The purpose of the Chicago area chapter is to advance the study of the Hispanic languages and literatures through the interaction of members through cultural and linguistic events at all levels of education and to support programs and activities in the teaching and learning of the Spanish and Portuguese languages and their respective cultures. The chapter covers the city of Chicago and the greater Chicagoland area. Annual activities include an art and poetry contest, a winter workshop, the National Spanish Exam, a National Spanish Exam awards ceremony, and an annual luncheon.