Alliance: People
Colors: Black, Gold (or Black & Red*)
Ethnicty: mostly African American
Symbols: Five Pointed-Star, Two Crescent Moons, Cane, Tophat, Playboy Bunny, Dice, Dollar Sign, Martini Glass, White Glove, Circle of Fire
Aliases: Almighty Vice Lords, VLN, AVLN, 22-12, Lords
Previously Known As: Vice Lords
Factions: Conservative Vice Lords (CVLs), Mafia Insane Vice Lords (MIVLs), Traveling Vice Lords (TVLs), Unknown Vice Lords (UVLs), Imperial Insane Vice Lords (IIVLs), Cicero Insane Vice Lords (CIVLs), Undertaker Vice Lords (UTVLs), Insane Vice Lords (IVLs), Spanish Vice Lords, (SVLs), and the Four Corner Hustlers[ing] Vice Lords (4CH[VL])
Renegade Offshoots: Outlaw Lunative TVLs, Dirty UVLs, others
Estimated Membership: 28,000
Founder: Edward Perry alias: "Pepilow," "Pep," "Bugalow"
Historical Overview: The Vice Lords are the second largest and oldest African American street gang in Chicago. Their history, which is told with help of voluminous works, attests to their monolithic criminal involvement and influence in Chicago’s street gang underworld. Their evolution is that of a group of toughs forming in a correctional facility, engaging in classic street gang operation, succeeding at forming a grass roots pseudo-political activist group, and resending to unprecedented criminality that is common place in America’s street gang landscape. The Vice Lords originated in the Illinois Training Center for Boys, dubbed “Charleytown,” in St. Charles, Illinois in 1958. They were founded by a group of seven incarcerated youth: Edward “Peppilow” Perry, who is credited with the actual founding of the gang and would become their official “chief,” or “president,” Ralph Bonds, Leonard “Cal” Calloway, Bobby Gore, Maurice Miller, “Toehold,” and “Wren.” Other notable early Vice Lords were “Cupid,” William “Goat” Gilmore, William Franklin, Robert Stanley, Billy Washington, “Big Lord,” “JW,” “Monk,” and “Noony.”
As Dawley informs us in A Nation of Lords, “The founder of the club, Peppilow, had actually thought of the idea before going to St. Charles.” Pep had initially wanted to join another West Side gang called the Imperial Chaplains, but after being rejected, he decided to form his own street organization. (Dawley, 1992: pg. 10). Dawley later gives an account of the origin of the group’s moniker: “At first, the name was Conservative Lads, then Imperial Vice Lords. But Pep didn’t like the Imperial part because they had iced him, so Conservative was added to Vice Lords. Calloway had thought of the Vice and the Lord because he had seen these words and looked them up in the dictionary. When he found that “vice” meant having a tight hold [. . .] that was it” (Dawley, 1992: pg. 11). The moniker was also meant to represent that man had natural "vices" (cravings, desires, etc.) and that as Vice Lords, they would be "lords of all vices." Though “Conservative” was an official part of the gang’s title, the moniker didn’t take hold until about 1964 because most members didn’t understand what the word meant. As a result, in media reports, graffiti, and slogans, the name Vice Lords was the group’s appellation.
Upon hitting the streets of Lawndale, the Vice Lords engaged in wars against several clubs, including the Barons, Clovers, Comanches, Continental Pimps, Egyptian Cobras, Imperial Chaplains, Imperial Knights, Roman Saints and Van Dykes. These gangs surrounded Vice Lord territory, which was originally concentrated at about 21st & Lawndale. By 1970, the VLs had taken control of the aforementioned gangs’ territories, and most had become Vice Lords out of respect or through force.
One particular fierce encounter, which would put the VLs on the map, occurred early in the gang’s existence when the Pepillow nearly severed the arm of an Imperial Chaplain member. He did so in retaliation to the member assaulting one of the Vice Ladies, the female companion group of the Vice Lords. As a result, Pep was sentenced to time in Bridewell correctional facility. While Pep was incarcerated, “Sugarcane” ran the gang’s operations. Pep was released in 1961. Shortly after his release, a high-ranking Vice Lord named Glenn Miles was shot dead. It is believed that the Outfit (Chicago’s organized crime family) issued the hit on Pep, and shot Miles by mistake. The VLs had apparently muscled in on the Outfit’s prostitution and extortion rackets, which of course brought about retaliation.
David Dawley, a Caucasian social worker, was an instrumental figure in the transformation of the Vice Lords from a neighborhood group of thugs into a community activist organization. In his book, A Nation of Lords: the Autobiography of the Vice Lords (1973), Dawley provides an in-depth ethnographic account of the gang. While he initially went to the West Side to seek data about the gang, he eventually joined the VLs and helped them obtain federal grants.
By the mid-1960s, the Vice Lords had an estimated forty factions and 8,000 to 10,000 members. Many pre-existing gangs had appended their name with Vice Lords (e.g. Imperial Gents became Imperial Vice Lords and Monroe Boys became Monroe Vice Lords) (Knox and Papachristos, 2002).
In the summer of 1962, a documentary began to be filmed on the Vice Lords. The documentary, The Corner, which was completed in three months by Northwestern University graduate Robert Ford, won acclaim at a University of Chicago film festival in 1963. The film was yet another early testament to the reputation of the Lords.
By the mid-60s, the Vice Lords had muscled out many of their opponents in Lawndale, forcing most of them to “flip” and join the Nation of Lords, a confederacy of the different Vice Lord branches. In addition, toughs from all over the West Side would come to Lawndale to join the Vice Lords. By 1964, “all the branches that used to travel started to stay where they lived and instead of being just Vice Lords, a lot of names started [. . .] They had there own sets, their own parties, their own dudes that told them what to do. The members didn’t come into contact with each other [. . .] because the club was so big, but in their hearts everybody was Lord and Peppilow came to be Chief of the Nation of Lords.” (Dawley, 1992; pg. 32). At this time, there were dozens of factions or branches, including: the Albany Vice Lords, Ambrose Vice Lords, Apache Vice Lords, Black Orpheus Vice Lords, Central Insane Vice Lords, Cermak Vice Lords, Chocolate Corner Vice Lords, Cicero Vice Lords, City Vice Lords, Conservative Village Vice Lords, Douglas Vice Lords, Ebony Vice Lords, Executioners, Gangster Stone Vice Lords, Imperial Vice Lords, Independence Vice Lords, K-Town Vice Lords, Invisible Vice Lords, Kedzie Vice Lords, Kedzie-Albany-Terrible Vice Lords, Lake Street Vice Lords, Renegade Vice Lords, Seven (7) –Crown Syndicate Vice Lords, Unknown Vice Lords, and Warlords.
With their newfound territory, the gang was able to relocate its “hood capital” to 16th & Lawndale. This intersection became known as “Vice Lord City” and the gang would not only frequent the corner but also a pool hall in its immediate vicinity. The Lords would later purchase the pool hall, naming it the House of Lords and establishing it as the headquarters and office for the gang’s legitimate enterprises.
In 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his Southern Christian Leadership Council went to Lawndale to interact with its impoverished residents. Dr. King met with the Vice Lords on several occasions and may have solicited them to march with him in a later rally in the Marquette neighborhood.
In 1964, Alfonso Alford officially became the president of the VLs. Pep began to spend less time with the gang and more time with his family and thus, was asked step down (Dawley, 1992; pg. 53). However, Alford’s ascend to the top may have been a ruse to mislead law enforcement and hide Pep’s continued influence within the Nation.
Bobby Gore became vice president and also served as the gang’s spokesperson in media and social events. As a youth, Gore was a member of a rhythm and blues singing group called the Clevertones. The Clevertones joined a West Side gang called the Clovers. Bobby Gore was arrested, and the charged with murder on November 16th, 1969 (the victim was Thurman Williams). Gore served eleven years in Stateville Correctional Center.
In 1967, the Vice Lords were awarded federal funding and adopted the title Conservative Vice Lords, Inc. With a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation, the CVL’s were able to open several legitimate businesses and community establishments including Teen Town, House of Lords, Tenants Rights Action Group, Management Training Institute, and Tastee Freeez.
In the late 1960s, Vice Lord leaders included: Alfonso Alford; Jimie “Doc” Brown, and Warren Gilmore. Pep began to work for the Chicago Youth Action, an activist group, which had a million dollar a year budget. Due to his “positive” work with younger street gang members, he was invited to attend a “U.S. Youth Parley” as a delegate in June of 1967.
In 1969, the Vice Lords, Black P. Stones, and Black Gangster Disciples “united” to form a political coalition dubbed, LSDs. This coalition was actually a formal group signatory to the larger Coalition of United Community Action (CUCA), which was a large-scale community activist initiative with the intent on improving living conditions in Chicago’s ghettos. LSD members accompanied Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in a protest in Chicago’s Marquette Park neighborhood in 1967 and also protested alongside black political and religious leaders for equal housing and job opportunities.
Prior to the formation of the People alliance, the Vice Lords had a close relationship with the Blackstone Rangers. In fact one of the founders of the Vice Lords, Leonard Calloway, was cousin to co-founder of the Rangers, Eugene “Bull” Hairston. Some VLs would go to the South Side to “chill” or help out the Rangers in their gang activity in the mid-1960s (Dawley, 1992; pg. 32).
Bases of Operation: The Vice Lords had chapters on the South Side as early as the 1960s but the gangs main base of operation has always been the west side. From the heart of Lawndale, the gang spread to Garfield Park, Austin, Fifth City, and several housing projects: Cabrini-Green, Rockwell Gardens, Henry Horner Homes, Harrison Courts, and Lawndale Gardens. The VL’s really began to expand on the south side and north side in the 1980s in such neighborhoods as: Englewood, Grand Crossing, Bronzeville, Oakland-Kenwood, South Shore, Roseland, South Chicago, Chatham Heights, Auburn-Gresham, Gage Park, South Deering, and East Side as well as the housing projects of LeClaire Courts, Altgeld Gardens, and Washington Park Homes. Additionally, they expanded to north side neighborhoods such as Uptown, Albany Park, Edgewater and the Lathrop Homes. The VLs operate in dozens of Chicagoland suburbs and satellite states, some of which are not considered “official" or legitimate. By the 90's the gang had become a national "super gang" only outpaced by the Gangster Disciples and arguably the Latin Kings (as well as other California-based super gangs)
Method of Operation/Culture: The criminal culture of the early Vice Lords was typical of a late 1950s/early 1960s club: brawling (referred to as “humbugging” back then), robbing, stealing, and establishing a reputation. Sometime in the 1980's, Unknown Vice Lord chief, Willie Lloyd, wrote a new constitution, or book of "literature" for the entire Vice Lords Nation called: "The Amalgamated Order of Lordism." Vice Lords follow a doctrine of Islam which is derivitive of Moorish Science Temple of America and cite Noble Drew Ali as a "father" (who they equate to the Biblical Noah). However, most VL members do not actively practice Islam, but gang leaders use it as a propaganda/quasi-religious/fanatical tool. The Vice Lords, according to their literature, abide by 21 "supreme constitutional laws" (Knox and Papachristos, 2002), including the following: "death before dishonor," "code of silence," "business before pleasure," and "take no shorts." Additionally, the gang has 14 "keys", and 10 "commandments." They attend meetings (usually held weekly) called "goals" and "golden gatherings." Part of the "Lordism" concepts includes "concrete" or "fluid." Two Islamic concepts that VL's heavily rely on are the "Al-Fatiha" and "Holy Devine." This is akin to a prayer and oath for nation members.
The gang’s early attire consisted of the apparel of the day. Trenchcoats, slacks and a sweater or white button shirt were worn for the most part. Some members wore black capes with the word “vice lords” written in gold and an earring (Dawley, 1992: pg19). Today members wear everything from old jeans and black hooded sweatshirts to expensive suits. Most younger members try to keep up with the latest fashion, however some members wear cheap clothing. Dark clothing is preferred when hustling after dark, in order to avoid detection from police and adversaries. VLs wear University of Las Vegas (UNLV) (the letters UNLV stand for Vice Lord Nation United changed around), University of North Carolina (UNC) (the letters UNC stand for Universal Nation of Conservatives) sports apparel as well as Pittsburgh Penguins, and Pittsburgh Pirates, (for the colors gold and black as well as letter “P” standing for People) apparel. Older members of the gang usually wear casual clothing such as gator shoes, "kango" and “dabs” hats, trench-coats, and designer button-up shirts. In the winter, VL's (especially CVLs) wear bottom/tug hoods.
The gangs colors are Black (race), Gold (wealth). Nevertheless, VL's in cities where Bloods have a presence tend to wear red to identify with that gang. It is disputed that in subsequent "literatures" the color "red" was added as a war color, but Chicago VLs disregard this notion.
Vice Lords, like other Peoples/Brothers gangs greet each other with the slogans: "All is Well" and "Almighty." Also, one particular to them may be "Fluid Life." Vice Lords refer to each other as “Lord,” “family,” or “joe” (the latter two being non-particular to the gang). Principals that all gangs follow, but that are particular for VLs include being "on your square," and "opening a third eye." To show emphasis on a matter, VLs may put something “on the fin” “on chief” or “on the VL”. Individual factions may put something on the letters of their gang (i.e. “on the U” for Unknown Vice Lords). VLs are referred to as “hooks” by their enemies. This references the cane flipped upside down.
The Vice Lord’s main criminal involvement centers around the selling of narcotics. To this extent, large scale continuing criminal enterprise and conspiracy charges have been brought against certain leaders (and their underlings), some of which have been federal. The gang also engages in everything from graffiti to white-collar crimes such as mortgage and credit-card fraud. They have engaged in assault, battery, dog-fighting, gang-banging, loitering, arson, auto-theft, burglary, armed robbery, shootings, and murder. The gang has a large contingent within the correction facilities, and probably number somewhere between 20,000 to 30,000 (depending on if one considers the Four Corner Hustlers into the equation) throughout the United States.The gang has been featured in documentaries such as Gangland, American Gangster, and depicted in pop culture in movies such as First Time Felon.
Iconography: Leonard Calloway designed the Vice Lords’ original symbols, which consisted of the tophat, cane, gloves, and cigarette holder. The gang would later incorporate a martini glass and playboy bunny. After joining the People alliance, the Vice Lords adopted a Islamic code/doctrine, similar to that of and in accordance with the El Rukns/Black P. Stones. Thus, they adopted the Islamic "five-pointed" star and crescent moons. The five points of the star are the same for every gang within the People alliance and are: Truth Love Justice Freedom and Peace. Sometime in the early to mid 1980s, a book of "literature" was written, reportedly by Willie Lloyd, called the Almagamation. The word "ISLAM" was made into an acronym meaning "I Self Lord Am Master" Additionally, the word "ALLAH" meant "Arm Leg Leg Arm Head" (signifying the "body"). The Vice Lords new "Lordism" aslo recognized traditianly symbols with new meanings and definitions:
Top Hat: shelter/makes things happen
Cane: strength
Dice: hustle
Playboy Bunny: swiftness, silence,and smoothness
Champaign Glass: celebration/completion
White Gloves: purity
Additionally, the Vice Lords have adopted a five point(ed) star (with the five points being Love, Truth, Peace, Freedom, and Justice), an eye of Allah, diamond, circle of fire and number 7. Upon intially joining the People alliance, the VLs used a pyramid w/21 bricks which was in accordance with the El Rukns. However, this symbol was rarely "tagged" by the gang and some factions engaging in war with Black P. Stones have been known to "drop" or "break" the pyramid as a show of disrespect to the BPSN.
Hierarchy: When the Vice Lords first started, the gang’s top three leadership positions consisted of a three-tiered structure, which included the seniors, juniors, and midgets (pee-wees). Within the seniors, ranking positions included the president (chief), vice president, war counselor, enforcers, and regular members. As branches developed, they each incorporated the aforementioned ranking positions and some branches also developed their own unique positions. As the gang evolved, it developed a group dubbed the SCIA, which acted as a spy group- it spied on the operations of enemy gangs.
In the 1960s, the VLs went through vice presidents rather quickly. In May 1962, Henry Jones was shot in an altercation (Chicago Tribune, May 21st, 1962; pg. B1). The Seniors were, in actuality, the highest-ranked stratification within the VLN.
In the 1980s, the ranks changed significantly: At the top of each faction is the Supreme Universal 5 Star Elite, also known as a "king," or "supreme chief." There are also 3 Star Elites, Princes, and Ministers along with "soldiers" and "shorties."
Factions: Because of the nature of what can be thought of as a confederacy, there exists no gang whose title is "just" Vice Lords, or "Almighty" Vice Lords. That is simply the title of the collective unit, representative of the original gang's moniker. Vice Lords operate with factions. The factions are all considered legitimate (except those as a "money cliques" or "renegade offshoots")and operate with other factions in any particular locale and with another or several other factions in tandem. Several sets, or "decks" have members of different factons sharing the same block to hang, gang-bang, or more frequently, sell drugs. Members can "draw" off other's "decks", meaning a member of one faction, can be a "part of", known as being on "count", with a set that is predimonantly of a different faction. For example, a set consisting of 15 members of the Conservative Vice Lords can have 3 members of the Traveling Vice Lords on count or "plugged" with them. This simply means that they abide by the rules of that particular deck's leader(s). Drug money made by the "minority" faction members (plugged with the "majority" branch) may go to the top of that particular deck's leadership, and thus faction, or may go to the aforementioned "minority's" leaders. It als may be split up a certain way.
While all members of the VLN incorporate the same basic symbols (discussed in "Iconography"), some factions have their own special symbol, which are not mentioned in the offical nation's literature. For example, RVL's use a "batman symbol," MIVL's use a "globe," and UVL's use a "ghost/grim reaper." Individual factions also have thier own hand signs, used in addition to "nation" sign, feature the thumb, index, and middle figers forming the letters "VL". CVLs use the indx and thumb to form the "C"; TVLs incoporate the "VL" with one hand and all five fingers (hand/palm) atop it; MIVL's use the index fingers of each hand to form the "M"; UVL's form the "UVL" with the thumb, index, and middle fingers, ring finer down, and pinky finger raised; CIVL's use the index and middle fingers spread and placed in front of the member's eye; IIVL's use the left arm horizonally across the chest and the right arm about 6 inches below it, then changed so its reversed; UTVL's use the right hand forming a fist and the left hand gripping the forearm; RVL's use the index finger "crossed" around the middle finger, forming a small "r". There exists a "universal" VL handshake, whihc si considered the "original demonstration." Addtionally, factions may incorporate a variation to that original shake using their original symbols or handsign. Some members do "combined" handshakes when shaking up with another member from a different faction.
Cicero Insane Vice Lords: The Cicero Insane Vice Lords started around ____ . They are tight with the Mafia Insane Vice Lords and in the 2000s, many members flipped to become the MIVLs. They operated heavy in the Austin neighborhood on Chicago’s west side and Brainard Park area on the south side. The Chicago Crime Commission tells us: “Martin “King Bean” Rocket was once identified as chief of street operations. Lance “Godfather” Harris is a prince. Corey “Richie Rich” Gilmore was identified as a Five Star Universal Chief Elite. On June 12, 2004, Gilmore was shot 7 times and severely wounded. At the time of the shooting Gilmore had numeras Universal Elites working under his direction. Gilmore is believed to have connections to a large-scale supply-line of quality heroine.” Another major leader for the CIVLs is Anthony "AJ" Harris.
Conservative Vice Lords: Bobby Gore was released from prison and many VL requested become "king" of the organization, promising him that he would become filthy rich. He denied their request as he had now reformed and saw that they had become a "nation" of drug dealers with no real sense of purpose and community/national awareness. Willie Johnson and Samuel Smith became the new leaders with the turn of the decade from the 60s to 1970. In 1970, Willie Johnson , known in gang circles as “Minister Rico” and “Prince Raheem” was convicted of murder and sentenced to a 100-year term in prison. He currently resides in Tamms Correctional Center, where his ability to run the day-to-day operations of the Conservative Vice Lords is severely restrained, if not impossible. In a 1974 article describing a softball game between members of the Shakespeare District police and a North Side VL chapter, Steve Hanley is cited as a leader. He may have acted a street boss for a while Johnon was incarcerated.
By the late 80s and throughout the 90's and 2000's, Elbert "Pierre" Mahone became the street leader for the CVLs, holding the five star universal elite rank. He was said to had invested in many businesses, including the E2 nightclub. In 2000, he was kidnapped and murdered, reportedly by the New Breeds street gang. Kenneth “Shine” Shoulders was promoted to Five Star Supreme Elite after the murder of Elbert “Pierre” Mahone. He currently oversees street operations for the CVLs.
There are several high ranking second generation CVLs such as, “Tijuan Moore (“Ty- won”) said to be the biological son of Vice Lord founder “Peppilow”; Daniel Cole (“Duke”), the biological son of “Mahdi”; Thurman Frazier (“Qadir Muhammad”), the biological son of “Minister Rico” the current leader of the CVLN” (Knox, 2008).Other high-ranking CVLs are: Samuel "Shariff" Willis (Minnesota chapter), Calvin "Omar" Johnson, Soloman "Chairman" Montague, Eldridge "Moon" Robinson, Gerald Robinson, Willie "Big Will" Love, Lashawn "Twin" Lashley, and Curtis Fletcher. The Irby Family are also powerful players within the CVLN. Thomas Irby calls it for Calumet City, Illinois.
Though the oldest faction, the CVLs have had trouble recuriting younger members in some areas of the city, who view them as an "old man's gang." Members of this faction typicallly are true to the gang's moniker, and many high ranking CVLs don't appear to be gang bangers, often either wearing typical "blue collar" type clothing or expensive "player-type" apparrel. CVLs shared many of their "decks" with Four Corner Hustlers or Traveling Vice Lords. Their traditional enemy has been the Gangster Disciples, but in recent years wars were squashed between the two gangs in some areas of the city. On the north side and in some suburbs they have engaged in war with the likes of the Simon City Royals, Spanish Cobras, Spanish Gangster Disciples, Familia Stones, Black P. Stones, Latin Kings, Latin Eagles, Insane Deuces and Maniac Latin Disciples. They were also noted for a long standing war with the Mickey Cobras in the Cabrini-Green. Depending on the locale they may be at peace with, share sets with, or be in coflict with Black P. Stones. They were known for taxing all the gangs that operated within the Holy City borders, Roosevelt to Cermak, Pulaski to Kedzie, including the Gangster Disciples and New Breeds, which resulted in a instense war with the latter in the late 1990s and 2000s, and of course the assassination of Peirre. The gang was featured in the History Channel documentary "Gangland," where former leader Bobby Gore talking about his history and the path that the organization has taken. Some of the common slogans/concepts of the CVLs are "Big Ole C," "If you ain't Conservative you don't deserve to live," "3-22-12," and "C-Fluid or Concrete."
In addition to Holy City, the CVLs have controlled other sets in Lawndale, on West 16th Street , west of Pulasi, Carbini Green, Rockwell Gardens, Henry Horner Homes, Fifth City, Humboldt Park, East Garfield Park, and Austin. They have also controlled areas on the north side within Albany Park, Uptown, Edgewater, Lincoln Park, East Village, Lakeview, and Lathrop Homes. On the south side, some of the more tradional sets contrlled by the CVLs are in LecClaire Courts, Altgeld Gardens, Roseland, Grand Crossing, South Shore, Burnside, Calumet Heights, Woodlawn, Avalon Park, Auburn-Gresham, and Central Stickney. The area of 75th & Cottage Grove, known as "Fin Town," is considered the "headquarter set" for the south side CVLs.
Four Corner Hustlers: check out 4CH page for history and sets. The Four Corner Hustlers are still technically a VL "faction." However, the gang's size, particular culture, actions, and history deem it necessary to contribube a separate analysis; as such we have made a "page "for Four Corner Hustlers.
Imperial Insane Vice Lords: The Imperial Insane Vice Lords originated as the Imperial Chaplins by in the 50's. The founder the VLs, Pep, had actually been turned join when he sought to join this gang. After the VLs hit the streets in the late 50,s the Chaplains were on the their main rivals. The VLs eventually got the best of the Chaplains and forced them to "flip" VL, thus becoming Imperial Vice Lords. They operated in Lawndale for a while, but eventually spread to other places throughout the city. They became Imperial Insane Vice Lords in the 1970s. While traditoanlly a black gang, they have recruited Caucasian and Latino members in suburbs such as Joliet and Elgin as well as on the north side. Their main territory has been on the west side in teh Austin neighborhood around the area of Chicago Avenue & Austin as well as a couple of other west side spots. On the north side they controlled territory in the Albany Park and Uptown neighorboods, though most of these members would flip Conservative Vice Lords byteh early 2000s. They also have a small contingent in the South Shore neighborhood in the area of 71st & Jeffery. They have also controlled a building in the ABLA homes as welkl the aforementioned suburban sets and out of state chapters such as Memphis, Tennessee. Authorities believe that there are currently three Universal Five Star Elites for the Imperial Insane Vice Lords, also known as IIVLs or “Dub I’s.” The three are Joe “Lil Joe” Faulkner, Anthony Pettigrew, and Sammy Hodges. Sidney Hughes, also known as “Don Sid,” “Prince Symphony Sid” and “Prince Shy Ku Auton” in gang circles, ran operations for the organization from 1975 to 1981. He personally oversaw operations at 13th & Ashland in the ABLA homes. He is thought to be currently in an advisory role and released from prison. After Faulkner stepped down, Mathew “DJ” Williams was recognized as the gang’s leader (National leader), and remained in that position from 1981 to 2002. It is believed that he stepped down in 2002 to leave the gang to the aforementioned three leaders. John “China Joe” Lofton was recognized as a “don”, and “prince”, and an “enforcer” for the IIVLs. China Joe appeared on several documentaries such as Gangland and American Gangster discussing his role in the Vice Lord organization. His heroin addiction and age have kept from ascending to the national leader position. His brother, Leonard Lofton, is also a high ranking member. Members of this gang frequently tag a Roman numeral II, symbolizing the "Dub I" in additional to traditional VL symbols.
Insane Vice Lords: The Insane Vice Lords wre founded by a group of youth in the Austin neighborhood near Madison & Cicero. Their original title was Apache Vice Lords and their first recognized chief was Bennie Lee. Throughout the years, many members of this gang wuld flip to other "insane" factions, such as the IIVLs, or MIVLs. Bennie retired from gang life in the early 90s and left a few soldiers under the leadership of "Little Tim." In the early 2000s, this gang was "taken off of dynasty" and members were told to all flip to either IIVL or MIVL, which they did. However, there exists a contigent following in Detroit, Michigan and perhaps other states within the U.S. that stil rep "IVL."
Mafia Insane Vice Lords: The Mafia Insane Vice Lords began in the correctioal facilities. They were founded by a young chief of a preexisting faction called the Central Insane Vice Lords, Troy Martin. The purpose of the formation was initially to unite all of the factions which incorporated the "Insane" brick or dynasty (faction/surname). The theory was that since since the Central Insane branch had been the first "Insane" branch, they had the legiticimy of starting a "unified Insane nation." However, older more established leaders such as King Bean of the Cicero Insane VLs and DJ of the Imperial Insane VLs refused this offer. Nevertheless, the MIVLs grew at a significant pace, establishing their initial base around the area of Madison & Cicero. Today, they are the third largest VL faction (not counting the Four Corner Hustlers, who by this time had considered themselves a separate nation in most circles). and retain control of a large portion of West Garfield Park and Austin known as "Dark Side." They also control turf in Austin along North Avenue, known as "Death Row." The Mafias also have control of swathe of the Bronzeville/Grand Boulevard area, in which their headquarters, an 18 story project building, was located. They also have a small contigent in South Shore area along Exhange Street as well as a small contingent in the Fuller Park neighborhood. In about 1999/2000 the project building (known as "4120", a part of the Washington Homes scattered sites) was condemned and later demolished. Death Row became the new headquarters.
In 2004, authorities arrested dozens of MIVLs in Operation Day Trader 2, including Troy Martin, known in gang circles as “King Troy” or “KT,” the leader of the organization. His number two man and the “prince” for the MIVLs was Derrick “Skullbone” Griffin. He was once the personal security man/chief enforcer for a high-ranking 4CH and narcotics giant, Rufus “Weasal” Sims. Calvin “Chief Goob” Hunt oversaw a large narcotics distribution ring in the late 80s and mid-to-late 1990s along North Avenue. Kenneth “Ken” Myrick and Lenorris “B” Bolden were both Five Star Universal Chief Elites under Hunt. Lee “Twin” Day is a “prince” and was responsible for their street level growth in the mid-1980s and early 1990s. He was identified as King Troy Martin’s right hand man at one time. He is currently incarcerated in federal prison. He had a murder conviction that was overturned and he was released from the Illinois Department of Corrections. Gregory “Mafia Boo” Hudgins was a Five Star Universal Elite and Chief of MIVL operations. He oversaw four narcotics locations and was arrested in May 2004. Wesley “Ke Ke” Hawkins was originally a Conservative Vice Lord but flipped Mafia Insane Vice Lords in the mid-1990s. He is also a Five Star Universal Elite oversaw drug spots on the west side in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He is considered a dangerous man and gets respect by other MIVLs (Chicago Crime Commission, 2006).
In 2006, police launched two other operations against the Mafia’s in Operation Borrowed Time and Operation La Luna, which cracked down on sales in the “L-Town” section of the west side. In 2007, more operations were launched against the Mafias including Operation Iron Hammer, which tackled drug dealers at the corner of West End and Laporte.
Throughout the early 2000's the MIVL engaged in a war with the 4CH's in Austin. to that end, the Mafia moniker was acronyzed to "Murder All Fours In America." They've also engaged in hostilities with the Conservative and Undertaker Vice Lords in different portions of Austin. On the south side, the Mafias are enemies with Gangster Disciples, but much more so with Black P. Stones. They are known for "cracking" the pyramid upside down. They use a "globe" symbol in their iconography, which is unique to the faction. In addition to the traditional "VL" handsign, they also use an "M" handsign, in which the index fingers of each hand are curved to make the "M" symbol. They've also engaged in war with the Mickey Cobras within the Fuller Park area and Undertaker Vice Lords within the Austin neighborhood. They have alos had some hostilities with CVLs. Throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, many members of the Cicero Insane Vice Lords flipped Mafia, as the gang aggresively took turf with a "get down or lay down" policy. Nevertheless, there are some Mafias who shared territory with other branches suchas in Leclaire Courts in throughout certain parts of Austin.
Renegade Vice Lords: The RVLs started in the Rockwell Gardens housing projects in the mid-1980s. Their original chief was “Spot.” He was later killed. According to the Chicago Crime Commission, Dewayne “Popalo” Thornton was a Chief Enforcer at the time of his brother’s death (the former Nation Chief). He became the next chief of the Renegades. Ivory (Ali “I” Allah) Dillard is a 5 Star Universal Elite from the Rockwell Gardens Housing Development. Willie Jones is also a high ranking member.
Traveling Vice Lords: The Traveling Vice Lords (TVLs), also known as the Travelers, began in the early 1960s in the Lawndale neighborhood. Throughout the 1970s, they spread their operations to Harrison Courts and surrounding area as well as the Austin neighborhood. A tremendous growth was experienced at this time as the TVLs were led by "King Neal." Neal was later killed in the 80s. Later a new leader would emerge, "King" James Milton. He was reportedly killed in about 1997 on the south side in a drug related murder. IN the mid-90s, the TVLs were clearly the second largest VL faction (not counting the Four Corner Hustlers, who by this time had considered themselves a separate nation in most circles). Several leaders emerged afterwards; the list of the TVL hierarchy goes as follows: Andre “Bay Bay” Patterson, a 5 Star Universal Supreme Chief Elite was sentenced to life in prison for running a multimillion-dollar crack cocaine and heroin operations on Chicago’s west side. Robert Patterson was also convicted for his role in running the major operation., which was estimated to bring in at least $36 million dollars over a four year period. Other leaders include: Samuel “Spanky” Barnes, Jettie “Bo Didley” Williams, Eddie “Cisco” Wells, Terry “T-Fly” Young, Darren “Fat Man” Jones, Edward Lee “Pac Man” Jackson Jr., M. L. Moore, Alexdaner Ramos, Cornelius Tripp, and James P. Young.
The TVLs, much like 4 Corner Hustlers, abide by the "solid" concept. Members of this particular faction wear Texas Rangers insignia. The gang is was heavly active in Henry Horner Homes and Rockwell Gardens, but their buildings were demolished in the 2000's. They also have an influence in East Garfield Park, Lawndale, Austin, Uptown, South Chicago, and Roseland. Thhey share much of the "Holy City" territory in the Lawndawle area with the Conservative Vice Lords, which is the headquarters/motherland for the Vice Lords.
How much money did the TVLs make from illegal drug sales just from 1992 to 1997 alone? Millions. After the leadership was convicted in 1999, prosecutors petitioned the court to seize over $6 million in property and assets. Mohammad Monsoori was the principle supplier of drugs to the Traveling Vice Lords. Monsoori , an Iranian national, was convicted along the TVL leadership in 1999, and sentence to life in federal prison. In 2003, hoping to get a reduced sentence, he gave an interview to the F.B.I., apparently becoming an informant for current and/or future indictment purposes. Monsoori, along with partners Hoosain Esfahani and Amir Hosseini, laundered millions in a car dealership. The latter two were later convicted on a slew of charges. Young propelled through the ranks of the TVLs because of his connection with Monsoori. As he enriched his coffers, his status too increased.
In 1999, Mark Cox, a lieutenant of Terry Young, was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the Traveler’s lucrative drug trade. Cox, who also went by the name Anthony Prince, served as a 3 Star Elite within the gang.
In the early 2000s, a subfaction of TVLs called the "Outlaw Lunatic" TVLs emerged, led led reportedly by "Baby June", the son of King Neal. They were able to flip many younger members of the TVLs into this clique, thoough it is not a recognized faction. The gang was able to flip many members of the TVLs and 4CHs and formed a strong base in the Rockell Gardens houding projects as well in Austin, along Central Avenue along with other contigents elsewhere. Many members have flipped "back" TVL recently.
In 2006, the BGs and TVLs warred hard, resulting in at least 19 fatalities on the west side. The feud was primarily over drug turf and it forced the Chicago Police Department set up a special task force to curb the violence between the two gangs. After the Rockwell Gardens and their base in the Henry Horner Homes was demolished, the gang faced additional woes.
Undertaker Vice Lords: The Undertaker Vice Lords were founded in the Austin neighborhood in the 1970s. Eddie “Hi Nif” Richardson is the king and founder the Undertakers, or UTVLs. He is currently serving a federal sentence for a conviction in a criminal drug conspiracy case in 1994. Curt Kirkland was also instrumental in laying the foundation for the UTVLN. His ranking status was that of a King, prince, or chief. Carman “Redman” Tate was the original Prince and Chief. Tate was a narcotics specialist and he’s currently serving a lengthy federal sentence. Their leadership structure is currently divided into “generations.” Kevin Dockery is the “3rd Generation” King while Joseph Westmoreland is the “4th Generation” King. In the late 1990's, the UTVLs engaged in sparodic warfare with the Mafia Insane Vice Lords in for control of the Cicero Avenue corridor. The gang has traditionally controlled Cicero from the Eisenhower Expressway to about West Jackson, from Kilpatrick to Laramie, in an area called the "Graveyard."They also have a couple of spots in northern region of Austin as well as as territory in Lawndale, shared with Conservative Vice Lords and Four Corner Hustlers. The gang uses a cross with five slashes and a tombstone in addition to traditional VL symbols.
Unknown Vice Lords: Willie Lloyd founded the Unknown Vice Lords (also known as “Knowns,” and “Ghosts”) in the early 1960s on 16th & Drake. The name of the gang was made by Lloyd after reading newspaper articles describing crimes committed by Vice Lords as “unknown” assailants. Lloyd , aliases: “Uqdah (Utha)” and "Willie Lord," was jailed in the 70’s for killing an Iowa trooper, which created enmity between him and law enforcement to this day. He was ordained the Lords “official spokesman” of the Vice Lord Nation sometime in the late 80’s, and is credited with writing the gangs literature. and eventually grew to become its “king of kings,” apparently over the factions as well. After his release from prison in the early ’90s, Lloyd took over operations on the streets again, taxing many high ranking members for dealing drugs, which angered some. He went back to prison on weapons charges in 1992. During Lloyd’s incarceration, the Unknowns grew in large part to “Baby Ty” Tyrone Williams, who became the leader on the streets. On March 23, 1993, Willie Lyold had Baby Ty’s brother, Cordell Williams, kidnapped and held for ransom for the purpose of extorting money and a vehicle from Tyrone Williams. This resulted in a shootout in broad daylight on the Eisenhower Expressway as Lloyd and his entourage encountered Williams’. On March 27, 1993, the Williams brothers were taken into custody for the shooting of Victor Nichols on the eastbound Eisenhower Expressway.
In prison, he experienced an epiphany about gang life and its consequences. Released in 2001, he publicly retired from the gang he’d led for decades and embarked on a crusade to turn kids away from the life – forming an organization called The Cease Fire Project and even lecturing at DePaul and other prestigious universities. In February 2001,Lloyd was released from the federal institution in Bastrop, Texas. On August 20th, 2003, he was shot six times near Garfield Park, the third assassination attempt on the “king of kings.” Paralyzed from this incident, most sources assert that he officially retired (if he hadn’t been already). The Dirty Unknown Vice Lords came to be affiliated with Baby Ty. Meanwhile Derrick "Duck" Johnson became the leader for the Unknown Vice Lords (Willie Lloyd's branch). The UVLs continue to dominate the West Garfield Park area, dubbed, “Ghost Town” as well as other selected locales within the city. There also exists a sub-faction of this gang known as the Dirty Unknown Vice Lords, who operate within Austin.
The UVLS have historically controlled an area in Garfield Park called "Ghost Town"; also within the area were CHA housing project buildings referred to as "The Hole." In the early 2000s, Gangster Disciples were able to take control of most of these buildings until they were later razed. They also have a contigent inthe Humbolst Park neighborhood along Chicago Avenue, along with small sets scattered throughout the west side in Austin, Lawndale, Fifth City, and West Humboldt Park along with a small contingent in the Grand Crossing neighborhood in the south side. The gang uses a "ghost or grim reaper" symbol in addition to the other VL symbols. There also exists a "renegade" group called the Dirty UVLs who operated in the Austin neighborhood. Derrick "Duck" made the Dirty UVLN flip into the UVLN. Willie Lloyd as of January 2010 was made a Minister of Justice, introducing the new position of power.
known sets:
Thorndale & Clark/Clark & Ridge (CVLs)
Argyle & Sheridan (CVLs)?
Argyle & Kedzie/Carmen & Spaulding (CVLs)
Leland & Central Park (CVLs)
Leland & Beacon (IIVLs)
Leland & Magnolia (CVLs) & (TVLs)
<_”Uptown Lords,” Montrose to Wilson, Broadway to Clarendon
Wilson & Broadway (CVLs)
Wilson & Sheridan (CVLs)
Agatite to Winsdor & Hazel (CVLs) (shared w/4CHs)
Sunnyside & Clarendon (Clarendon Park)(TVLs)_>
Lathrop Homes near Diversy & Clybourn (shared w/BPS, MCs, and LKs)
Wabansia & Long (TVLs)
Wabansia & Cicero (TVLs)
<_”Deathrow,” North Ave., Austin to Cicero
North Ave. & Austin (MIVLs)
North Ave. to Cortland & Mayfield (MIVLs)
North Ave. & Lorel (CVLs) & (MIVLs)
North Ave. & Cicero (TVLs)_>
North Ave. & Vine (CVLs) (shared w/4CHs)
LeMoyne & Linder (MIVLs)
Potomac & Lavergne (IIVLs)
Potomac & Cicero (MIVLs)
Potomac & Pulaski (UVLs)
Evergreen & Homan (CVLs)
Evergreen & Hudson/Sedgwick in the Marshall Fields Apts. (CVLs) (shared w/Black P. Stones and Mickey Cobras)
Crystal to Evergreen & Leavitt “Eastville” (CVLs) (shared w/Black P. Stones)
Division & Lawndale (CVLs)
Division & Milwaukee “Noble Square” (CVLs) (shared w/Gangster Disciples)
Augusta & Kilpatrick (TVLs)
Augusta & Monticello (CVLs) & (MIVLs)
Augusta & Central Park (UVLs)
Augusta & Willard (CVLs)
Walton & Lamon (“Dirty” UVLs)
Iowa & Latrobe (UVLs)
Iowa & Springfield (CVLs)
Iowa & Sawyer (UVLs)
Chicago & Austin (IIVLs)
Chicago & Laramie (CVLs)
Chicago & LeClaire (“Dirty” UVLs)
Chicago & Levergne (UTVLs)
Chicago & Cicero (CIVLs) & (MIVLs)
<_”The Ave.,” “Demon Side,” and “VL City” Chicago, Keystone to Spaulding
Chicago & Keystone (CVLs)
Chicago & Ridgeway (CVLs)
Chicago & Lawndale (CVLs), (TVLs) & (UVLs)
Chicago & Drake (TVLs)
Chicago & Central Park (UVLs)
Chicago & Trumball (TVLs)
Chicago & St. Louis (TVLs)_>
Superior & Cicero (MIVLs)
Huron to Superior & Kilpatrick (CIVLs)
Erie & Cicero (IIVLs) & (UVLs)
Ohio & Lavergne (UVLs)
Ohio & Cicero (MIVLs) & (UTVLs)
Ohio & Avers/Ohio & Hamlin (CVLs)
Ohio & Kedzie (TVLs)
Race & Laramie (UTVLs)
Ferdinand & Hamlin/Avers (CVLs)
Maypole & Kilpatrick (UVLs)
Fulton & Laramie (UVLs)
Fulton & Lacrosse (MIVLs)
Fulton & Hamlin (MIVLs)
Lake & Cicero (MIVLs)
Lake & Wood in the Henry Horner Homes “The Hornets” (CVLs) & (RVLs) (shared w/4CHs)
Maypole & Kilbourn (CVLs)
Maypole & Karlov (CVLs) (shared w/4CHs)
West End & Lacrosse (MIVLs)
Washington & Cicero (MIVLs)
Washington & Kilbourn (MIVLs)
Madison & Menard (MIVLs)
Madison & Waller (MIVLs)
Madison & Lotus (MIVLs)
Madison & Lamon (MIVLs)
Madison & Kildare (RVLs)
Madison & Springfield (TVLs)
Monroe & Lavergne (MIVLs) & (“Outlaw Lunatic” TVLs)
Monroe & Leamington (“Outlaw Lunatic” TVLs)
Adams & Levergne (MIVLs)
Adams & Kilpatrick (UTVLs)
Jackson & Western (TVLs)
<_”The Graveyard,” Van Buren to Harrison, Laramie to Kilpatrick
Van Buren & Cicero (UTVLs) & (CVLs)
Gladys & Cicero (UTVLs)
Congress & Cicero "Courtway Building" (UTVLs)
Flourney & Cicero (UTVLs)_>
<”Ghost Town,” Congress to Monroe, Homan to Kedzie
Monroe & Homan (UVLs)
Jackson & Central Park (UVLs)
Fifth & Homan (UVLs)_>
<_”VL City,” Congress to Monroe & Central
Monroe & Central (TVLs) & (CVLs)
Quincy & Central (TVLs) & (CVLs)
Van Buren & Central (“Outlaw Lunatic” TVLs)
Gladys & Central (“Outlaw Lunatic” TVLs)
Congress & Central (“Outlaw Lunatic” TVLs)_>
Harrison & Central (TVLs)
<_”Harrison Boys,” some of which in the Harrison Courts, Harrison to Polk, Sacramento to Campbell
Harrison & Sacramento (TVLs)
Flourney & California (TVLs)
Lexington & California (TVLs)
Lexington & Campbell (TVLs)_>
Harrison to Roosevelt & Albany “Straight Off Albany/S.O.A.” (TVLs)
Polk & Kedzie (UVLs)
Filmore & Homan (TVLs)
Grenshaw & Central Park (TVLs)
Roosevelt & Sacramento (CVLs)
Roosevelt & Francisco/Mozart (CVLs)
Roosevelt & California (TVLs)
13th & Lawndale (TVLs)
16th Street, Kedvale to Komensky (CVLs), (UTVLs) (shared w/4CHs)
<_”Holy City,” 16th to Cermak, Pulaski to Homan
16th & Ridgeway (CVLs)
16th & Lawndale (CVLs)
16th to Ogden & Central Park (CVLs) & (TVLs)
16th to Ogden & Drake (CVLs)& (TVLs)
16th & St. Louis (TVLs)
18th to 19th & Harding (CVLs)
18th & Hamlin (“Outlaw Lunatic” TVLs)
19th & Ridgeway (CVLs)
21st & Trumball (CVLs)& (TVLs)
21st & St. Louis (TVLs)
21st & Homan (UVLs)
Cermak & Millard (CVLs)_>
18th to 19th & Kedzie (TVLs)
25th Street, California to Rockwell in the Rockwell Gardens (shared w/Black P. Stones)
41st & Princeton (MIVLs)
<_”Mafia Town,” 40th to 43rd, Wabash to Calumet
42nd & Indiana (MIVLs)
43rd & Wabash (MIVLs)
43rd & Prairie/Calumet (MIVLs)_>
<_”LeClaire Courts and area,” 43rd to 47th, Laramie to Cicero
43rd & Cicero (CVLs) (shared w/4CHs)
44thpl. & Laporte (CVLs)
45th & LaCrosse (CVLs)
45th & LeClaire (CVLs) & (MIVLs)
47th & Cicero_>
47th Street, Drexel to Ellis “The Low End” (CVLs)
57th & Artesian (CVLs)
57th & Hoyne “Lordsville” (CVLs)
59th & Winchestor “J Town” (53rd to 60th, Winchestor)(CVLs)
60th & St. Lawrence (MIVLs)
71st & Winchestor (CVLs)
71st & Jeffery (IIVLs)
73rd & Cottage Grove “Cottage Mob” (UVLs)
73rd & Stony Island area "Rock Island" (CVLs) (shared w/BPS and 4CHs)?
74th & Racine (CVLs)
<_”Fin Town,” 74th to 76th, King Dr. to Chicago Skyway
75th & Eberhart (CVLs)
75th & Cottage Grove (CVLs)
75th & Ingleside (CVLs)
76th & Ellis (CVLs)_>
79th & Seely (CVLs)
79th & Sangamon “Rock Island” (CVLs)
79th & Coles (RVLs)
81stpl. to 83rd & Exchange (MIVLs)
82nd & Coles (MIVLs)
<_”Bad Black Brothers/Death Row,” 81st to 83rd, Saginaw to Exchange
81st & Manistee (CVLs)
82nd & Escanaba (CVLs)
83rd & Burnham (CVLs) _>
85th & Bennett (CVLs)?
87th & Wood (CVLs) ?
89th & Marshfield (CVLs)
89th & Langley “Nuke Side” (CVLs)
91st & Colfax (TVLs)?
<_”Machateville,” 89th to 95th, Loomis to Throop
90th to 92nd & Ada (CIVLs)
91st & Loomis (CVLs) & (CIVLs)
94th & Loomis (MIVLs)
94th & Throop (CIVLs)_>
101st & Cottage Grove in the London Townhomes (shared w/Black P. Stones)
104th & Racine (TVLs)
107th & Champlain (CVLs) (shared w/4CHs)
107th & Eggleston (CVLs)
107th & Normal (TVLs)
107th & Racine (CVLs)
112th & Perry/113th & Wentworth (CVLs)
113th & Edbrooke (TVLs)
117th & Normal (CVLs)
133rd Street in the Altgeld Gardens (CVLs) & (TVLs)
. Addison,IL (CVLs)
. Arlington Heights,IL (CVLs)
. “East Side Dubs” in Aurora, IL (IIVLs)
. Beloit, IL (TVLs)
. Bellwood,IL (CVLs) & (TVLs)
. Blue Island,IL (CVLs)
. Calumet City,IL (CVLs)
. Champaign,IL (CVLs)
. Chicago Heights,IL (CVLs)
. Cicero, IL (MIVLs)
. Danville,IL (CVLs)
. Decatur,IL (CVLs) & (MIVLs)
. Dolton,IL (CVLs)
. East St.Louis,IL (CVLs)& (RVLs)
. “Burnham Mill” in Elgin,IL (CVLs) & (IIVLs)
. Evanston,IL (CVLs)
. Ford Heights,IL (CVLs)
. Galesburg,IL (CVLs)
. 151st street, Halsted to Wood "Gold City", Harvey,IL (CVLs)
. (CVLs); Landau & Columbia “Dub City” (IIVLs) , Collins & Benton “East
Bay”(MIVLs), McDonough & Joliet St. (MIVLs) in Joliet, IL
. “Sunset Apts.” in Justice,IL (CVLs)
. Kankakee,IL (CVLs)
. Lasalle County, IL (MIVLs)
. Maywood,IL (CVLs) & (TVLs)& (UVLs)
. Oak Park,IL (CVLs)
. Peoria,IL "P-Town" (CVLs)
. Riverdale,IL (CVLs)
. Robbins,IL (CVLs)
. Rockford,IL (CVLs) & (MIVLs)& (TVLs)& (UVLs)
. Skokie,IL (CVLs)
. Summit ,IL (CVLs)
. Waukegan,IL(CVLs)
. Westmont, IL(CVLs)
. Denver, CO (CVLs)
. Greenwich (CVLs) and Hartford, CT (CVLs)
. East Chicago(CVLs)and Gary, IN "G.I." (CVLs) & (IIVLs) & (MIVLs), Glen Park,(IIVLs, and Indianapolis "Nap-Town" , IN (CVLs)
. Des Moines, IA (CVLs)
. Kansas City, KS (CVLs)
. Louisville, KY (CVLs)
. Detroit (CVLs)& (IVLs) and Flint, MI(CVLs)
. Minneapolis and St.Paul, MN (CVLs)
. Lincoln, NB (CVLs)
. New Jersey (CVLs)
. Dayton, OH (CVLs)
. Memphis, TN (CVLs) & (IIVLs) & (MIVLs)
. Beloit, Milwaukee,and Racine, WI (CVLs)
. other sets throughout the USA
. Toronto,Canada (CVLs)?
Former sets:
Ainslie & Kedzie (IIVLs)
Clybourn & Sheffield (CVLs)
Oak & Hudson in Cabrini Green (CVLs)
Evergreen & Hoyne (CVLs)
Jackson & Lockwood (CVLs)
Fifth & Central Park/Congress & Central Park "The Hole" (UVLs)
Iowa & Cicero (CIVLs)
Potomac & Cicero (CIVLs)
Superior & Cicero(CIVLs)
Lake & Cicero (CIVLs)
West End & Lacrosse (CIVLs)
13th & Ashland (IIVLs)
16th & Drake (UVLs)
44th & Evans in the Washigton Park Homes (CVLs)
49th & Lockwood “Low End” (CVLs)
51st & Laflin “C-City” (CVLs)
53rd & Lockwood “Crossroads” (CVLs)
61st & Neenah (CVLs)
63rd & Artesian (CVLs)
87th & Jeffery (CVLs)
111th & Michigan (CVLs)
Trumbull Park Homes (CVLs)
79th & Rutherford in Burbank, IL (CVLs)
89th & Muskeegan (CVL)
Cicero, IL (CIVLs)
Marion & Roberts Rd. in Justice, IL (CVLs)
Sources:
The Corner VHS documentary recording
Dawley, David. A Nation of Lords: The Autobiography of the Vice Lords.
New Republic. Vol. 159, Issue 1. 6 July 1968. “South Side Story”
Knox, George W. Gang Profile Update: The Black P. Stone Nation (BPSN).
Knox, George and Andrew V. Papachristos. The Vice Lords: A Gang Profile Analysis. (New
Chicago School Press: Peotone, IL), 2002
Sale, R. T. The Blackstone Rangers: A Reporter's Account of Time Spent with the Street
Gang on Chicago's South Side (Random House: New York), 1971.