Chet Gulinski

Chester "Chet" Gulinski (October 24, 1924 – August 10, 1999) was an influential Chicago-area broadcaster and promoter best known for his longtime support for polka music in Chicago. His show was heard on numerous area stations and ran for nearly 40 years.

Chet Gulinski was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 24, 1924. He attended Five Holy Martyrs Grade School, Quigley Seminary, St. Joseph's High School, and DePaul University. His earlier career included owning Ridge Prescription Pharmacy. He was a Field Representative for Rexall Drug Co., and was a Pharmaceutical Hospital Representative for E. R. Squibb & Sons. He was involved with three recording companies, Ampol, Mil-Poll, and Ridgemoor Records.

Chet was married to Evelyn. They had four children: Chris, a graduate of Marquette University, who assisted with the broadcasts and managed Action Tours, Adrian and Daniel, who are both dentists, and Renee, who has a master's degree in Psychology from the University of Chicago.

Chet's radio career varied. He was a Sales Manager for Radio Stations WGLD, WOPA and WPNA. He and his son Chris produced a television show on Chicago's Channel 44, later on Channel 26. He was a Staff Announcer for WTAQ and WOPA. Chet was instrumental in the purchase of WPNA by the Polish National Alliance in 1987. His efforts resulted in programs that brought Marion Lush, Lucy Bartoszewski, Emilie Richards, Bob Maczko, and Joe Walega to WPNA.

The first "Chet Gulinski Show" was broadcast at 7:30 PM, Sunday, November 5, 1955. The show broadcast many times as remotes from locations around Chicago such as the Aragon Ballroom, Chicago's Lake Front Festival, the Navy Pier, The 47th Street Free Fair, Tony Piet's Pontiac City, Delta Wholesale, Polonia Grove and Ballroom, Pulaski Village, Wozniak's Casino, Harmony Hall, Congress Ballroom, Lion's Ballroom, Maple Lanes, Polka Castle, Sportsman's Park, Lucy's Wisconsin Rendezvous and a great number of parish and picnic Festivals.

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