Here in the Capital City of Ohio, Columbus’ the Chicchi Club (pronounced “key-key”) an Italian social club for women is trailblazing a new path. Since its beginning in 2023, the Chicchi Club is adding another vibrant dimension to the local Italian American community.
With a purpose to foster a community of women within central Ohio who celebrate the traditions and content of Italian culture. Their mission is to bring women together who have a passion for Italian heritage, share stories, experiences, create new memories, and traditions to pass on for generations to come.
The Chicchi Club is for women of all ages who recognize the value in experiencing Italian culture. Since its inception, this central Ohio based club focus is to build a community where women can explore social connections, experience traditions that celebrate Italian culture, participate in philanthropic outreach, all while honoring Italian heritage.
Their story began with an idea shared among friends and former colleagues—Sarah Corna Cygan, Danielle Deley, and Dawn Marinacci. After creating a bocce ball team together called The Meatballs, the trio wanted to do even more to celebrate the fun, connection, and love that comes with being Italian. Armed with a notebook, big dreams, and their signature passion, they began meeting every other week at a local restaurant. Over more than a year, they shaped their vision and brought their dream club to life.
The club’s members are dedicated to both celebrating Italian heritage and strengthening the Columbus community. Through cultural programming, charitable efforts, and a spirit of Italian generosity, they spread connection, care, and a whole lot of joy. After years of watching their fathers, brothers, and cousins enjoy “guys” nights at their local clubs, where the women mainly cooked, cleaned up, and kept the place in order, they needed to have a place where women could build that same magic and tradition. Most members have an Italian background and love getting together to share experiences, learn new things, and do something good for the community.
With experience in design, philanthropy, marketing, sales, and business strategy-and plenty of moms- the club members blend Italian culture with real-world wisdom.
The membership focuses on putting their time, energy, and talent into something that will further build a strong community. Club activities range from playing in bocce tournaments, wine tastings, family picnics, hosting happy hours, pasta making classes, taking part in the local Columbus Italian Festival, mingling with other local Italian American social clubs, and participating in International Women’s Day (IWD) events.
The club takes its name from Teresa Mattei, (aka Chicchi) who fought against fascism as a partisan during World War II. Mattei is known for her participation in the Italian resistance during WWII and her subsequent career as a politician, advocating for women’s rights and social justice. Her legacy is an inspiration that has empowered women to take positive action. She became national director of the Italian Women’s Union (UDI) and introduced the use of the mimosa flower for IWD. Mattei felt that the French symbols of IWD, violets, and lilies of the valley, were too scarce and expensive to use in poor, rural Italian areas, so she proposed the mimosa flower as an alternative.
As Teresa Mattei had done, the Chicchi Club considers their symbol, the mimosa. Here in Columbus, Ohio the Chicchi Club is a refreshing addition to the local Italian American community where their membership and their Italian theme events bring a high degree of energy and lots of enthusiasm making for a positive experience!
The Chicchi Club is on Instagram and Facebook. Website: https://www.chicchiclub.org
