Founded in 1935, the Sparta Society of Chicago was created by Laconian immigrants who sought to preserve their heritage, strengthen community ties, and support fellow Greeks in the Chicagoland area. From its earliest days, the Society served as a cultural home for Spartans—promoting Hellenic traditions, education, and unity while fostering connections between Chicago and the region of Sparta.

Over the decades, the Society has remained committed to four core pillars:

Cultural Preservation
Promoting Spartan and broader Hellenic values through cultural events, language programs, and participation in Greek Independence Day celebrations.

Philanthropy
Supporting charitable causes both locally and abroad, including donations to the Hellenic American Nursing Home, humanitarian initiatives in Greece, refugee support, and contributions to organizations under the Metropolis of Monemvasia & Spartis.

Education & Youth Development
Encouraging academic excellence through an annual scholarship program presented at the Society’s long-standing Annual Dinner Dance. These scholarships empower Greek-American students to pursue higher education while remaining connected to their cultural roots.

Community Engagement
Hosting monthly meetings, annual picnics, social events, clothing drives, and holiday celebrations that bring together families across generations. The Society has also proudly participated as a GOLD Donor for the Midwest Pan-Hellenic Youth Ball.

Today, as it approaches a century of service, the Sparta Society of Chicago continues to uphold the spirit, resilience, and generosity that define the Spartan legacy. Inspired by the values of our ancestors—unity, duty, and pride—we remain dedicated to strengthening our community, honoring our heritage, and supporting the next generation of Hellenic leaders.

• 1935–1937: D. Papageorge †

• 1938–1945: N. Rougakos †

• 1946–1950: Dr. G. Koursoumis

• 1958–1974: Alexander Kores †

• 1974–1980: Tassos Kostianis

• 1980–1982: Spyros Zis

• 1982–1986: Petros Rapatas

• 1986–1988: Stamatis Tsakiris †

• 1988–1989: Dourvis †

• 1989–1997: George Varvitsiotis

• 1997–2005: Sam Vergakis

• 2005–2010: Tasos Arianas

• 2010–2014: Chris Kontos

• 2015–2022: John Nikolakakis

Sparta lies in the valley of the Eurotas, protected by the Taygetos mountain range and surrounded by fertile plains and natural beauty. Throughout history, Sparta has been admired not only for its geographic strength but for the resilience, honor, and discipline of its people.

The identity of Sparta is built around:

• A unique constitution attributed to Lycurgus

• A militaristic yet morally grounded culture

• Deep respect for law, discipline, and communal life

• The education and upbringing of children in the Spartan system

• A lifestyle rooted in simplicity and devotion to the homeland

Spartan values were shaped by strict discipline, communal responsibility, patriotism, and personal sacrifice. Key features included:

• The Spartan Warrior Ethos: Heroism, duty, and unwavering loyalty

• The Education of Youth (Agoge): Training both mind and body

• Women’s Role: Women of Sparta were respected for strength of character and spirit

• Civic Duty: Every Spartan was raised to “obey the commands of the homeland”

Although historically rivals, Athens and Sparta together shaped the foundations of the ancient Hellenic world. The uploaded document notes that the two cities:

• Served as anchors of cultural, military, and philosophical strength

• Developed contrasting yet complementary systems

• Influenced the course of Greek history in profound ways

Together, they left an enduring legacy on Western civilization.

“Ο Ύμνος της Σπάρτης”, written on October 8, 1938. The hymn celebrates:

• The eternal glory of Sparta

• The pride of her sons and daughters

• Leonidas and the heroic legacy of the 300

• The beauty and strength of Laconian land

• The unshakeable spirit of the Spartan people

Key imagery from the hymn:

• Sparta as “the shining lighthouse of memory, guidance, and knowledge”

• Leonidas’ homeland as “glorious with gods and giants”

• The Taygetos mountains as symbols of endurance

This piece recounts the legendary run of Pheidippides, who in 490 BCE traveled approximately 250 km from Athens to Sparta seeking military assistance.

The modern Spartathlon race—one of the most difficult ultramarathons in the world—revives this historical journey. Highlights include:

• The Spartathlon was revived in 1982 when British Royal Air Force officers attempted to recreate the ancient run described by Herodotus.

• The first official Spartathlon race was held in 1983, with Greek athlete Yiannis Kouros winning in a legendary record time.

• The race crosses mountains, villages, and rugged terrain, ending at the statue of Leonidas in Sparta.

• Every year, athletes from around the world gather to honor the spirit of ancient endurance and the Olympic values of Greece.

The historical material you uploaded closes with reflections on modern Sparta:

• Today’s city remains proud of its ancient legacy

• It features spacious streets, modern plazas, and the famous statue of Leonidas

• Visitors and Spartans alike celebrate a heritage of courage, simplicity, and honor

• The modern Laconian people continue the customs and sense of duty inherited from their ancestors

“We Spartans, like all Greeks, inherit the virtues of our ancestors and have many obligations and duties for the future.”