Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans

Our Mission and History

Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans logo Italian heritage and culture

Founded in 1952, the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA) is dedicated to its heritage and promoting the Italian American community. The JCCIA serves as a congress for 60+ Chicagoland Italian American organizations, representing the community on a local, state, national and international level.

Dedicated to its heritage and promoting the Italian American community, one of the JCCIA’s main goals is to assist young Italian Americans through education. The JCCIA gives away numerous scholarships to promote the advancement of students. In addition, the organization leads fundraising efforts to worthy causes and spearheads volunteer efforts.

The JCCIA hosts the Annual Dante and DiFrisco Awards Luncheon. Since 1971 the JCCIA has annually presented the coveted Dante Award. In 2020, the JCCIA marked the celebration of the remarkable life of one of our most valued leaders, and the founder of the Dante Awards, with the first annual Dominic DiFrisco Lifetime Achievement Award. Other well known JCCIA events are the Chicago Columbus Day Parade and the Columbus Day Queen Pageant.

The JCCIA has two divisions: a Women’s Division and the Avanti Group

  • Photo from About and History of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
    1992 Columbus Day Parade
  • Photo from About and History of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
    1994 Dante Awards Ceremony
  • Photo from About and History of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
    1992 Columbus Day Queen Pageant
  • Photo from About and History of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
    1986 Columbus Day Parade
  • Photo from About and History of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
    1976 Columbus Day Parade
  • Photo from About and History of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
    1976 Columbus Day Parade
  • Photo from About and History of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
    1976 Columbus Day Parade Queen and Court
  • Photo from About and History of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
    1992 Columbus Day Queen Pageant
  • Photo from About and History of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
  • Photo from About and History of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
    1978 Columbus Day Parade
  • Photo from About and History of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
    1977 JCCIA St Josephs Day Table
  • Photo from About and History of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
    1992 Columbus Day Parade
  • Photo from About and History of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
    1986 Columbus Day Parade Queen
  • Photo from About and History of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
    1992 Columbus Day Parade
  • Photo from History of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
    1978 Columbus Day Parade
  • Photo from About and History of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
    1987 Columbus Day Parade
  • Photo from About and History of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
    1988 Columbus Day Parade

Explore What the JCCIA Has to Offer!

The Joint Civic Committee has two division: the Women’s Division and the Avanti Group. The current JCCIA Women’s Division President is Rose Mary Rannallo. The current Avanti Group President is Pasquale Gianni.

Women’s Division
Avanti Group

Connect with other Italian Americans looking to celebrate and maintain their culture… Join the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans! The JCCIA offers an Individual Membership and Affiliate Organization Membership for those looking to get involved and connect with the Italian community. Additionally, the JCCIA offers Corporate Partnerships, for corporate businesses looking to partner with the JCCIA and connect with the Italian community.

Learn More About JCCIA Memberships

Over $250,000 has been awarded to students of Italian heritage over the years by the JCCIA through various scholarships. Also, over $200,000 has been awarded over the years to young Italian Americans through Women’s Division at their annual Scholarship/Fashion Show.

Learn More About JCCIA Scholarships

Since 1952, the Columbus Day celebration has been a generations-old tradition honoring the Chicagoland Italian American Community.​ During this day, we celebrate the wonders of Italian heritage and culture. “State Street, That Great Street” comes alive with floats, marching bands and performers! Above all, the Italian American community shines and showcases the organizations, businesses and initiatives that we are most proud of.

Learn More About the Columbus Day Parade

Annually, the JCCIA presents the coveted Dante Award to a member of the local news media who has answered Dante Alighieri’s call to be “No timid friend to truth.” In attendance is 250 representatives of the Italian American community and an impressive cross section of prominent Chicago media. Additionally, the JCCIA celebrates the remarkable life of Dominic DiFrisco, the founder of the Dante Awards, and one of our most valued leaders. Thus, the year 2020 marked the presentation of the first annual Dominic DiFrisco Lifetime Achievement Award.

Learn More About the Dante/DiFrisco Awards

From vibrant annual festivals and outings to enriching educational programs, the JCCIA and our Affiliate Organizations host a diverse array of events throughout the year! Explore our events calendar and join us in celebrating the rich heritage and enduring traditions of the Italian-American community!

Click Here to View the Events Calendar

Sign up for the JCCIA’s Newsletter, ITALICO: What’s Cooking in the Italian American Community! Receive latest updates in the Italian-American Community on a local, national and global level!

Click Here to Learn More About ITALICO