A Serendipitous Encounter

Laura, a devoted ethnographic journalist passionate about Colombian culture, and Mateo, a bilingual educator with an insatiable curiosity for travel, met in the heart of Palomino. Their connection was immediate and profound. As their love story unfolded, so did a mutual realization: they both harbored a deep desire to foster human connections, explore cultural depths, and embark on meaningful adventures.

A Vision Takes Shape

As Laura and Mateo began their life together, they recognized that their combined passions for art, creativity, and cultural immersion were a powerful foundation for something extraordinary. They frequently pondered how they could merge their love for travel, culture, and art into a single, immersive experience.

The idea for Kasa Jauz initially sparked from Mateo’s dream of bringing the traditional Colombian game of "Tejo" to the United States. But as their vision evolved, so did the concept. They envisioned a unique space that not only celebrated Colombian culture but also invited Latinxs and culture enthusiasts to connect, share, and engage in a dynamic community experience.

From Dream to Reality

After Laura’s move to Chicago and their subsequent marriage, Kasa Jauz was born. Together, they created a vibrant pop-up experience that encapsulates the essence of Latin America. Kasa Jauz is a celebration of Latinx culture, combining art, music, and cuisine into an immersive journey that bridges cultures and fosters deep connections.

Our Mission

At Kasa Jauz, our mission is to offer a new way to experience and taste Latin America. We craft immersive events that bring together the best of LATINO art, music, and cuisine, creating a space where every moment is a celebration of cultural richness and community

Join us in this exciting journey and be part of a cultural celebration that promises to inspire, connect, and enrich. At Kasa Jauz, every experience is a testament to the beauty and vibrancy of Latinx heritage.

Laura Montero

A passionate ethnographic journalist, cultural manager, and storyteller from La Guajira, Colombia, has dedicated her life to exploring and sharing the stories of the world through her unique lens. With a profound love for documentary photography, she has captured the essence of diverse cultures and communities, particularly focusing on the Wayuu tribe in La Guajira. Laura actively amplifies the voices of those often overlooked, traveling to remote locales as both a volunteer and social entrepreneur. She has created immersive cultural experiences to promote awareness of La Guajira’s territory and has worked on social projects with native communities, focusing on culture and tourism across various regions of Colombia. Through her initiatives, ‘La Guajira Cultural’ and ‘Yourlatinaguide,’ she promotes cultural richness and transformative travel experiences, earning national recognition for her commitment to community empowerment and tourism.

Mateo Hollander

A passionate traveler and bilingual educator from Chicago, discovered his love for cultural immersion at the age of 15 during his first exchange program to Costa Rica. This experience marked the beginning of his solo travels and his journey to fluency in Spanish. Since then, Mateo has spent years living in Chile and Uruguay and traveling across Latin America, where he honed his language skills and forged deep connections with Latino culture. Known within his community as a curator of travel experiences centered around art and culture, Mateo is always at the forefront of discovering and sharing enriching cultural phenomena. Today, he also runs professional developments for bilingual school programs and works in the hospitality industry in two well-regarded local establishments. Through his bilingualism and cultural fluency, Mateo serves as a bridge between communities, fostering understanding and appreciation for Latin American traditions. His dedication to inclusive education and exploration makes him a beacon of inspiration for those seeking meaningful connections with diverse cultures.

Together, Laura and Mateo have created Kasa Jauz—a vibrant space in Chicago where their love for bilingualism, travel, and art culminates. Kasa Jauz is an immersive experience that awakens the senses and fosters deep connections—whether emotional, creative, or personal. It’s a space where art, sensory elements, and cultural influences come together, inviting participants to be active protagonists in their own unique and transformative journey. At Kasa Jauz, every visit becomes an inspiring celebration of Latinx diversity, with a special focus on exalting and sharing the beauty of Colombian culture with the world.