Knights-only events span formal black-tie induction ceremonies to backyard burgers and Barolo — and everything in between.
Upcoming
The next gatherings of the Delegation.
Eighth Chapter — White Truffle Dinner
November/December 2026
In Planning
Planning is underway for the Chicago Chapter’s eighth Chapter and White Truffle Dinner, anticipated for November or December 2026.
The Chapter is working with the Counsel General toward an activity associated with the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, under the working theme “Diplomacy & Italian Cuisine.”
Additional program, guest, venue, wine, and dinner details will be added as planning develops.
For event announcements and inquiries, contact the Maestro.
Past Events
A record of recent gatherings of the Chicago Delegation.
The Chicago Chapter convened its seventh Chapter on May 7, 2026, at the University Club of Chicago.
Among those present were Paola Di Favori, Italian Trade Commissioner in Chicago, and Robert Allegrini, President & CEO of the National Italian American Foundation.
Their participation continued a tradition established from the Chapter’s earliest gatherings of welcoming representatives of institutions closely connected with Italy and the Italian-American community.
Sixth Chapter
Il Milanese, Chicago
The sixth Chapter was held on October 27, 2025, at Il Milanese in Chicago.
The Chapter welcomed Mario Bartoli, Counsel General of the Italian Consulate of Italy–Chicago, and Marco Verna, Italian Trade Commissioner, both of whom were present for the gathering.
Their participation continued the Chapter’s ongoing relationship with Italy’s diplomatic and trade representatives in Chicago.
Fifth Chapter
University of Chicago
The Chicago Chapter held its fifth Chapter on March 24, 2025, at the University of Chicago.
During the gathering, Mario Bartoli, Counsel General of the Italian Consulate of Italy–Chicago, was inducted as an Honorary Knight.
Also present were Marco Verna, Italian Trade Commissioner, and Knight Robert Allegrini, continuing the participation of important Italian and Italian-American institutional leaders in the Chapter’s activities.
Extraordinary Chapter
University Club of Chicago
An Extraordinary Chapter was held on October 20, 2024, at the University Club of Chicago in support of Italy’s petition to UNESCO for designation and protection of Italian Cuisine.
The occasion brought together an exceptional group of representatives from Italian government, diplomacy, trade, and cultural institutions.
Italian Agricultural Minister Francesco Lolabrigida, ICI President Matteo Zappos, and Veronafiere President Federico Bricolo were each inducted as Honorary Knights.
Also present were Mariangela Zappia, Italian Ambassador to the United States; Mario Bartoli, Counsel General of the Italian Consulate of Italy–Chicago; Marco Verna, Italian Trade Commissioner; and Knight Robert Allegrini, together with numerous other Italian dignitaries.
The Extraordinary Chapter represented a significant moment in the Chicago Chapter’s engagement with Italian institutions and in its support for the international recognition of Italy’s culinary heritage.
Fourth Chapter
Gioia Ristorante
The Chicago Chapter gathered for its fourth Chapter on May 6, 2024, at Gioia Ristorante.
Among the evening’s institutional guests was Marco Verna, Italian Trade Commissioner, continuing the relationship between the Chapter and Italy’s trade representation in Chicago.
Third Chapter
University Club of Chicago
The Chicago Chapter’s third gathering was held on November 14, 2023, at the University Club of Chicago as part of the official program of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World.
The evening included a white truffle masterclass, connecting one of Alba’s most celebrated products with the broader international celebration of Italian culinary culture.
Luca DiVita, Head of the Italian Cultural Institute, was inducted during the Chapter. Counsel General Thomas Botzios was present, as was Marco Verna, Italian Trade Commissioner, attending as a guest. Robert Allegrini also participated as a Knight.
The event further strengthened the Chapter’s relationship with Italy’s diplomatic, cultural, and trade institutions in Chicago.
Second Chapter
Formento’s Ristorante
The Chicago Chapter convened its second gathering on September 12, 2023, at Formento’s Ristorante.
The Chapter was joined by Thomas Botzios, Counsel General of the Italian Consulate of Italy–Chicago, and Robert Allegrini, President of the National Italian American Foundation, both continuing their participation in the developing activities of the Chicago delegation.
Inaugural Chapter
Exmoor Country Club
The Chicago Chapter held its inaugural gathering on May 9, 2023, at Exmoor Country Club, formally beginning the Chapter’s activities in Chicago.
Among those participating was Thomas Botzios, Counsel General of the Italian Consulate of Italy–Chicago, who was invested as an Honorary Knight. Robert Allegrini, President of the National Italian American Foundation, was also invested as a Knight.
The occasion established an early connection between the Chicago Chapter and leaders representing Italy and the Italian-American community in the United States.