American
Hellenic
Education
Philanthropic
Association
AHEPA was founded in Atlanta, GA. 1923 to help protect Greek immigrants from the injustices, racism, and KKK. Since the original six members created the first chapter, AHEPA has grown globally.
AHEPA has a family of organizations allowing men and women of all ages join. Daughters of Penelope is our sister organization. Sons of Pericles and Maids of Athena are focused for our younger aged members (14 to 27).
District 13 operates throughout the state of IL, Milwaukee WI through Southeast WI, and greater Madison, WI area. Our chapters work within their communities to help the needy, feed the hungry, and many other things.
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Philanthropy
Philanthropy and volunteerism have been pillars of strength for AHEPA. From natural disaster relief throughout the United States and the world, to raising funds for the elimination of life-threatening diseases, to making significant contributions to our local neighborhoods, AHEPA is at the forefront of charitable giving.
Local chapters host many programs such as chapter 205 backpack initiative, raising funds and distributing backpacks with school supplies for students in need throughout the Chicagoland area. The Daughters of Penelope runs a winter coat drive every fall. Many chapters run programs for local food banks, and host sessions with Feed my Starving Children. The Maids of Athena chapter raises funds for Toys for Tots.
Education
From the inception of AHEPA, we have awarded over $1 billion in scholarships to students nationally, a half-million dollars is awarded annually. District 13 has awarded over $1 million in scholarships to hard working and well deserving students. Thousands of young men and women have benefited as recipients of AHEPA scholarships at these various levels. Our District Scholarship Foundation awarded over $40,000 this past spring to hard working and well deserved students. Many chapters host their own scholarship programs, increasing the amount of funds a eligible student can be awarded.
In addition to scholarships, AHEPA hosts and supports educational programs such as the Hellenic History Tournament hosted every fall and the "Journey to Greece" college program. Sending students to Greece for 6 weeks to study and tour the country while earning college credits.
Civic Responsibility
With chapters in every major metropolitan city in North America. AHEPA communicates the position of the Greek-American community to elected representatives at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as to our diplomatic leaders. These issues pertain to Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey; however, our constituents are also interested in domestic policy areas affecting the philanthropic, civic, and community service-based programs in which they are involved. These positions are based upon our American heritage and ideals with the best interest of the United States in mind.
Coming Events
Our calendar includes AHEPA, Daughter of Penelope, Maids of Athena, and Sons of Pericles. Click on a date to view details or visit our Events page. Events are added frequently, check back often.
We ask that all event submissions are emailed as soon as possible so they can be added to the calendar with the following information:
Event Details (times, dates, prices, etc.)
Event Contact
Event Flyer
PAST EVENTS
PAST EVENTS
Region 6 Convention
We want to thank all those who helped make the inaugural Region 6 Convention a success. It was wonderful meeting so many Brothers and Sisters at the Chapter, District, and Supreme levels. Seeing the solidarity among all organizations coming together. We want to thank all those who made it a success, from the planning to attending.
Chapter #94 BBQ at Finari Camp
Every year during one of the 5 week sessions of Finari Camp hosted at the St. Lakovos Retreat Center, Chapter #94 will cook souvlaki for the students attending the camp. Creating an enjoyable environment as the students enjoy lunch.
Chapter 93 prides themselves by providing services and goods for the local community. Chapter 94 participated at the Annunciation Cathedral in downtown Chicago to feed the homeless. A great example of what AHEPA standards for.
Chapter 94 Feeding the Homeless at the Annunciation Cathedral (downtown Chicago)
District 13 Sports Awards
On Friday June 5th AHEPA District 13 hosted the annual Sports Awards Banquet. It was a wonderful evening honoring 56 student athletes with their awards. There were 25 students that were also awarded a Sports Awards Scholarship. We thank the students and their families for attending and ensuring the students are recognized for their hard work and dedication.
We encourage the students and their parent’s to share their experiences from our event ensuring more students are recognized for years to come.
AHEPA District 13 Scholarship Dinner
On Wednesday May, AHEPA District 13 Education Foundation hosted their annual Scholarship dinner. It was a very well attended with an increase of recipients. A total of $60,000 was awarded to three groups hard working students: high school seniors, continued education (university), and seminarians.
The special speaker was Angelo A. Costas MD, SC, member of Northshore chapter 94.
AHEPA Sunday
Sunday May 17 is designated as AHEPA Sunday. May of the chapters throughout District 13 celebrated this day by hosting coffee hour, a luncheon, or presenting scholarships to their chapter awardees. As chapters share their photos, we’ll be adding them here to display.
Chapter 131: Joliet
Chapter 131 awards their chapter scholarship winners every AHEPA Sunday. Displaying the unison of AHEPA and the Greek Orthodox Church in celebrating the kids who worked hard and earned them.
JACMA #40
Women’s Brunch
Sunday May 17, Maids of Athena JACMA #40 hosted their first luncheon event, Women’s Brunch. They celebrated the women in their life that inspire them. It was a wonderfully attended event with JACMA members, their mothers, friends, and family.
In Memorium
You probably all have heard in the news about the incident at Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital at Chicago that took the life of a Greek Chicago Police Officer John G. Bartholomew. Officer Bartholomew was 38 years old and a 10-year veteran of the 17th Police District. John lost his life in the line of duty leaving behind a beloved wife and three children. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, May 7 from 11:00am to 9:00pm. Funeral services are scheduled on Friday, May 8 from 9:00am to 3:00pm at St. Andrews Greek Orthodox Church at Chicago Edgewater.
AHEPA District 13 Lodge, several local Chapters and many District Officers donated over $3,000 in support of First Responders and fallen Officer Bartholomew's family. Some of the donations funded free meals for the First Responders and the rest will be given directly to his family. Yesterday AHEPA District 13 in collaboration with St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church at Chicago responded with gratitude, honoring our Heroic First Responders who in light of the tragic events of Sunday April 25th, responded to the Lincoln Square neighborhood incident. AHEPA District 13 sponsored free meals prepared by Dangeos. Fr. Andreas G. Georganas.
Visiting with & delivering food to the Swedish Hospital ER Department, the District 20 Police Department, and Station 110 of the Chicago Fire Department - was an incredibly humbling & fulfilling honor. We offered our sincere gratitude to the First Responders to show that their dedication, courage, and constant readiness to serve do not go unnoticed.
Fr. Andeas and AHEPA District 13 Lodge officers said: "Whether responding to emergencies, ensuring public safety, or offering support in difficult moments, you are always there when our community needs you most. A simple gesture, but it comes with deep respect & thanks for everything you do each day. We hope our gesture brought a bit of comfort during your shift & a reminder to you of just how valued you are. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your unwavering commitment to keeping our community safe."
Reflecting the warm response our gesture received, Police Officer Stephen Romanski, at District 20 offices responded by saying: “Thank you again Fr. Andrew and AHEPA. I can’t tell you how much this meant to the Officers. St. Demetrios means so much to the District.”
Chapter 205 Lake Shore
Project Hope
AHEPA Lakeshore Chapter 205 hosted a fundraiser and a food packaging event on Saturday April 18th at the Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church in Westchester. The event was held in partnership with the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago's mission of Humanitarian Outreach and Philanthropic Engagement (HOPE). The volunteer-chapter-members and their families, joined by the AHEPA Supreme President Chris Kaitson, filled a total of 220 food bags for the benefit of those in-need in the communities supported by the West40 organization.
Woodlawn 93 and Northshore 94 100 - Year Anniversary Celebration
On Saturday January 24 chapters 93 Woodlawn and chapter 94 Northshore celebrated their 100 year anniversary. Both chapters were initiated on the same date. It was a wonderful event with great speeches, awards given to well deserved AHEPANs, Orpheus Dance Troop, and key note speakers such as Supreme President Chris Kaitson. It was an evening that will not be forgotten for the next 100 years.
Relive the celebration! Click on the link to view the full photo gallery from the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Woodlawn and North Shore Chapters.
AHEPA MIDYEAR
Our mid-year conference was held virtually this year. Due to unpredictable weather, we felt it would be best to host it where our members could remain warm and safe.
We covered many of the important topics to help ensure we close our the year successfully. AHEPA Supreme President Chris Kaitson spoke briefly during the conference. We thank all members who took time out of their days and participated in this virtual meeting.
JACMCA #40
Toys for Tots Drive
Maids of Athena JACMA #40 collected nearly 500 toys throughout their Toys for Tots fundraiser for Lurie Children’s Hospital Toy Chest program. Nearly $1,000 was donated by many generous individuals allowing the chapter to purchase toys in addition to many direct toy donations that were given.
The toys were brought to Big League Burgers where additional toy bins were located.
We would like to congratulate the JACMA chapter for their dedicated service programs. We would also like to thank Big League Burgers for hosting a Toys for Tots bins and final collection event.
Chapter 131 Joliet
Christmas Celebration
On December 9, 2025, fifty members of Joliet AHEPA Chapter 131 gathered at the iconic Al’s Steak House which is owned by Brother George Daskalakis to celebrate Christmas and the blessings that have been bestowed on Joliet AHEPANs during 2025. Those in attendance also celebrated the December birthdays of 12 Joliet AHEPANs, including the 95th birthday of Brother Bill Michas, a lifetime AHEPA member who remains active in AHEPA, the All Saints Church in Joliet, and the Joliet community. All enjoyed cake and ice cream in honor of the birthday boys.
Following a long-time tradition, Chapter 131 used the Christmas celebration at Al’s to collect dues for 2026. Anyone who attends the Christmas meeting and pays his national and local dues for the upcoming year before dinner is eligible to win one of three free dinners that night. Brothers Tom Thiakos, Dr. Mike Hohlastos, and Chris Tsaliagos were the lucky winners and enjoyed free meals compliments of Chapter 131. Including some who prepaid their dues before the meeting, Chapter 131 has already collected the 2026 dues from 64 of its 94 members. Brother Chris Tsaliagos continued his fortune by being the holder of the winning ticket for the split-the-pot contest and collecting a little over $300!
The Chapter also began the process of planning its 100th anniversary which happens in 2027. The goal set by President George Kontos, the proprietor of Town and Country Lanes which has hosted many District and national bowling tournaments, is to have over 100 members by the beginning of 2027.
Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation’s Gala
AHEPA Districts 12 & 13 sponsored and attended the Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation’s Gala at the Aon Ballroom at Navy Pier in Chicago. Grateful for the incredible work the foundation is doing—such a great cause!
Hellenic History Tournament
Chapter 205 hosted their annual Hellenic History Tournament hosted at Ascension of our Lord Greek Church in Lincolnshire. Eighteen teams participated this year with the support from their friends and family. The kids had a wonderful time.
Chapter Reactivation - Moline #120
A couple weeks ago, Moline Chapter 120 was reactivated with fourteen (14) new members. AHEPA Supreme President Chris Kaitson, Supreme Secretary Themistocles Frangos, District Governor Jim Kokkines and District Warden Eleas Tabakis were present to install and swear in the new members. Congratulations to the new Brothers!
District 13 Bowling Tournament
That’s a wrap on this year’s AHEPA District 13 Bowling Tournament! Took place on 10/25-26,2026.
Special thanks to the Woodlawn Chapter for hosting, our chairmen AJ Parhas and Angelo Versis for their outstanding work, and George Kontos and the crew at Town & Country Lanes in Joliet for being such gracious hosts.
We capped things off with a great reception — good food, great company, and plenty of laughs!
Mark your calendars: The AHEPA National Tournament returns April 25–26, 2026, back at Town & Country Lanes in Joliet!
MNF - Cigar Night
AHEPA District 13 hosted a successful MNF and cigar night on Monday October 13 at North Branch in Glenview. The Bears pulled a huge Win with seconds left on the clock. Lots of great conversations with all that participated. Thanks to all who came out, thanks to all that purchased a raffle ticket to help fund our Journey to Greece Scholarship, and thanks to North Branch for the room and great food!!
District 13 Workshop
District 13 Workshop
District 13 would like to thank Supreme President Chris Kaiston for visiting District 13. His speeches and insight were great and impactful. We would also like to thank the other our sisters from DOP, and youth MOA, and SOP for joining on Saturday October 4. We have representation from all four organizations, great discussions were provided by the topics on the agenda. Leading to great cooperation and action items for all to benefit from.
Chapter 205 Backpack Drive
On Sunday, August 24, 2026, AHEPA Chapter 205 hosted a successful Backpack Drive at St. George Greek Orthodox Church. With support from Chapter 205, brothers across the district, our District Lodge, Daughters of Penelope, Maids of Athena, and Sons of Pericles, we assembled over 1,000 backpacks for children in need across Chicago. Special thanks to the Hellenic Foundation of Chicago for their generous dollar-for-dollar matching donation (up to 500 backpacks). Thank you to all who volunteered and donated—your support is making a real impact!
