About the Jaycees

The Illinois Jaycees are part of a global network of more than 4,600 chapters with over 145,000 members in 106 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.

2026 State Initiative

Mental Health Matters: Every Mind, Every Chapter, Every Community

Mental health is at the heart of who we are and how we lead. Through a focus on the mind, our chapters, and the communities we serve, we are committed to creating a culture of support, understanding, and meaningful connection. By fostering awareness, building safe spaces, and working together to reduce stigma, we empower individuals and leaders to thrive—ensuring that every mind is supported and every community is stronger.

Mind
We believe that supporting mental health begins with recognizing the value of every individual. By prioritizing the mind, we promote awareness, education, and open dialogue that encourage members to care for their mental well-being and seek support when needed. Our focus is on creating a culture where mental health is understood, respected, and treated as an essential part of overall wellness.

Chapter
At the chapter level, we are committed to building safe, inclusive environments where every member feels supported and empowered. One chapter at a time, we encourage honest conversations, provide resources, and foster connections that strengthen trust and belonging. These safe spaces allow members to grow as leaders while knowing they are part of a community that truly cares.

Community
Our commitment extends beyond our chapters into the communities we serve. By working together, we help build stronger, more resilient communities through mental health awareness, advocacy, and action. Through education, partnerships, and service, we aim to reduce stigma and create lasting impact that supports mental well-being for all.

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.