The Gaylords, also known as the Almighty Gaylord Nation (AGLN), is a street gang established in the early 1900s. Predominantly composed of white members, the Gaylords are part of the People nation alliance. Their recognizable colors are black, light blue, and grey, and they are known for slogans like “God forgives, Gaylords don’t” and “Cross is Boss.” Symbolically, they use a Maltese cross with flames and a cross with two slashes.
Gaylords History
The Gaylords originated in the late 1940s, evolving from a softball club named Junior Postal. This transformation began in the Grand and Noble area on Chicago’s North Side, and by 1954, they had fully transitioned into a street gang. Initially sharing a clubhouse with the Postal Athletic Club, the two groups eventually parted ways. During this era, numerous organizations in Chicago, such as the Ramrods, Scorpions, and Demons, were recognized as clubs rather than gangs.
The Gaylords' softball club was initially called “Gay Lords.” The name derives from Old French, where Gaylord, originally spelled Gaillard, signified bravery or strength. As society's understanding of the word “Gay” evolved, the name took on a different connotation, but at its inception, it simply referred to a cheerful demeanor.
The Gaylords were initially based in front of Angie’s Bar at 1323 West Huron Street, marking Huron and Throop as their territory. Despite this, Grand and Noble was the broader area associated with them due to its bustling environment and notable establishments.
In the early 1960s, the Gaylords were a prominent street gang alongside others like the Lazy Gents, PVPs, and C-Notes. Known as “Greaser Gangs” for their distinctive hairstyles and behaviors, these groups initially avoided violence, focusing instead on disputes over territory, reputation, and social matters. However, as the decade progressed, violence became more prevalent.
Gaylords and People Alliance
In the 1970s, gang leaders Jeff Fort and Larry Hoover established the “Folks” and “People” alliances, significantly altering the landscape of Chicago gangs. The Gaylords joined the People alliance, aligning with its mission and objectives. The inception of these alliances introduced a new dynamic, pressuring gangs to affiliate with one of the groups to avoid repercussions.
Gaylords Gang Colors
Distinct sections of the Gaylords adopted specific color schemes: Kilbourn Park members wore black and light blue, Palmer sections donned black and gray, and South Side sections, such as those at 18th and Western, used black and brown.
Gaylords Gang Locations
- Addison & Kilbourn (Kilbourn Park)
- Belden & Oak Park (Sayre Park)
- Addison, IL
- Alton, IL
- Des Moines, IA
- Paducah, KY
- Branson, MO
FORMER LOCATIONS
- Altgeld & Avers
- Altgeld & Lawndale
- Altgeld & St.Louis
- Archer Ave. & Throop
- Augusta Blvd. & Monticello
- Barry Ave. & Central Park
- Belden & Kenneth
- Belden & Knox
- Bloomingdale & Marshfield
- Bryon & Albany
- Central Ave. & Berteau (Portage Park)
- Cicero Ave. & Wrightwood
- Francisco & Cullom
- George & Kolmar
- George & McVicker
- Grand Ave. & Ogden
- Grand Ave. & Rockwell (Smith Park)
- Halsted & North Ave.
- Halsted & Taylor St.
- Huron & Noble / Huron & Throop
- Irving Park Rd. & Narragansett
- Karlov & Newport
- Kenton & Warwick
- Lawrence Ave. & Broadway
- Leamington & Jackson Blvd.
- Leavitt & Berteau
- Leavitt & Lyndale
- LeMoyne & Springfield
- Moffat & Campbell
- Montana & Kilbourn
- Oakdale & Long
- Ohio & Leclaire
- Ohio & Noble
- Palmer & California Ave.
- Palmer & Leclaire (Blackhawk Park)
- Seeley & Ainslie
- Seeley & Eastwood
- Sunnyside & Magnolia
- Wilson Ave. & Dover
- 18th & Western Ave.
- 24th & Whipple
- 25th & Oakley {Pilsen Neighborhood}
- 55th & Ashland Ave. to Racine (Sherman Park)
- Cicero, IL
- East Moline, IL
- Elmhurst, IL
- Moline, IL
- Mt. Prospect, IL
- Norridge, IL
- Springfield, IL
- Davenport, IA