable Albanian Americans include Ariana Kukors, an Olympic swimmer and world record holder, and Tony Dovolani, a professional ballroom dancer who appeared on ABC's Dancing With the Stars. These individuals and many others have played important roles in shaping American culture and society while also celebrating and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Albania, Kosovo, and other Albanian regions and the Albanian people.
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Testimonial
Our Community

Upcoming Community Events

Learn About Upcoming Events and Community Gatherings.
Albanian Independence Day
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Midwest Conference Center 401 W Lake St, Northlake, IL 60164
Festa e Pavarësisë
September 8th 2024
Schmitt Academic Center (SAC) 154 DePaul University, Lincoln Park Campus 2320 N Kenmore Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Zgjedhjet Për Anëtarët e Bordit të AACI
Saturday, January 20, 2024
Via Zoom
Ancient History of Albanians Zoom Webinar
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Our Blog

Get the Latest Updates: Keep Up with Our Blog and Stay Informed.
Valbona Tika
Riga Kallaba: A Rising Soccer Star with Albanian Roots 
Meet Riga Kallaba, a 16-year-old soccer prodigy representing Kosova in the United States. With remarkable dedication, unwavering support from her family, and a deep connection to her Albanian heritage, Riga's journey is a testament to the power of passion and determination in the world of soccer. Follow her inspiring path as she aspires to achieve professional success and inspire others along the way.
Joint Statement Condemning the September 24, 2023 Serbian Terrorist Attack in Kosova
Genc Arifi
Joint Statement Condemning the September 24, 2023 Serbian Terrorist Attack in Kosova
We urgently appeal to the United States Congress to act decisively and employ all necessary means to rein in Serbia’s...
Bjondi Dervishi
Remarkable Albanians Who Shaped the World | Part 2
In the first part of this series, we explored the achievements of some exceptional Albanians who have made significant contributions to the world. In this follow-up blog post, we will delve into the lives of five more outstanding individuals of Albanian origin who have left their mark in various fields.

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AACI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Chicago, Illinois, working towards preserving and promoting Albanian culture and heritage in Illinois.
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201 W Lake St #180 Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 612-9277
info@aaciusa.org
Copyright 2023 Albanian-American Community of Illinois
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