For over 200 years, Freemasons have shared the bonds of brotherhood while serving the communities of Illinois. Today, Illinois Freemasonry is a fraternity under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Illinois comprising more than 420 Lodges and some 45,000 Masons. Illinois Freemasonry unites men from every walk of life who are invested in self-improvement and helping others - advancing our legacy in Illinois since 1840.
Illinois Freemasonry
Find out how Illinois became one of the nation’s thriving Masonic communities.
Illinois Masonic Library & Museum
A collection of Masonic documents and memorabilia works that focus on Freemasonry in Illinois.
Affiliated Masonic Organizations
There are a number of wonderful appendant Masonic bodies that are available to Master Masons in Illinois and their families.
Our Mission
Freemasons investing in self-improvement and being useful to others - advancing our legacy in Illinois since 1840.
We Are a Fraternity
Accepting men from all walks of life who demonstrate upright conduct and acknowledge a belief in a Supreme Being, Illinois Freemasonry is a fraternal order teaching the precepts of equality, charity, tolerance, fellowship, and brotherly love among its members.
We Offer Enlightenment
Lodges provide enlightenment through Masonic symbols, allegorical lessons, and education endeavoring to strengthen and improve the character of the individual man.
We Act with Benevolence
Illinois Freemasons strive to inspire acts promoting benevolence, charity, and goodwill toward all humankind, translating Masonic principles and conviction into personal actions, ultimately making the world a better place.
The Degrees of Freemasonry
Becoming a Freemason requires joining a Masonic Lodge and completing three ceremonial stages that Masons call “degrees.” The three degrees, Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason, are loosely based upon the journeyman system, which was used to train Medieval stonemasons. In Freemasonry, the degrees symbolize the three stages of human development: youth, manhood, and old age.
Centuries ago, stonemasons were entrusted with secrets, including passwords and handshakes known only to those with the required proficiency. As they moved to find their next job, each man was assured compensation proportionate to his skill level, and clients were assured of the quality of work. Today, Freemasonry shares this same system of secrets, ritual, and growth, though the work has shifted from building edifices to building oneself in good character.
Become a Freemason
Join us and become the better version of yourself.
“Being a Mason doesn’t make you better than everyone else. It just makes you a better you.”
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