Dominoes bring generations together in Chicago's Puerto Rican community

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Draped in Puerto Rican flags off the Paseo Boricua in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood, the clinks and clatter of dominoes continue in an unbroken tradition.

At Pe Erre La Casa del Dominó Chicago, the game has become a cultural touchstone, connecting generations and helping preserve Puerto Rican heritage.

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"In Puerto Rico, this is part of who we are. You go to Puerto Rico, in every corner, every barbershop, every park, there's a domino table," said Miriam Velez, director of Pe Erre La Casa del Dominó Chicago.

Velez said dominoes have dominated Puerto Rican gaming for generations.

"We are Puerto Rico in Chicago. Whoever migrated from Puerto Rico to Chicago, they want to have a little Puerto Rico in Chicago," Velez said.

She said keeping the tradition alive is especially important for younger generations.

"We want to keep that tradition in Chicago. And we're going to teach whoever was born that is Puerto Rican, born in Chicago. They need to learn our culture because they are the one who's got to prolong our culture and our generation," Velez said.

Players gather inside La Casa del Dominó and outside in Humboldt Park, where the pastime is being passed on to new players in Chicago's historic Puerto Rican community.

"Makes me feel like maybe like I'm getting new friends," 10-year-old Hendrix Feliciano said.

"There's people all over Puerto Rico who play, but you don't just have to be Puerto Rican to play domino," 13-year-old Lucas Collazo said. "It's just a fun, learning, educational game."

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The older generation continues to guide the younger, sharing their skills and history.

"Domino to me is like a therapy, you know? When you feel sad, you come over here and forget about your problems. You meet new people," veteran domino player Frank Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said the game also helps keep Puerto Rican heritage alive.

"Very important for the young people coming up, the heritage. The culture. You can't forget our roots," he said.

Whether young or old, novice or experienced, players say dominoes remain an important part of their culture.

"It's good for them to learn because that's our culture. And the culture's got to come up," veteran domino player Gilberto Portugese said.

"It's also a way for us to connect with our community," Mayra Guerrero said.

"It brings everyone together in our culture and anyone can play it, too," Justin Cruz said.

Players say the game of dominoes continues to endure across borders and generations, bringing people together while preserving culture and community in Humboldt Park.

Pe Erre La Casa del Dominó Chicago offers classes for beginners and experienced players alike at 2558 W. Division St. in Humboldt Park.