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Casa Puertorriqueña
1237 N. California Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622

Programs and Services
The Puerto Rican Parade Committee of Chicago, a non-profit organization, hosts year round community
events at La Casa Puertorriqueña, ie. free Chess Classes for all ages, the weekly Senior Citizens Club
which provide our seniors with activities and programs that promote their lifestyle, a place to host
rehearsal for local dance groups, free guiro classes for all ages, an affordable conference center for
local non-for-profits, and Children’s Karate and Self-Defense.

In addition to the above mentioned, La Casa Puertorriqueña lends its center to assist cause related
events, fundraisers and organizations in need of a location. In the past La Casa has provided Disaster
Relief Events for Ecuador, Katrina, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Puerto Rico to help thousands of
victims of natural and other disasters.

La Casa Puertorriqueña is the focal center for Chicago’s Puerto Rican community and our Mission
remains the same…
To serve the needs of the Puerto Rican community through programs and services dedicated in
upholding our cultural history, traditions, pride and quality of life.

All programs and services offered by The Puerto Rican Parade Committee of Chicago are open to
anyone who wishes to participate.

Commemorative Poster
The Puerto Rican Parade Committee of Chicago holds an annual poster contest inviting Chicago high
school students to submit their art work. If chosen the winner’s submission will become the official focal
point for the Fiestas Puertorriqueñas public relations campaign.

Puerto Rican Parade Queen Pageant
The Puerto Rican Parade Queen Pageant is a traditional event honoring young Puerto Rican women for
their cultural understanding, educational achievements, community leadership and civic potential.
Scholarships and other prizes are awarded to the Queen and her court, taking on a year long reign to
represent the Puerto Rican community of Chicago. Participants range between the ages of 17 and 25.

Fiestas Puertorriqueñas
The Fiestas Puertorriqueñas is a six day annual celebration showcasing Puerto Rican Cuisine, Arts,
Dance, and Music. Here local artists are given the opportunity to be the opening acts for top Latino
entertainers. Past performers have included Ivy Queen (Reggaeton), El Gran Combo, (Salsa) Frankie
Negron, (Salsa) and Fulanito, (Merengue). The Fiestas Puertorriqueñas, is the second largest festival in
the city of Chicago, attracting people from all ages, ethnicities, and walks of life.

San Juan 8K Run/ 2 mile Walk
The Run is organized for the purpose of promoting physical fitness, health and sportsmanship. More
than 300 participants run annually, with that number increasing each year. There are different age
categories and prizes for the winners. Runners from all over the world, including Africa and Europe,
have participated in past runs. The 2 mile Walk was created in 2006 to introduce non-athletes to a
healthier lifestyle. Proceeds from the 2 mile walk are donated to different organizations that
demonstrate a financial need.

Puerto Rican Day Parade
The Puerto Rican parade is held annually in the downtown area of Chicago. It is one of the largest
parades in the Midwest, attaining over 300,000 attendees. Covered by WLS-TV Channel 7 and other
local radio and television stations, this festive event features floats and marching groups to represent
Puerto Rican and other cultures through folkloric performances, music and other parade traditions.

Community Events
The Puerto Rican Parade Committee prides itself on more than the Puerto Rican Parade. Throughout
the year there are partnership opportunities at La Casa Puertorriqueña. These events allow the Puerto
Rican Parade Committee of Chicago to continue their year round presence with activities such as the
Job Fair, College Fair, Health Fair, Mother’s Day Celebration Banquet, Thanksgiving Meal, and
Community Christmas Celebration, Three Kings Day Toy give away, and many more.

Juvenile Pageant
Starring our youngest community members, this event provides a safe space for children to begin
forging their talents, communication skills and self-confidence. The pageant is not just a competition. It
is an experience that teaches children lessons that will last a lifetime. The children learn about their
culture, the town that their family is from, how to speak Spanish, how to address the public, humility,
teamwork, and perseverance.

Encuentro Boricua
A tradition since 1986, this event makes efforts to reunite Chicago Puerto Ricans with their Island roots.
More importantly this trip to Puerto Rico fosters networking opportunities with our business, educational
and community partners. Students and non-Latinos are also brought along on this trip to show them first
hand the cultural wealth and diversity encompassed with the Puerto Rican community.

Youth Parade
The annual Youth Parade one of the Puerto Rican Parade Committee of Chicago’s proudest events. The
Youth Parade is coordinated by young adults and adolescents (moderated by a supervising adult)
showcasing their leadership potential and talent’s while gaining the self-esteem needed for economic
development, educational enhancement and cultural advancement.

Abrazo Boricua
Abrazo Boricua is the kick-off event for our week long Fiestas Puertorriqueñas. Here we recognize local,
civic and community leaders for their efforts within the Latino community of Chicago, as well as our San
Juan 8k Run winner and our corporate sponsors.

Dignitaries Banquet
This reception is an exclusive black tie event to recognize our corporate, media, civic, religious, business
and political leaders and partners. It’s where the Puerto Rican Parade Committee of Chicago
recognizes our financial supporters and volunteers and leaders.

Jaemir Martial Arts
The Jaemir Martial Arts program creates a place where kids, teens and adults can learn martial arts in
an environment that encourages growth, responsibility, and develop a passion for the art and all of its
components. Through our program students will learn valuable social and leadership skills while
interacting with one another. As an organization, we provide students with the tools to withstand life’s
negative influences, share a sense of community and positive family values in a productive learning
environment. The program is also geared towards low-income families that want to learn and practice
martial arts but cannot afford the high prices. Classes are free of charge. Parents only pay the cost of
uniform and belt. Parents are actively involved and formed a parent board that reports all activities
directly to the board of the Puerto Rican Parade Committee of Chicago. The program balances
discipline and fun and is designed to instill goal setting, character, honesty, courtesy, self control, self
esteem, respect, dedication, self improvement, confidence, self awareness, and friendship. Some
parents have claimed that the program has helped their children with ADHD issues.

Chess Club
The Chess Club is open to all ages. It is run by Hon. Judge Ramon Ocasio and Luis Ortiz, President of
The Greater Humboldt Park Fine Arts Council. The main focus of the program is to teach strategy,
patience, and enhance the thought process. Published medical studies have directly linked playing
chess to improving the academic performance in the subject of mathematics. Currently the program is
seeking to partner with local schools to develop a referral program for students struggling in
mathematics.