Illinois is home to some of the most notorious and violent gangs in the United States. These gangs are involved in various criminal activities, such as drug trafficking, murder, robbery, extortion, and racketeering. They also pose a serious threat to public safety and order, as they often engage in turf wars, shootings, and retaliation. Here are seven of the most dangerous gangs taking over Illinois:

1. The Chicago Outfit

The Chicago Outfit, also known as the Mafia or the Mob, is one of the oldest and most powerful organized crime syndicates in the country. It traces its roots back to the Prohibition era, when it was founded by Big Jim Colosimo and later taken over by Al Capone.

The Outfit has a history of corruption, bribery, and influence in politics, business, and labor unions. It is also notorious for its involvement in gambling, prostitution, loan sharking, and murder. The Outfit is currently led by John DiFronzo, also known as “No Nose”, and operates mainly in the Chicago metropolitan area and its suburbs.

2. The Latin Kings

The Latin Kings, also known as the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation, is the largest and one of the most violent Hispanic street gangs in the world. It originated in Chicago in the 1950s, as a way for Puerto Rican immigrants to protect themselves from discrimination and oppression. The Latin Kings have since expanded to other states and countries, and have a complex hierarchy, code of conduct, and ideology.

The Latin Kings are known for their use of symbols, such as the five-pointed crown, the lion, and the colors black and gold. They are also known for their rivalry with other gangs, such as the Gangster Disciples, the Black Disciples, and the Vice Lords. The Latin Kings are involved in various crimes, such as drug trafficking, robbery, assault, and murder.

3. The Gangster Disciples

The Gangster Disciples, also known as the Black Gangster Disciples or the GDs, is one of the largest and most notorious African-American street gangs in the country. It was formed in Chicago in the 1960s, as a merger of two rival gangs, the Black Disciples and the Supreme Gangsters. The Gangster Disciples have a sophisticated structure, with a board of directors, governors, regents, and soldiers.

They also have a code of ethics, known as the 16 Laws of the Gangster Disciple Nation. The Gangster Disciples use the six-pointed star, the pitchfork, and the colors black and blue as their symbols. They are also known for their feud with other gangs, such as the Crips, the Bloods, and the Latin Kings. The Gangster Disciples are involved in various crimes, such as drug trafficking, extortion, fraud, and murder.

4. The Vice Lords

The Vice Lords, also known as the Almighty Vice Lord Nation or the AVLN, is one of the oldest and most influential African-American street gangs in the country. It was founded in Chicago in the 1950s, as a social club for youths from the Lawndale neighborhood. The Vice Lords later evolved into a criminal organization, with a complex hierarchy, constitution, and creed.

The Vice Lords use the five-pointed star, the top hat, and the colors black and gold as their symbols. They are also known for their alliance with other gangs, such as the Black P. Stones, the El Rukns, and the Latin Counts. The Vice Lords are involved in various crimes, such as drug trafficking, robbery, arson, and murder.

5. The Black P. Stones

The Black P. Stones, also known as the Almighty Black P. Stone Nation or the BPSN, is one of the most violent and notorious African-American street gangs in the country. It was founded in Chicago in the 1960s, as a community organization for youths from the Woodlawn neighborhood. The Black P. Stones later became a criminal enterprise, with a militant and religious ideology, inspired by the Black Panther Party and the Nation of Islam.

The Black P. Stones use the pyramid, the eye, and the colors red and black as their symbols. They are also known for their conflict with other gangs, such as the Gangster Disciples, the Four Corner Hustlers, and the Mickey Cobras. The Black P. Stones are involved in various crimes, such as drug trafficking, extortion, terrorism, and murder.

6. The Four Corner Hustlers

The Four Corner Hustlers, also known as the 4CH or the Foes, is one of the most aggressive and ruthless African-American street gangs in the country. It was founded in Chicago in the 1970s, as a splinter group from the Vice Lords. The Four Corner Hustlers have a loose and decentralized structure, with no formal leadership or rules. They also have a fierce and independent mentality, rejecting any alliances or affiliations with other gangs. The Four Corner Hustlers use the four-pointed diamond, the rabbit, and the colors black and green as their symbols. They are also known for their hostility with other gangs, such as the Gangster Disciples, the Black Disciples, and the Latin Kings. The Four Corner Hustlers are involved in various crimes, such as drug trafficking, robbery, carjacking, and murder.

7. The Mickey Cobras

The Mickey Cobras, also known as the Almighty Mickey Cobra Nation or the MCN, is one of the most feared and respected African-American street gangs in the country. It was founded in Chicago in the 1960s, as a faction of the Black P. Stones. The Mickey Cobras have a strict and disciplined structure, with a supreme leader, a council, and a rank system. They also have a strong and loyal bond, known as the Cobra Love. The Mickey Cobras use the cobra, the crescent moon, and the colors green and black as their symbols. They are also known for their cooperation with other gangs, such as the Black P. Stones, the Vice Lords, and the Latin Counts. The Mickey Cobras are involved in various crimes, such as drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, and murder.

Conclusion

These are some of the most dangerous gangs taking over Illinois, but they are not the only ones. There are many other gangs that operate in different areas and levels of the state, posing a constant threat to the law enforcement and the society. The fight against these gangs is not easy, as they are well-organized, well-armed, and well-funded. However, it is not impossible, as there are also many efforts and initiatives to prevent, intervene, and rehabilitate gang members and at-risk youths. The solution to the gang problem in Illinois requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach, involving the government, the police, the community, and the individuals.