Catholic Men United in Faith, Brotherhood, and Service
Catholic men serving parishes and communities across Chicago through charity, unity, and Fraternity.
Knights of Columbus Chicago Chapter
About the Knights
The Knights of Columbus is a global Catholic fraternal organization dedicated to charity, unity, and supporting local parishes and communities. Founded on the principles of faith and brotherhood, the organization brings together Catholic men who are committed to serving others and strengthening their communities.
Through charitable programs, volunteer initiatives, and parish support, members work to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families, neighbors, and those in need. From community outreach and youth programs to faith formation and charitable projects, the Knights continue a proud tradition of service and leadership inspired by Catholic values.
Our Core Values
The Knights of Columbus is built on principles that inspire Catholic men to serve their families, parishes, and communities with faith and dedication.
Charity
Charity – Our Catholic faith teaches us to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Members of the Knights of Columbus show love for their neighbors by conducting food drives and donating the food to local soup kitchens and food pantries, by volunteering at Special Olympics, and by supporting, both spiritually and materially, mothers who choose life for their babies. Knights recognize that our mission, and our faith in God, compels us to action. There is no better way to experience love and compassion than by helping those in need, a call we answer every day.
Unity
Unity – None of us is as good as all of us. Members of the Knights of Columbus all know that – together – we can accomplish far more than any of us could individually. So we stick together…we support one another. That doesn’t mean that we always agree or that there is never a difference of opinion. It does mean that – as a Knight of Columbus – you can count on the support and encouragement of your brother Knights as you work to make life better in your parish and community
Fraternity
Fraternity – Blessed Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, in large part, to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner died – often prematurely. The Order’s top-rated insurance program continues to do this today, as do the good works of individual Knights, who gave more than 75.6 million service hours in 2017, illustrating how Catholics serve each other in fraternity and mercy.
Patriotism
Patriotism – Members of the Knights of Columbus, be they Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Cubans, Filipinos, Poles, or Dominicans, are patriotic citizens. We are proud of our devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both. Whether it’s in public or private, the Knights remind the world that Catholics support their nations and are amongst the greatest citizens.
Changes to STAR Council - Details
The Knights of Columbus has adjusted the Founders, Columbian and McGivney awards, below are the details you need!
Founders
A equal number to 10% of Associate members on the 7-1-16 Roster must individually meet with your field agent, for a review. To quality, the member must be either new or an Associate member. Grand Knight of the Council must still complete Form #11077
Columbian Award
Requirement 1 Donate at least $500 as part of one of the following Faith in Action programs: ASAP (dollars or item value), Food for Families (dollars or 1,000 lbs of food), RSVP, or Coats for Kids.
Requirement 2 Complete 4 Faith in Action programs, one in each of the following categories: Faith, Family, Community, Life. • You cannot claim programs already submitted for requirement 1. • To qualify as Faith in Action programs, the council must run programs similar to those described in the Faith in Action Program Guidebook.
Requirement 3 All councils must complete either this requirement Complete 3 programs/activites: one to bring men closer to Christ, one to build fraternity and one to support your parish or community. • These programs / activities can be unique to the council and do not need to be Faith in Action programs. • You cannot claim programs already submitted for requirements 1 and 2.
OR
Conducting Cor satisfies all three of the program / activity criteria for this requirement. To qualify, councils must offer Cor gatherings that feature prayer, formation, and fraternity at least once per month to all men of the parish. • If you choose this option you must include the name and email address of your council Evangelization and Faith Formation Director.
McGivney Award
The McGivney Award recognizes council excellence in membership growth. • Attain 6% intake growth based on July 1st council membership • Minimum 5 / Maximum 15. Councils Must file their Annual Survey for Fraternal Activity form #1728 (Due 08-15-26)
Programs That Make an Impact
Over the past 15 years, Knights Council throughout the Archdiocese have participated in the “March For Kids” Campaign and have donated over $400,000 to Mercy Home.
Up Coming Events
The Knights of Columbus is built on principles that inspire Catholic men to serve their families, parishes, and communities with faith and dedication.
Intellectual Disabilities Drive
Drive
- September 18-19-20, 2026
- [773] 269-9084
- City of Chicago
Upcoming Degree Schedule
Through faith-driven initiatives and charitable programs, our members work together to support families, strengthen parishes, and make a meaningful difference in our communities.
Knighthood Degrees @ District #12
Council 1628 Planning to a CUF on August 5th details to follow.
Emphasizes unity through service to parish, community, and family.
Fraternity
Charity
Unity
August 5, 2026
Knighthood Degrees @ District #7
St. Herberts Church 729 Grand Canyon Street Hoffman Estates, IL 60169 7:00PM start, registration is at 6:30PM . The home council attending this degree will have the responsibility of the Kit which has the Rosary and Pin.
Emphasizes unity through service to parish, community, and family.
Patriotism
All Virtues
August 18, 2026
Knighthood Degrees @ District #4
St. Mary of the Wood will hold a CUF on August 20, details to follow..
Emphasizes unity through service to parish, community, and family.
Fraternity
Charity
Unity
August 20, 2026
Knighthood Degrees @ District #2
At St Paul the Apostle Church 6401 Gages Lake Rd. Registration is at 2:30 for a 3pm start.
Emphasizes unity through service to parish, community, and family.
Unity
Fraternity
Patriotism
August 23, 2026
Knighthood Degrees @ District #1
Council 15422 will hold an future CUF, details to follow.
Emphasizes unity through service to parish, community, and family.
Fraternity
Charity
Unity
TBD
Knighthood Degrees @ District #9
District 9 In-person CUF will be held in late September or early October, final date TBD
Emphasizes unity through service to parish, community, and family.
Fraternity
Charity
Unity
TBD
Knighthood Degrees @ District #20
Council 4698 is scheduling a CUF either in August or September, details to follow.
Emphasizes unity through service to parish, community, and family.
Fraternity
Charity
Unity
TBD
Affiliations & Resources
We are proudly connected with the broader Knights of Columbus network. Explore our official councils and dedicated insurance agencies providing support, guidance, and fraternal benefits to our community.
Chapter Leadership
Through faith-driven initiatives and charitable programs, our members work together to support families, strengthen parishes, and make a meaningful difference in our communities.
Up Coming Events
The Knights of Columbus is built on principles that inspire Catholic men to serve their families, parishes, and communities with faith and dedication.
Become a Knight
Join a brotherhood of Catholic men dedicated to faith, charity, and service.
Become a Knight
Join a brotherhood of Catholic men dedicated to faith, charity, and service.