Our History:

Our 1908 building was once a social hub for the Czech community, originally built for the Západní Česko Bratrská Jednota (ZCBJ), or Western Bohemian Fraternal Association. The group helped Bohemian Americans secure financial stability through life insurance and lives on today as Western Fraternal Life.

The ZCBJ grew from the Czech-Slovak Protective Society (C.S.P.S.), which started its first lodge in Cedar Rapids in 1879. The ZCBJ formed in 1897 and built its headquarters here, just a block away. Within a decade, it had over 10,000 members, including women.

The Olympic proudly honors this rich immigrant legacy by continuing the spirit of community.

Today, The Olympic South Side Theater is one of three successful business that occupy the ZCBJ Building. We are proud to share a roof with our downstairs neighbors, Brewhemia and HBK Engineering who too, hold the history of the ZCBJ close to heart and honor its legacy daily.

We are thrilled to welcome you to The Olympic year after year. Since opening in 2020, we’ve hosted countless wonderful events for members of our community. We can’t wait for what’s to come in the next 5 years!