Consulate General of Greece in Chicago

Celebrating the successful completion of the 4th “Return to Your Roots - Επιστροφή στις Ρίζες” program 🇬🇷

“Ό,τι είναι ο νους και η καρδιά για τον άνθρωπο, είναι και η Ελλάδα για την οικουμένη”.
Γκαίτε (1749-1832)

The Consulate General of Greece in Chicago proudly celebrates the successful completion of its 4th “Return to Your Roots” program.

This summer, a new group of eleven dynamic young people of Greek heritage from across the Midwest traveled to Greece to deepen their connection to our history, language and traditions. They explored the treasures of Northern Greece, enhanced their Greek language skills, engaged with local communities and officials and experienced the beauty of Greece with all their senses.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners, the Linguistics Laboratory “+ΜορΦωΣη” of the Democritus University of Thrace Εργαστήριο Γλωσσολογίας ΤΑΣ - ΔΠΘ "+ΜορΦωΣη" headed by Professor Zoe Gavriilidou and the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), under the leadership of the Executive Director Endy Zemenides, for their dedication and collaboration.

Our gratitude also goes to the Holy Metropolis of Maroneia and Komotini Ιερά Μητρόπολις Μαρωνείας και Κομοτηνής and His Eminence Metropolitan Panteleimon for their warm hospitality at the camp, to Professor Zoe Gavriilidou, Karen Chanagkian, and all the educators, and organizers who made this journey unforgettable.

Special thanks are due to our mentors, Honorable Judge Panayiota Tsiaba, Enosis Federation Illinois President George Reveliotis, Z Life Organization Executive Director Constantine Zografopoulos, and Dr. George Karanastasis for their contribution to the preparation of the program. We also thank The Art Institute of Chicago for the inspiring visit to the Mary and Michael Jaharis Galleries of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Art.

We warmly thank the Political Affairs Service of Xanthi, the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Περιφέρεια Ανατολικής Μακεδονίας - Θράκης, the Municipalities of Maronia-Sapes Δήμος Μαρωνείας - Σαπών, Alexandroupoli Δήμος Αλεξανδρούπολης, Komotini and Δήμος Καβάλας - Municipality of Kavala, the Ephorates of Antiquities of Kavala and Rhodope, the Cultural Association of Xylagani, the Ethnological Museum of Thrace, ΕΡΤ3, ERA Komotini, and the newspapers Paratiritis tis Thrakis Παρατηρητής της Θράκης and Chronos Χρόνος Εφημερίδα for their valuable support.

Finally, we express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Alexander Pissios Family Foundation for its continued generosity, without which this program would not be possible.

By strengthening ties between Greece and the next generation of the Greek diaspora, the “Return to Your Roots” program continues to build lasting bridges between our homeland and Hellenism abroad.

It was a pleasure to visit American Gasket Technologies (AGT) in Addison, Illinois, and to learn the inspiring story of the Kalouris family. From their roots in Vlachata, Kefalonia, and an entrepreneurial vision that first took shape in Ava, Missouri, AGT has grown into a successful manufacturing company built on innovation, hard work and family values.

Their remarkable journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship and a shining example of the contributions of Greek Americans to industry, technological advancement and economic growth across the United States.

Stories like these highlight the important role of the Hellenic diaspora in strengthening local communities and fostering lasting ties between Greece and America. 🇬🇷🇺🇸

Return to Your Roots 2026 begins 🇬🇷✈️

Today, eleven young Greek Americans from across the Midwest began their journey to Greece as part of the 4th Return to Your Roots program, departing from Chicago for a ten-day educational and cultural experience in Northern Greece and Thrace.

Before their departure, participants gathered at the Consulate General of Greece in Chicago for an orientation program featuring discussions with distinguished mentors and community leaders, including Honorable Judge Panayiota Tsiaba, Enosis Federation Illinois President George Reveliotis, Z Life Organization President Constantine Zografopoulos, Dr. George Karanastasis, and Return to Your Roots alumnus Elias Giannakopoulos. Participants also received a special recorded message from Professor Zoe Gavriilidou of the Democritus University of Thrace.

The day concluded with a visit to The Art Institute of Chicago’s Mary and Michael Jaharis Galleries of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Art.

The Return to Your Roots program is organized by the Consulate General of Greece in Chicago in cooperation with the Εργαστήριο Γλωσσολογίας ΤΑΣ - ΔΠΘ "+ΜορΦωΣη" of the Democritus University of Thrace and the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC).

We extend our sincere gratitude to all speakers and partners, and especially to the Alexander S. Pissios Family Foundation for its generous support in helping strengthen the bonds between Greece and the next generation of the Greek diaspora.

We wish our participants a safe journey and an unforgettable experience as they reconnect with their roots, deepen their understanding of Greek language and culture, and discover Greece firsthand.

May God grant His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael many years of health on the occasion of the feast day of his Patron Saint, the Holy Apostle Bartholomew.

Εἰς πολλὰ ἔτη, Δέσποτα!

Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago

Greek Citizenship Seminar | National Hellenic Museum

A full house tonight at the National Hellenic Museum for a highly engaging discussion on Greek citizenship.

Participants had the opportunity to learn about the various pathways to Greek citizenship, the application process, required documentation and recent developments, followed by individual consultations and questions.

We were pleased to see such strong interest from members of the Greek-American community seeking to reconnect with their roots and strengthen their ties with Greece.

Our sincere thanks to the National Hellenic Museum, the Enosis Federation Illinois and the Hellenic Professional Society of Illinois for their valuable partnership, as well as to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion.

Consular Corps Visit | Obama Presidential Center

The Consulate General of Greece in Chicago participated in the pre-opening tour of the Obama Presidential Center, ahead of its official opening to the public on June 19.

The visit offered members of Chicago’s Consular Corps the opportunity to explore the new campus and learn more about its educational, cultural and civic mission for the city of Chicago and beyond.

📍 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

A productive visit by the Consulate General of Greece in Chicago to the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, one of the world’s leading research institutions.

We had the opportunity to meet with the Dean of The Grainger College of Engineering, Dr. Rashid Bashir, as well as faculty, researchers and university leaders to discuss innovation, advanced engineering, quantum technologies, entrepreneurship and sustainable transportation. These exchanges highlighted opportunities for collaboration between Greek academic and research institutions and the University of Illinois.

Our sincere thanks to Professor Petros Sofronis for organizing this visit and to all our hosts for their warm hospitality and insightful discussions.

Greek Citizenship Seminar | Chicago

Interested in acquiring or confirming your Greek citizenship?

Join us for an informative seminar on Greek citizenship procedures, eligibility requirements and the necessary steps and documentation. Following the presentation, participants will have the opportunity for individual consultations and questions.

📅 Wednesday, June 10, 2026
🕕 6:00 p.m.
📍 National Hellenic Museum

🎟 Free admission. Registration is required:
https://greekcitizenship.eventbrite.com

The event is organized by the Consulate General of Greece in Chicago in cooperation with the National Hellenic Museum, the Enosis Federation Illinois and the Hellenic Professional Society of Illinois.

We look forward to welcoming members of the Greek-American community interested in learning more about their Greek citizenship journey. 🇬🇷

Memorial Day Ceremony | Hellenic American Veterans Memorial – Chicago

Yesterday, the Consulate General of Greece in Chicago participated in the Memorial Day ceremony at the Hellenic American Veterans Memorial – Hellenic Post 343, honoring the memory and sacrifice of all those who served.

A wreath was laid in tribute to the Greek-American veterans who fought for freedom and democracy.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Hellenic Post 343 for organizing the ceremony. 🇬🇷🇺🇸

The Consulate General of Greece in Chicago will remain closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day.