Chicago has over 2 million Catholics with 216 active parishes and 543 churches. I have had the chance to live here since 2015, visit, photograph, and work with many beautiful parishes and churches. In this article, I want to present some of my “favorite” churches with a little bit of history and facts about them. I hope it will help you decide which ones you would like to visit first and pray, attend a Holy Mass, of join the young adult group!
List of the most beautiful Catholic Churches in Chicago
The list has no particular order, photos should help you in deciding which of them you want to visit first. Every church will have a website and location linked to easily find it on Google Maps and find information about times of Holy Masses.
1. Saint John Cantius
St. John Cantius Church in Chicago was founded in 1893 to serve the Polish immigrant community. The current building, completed in 1914, is a Neo-Renaissance masterpiece. After facing decline in the 1980s, the Canons Regular took over in 1988, revitalizing the church by focusing on traditional liturgy and preserving its artistic heritage. Today, it is known for its commitment to the Traditional Latin Mass and its rich history, attracting visitors and parishioners alike. St. John Cantius is my “home parish” even if I live farther North. They have a great community and I highly recommend their Young Adult Group.
Website: http://www.cantius.org/
Directions: 825 N Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60642
2. Saint Mary of Perpetual Help
St. Mary of Perpetual Help Parish in Chicago was founded in the early 1880s to serve the growing Polish immigrant community in Bridgeport. In 1882, the parish purchased a two-story frame building for use as a church, school, and convent. By 1884, Father John Radziejewski secured property for a new church, and construction began under the direction of the first resident pastor, Father John Zylla, in 1886.
Father Stanley Nawrocki, appointed in 1891, completed the church’s construction in 1892. The church was consecrated in 1903 by Archbishop James Quigley, making it the first Polish Catholic church in the U.S. to receive this honor. The parish quickly became debt-free thanks to the generosity of its community, marking a significant milestone in its history.
You can still attend Novus Ordo Latin Mass on Sunday mornings.
Website: https://www.stmaryofperpetualhelp.com/
Directions: 1039 W 32nd St, Chicago, IL 60608
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3. Saint Mary of the Lake
St. Mary of the Lake Church in Chicago’s Buena Park neighborhood was founded in 1903 to serve the growing Catholic community. A larger church was completed in 1925, designed in the Gothic Revival style. Known for its striking architecture and lakeside location, it became a hub for worship and community life. Today, St. Mary of the Lake remains a vibrant parish, continuing to serve its community with Mass, education, and outreach programs.
Don’t be surprised when you enter the church and you feel like you are in Rome! Buena Park used to be the most wealthy neighborhood in Chicago, and this church was designed based on the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano and Santa Maria Maggiore. This is a church where you can find me at the daily Mass!
Website: https://saintmarys.org/
Directions: 4220 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60613
4. Saint Clement
St. Clement Church in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood was founded in 1882 to serve Irish and German immigrants. The church, completed in 1886 in the Romanesque Revival style, became a center for Catholic life in the area. Known for its strong community, religious education, and vibrant music program, St. Clement continues to thrive today, offering a variety of services while honoring its rich history.
Website: http://www.clement.org/
Directions: 642 W Deming Pl, Chicago, IL 60614
5. The National Shrine of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini
The National Shrine of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini in Chicago honors the first U.S. citizen saint, known for her dedication to helping immigrants. Born in Italy in 1850, Mother Cabrini founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart and was sent to the United States in 1889 to aid Italian immigrants struggling in poverty. She established more than 67 institutions, including schools, hospitals, and orphanages.
In Chicago, she founded Columbus Hospital, and a chapel built there in the 1950s became the Shrine after her canonization in 1946. Although Columbus Hospital was later demolished, the Shrine was preserved and reopened in 2012 as a pilgrimage site. It continues to celebrate her legacy of compassion and service, particularly toward immigrants and the underserved.
Website: https://www.cabrininationalshrine.org/
Directions: 2520 N Lakeview Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
6. Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral
St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Chicago serves as a spiritual and cultural center for the Ukrainian Catholic community. Established in 1913 by Ukrainian immigrants who arrived seeking freedom and opportunities, the cathedral reflects their deep religious and cultural heritage. The current cathedral, completed in 1915, was built in the Byzantine-Ukrainian style, featuring five iconic domes symbolizing Jesus and the Four Evangelists.
Throughout the 20th century, the cathedral became a focal point for Ukrainian Catholics, especially those fleeing Soviet persecution. It hosts religious services, cultural events, and community programs, supporting the preservation of Ukrainian traditions. The cathedral continues to play an essential role in the life of Chicago’s Ukrainian-American community, fostering faith, identity, and unity.
Website: http://www.stnicholaschicago.org/
Directions: 835 N Oakley Blvd, Chicago, IL 60622
7. Saint Mary of the Angels
Saint Mary of the Angels Church in Chicago, founded in 1899, was built to serve the growing Polish Catholic community in the Bucktown neighborhood. Designed in the Italian Renaissance style, its construction began in 1914 and was completed in 1920, featuring an impressive dome and twin towers inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Once one of the largest Polish parishes in the city, the church saw a decline in membership after World War II. In the 1980s, it faced potential demolition, but the community rallied to restore and preserve the building. Today, Saint Mary of the Angels remains an active parish, known for its beautiful architecture and role in Chicago’s Polish-American heritage.
Website: https://www.sma-church.org/
Directions: 1850 N Hermitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
8. Saint Paul
St. Paul’s Catholic Church was founded in 1876, was established to serve the German Catholic immigrant community in the city’s Pilsen neighborhood. The current Gothic Revival church building, completed in 1897, features stunning stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, and a prominent spire that became a neighborhood landmark.
Throughout the 20th century, St. Paul’s adapted to serve the changing demographics of Pilsen, welcoming Hispanic parishioners and celebrating bilingual services. The church continues to play an important role in the community, blending German and Hispanic Catholic traditions and supporting a diverse congregation.
Website: http://stpaulchgo.org/
Directions: 2127 W 22nd Pl, Chicago, IL 60608
9. Saint Alphonsus
Saint Alphonsus Church was founded in 1882 by German immigrants in the Lakeview neighborhood. Built in the Gothic Revival style, the current church was completed in 1897, featuring high vaulted ceilings, ornate stained glass, and twin towers that became iconic in the area.
Originally serving German-speaking Catholics, Saint Alphonsus adapted over the years as the neighborhood diversified. In recent decades, it has embraced a multicultural congregation, offering services in English, Spanish, and German. The church is also known for its vibrant events, including the popular Oktoberfest celebration, which honors its German roots while welcoming the entire community.
I had a chance to photograph Fr. Mike Schmitz in this church!
Website: http://www.stalphonsuschicago.org/
Directions: 1429 W Wellington Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
10. Saint Hedwig (Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish)
Saint Hedwig Church in Chicago, founded in 1888, was established to serve the Polish Catholic community in the Bucktown neighborhood. The church, completed in 1901, is built in the Renaissance Revival style and features a majestic dome, twin bell towers, and elaborate interior artwork reflecting Polish heritage.
Saint Hedwig quickly became a spiritual and cultural center for Polish immigrants, offering services in Polish and supporting community needs. Over the years, it has adapted to serve a diverse congregation, while still honoring its Polish roots through cultural events and traditions. Today, Saint Hedwig Church remains an active parish and a landmark of Polish-American history in Chicago.
You can find relics of Blessed Carlo Acutis in the side chapel!
Website: http://www.carloacutisparish.org/
Directions: 2226 N Hoyne Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
11. Saint Ita
St. Ita Church was founded in 1900 to serve the growing Catholic community in the Edgewater neighborhood. Named after the Irish saint Ita, the parish initially served many Irish-American families. The current church building, completed in 1927, is designed in the Gothic Revival style with stunning stained glass, intricate wood carvings, and a tall, graceful spire inspired by European cathedrals.
Over the years, St. Ita has embraced a multicultural congregation, with services in multiple languages to reflect the diversity of the neighborhood. Today, it stands as a welcoming parish and an architectural gem, known for its beautiful design and vibrant community life.
Website: http://motherofgodchicago.org/
Directions: 5500 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
12. Saint Gregory The Great
Saint Gregory the Great Church was founded in 1910 to serve the growing Catholic community in the South Side, particularly the Polish and Irish immigrants in the area. The church building, completed in 1928, is designed in the Gothic Revival style with beautiful stained glass windows, a large altar, and a tall spire.
Over the years, Saint Gregory’s became a central spiritual and cultural hub for the neighborhood. The parish has since expanded to serve a more diverse congregation and continues to offer a variety of religious services and community programs. Today, it remains a vibrant part of Chicago’s religious and cultural landscape.
Website: http://motherofgodchicago.org/
Directions: 5545 N Paulina St, Chicago, IL 60640
13. Queen of all Saints Basilica
Queen of All Saints Basilica was established in 1922 to serve the growing Catholic population in the Edgebrook neighborhood. Originally a parish, the church was elevated to a basilica in 2003 in recognition of its historical and architectural significance. The church, completed in 1926, features a stunning blend of Romanesque and Byzantine architectural styles, with intricate mosaics, stained glass, and a large dome.
The basilica was designed to be a central place of worship for the surrounding community, and it has since become known for its beautiful design and rich history. Today, Queen of All Saints continues to serve as a vibrant parish, offering a wide range of religious services and community events.
Website: https://qasparish.org/
Directions: 6280 N Sauganash Ave, Chicago, IL 60646
14. Annunciation of the Mother of God
Annunciation of the Mother of God Byzantine Catholic Parish in Homer Glen, Illinois, has its roots in early 20th-century Eastern Catholic communities in the Chicago area. Originally part of St. Mary Assumption in Joliet, Illinois, and St. Mary in Chicago and Oak Lawn, Illinois, the parish was consecrated on May 14, 2000, by Bishop Basil Schott.
The church is led by Father Thomas J. Loya, who also hosts the “Light of the East” radio program. The parish serves the local community through spiritual services and gatherings, offering a place of worship and spiritual connection for its visitors.
Here you can experience Byzantian rites, which is a rite of Easter Church that is in communion with the Catholic Church.
Website: http://byzantinecatholic.com/
Directions: 14610 S Will Cook Rd, Homer Glen, IL 60491
Holy Hill is an amazing place only 2 hours drive from Chicago where you can spend a couple of days, recharging your batteries, away from the big city!
Let me know in the comments, which one is your favorite Catholic Church in Chicago and if you would like to see more video content about those churches.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Archdiocese_of_Chicago
https://www.archchicago.org/about-us/facts-and-figures
