All About Chicago Biker Gangs
Chicago's biker gangs have a rich history. Big Pete James, former regional vice president of Chicago's outlaw motorcycle club, sheds light on these misunderstood groups, his childhood influences, and why he loves to ride IL-173.
The Origins of Chicago's Biker Culture
The Chicago Biker Gangs were started by Big Pete James of the infamous biker gang. He talks about the misunderstanding surrounding these groups and why he loves to ride IL-173.
James mentions that from childhood, he loved playing risky games with his family. At just 12 years old, he valued the strategy involved in powerful armies and taking a province from enemies. One day, his father asked what he wanted to become when he grew up. James replied that he wanted to be a ‘Boss’. He has since fulfilled his dream by becoming the regional vice president of Chicago’s outlaw motorcycle club.
Big Four Biker Clubs in the U.S.
As James mentioned, the ‘Big Four’ bike clubs have competed for dominance in the U.S. for over fifty years. In 1935, the Outlaws were founded on the outskirts of Chicago in the Great Lakes region, making them the oldest of these groups. The Hell's Angels are the largest with chapters in around fifty countries, while the Pagans control much of the eastern coastline, and the Bandidos are influential in the South, mainly Texas. All of these groups are classified as Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMGs) by the FBI, subject to the Federal RICO Act.
The Legacy of the Outlaws and James' New Book
Peter James has left the Outlaws, but his new book ‘The Last Chicago Boss’, co-written with Kerrie Droban, offers a reflective look at his time with the infamous club. This book gives readers an inside view of organized crime syndicates, akin to creative writing seen in popular shows like Sons of Anarchy. James' story provides an exciting look into life within a close-knit, often violent Chicago motorcycle club.
Myths About Motorcycle Clubs
James discussed common misconceptions about motorcycle clubs. He emphasized that not every member is a criminal. Members often follow an ‘outlaw’ lifestyle and view the rules of society as mere suggestions. While acknowledging that criminals exist within these clubs, James points out that views have changed over time, similar to the shifts in the Chicago Outfit and mob culture.
When asked about the criminal allegations against the Outlaws and whether he was concerned about legal repercussions from writing this book, James explained that such questions are complex and require a lot of explanation. It takes more than half an hour to discuss the reality of the Outlaws properly.
