The Rizal Center is more than a building. It’s a revitalized way of thinking about who we are and how we engage with our community, our neighborhood, and our city. Our presence in the global diaspora. It is a welcoming, dynamic place for people of all backgrounds to come together, to foster bridging, appreciation, and understanding of the Filipino and Filipino American experiences in Chicago and our place in American society, as well as intersections with diverse cultures.
Community
The Rizal Center is a welcoming place for our Filipino American, Filipino, and broader communities – to come together, to share, and to celebrate our vibrant, diverse connections. But you don’t have to live in Chicago to love us. Be part of our online and social media community.
Neighborhood
The Rizal Center is located in the Graceland West community of the Lakeview neighborhood. Our Rizal Center serves as a hub for our neighbors and local community organizations.
City
Filipino immigrants and their descendants have been part of Chicago’s fabric since 1906, contributing to the U.S. labor force and city government. We continue to build our presence through cross-cultural dialogues, collaborative partnerships, and participation in municipal and state events.
Our Vision and Mission
The Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago (FACGC) is guided by the Filipino traditions of pakiki-isa (solidarity) and pakikipagkapwa (embracing shared identity and caring for fellow beings). FACGC is committed to American ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and inquiry.
With a shared mission of enriching their rich cultural diversity to empower their community, passionate first-generation Filipino immigrants came together, driven by a deep sense of purpose and a burning desire to uplift their community and compatriots (kababayans). They understood the challenges faced by immigrants, the struggle to find a sense of belonging and identity, and the need for a safe space that could nurture their cultural heritage, sustain their community, integrate with their newfound home, and participate in creating a just society.
As we look to the future, we envision a more inclusive and empowered community. We restate the vision of our organization – a home away from home matters – a safe and vibrant space where our kababayans (compatriots) can be their authentic selves in contributing to the cultural and social fabric of Greater Chicago. We aim to expand our services and advocacies, reach out to every Filipino American, and ensure that no one is left behind. We will continue to advocate for social change, address the unique challenges faced by our community, and champion the values of unity, resilience, and compassion.
Today, as we stand at the threshold of a new era, we reaffirm our commitment to enhance the quality of life for Filipinos and Filipino Americans in Greater Chicago through advocacy, cultural enrichment, educational support, economic development, and community-building initiatives.
We will remain a steadfast ally for our kababayans (compatriots), immigrants, and citizens alike. Our facility will continue to be a sanctuary of support, a beacon of hope, and a vibrant hub for empowerment. Together, hand in hand, we will create a brighter future, celebrating the rich diversity of our community and weaving the threads of our heritage into a tapestry of strength and resilience.