At first, the Illinois Chamber and its membership pledged to "refrain from any political involvement", however, it eventually provided legislative information regularly to its members, and in 1923, an office in Springfield was opened for that very purpose.

The chamber's focus is to raise and expend funds for the purposes of financing and sponsoring, publishing, promoting and distributing research on issues important to businesses or issues and analyses of the Illinois economy and business climate; provide educational forums that facilitate the discussion and debate of policy or operational matters that impact businesses generally, business segments of the Illinois economy, or the Illinois business climate; and with other organizations, sponsor activities and research projects that are consistent with the stated purposes above.”[3] The Illinois Chamber serves businesses large and small and works with state government leaders to educate and influence lawmakers on ways to enhance the state's economy through enacting pro-business legislation.

Membership is the driving force behind the Illinois Chamber's operation, working with employers across the state to develop a pro-business agenda.

The Illinois chamber of Commerce does not receive funding from any governmental entity and is fully independent.

[citation needed] Created in 1975, Chamber PAC is one of the oldest business political action committees in Illinois.