The oldest motorcycle club in the world was founded in Illinois

One of my favorite shows was Sons of Anarchy. It opened my eyes to motorcycles and even more to motorcycle clubs. Illinois has a long history with motorcycle clubs, it is home to one of the oldest clubs in the world.

The Outlaws were formed in the mid-1930s by employees of the Electro-Motice Company who frequented the famous Matilda’s Bar. According to 24/7 Tempo, the club disbanded shortly after with the outbreak of World War II, but reformed after the war at a motorcycle rally at Soldier Field.

crime

While I don’t think this club made half as much money as Sons of Anarchy, it is known that the club has had a long-standing rivalry with the Hells Angels, and there has been violence between the two clubs, with casualties on both sides.

There have even been deaths on both sides in connection with this feud. In addition, they are said to be involved in drug trafficking, extortion, money laundering, prostitution rings and arms trafficking.

Currently, the American Outlaws Association club is the third largest motorcycle club in the country, with 3,000 members and 441 branches in 43 countries. This is no small club.

Having one of the oldest clubs in the world in Illinois is pretty awesome. I’ve never ridden a motorcycle (that scares me), but when I see bikers on the road, it’s really fun. Especially on a long road trip where you see all of America. That sounds like fun.