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.

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.

See Our Community Page

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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?

Where do Albanians come from?

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.

What language do Albanians speak?

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.

Who are some well-known Albanian Americans?

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

AACI is serving its mission to gather the whole Albanian-American community from Illinois and surrounding states in Midwest. Had the pleasure and privilege to help the organization reestablish itself with reformed structure formed by representatives from all Albanian regions. With some great memories behind like our celebration of 100-year anniversary of Albanian independence and the memorable visit by the President of Albania, I’m looking forward to the new generation of Albanian-American leaders and volunteers to gather and stay together around AACI.

Ilir Zenku

Community Member and Volunteer

It is always a pleasure to contribute to Albanian community events. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in reframing the organizational chart to invite representation from all Albanian regions and establishing by-laws, communication channels, and many more fundamental elements of the non-profit. The most rewarding experience for me was and always will be interacting with brilliant Albanian people.

Bujar Breznica

Community Member and Former President of AACI

“Be of service” it’s a principle I try to live by, and I feel so honored that I have had the chance to volunteer for AACI these past 4 years. I have had the opportunity to connect with talented and amazing Albanians, see AACI grow and expand its outreach, also to be of service of the Albanian community in and outside of the United States. As I close this chapter, I am looking forward to see what this organization has in store for future generations to come!

Ina Agastra

Community Member and Volunteer