Welcome to The Imperial Windy City Court of the Prairie State Empire, Inc. NFP

The Imperial Windy City Court of the Prairie State Empire, Inc. NFP is an IRS recognized non- profit entity under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code and one of 70+ Chapters of the International Court System throughout Canada, Mexico and the United States that was founded by José Sarria (Mama José) in San Francisco in 1965.

We host various fundraising and outreach events throughout the year to benefit 501(c)3 non-profit organizations that need financial support to continue their mission to serve the community, one dollar at a time.

We continue to expand our community through outreach, keeping the ideals of diversity and inclusivity foremost in our minds and actions.

Our court started as the Royal Imperial Sovereign Barony of the Windy City (aka: The Barony of Chicago) in May 2001 by Russ Hummel-Lewis, Dr. Earle Lewis, Stephen Nokes, Richard Clough and Jeffrey Melton.

Russ Hummel-Lewis (Racheal Lewis-St. James the 1 st ) and Dr. Earle Lewis-St. James the 1 st were elected as Baroness and Baron 1, our Founding Monarchs.

After 3 years serving the GLBTQA+ community in the Chicagoland area, the Barony of Chicago petition the International Court Council (ICC), which is the governing body of the International Court System, to be elevated to Empire status.

At the April 2004 meeting of the ICC in Sacramento, CA, the Royal Imperial Sovereign Barony of the Windy City was granted “Empire” status and became the Imperial Windy City Court of the Prairie State Empire.

The primary goals of the elected Monarchs are to further relationships with organizations and businesses within our community, to hold functions and fundraisers for the enjoyment of the community, to raise money for charitable organizations and to help those in the community who are in need of assistance.

Each elected Monarch sets their own standards and selects causes that they feel are important. The Emperor and Empress also attend Coronations throughout the United States and Canada, representing the Chicagoland area and the entire State of Illinois in an attempt to further relations with outside community

A Coronation is a formal gala held once yearly, where the members of our community within the boundaries of our “realm”, which includes the entire State of Illinois, crown the newly elected Emperor and Empress.

Charlie's Chicago
is the official home bar
of the Imperial Court of Chicago
as well as a proud Corporate Sponsor.