My interest in Bitcoin and blockchain started at a family July 4th, barbeque in 2016. My nephew Cory Tselikis (Ethereum Classic Monetary Policy) had already been deep inside the matrix of Ethereum Classic and other alt-currencies. He challenged me to learn more about bitcoins.

After reading several books and watching dozens of YouTube videos with specialist Andreas M. Antonopolous, I eventually attended a local Meetup group dedicated to Bitcoin and Open Blockchain (BOB) in Chicago.

At first, I dismissed the technology much like I dismissed popular fashion trends like painter pants, rugby shirts and the AMC Pacer. I had the same feeling when I bought my first 286 computer to compute simple math problems. What’s the point of the program when using a pocket calculator was so much faster? Why find a solution for a problem that doesn’t exist? But after attending the dedication of the Chicago Blockchain Center (CBC), all that changed. At the CBC, I received goosebumps; and a glimpse at what our Founding Fathers must have felt at the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Except this time, the government

wants

us to succeed. I witnessed a group of people pledging their good name and fortune to a technology basically unproven. Open blockchain is a technological solution embracing free-market participation against a centralized, power structure. Open blockchain is democratic, free and distributed. For lack of a better term, it’s so

American

. Even the craft beer on tap was dedicated in name to free and open collaboration.

Here, I was introduced to local entrepreneurs I‘ve only heard about or seen in my Twitter feed. Matthew Roszack (Tally Capital), Jochen (Joe) Renz ( IOTA) and compliance specialist Joe Ciccolo ( Bit AML).

Representatives of state governments were in attendance too. Illinois Blockchain liaison Jennifer M. O’Rourke opened the dedication ceremony, stating her belief that the very best of blockchain was in attendance in that room. John Mirkovic and Perianne Boring and others were part of the ribbon cutting ceremony. I walked away with a feeling of pride as a lifelong resident of Illinois and spending my career at the Chicago Board Options Exchange.

In closing, let me pass along some insider information to you, the reader.

While headline news is focused on Chicago crime, gun violence and the Illinois budget crisis; I’m pleased to report there is a technological revolution unfolding in the Windy City; and the Chicago Blockchain Center is at its center.

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