Illinois is home to some of the most well-known outlaw motorcycle clubs, involved in various criminal activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, murder, and racketeering. These groups have a well-documented past of being involved in violent conflicts with rival factions, law enforcement agencies, and civilians. Here’s a look at some of the most dangerous biker gangs in Illinois:
Outlaws MC
Founded in McCook, Illinois, in 1935, the Outlaws MC is recognized as the oldest outlaw biker club in the world. With 275 chapters in 23 countries and over 3,000 members, it is the third-largest worldwide, following the Hells Angels and the Bandidos. The Outlaws have been classified as a “outlaw motorcycle gang” by both the FBI and the Criminal Intelligence Service Canada.
The Outlaws have had a long-standing feud with the Hells Angels since the 1960s, involving territorial disputes and conflicts over markets and respect. These conflicts have led to many injuries on both sides. Furthermore, the Outlaws frequently clash with other biker gangs such as the Mongols, the Pagans, and the Sons of Silence.
The Outlaws are well-known for their participation in significant crimes, including the bombing of the Hells Angels clubhouse in Montreal in 1974, the murder of a Wisconsin police officer in 1994, the killing of a rival gang member in Florida in 2002, and the murder of eight Bandidos members in Ontario in 2006.
Mongol Nation
A new presence in the Illinois biker gang community, the Mongol Nation has quickly become known for their strength and assertiveness. Founded in 1969 in Montebello, California, by Hispanic veterans who were turned away by other biker clubs, the gang has grown to 14 states and multiple countries, with around 1,000 members.
According to law enforcement, the Mongol Nation is regarded as one of the most criminally active outlaw motorcycle gangs in the United States. They are involved in drug trafficking, specifically methamphetamine, as well as robbery, assault, murder, and racketeering. The gang is being accused of committing hate crimes against African Americans and Jews.
A fierce feud with the Hells Angels has led to intense clashes, including the 2002 Laughlin River Run brawl, the 2008 Harrah’s Casino shootout, and the 2011 Denver Coliseum stabbing. In 2022, conflicts with the Outlaws increased, leading to a bar shooting in the Southwest Side of Chicago as part of a turf war between the two groups.
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Peckerwoods
Established in 1987 in Santee, California, the Peckerwoods are an all-white outlaw motorcycle club associated with the Aryan Brotherhood, a white supremacist prison gang. Known as Midwest Peckerwoods in Illinois, the club shares its ideology and symbols.
The Peckerwoods are known for engaging in criminal activities such as drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, burglary, theft, and murder. They are notorious for their violent and racist behavior, often targeting individuals of other races, especially African Americans and Hispanics. The club has had conflicts with other biker groups such as the Hells Angels, the Mongols, and the Vagos.
Law enforcement sees the Peckerwoods as an increasing concern because of their growing presence and impact in the Midwest. The club has been involved in well-known crimes, such as the 2005 murder of a Mongols member in Illinois, the 2009 murder of a Hells Angels member in Arizona, and the 2010 murder of a Vagos member in Nevada.
In conclusion
These highlighted biker gangs are considered some of the most dangerous in Illinois, but there are also several other outlaw motorcycle clubs operating in the state, including the Sons of Silence, the Warlocks, the Iron Horsemen, and the Sin City Disciples. These groups are a significant risk to public safety and order, participating in violent and criminal actions, frequently coming into conflict with each other and law enforcement. It’s important to stay mindful of their presence and actions, and steer clear of any interaction or conflict with these groups.
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