About the Jaycees

The Illinois Jaycees are part of a global network of more than 5000 chapters with over 200,000 members in 120 countries around the world. We offer our members throughout Illinois the following opportunities:

Leadership Development

Leadership development through community involvement has been the basis of the Jaycees since its inception in 1920. The goal of the not-for-profit organization is to provide members a means to reach their full potential through networking and personal growth opportunities and is ideal for proactive young people, ages 18 to 40. Members enhance a variety of skills as they work together to plan and run civic and individual development activities in their home communities and chapters, such as:

Developing a business plan for maximum success and impact for each event.
Learning to successfully manage volunteers.
Communicating effectively, through the written word, and public speaking.
Discovering the needs of the community and managing resources to meet them.
Organizing efforts to make the most of dollars raised and hours volunteered. All members have unique talents to offer. We provide them an outlet to share those talents in programs and projects that benefit their communities.

Your involvement with the Jaycees will provide you opportunities to meet people, impact your community, and apply skills to enhance your career.

Networking Opportunities

It is often said that it’s who you know that matters – and Jaycees are people who are connected. This organization has been known to not only produce successful business owners and other prominent leaders, but it has also brought together many friends and families. Statewide conferences are held where members take advantage of various training seminars, round table discussions, and socials to network with people from across the state. The true value of the program is in sharing with others the experience of participating.

Community Involvement

Few organizations touch as many lives, in as many ways, as the Jaycees. Our chapters:Provide assistance with national and international disaster relief.Support a not-for-profit cancer organization, camps for individuals with developmental disabilities, collection drives for troops serving our country, and other diverse programs.Are involved in their communities running festivals, raising funds for worthwile causes, as well as directly helping individuals in need.

Individual Involvement

Whether interested in being a chapter officer or simply working on a project committee, members have the chance to develop skills ranging from planning, budgeting, marketing, personnel management and more. There are endless training opportunities through speakers and formal training programs. Members decide their chapter‘s programming.

2025 State Initiative

Building the Next Leaders from the Inside Out

This year's State Initiative is Building the Next Leaders from the Inside Out, which focuses on three areas to help chapters develop young leaders within their membership and communities: physical, mental, and financial wellness.

Physically, many young leaders today spend significant time sitting at computers or in meetings. This year, the Illinois Jaycees aim to raise awareness about small and meaningful actions that can promote healthy habits. Chapters can support this effort by organizing step challenges, exercise groups, 5K runs, and speaker sessions. We are currently seeking a partner to help take these steps forward in 2025.

Mentally, leaders are often on the go, worrying about the next project while forgetting to take necessary mental breaks. Success becomes more sustainable when we take time to celebrate achievements, spend meaningful moments with others, and appreciate the small steps. Members will be encouraged to embrace mental wellness through inspirational posts, yoga, meditation, and mental breaks. Chapters will also be challenged to invite speakers and host relaxed socials that provide members with opportunities to recharge. We are actively seeking a partner to support these efforts in 2025.

Financially, our resources are often stretched across various projects, community initiatives, chapter support, and events. For members aged 18 to 40, this is an ideal time to set the foundation for current and future financial success. The Illinois Jaycees will partner with INB N.A. to better understand financial health and empower members to take control of their financial futures.

Jaycee Values

We Believe, That faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life That the brotherhood of man transcends the Sovereignty of Nations That economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise That government should be of laws rather than of men That Earths great treasure lies in human personality And that service to humanity is the best work of life.

Jaycee Mission

To provide leadership development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.

Jaycee Vision

To be the leading global network of young active citizens.