We could not be happier with our experience with Geri and the team at the UCC. We hosted 2 pre-wedding Hindu events here. Geri and her team were so helpful, flexible, accommodating, and overall wonderful. From our first phone call, Geri was honest, kind, and willing to work with us on our vision. It was a pleasure working with Geri and getting to know her! If you are looking for a venue in the Chicago, I would highly recommend the UCC!

Geri and her staff did an AMAZING job! We were looking for a venue in Chicago that was affordable, and this space holds up to 350 (which we needed for our large families). There is also parking for about 200 vehicles, which is HARD to find in the city. If you let Geri's staff do the cooking, you do not have to pay a fee to rent the space (or the tables, linens, etc) ... and you can bring in your own alcohol. We highly recommend this space!

We brought our 120 guest Baby Shower to the Ukrainian Cultural Center (UCC) because we were sold on the agreement of "a flat fee," as well as the ability to bring your own catering and beverages. We will begin our experience with what should've been the first red flag... Even though we asked Geri for a contract and estimated invoice she REFUSED to provide one UNTIL THE EVENT WAS OVER. Our event was almost ruined with Geri's bi-polar attitude, lack of access to basics (like a sink and ice), and ADDING FRIVOLOUS CHARGES NEVER AGREED TO OR DISCLOSED. First LIE: knowing that our event began at 1PM; Geri initially (when trying to secure our deposit) told us we could "keep the room for as long as we wished since there were no other events booked; for that entire weekend," not the day of (a Saturday), before (on Friday) or after (on Sunday) BUT as soon as our event got underway and IN FRONT OF OUR GUESTS she rudely demanded; to know "at what time is this THING going to end?!?" Then made us agree to end the event at the 5th hour because according to her we would need additional time to pack-up and load out. Second lie: "table clothes are provided as part of the rental fee by UCC." Although we asked three (3) times what the ADDITIONAL cost were associated; her insistent response was that they were included in the rental fee. We could've bought our own NEW table clothes without stains and kept them for our next event (happening elsewhere) in 6 months for less the price she additionally TACKED ON to our "flat rental fee." Third lie: Geri told us we would have unlimited access to the ice machine. Not only did she lock us out disabling access, but she also gave everyone a horrible attitude even telling our son that he could "go to a gas station for it." AGAIN, we were horrified by her rude behavior and our invited guests having to hear this! Initially, we had an additional 20% in cash for gifting to Geri as gratuity but AGAIN upon receiving our invoice we see Geri TACKED ON AN ADDITIONAL 18% SERVICE CHARGE. Service charge? For who or what "service?" No one was EVER on hand and especially not (the day of the event) to help, serve, provide, or clean ANYTHING at all! Not spills, not tend to the rusty old bathrooms (which could use rust removal and a serious coat of paint), or even an individual to "bother" Geri so she could unlock the door so that OUR runners could access to the ice machine. We plan, host and execute many events, so the additional charges would (normally) be acceptable, so we question why the lack of professionalism, transparency and honesty? We TWICE had to request that Geri please email her mediocre menu, with overcharged limited options. Why not respond to our emails, or provide an estimated invoice. Oh, I'll tell you why: because there is much to hide. Like the fact that your event does NOT have exclusive rights to the parking lots, so MAKE SURE you consider this before you book your "special" event here. There are many hotels that offer the SAME rental without all of the aggravation and embarrassment. The UCC gets our thumbs up for location and size, otherwise BEWARE.