Please join us for Riksha Returns, a multidisciplinary evening of Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander art, performance, and community storytelling on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Rizal Center in Chicago.

First launched in 1993, Riksha began as a literary and cultural platform, including a print magazine and live performances, amplifying Asian American voices in Chicago. In 2017, Riksha evolved into an online magazine continuing its mission to showcase AANHPC voices. After a period of quiet in recent years, Riksha returns—reimagined as a live gathering and evolving archive. 

The night begins at 6:30pm with an artist reception featuring over twenty artists, many previously published in Riksha, alongside new contributors Guests are invited to connect with artists & experience their contemporary work. 

Artists include: 

Reevah Agarwaal 
Jose G. Aggari Jr. 
Kioto Aoki 
Youngsun Choi 
Cesar Conde 
Kunio Hagio 
Kaitlyn Hwang 
Greg Jue 
Cherin Kim 
Laura Kina 
Tulika Ladsariya 
Ivan Lee 
Larry Lee 
Li Lin Lee

Cori Nakamura Lin 
Lisa Tomiko Macri 

Geraldine Martinez-Benz

Linh N.W.

Sarah Nishiura

Touly Phiachantharath 

Danielle Tanimura

Dean Yamada

Performances will begin at 7:30pm featuring:

*Banyan Asian American Writers Collective 

*CIRCA Pintig 

*Nothing Without a Company 

*Sona Umbra 

*Stir Friday Night 

*Writer Patty Cooper

*Writer Vinh Hoang

*Writer/Performer Hannah Ii-Epstein

*Writer Dwight Okita 

*Writer/performer Lani Montreal 

*Singer/songwriter Chika Sekiguchi

*Writer PJ Temple 

Throughout the night, guests can participate in a Storytelling Booth. Attendees are invited to record a short story, poem, reflection, or song. These recordings will become part of the Riksha Living Archive and may be curated into future publications and releases.

Light bites will be served (dairy/nut/shellfish-free). 

Event Details

Riksha Returns: A Celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Art, Story, and Community

Saturday, May 16, 2026

6:30pm – Art Exhibit Reception

7:30pm – Performances

11:00pm – Close

Rizal Center, 1332 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL

Featuring: Visual Art • Spoken Word • Live Music • Storytelling Booth

Art Exhibit runs from May 4 to June 5, 2026. By appointment or as Rizal Center public events allow.

CIRCA Pintig is a proud partner and sponsor of Riksha Returns: A Celebration of AANHPI Art, Music & Community, organized by Riksha Magazine. We are excited to announce that we are also accepting donations on behalf of this event. 

While the Rizal Center building does not have an elevator, a chairlift is available to access the upper floor. Staff will be on hand to assist with navigating the steps and using the lift. We would also like to express our gratitude to the Rizal Center and the FACGC Board for making a “home away from home” for our artist community.

About Riksha Magazine

Founded in 1993, Riksha Magazine is a Chicago-based literary and cultural platform rooted in Asian American storytelling. Known for amplifying emerging and established voices, Riksha returns with a renewed focus on live performance, community storytelling, and the creation of a living archive. Contact rikshamagazine@gmail.com with any inquiries. www.riksha.com

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