Gangs in Chicago

Chicago is considered the most gang-occupied city in the United States, with 150,000 gang-affiliated tenants,[1] representing more than 100 gangs.

In the 1970s, gang-related crime and violence spiked, particularly with Hispanic-on-Hispanic homicides increasing in the summer of 1971 due to Latin Kings gang election meetings.

[3] In July 2021, federal agents participating in Operation Legend arrested 27 Black Disciples gang members associated with drugs and gun violations in the Englewood neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago.

[4] Lack of opportunity and economic oppression especially in the form of redlining by Chicago's city hall and banks has caused working class citizens to turn to the sale of illicit drugs for income.

[8][9][10] Street gangs that are independent of Folks and People but retain similar identifiers and symbolism as well as maintain a hierarchical structure in membership are known as war crews.

Street gangs that do not retain any semblance of traditional nations or war crews are known simply as cliques.

[11][12][13] Currently active street gangs based in Chicago of the era after Folks and People were established are as follows:[14][15][16]