cincOH
5th Edition
Chicago Tango Marathon
AUGUST 28-30, 2026
CHICAGO, IL
VISION /
About the Event
Genesis of cincOH (explained by James):
"OH" in Korean has a few meanings: a popular family name (my family name), the number five, among other things. Hence "cinco + OH" to signifies five decades I lived on this planet, my five organizing principles (Care, Community, Compassion, Dedication, & Integration), the five most important aspects of Tango to me (Music/Musicality, Ambience/Vibe in the room, Connection: both physical & emotional, Care/Respect for my partners & the ronda, and Finding Joy in every tanda), and finally the very first cincOH (2023) was the fifth large scale tango event I organized (*cincOH 5th edition will be my 10th event overall).
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cincOH 5th edition Chicago Tango Marathon:
This event will be capped at 180-250 people (role balanced including/emphasis on "dual agents"-switch dancers). This edition is priced at $285 which will include: 20+ hours of dancing (3 traditional evening milongas and 2 practilongas), community forum/lecture, quality catered snacks, and more.
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This edition will be once again a collaboration with La Maravilla Milonga of Chicago (Hosts: Khoi & Rachel).
SCHEDULE /
Friday 8/28
20:00-01:00​​
OPENING MILONGA (DJ ERIC HELENO- FRANCE)
Saturday 8/29
​​12:00-13:00​​
TBD
​​13:00-18:00​​
SATURDAY AFTERNOON PRACTI-LONGA
(DJ YELIZAVETA NERSESOVA- CA, USA)
​​18:00-20:00​​
BREAK
​​20:00-01:00​​
SATURDAY EVENING MILONGA (DJ )
*QUIET HOUR: MIDNIGHT-CLOSING*
Sunday 8/30
​​12:00-13:00​​
TBD
​​13:00-18:00​​
SUNDAY AFTERNOON PRACTI-LONGA (DJ )
​​18:00-20:00​​
BREAK
20:00-01:00​​
SUNDAY EVENING MILONGA (DJ )
*QUIET HOUR: MIDNIGHT-CLOSING*
*Schedule & program are subject to change
TALENT /
cincOH DJs & Photographers
Eric Heleno
DJ / France
"I believe in the power of individual transformation to create positive and sustainable change in society, and I strive daily to uphold the dignity of life through my thoughts, words, and actions. Growing up amid the beauty and hardships of mountain farm life nurtured in me a deep respect for nature and a lifelong passion for exploring wild landscapes through hiking, climbing, and canyoning. Creativity is my guiding force — a fearless and playful drive to grow beyond comfort zones, whether through dance, music, DJing, sound engineering, sports, or woodworking. I look forward to every embrace at CincOh, bringing with me 25 years of experience as a sound engineer and DJ, and reconnecting with a community that feels like a true home away from home, where many friendships have blossomed and deepened."
Yelizaveta Nersesova
DJ / CA, USA
"I’ve been around tango long enough to know that it’s equal parts art form, social experiment, and group therapy. What keeps me coming back is the people - all of us learning, laughing, trying to navigate one more tanda and one more conversation. For me, that’s what makes this community so alive: the mix of chaos, beauty, and friendship that somehow holds it all together. I travel often for tango - teaching, DJing, or just dancing - and every city reminds me how familiar it all feels. Different accents, same late nights, same laughter, same quiet understanding that we’re all a little obsessed in the same way."
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Milton "El Gallo" Azevedo
DJ / MA, USA
"Hello there!, I’m Milton - though many in the Tango world know me as El Gallo - the rooster! It’s a nickname that was given to me over 15 years ago… but that’s a story for another day… It’s an honor to be given the stage, the opportunity to craft the music for you, and something that I do not take lightly. I will do everything I can to create a magical musical journey that will hopefully inspire you to dance with all your heart and soul, and leave you thoroughly satisfied. Tango dancing and DJing are very important to me and a cherished part of my life. That said, there’s more to me than that. I’m an advocate for inclusivity, equality, fairness, and emotional and physical growth. I’m also just a guy who wants to enjoy life to the fullest and bring joy to the world."
Tara Thurau
DJ / DC, USA
"I was born in South Korea although I left Korea when I was 15 years old. I have lived in Canada and Italy before moving to the US. Tango is allowing me to do what I love: Dancing, music, traveling, people, food. When I'm not tango'ing, I'm a Business Systems Analyst utilizing my analytical side to the fullest. When I'm not traveling, I try to catch up on my k-dramas on Netflix, hang out with local friends, eating, helping at their tango school, drinking wine."
Edmond Bardhi
DJ / MI, USA
"Hey! I’m Edmond from Ann Arbor. I’m a DJ, teacher, and organizer of the Ann Arbor Tango Marathon, and I’m grateful to be part of such a vibrant and welcoming community. As a DJ, I’ve had the joy of sharing music at local milongas as well as at festivals and marathons around the world. Outside of tango, I’m passionate about creativity, sustainability, and fostering growth in myself and in the people and places around me. I'm an architect and I love exploring the world through art, travel, and nature, while cherishing meaningful connections with friends and loved ones. Over the past 15 years of DJing, I’ve developed a style that crafts an atmosphere of connection, where every tanda tells a story and the memories linger long after the last song ends."
Jennifer & Louis Parks
Photographers / IL, USA
Coming soon...
HOTELS /
Stay Close, Sleep Well
Hyatt Place Chicago - Medical/University District (0.4 miles from venue)
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Hotel Chicago West Loop (0.1 miles from venue)
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Courtyard Chicago at Medical District/UIC (0.3 miles from venue)
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Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop (1 mile from venue)
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The Neighborhood Hotel Little Italy (0.7 miles from venue)
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Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Medical District (0.7 miles from venue)
LOGISTICS /
Getting Here & To Dos
About the Venue
Epiphany Center for the Arts is located at 201 South Ashland Avenue in Chicago at the corner of Ashland and Adams. Here is a handy link to a Google Map
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“Conceived with the vision to return Epiphany to a place for people to once again congregate in, the shuttered, historic Church of the Epiphany has been preserved and adapted into an iconic cultural hub ‘For the Good of Art, Entertainment and Events’. Thoughtfully designed, the exemplary 42,000 square foot campus boasts three distinct venues and a stunning array of amenities, including art studios, classroom, exhibit space and gallery, a commercial and catering kitchen, café, VIP suite and a collection of artistically appointed outdoor spaces; a charming quarter-acre courtyard, spacious terrace and stunning patio. Epiphany’s diverse and inclusive art programming serve to unite community and artists alike while ‘Bringing Chicago Together’.”
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Getting to the Epiphany Center for the Arts
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Attended parking is available nearby in the parking garage located at 1608 W. Adams or 1640 W. Jackson Blvd.
In addition, the venue is conveniently located near public transportation:
0.5 miles south of the Ashland Pink/Green Line L train stops
0.4 miles northwest of the Racine Blue L train stop
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Closest to the #9 Ashland & Adams bus stop, #20 Madison & Ashland bus stop, #126 Van Buren & Ashland, and the Jackson & Laflin EXPRESS
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Khoi’s Recommended Places to Eat and Drink Nearby
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Girl & the Goat – 809 W. Randolph St. Contemporary American.
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Au Cheval – 800 W. Randolph. Restaurant and bar featuring acclaimed burger.
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JJ Thai Street Food – 1716 W. Chicago Ave. Authentic, affordable Thai street food.
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Avec – 615 W. Randolph. Mediterranean small plates.
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TimeOut Market – 916 W. Fulton Market. Trendy food court with eclectic selection.
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The Publican – 837 W. Fulton Market. Pork, oysters, and beer.
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Lemon – 1600 W. Grand. Award winning cocktail bar.
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Other Eating and Dining Establishments Recommended by Locals who Know
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West Town Bakery - handcrafted pastries, artisan bread, and more
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Un Amor - family-owned Latin American restaurant
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Del Rooster - chic Latin American restaurant
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Flo - hip Southwestern dining with brunch and cocktail options
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All Together Now - funky restaurant with wine shop and cheese counter
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Opart Thai - casual, popular Thai spot
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Nettare - exceptional Italian food
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Lao Peng Yu - incredible dumplings
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Mott Street - Asian inspired plates and cocktails
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Maxwells Trading - fusion of Asian and New American flavors
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Cafe Central - acclaimed Puerto Rican cuisine
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Uncle Mike’s Place - authentic Filipino breakfast spot
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Tempesta Market - gourmet Italian deli and sandwiches
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Bari - another old school Italian deli
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Carnicerias Guanajuato Market - must-try barbacoa
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Taqueria Taraspasadas- exceptional tacos
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Dona Naty’s Tacos - exceptional tacos and burritos
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El Jardin - casual Mexican bodega with Mexican eats and mararitas
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Kasama - nationally renowned breakfast sandiches to die for
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Su Taqueria El Rey Del Taco - super close, very unfancy, great tacos, great prices
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Salernos - pizza by the slice takeout window
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Corned Beef Factory Sandwich Shop - minimalist, but the very best corned beef sandwiches
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Fry the Coop - recommendedchicken sandwiches
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Marrakech - delicious Morrocan cuisine
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Mariscos El Barco - delicious Mexican seafood
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Cleo’s - neighborhood soccer bar with good food
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Some nearby breweries: Midwestcoast, Forbidden Root, District Brew Yards, Goose Island Taproom
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Pizza places : Dante’s (NY style); Coalfire (thincrust); Totorice’s and Bartoli (both for deepdish)
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Nearby Attractions
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Sliding Fee Scale & Mutual
Aid Funding
We at cincOH believe that tango events are more than just a social gathering. For us, tango events are community-building space with the power to create culture and build transformative relationships. To that end, we have made financial accessibility a priority through offering a sliding fee scale for registration and mutual aid funding opportunities. The true registration cost posted includes support for folks at all levels of financial capacity - in other words, your registration cost supports not just your attendance, but the whole community of attendees. We believe this registration fee structure is a part of contributing to mutual respect and belonging, as there is no requirement to prove financial worthiness in order to attend.
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If the true registration cost ($285) is beyond/within your capacity, please consider using our sliding fee scale ($235-$315). One helpful tool in determining where to identify on a sliding fee scale is The Green Bottle (https://www.wortsandcunning.com/blog/sliding-scale) - please feel free to use this concept, and/or reach out to us for more assistance (*At cincOH, we believe that one's financial situation shouldn't be a deterrence to participating in the event. Please reach out if the sliding scale isn't enough of assistance. Further assistance and other options may be available).
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After your registration is received and approved, we will send you an email with payment options/instruction.
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We strive to create an equitable environment from the start of allowing for flexibility for folks to pay based on their resource capacity. However, we also welcome donations to our mutual aid fund for anyone who wishes to contribute for all to greater access to this and future events. If you would like to contribute to our mutual aid fund beyond the cost of registration, you can do so during your payment. Note that all donations to the mutual aid fund will only be used to subsidize cost of registration and/or travel for event attendees.
EVENT POLICIES /
Terms & Conditions
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No drop ins, full weekend passes only
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Refunds are possible before July 13, 2026 minus $25 fee
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No refunds after July 13, 2026 (Pass transfers will be allowed within the cincOH group with James' approval and $25 fee)
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Filling out the Registration form does not guarantee entrance to the event. To finalize your Registration, payment must be made within 72 hours of receiving the email with payment link and instructions.
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Code of Conduct: This event is a Safe Space. Everyone who attends must agree to the Code of Conduct at the time of Registration. Anyone who violates this Code may be subject to immediate action per the terms therein. < See the Code of Conduct or Report Harm >
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Photography: Participants understand that images/video will be taken at cincOH and may be used for promotional purposes. Registration implies implicit consent of image use for these purposes. Participants may opt out by sending an email to James at locatangoproject@gmail.com
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Hold Harmless: Participants are aware that cincOH (hereinafter referred to as the "Event" or "cincOH") will be held in person and, on behalf of themselves, their heirs, successors, assigns, and personal representatives, agree to hold the organizers and volunteers of the Event harmless and agree to discharge, release, or waive any claim of liability or damages for any economic loss or injury, physical or emotional, that they might suffer as a result of their participating in the Event. Should any claim be brought by them against cincOH for liability, economic loss, physical injury and/or damages resulting from their participation in the Event, travel to and from the Event (including air travel), or any activities incidental to the Event, they will be responsible for any reasonable attorney fees and cost for having to defend against such action.
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We reserve the right to change or modify any of the Terms and Conditions listed above.
Event Cancelation Policy
Full refund (less $25 fee) before July 13, 2026. No refund on/after July 13, 2026. In the event that cincOH is cancelled due to natural disaster or other unforeseen circumstances, all registrants will be refunded in full minus a $25 fee, or provided with a full pass for a designated future event by Loca Tango Project.
CODE OF CONDUCT /
This event is a Safe Space. Everyone who attends must agree to this Code of Conduct at the time of registration. Anyone who violates this Code may be subject to immediate action per the terms below.
At cincOH, we value the health, safety and well-being of all our guests, and we expect that the event will be free from harassment and disrespectful or inappropriate (verbal or non-verbal) behavior. We rely on our attendees to prioritize the comfort and enjoyment of everyone around them, remembering that tango is best danced in an environment of openness and trust.
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We therefore expect that guests will:
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• Respect the etiquette of mirada and cabeceo
• Refrain from coercive or persistent invitations
• Refrain from following, stalking, or monopolizing other attendees
• Not engage in disrespectful, uninvited or inappropriate touch, on or off the dance floor
• Hear and respect the verbal and non-verbal communication of partners
• Not use threatening or discriminatory language
• Recognize and protect the boundaries of others
• Respect the entrance etiquette, flow and lanes of the ronda
• Not dance in a way that endangers yourself, your partner or others on the dance floor
• Not engage in any form of harassment*
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The cincOH team takes harassment very seriously and is committed to maintaining a safe and peaceful event. We will act promptly to address behavior that violates our code of conduct. If you believe you have been subjected to (or have witnessed) such behavior, you are encouraged to contact James Oh, or make an anonymous report using the button below.
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All reports will be reviewed by James Oh. James will determine if and what course of action should be taken, based on the wishes of the reporting party. Potential actions may include education about consent, removal from the event, or legal action in accordance with applicable laws.
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*Harassment includes offensive verbal comments (related to gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race or religion), sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of the event, inappropriate physical contact and unwelcome sexual attention.
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Please use this form to report any incidents of harm or harassment. All reports can be made anonymously.