Irish Terrier Club of Chicago Celebrates It’s 100th Anniversary!
On June 13, 2026, at the Great Lakes All Terrier Association (GLATA) show cluster in Grayslake, Illinois, The Irish Terrier Club of Chicago (ITCC) will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary. On Sunday June 14, the club will host the Irish Terrier Club of America’s Traveling Specialty, with yet another specialty planned on Friday June 13, 2026. Sweepstakes are slated for both Saturday and Sunday. For more information, please see: www.irishterrierclubofchicago.com.
The current membership is both moved and amazed by this monumental milestone. The ITCC, established in May of 1926, is the oldest regional Breed Club still in existence in the U.S. Its first specialty show, with 30 entries, was held at the Armory at 16th Street and Michigan Avenue in Chicago in affiliation with the Western Specialty Club Association show. That first ITCC Specialty show, held on November 21, 1926, was one of seven other specialties. At that time, 8 dogs yielded 3 points, 10 for 4 points, and 20 dogs for 5 points. Today, one hundred years later, numbers are 4 for 3 points, 5 for four points and 6 for 5 points. ITCC Specialty shows have been held continuously for 100 years including throughout the war years and through the Covid19 pandemic.
In 1976 the annual ITCC Specialty joined the newly organized Great Lakes Terrier Association (now the Great Lakes All Terrier Association). The ITCC’s highest entry was 44 in 1992; and membership then was about 70. Today, our membership, slightly higher, spans the U.S. from the East, South, West, plus Canada, and Europe. Many members make the annual trek to participate and show their dogs. In addition, members have been successful in the NOHS group and BIS rings. As in the beginning, dedication remains to maintain the breed integrity through adherence to the standard, established in 1885, and updated in 1968.
The ITCC continues without a hitch, and Irish Terriers have a lot to do with that. Their traits of loyalty, steadfastness, strength, and determination are reflected in the breeders and owners. Much like family, Irish Terrier owners are “related by dog” and have been tireless in keeping the club functioning. A true camaraderie exists within the club.
The centennial celebration will continue throughout 2026, but the weekend of June 12 -14 will be the pinnacle of their 100th year. For more information, please see: www.irishterrierclubofchicago.com.
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Posted by Liz
on Jun 1 2026. Filed under Current Articles, Featured.
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