My travel story in 2025 for the mosques in Chicago | Chicago is home to the second-largest Muslim community in the United States
Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful).
They say Chicago has the most beautiful skyline in all of America, and you’d better believe it. Gaze at the city from the north or south along the shore of Lake Michigan—which feels more like an ocean, Subhan'Allah—and you'll be captivated by a stunning tapestry of skyscrapers. The crown jewel of that skyline, the one that really catches your eye, is the 442-meter tall, black Sears Tower. When it was built, it was the tallest kid on the block. But what most people don't know is that the tower's chief architect was a brother in Islam, a devout Muslim.
Fazlur Rahman Khan, a Bengali-American structural engineer, was the genius behind the structural systems for both the Sears Tower and the John Hancock Center. For his work, he’s hailed as the "father of the tubular design" for high-rises and was a pioneer in Computer-Aided Design (CAD). And Fazlur Khan is hardly the only Chicago Muslim to earn worldly acclaim. Just ask about Dr. Hussein Abd Al-Sattar, a professor of pathology at the University of Chicago Medical School, often called the father of American pathology. To the local Muslim community, he is even better known for his deep taqwa (God-consciousness). Dr. Sattar, now in his 50s, came to Chicago with his parents from Pakistan back in the '80s. Alhamdulillah (all praise is due to God), the city of Chicago alone is a powerful answer to those who ask what Islam or Muslims have done for the modern world.
The success of these two men from South Asia is no fluke; it reflects how the city has been a magnet for immigrants seeking to build a new life. The pioneers of Chicago’s ummah (Muslim community) were the Bosnians and Arabs, who had already established their own Muslim associations in the early 20th century. The history of Palestinians in Chicago is especially prominent; in fact, Cook County is affectionately known as “America’s Palestinian hometown.” Palestinian Muslims began their hijra (migration) to Chicago in the early 1900s, and the political turmoil following the establishment of Israel in 1948 brought even more. By the late 1940s, Palestinians began to put down roots and build a community in Bridgeview, on the edge of the South Side's African-American neighborhoods. If you ask any local where to find “Little Palestine,” they’ll point you straight to Bridgeview. Other Arab Muslims who were not Palestinian started arriving in the mid-1950s.
Head over to the north side, to Devon Avenue, and you'll find a place locals have nicknamed “Little India.” Walking down Devon, surrounded by all kinds of halal South Asian restaurants, supermarkets, and Islamic bookstores, you know right away you’re in a South Asian Muslim enclave. It is here that Dr. Sattar, seeking to spread 'ilm (sacred knowledge), established his own masjid (mosque) and learning center: the Sacred Learning Center.
Today, Chicago is home to the second-largest Muslim community in the United States, a true testament to the barakah (blessings) of this city. Since the 1965 immigration reforms, the diversity of the local Muslim community has blossomed. In just forty years, from the 1960s onward, the number of masjids in the Greater Chicago area skyrocketed from a mere five to over one hundred. South Asian Muslims, in particular, have had a profound impact on community institutions in recent years. More than half of the region's mosques primarily serve a South Asian congregation, with several of these located in suburbs where the income is well above the regional average.
Beyond that, Masha'Allah (as God has willed), Chicago has built a complete ecosystem of Muslim educational institutions, from kindergarten all the way up to university. This deep commitment to tarbiyah (Islamic education and upbringing) is on full display every year when Chicago hosts the national forum for Muslim school educators.
The Story of the First Minaret in Chicago
Islamic Cultural Center of Greater Chicago (ICCGC)
1800 Pfingsten Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062
The story of this community began way back in 1906, when our Bosnian brothers and sisters founded the "Muslim Mutual Aid and Benevolent Society of Illinois" (Muslimansko Potpomagajuce Drustvo Dzemijetul Hajrije) in the city's Near North Side. Masha'Allah, it stands today as the oldest Muslim organization in the entire history of the United States. Fast forward to the 1970s, the original Bosnian masjid (mosque) on North Halsted Street packed up and moved to the northern suburb of Northbrook. The new center was given a name reflecting its broader mission: the "Islamic Cultural Center of Greater Chicago."
On Saturday, September 8, 1974, a groundbreaking ceremony was held on a little over two acres of land, a blessed day attended by representatives from both the Muslim and non-Muslim communities. By the grace of Allah, Phase I of the center—which included administrative offices, a library, classrooms for weekend school, a nursery, and a social hall—officially opened its doors on March 21, 1976.
The call to build a proper house of worship grew stronger, and on June 29, 1984, the community broke ground for Phase II: the masjid and its minaret. This second phase, completed in 1988, added a beautiful musalla (prayer hall) that could hold 500 worshipers, a lecture hall for 200, and a towering minaret—the first and, at that time, the only one in the entire state of Illinois. Allahu Akbar (God is the Greatest).
The first Imam (spiritual leader) of the center was a Bosnian, Kamil Avdich, who served the ummah (community) faithfully until his passing in December 1979. May Allah grant him Jannah (paradise). The center's most famous Imam, however, has to be Dr. Mustafa Cerić, a real heavy-hitter in Bosnia and Herzegovina with massive influence in both religious and political circles. From 1993 to 2012, Dr. Cerić served as the Grand Mufti of Bosnia and Herzegovina and even ran for a seat on the Bosnian presidency in 2014.
Today, the center’s members come from many different backgrounds, though the majority are still from Bosnia, Montenegro, and other parts of the Balkans. It's a sad reality, though, that most of the time you’ll find the doors to this beautiful masjid locked outside of the prescribed prayer times.
“Little Palestine” of Bridgeview
Take a drive southwest from downtown Chicago into Bridgeview, and before you know it, you’re in Little Palestine. It's a dead giveaway. Just drive down Harlem Avenue in the heart of the Bridgeview community, and you'll see Arabic script everywhere—on signs for shops, law offices, barbers, and restaurants.
The Palestinian presence in this city goes way back to the 1890s. The first arrivals were willing to get their hands dirty, taking any job they could find and selling goods in the city's undeveloped areas. Their early success laid the groundwork for the waves of Palestinians to come. It’s no surprise, then, that in the wake of the 1948 Nakba (The Catastrophe), when over 700,000 Palestinians were tragically displaced from their homeland, a good number of them came here to settle. Today, Cook County is home to more than 22,000 Palestinians—more than anywhere else in the United States.
The shopping plazas in Little Palestine have a flavor all their own. The signs are proudly written in both Arabic and English. You can easily find authentic Arab sweet shops, sizzling shawarma joints, and stores selling traditional clothing and everyday goods. But it’s more than just commerce; it's a community that wears its heart on its sleeve. The walls outside shops are often adorned with posters of the Shahada (the declaration of faith) and beautiful du'as (prayers). Inside, you’ll find information on how to give sadaqa (charity) to support those in Palestine and messages of unwavering solidarity.
Sometimes, even the food carries a deeper meaning. One fried chicken joint in the neighborhood, in an act of defiant creativity, named its chicken tenders the “Gaza Strips.” They are not afraid to make their stance known, doing what they can to give you a gut-punch of a reminder of the ethnic cleansing happening in Gaza as we speak.
The first local masjid in this area, now known as the Mosque Foundation, got its start in 1954. In 1982, it set up a new home in the southwest suburb of Bridgeview and later added two state-accredited Muslim schools. Subhan'Allah (glory be to God), the Mosque Foundation is a magnificent sight. It’s the anchor of the neighborhood, and it seems like most of the villas surrounding it are owned by Muslims—it's a common sight to spot a beautiful piece of calligraphy with an ayah (verse) from the Qur'an posted on the front doors.
Even though it’s a good ways from downtown, come Dhuhr (noon prayer) time, the main prayer hall is packed to the gills with brothers standing shoulder-to-shoulder. Right next to the mosque's courtyard, you’ll find its affiliated Islamic elementary school, the Aqsa School, and a Muslim high school, the Universal School. Together, they provide a private K-12 education where students dive deep into Islamic studies, the Arabic language, and the Holy Qur'an. The school's motto says it all: "Where Islam and Education Come Together."
Muslim Foundation
Villa Park and Lombard
Out in the western suburbs of Chicago, Villa Park and Lombard are home to a booming Muslim population. The two crown jewels of the community out here are the Islamic Foundation and Masjid DarusSalam.
Islamic Foundation of Villa Park
300 W Highridge Rd, Villa Park, IL 60181
The Islamic Foundation (IF) was established in 1974 to serve the ummah in Chicago's western suburbs. The Islamic Foundation Masjid is considered one of the largest in North America, a massive project that was completed in 1998 after three years of construction. Today, the campus is the whole nine yards: it includes a bookstore, a library, a community center, a hall for banquets and lectures, a modern kitchen, conference rooms, and offices for the foundation's staff.
Their commitment to tarbiyah (Islamic upbringing) is serious business. Back in 1975, the community started a weekend Islamic school in a rented space with just 36 students. From those humble beginnings, the foundation purchased a former public school building in 1983 to create the campus they have today. The Islamic Foundation School (IFS) is now a fully accredited K-12 institution with about 650 full-time students from over 400 families, making it one of the largest Islamic schools in North America, Alhamdulillah.
Masjid DarusSalam
21W525 North Ave, Lombard, IL 60148
Completed in 2013, Masjid DarusSalam in Lombard serves Muslims from about 20 surrounding communities. The campus is a behemoth, with 87,000 square feet of building space. It not only provides beautiful prayer spaces for brothers and sisters but also includes over 20 classrooms, a library, funeral facilities for handling the Janazah (funeral prayer), an NCAA-standard gymnasium, a banquet hall, a fitness center, a kitchen, and plenty of parking.
This masjid is also home to the DarusSalam Seminary, a national institution dedicated to teaching traditional Islamic sciences. This is where they are forging the next generation of 'ulama (scholars) and community leaders, insha'Allah (if God wills).
Irving Park Avenue
Hop off the Blue Line train at the Irving Park station, and after a short walk, you'll find the Muslim Community Center (MCC). You're in the heart of a Muslim hub here; within a stone's throw of the MCC, there are as many as seven masjids.
Muslim Community Center (MCC Chicago)
4380 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
On a cold Sunday in February 1969, after much heartfelt discussion, members of the Yugoslavian-Bosnian Muslim Religious and Cultural Home decided to form the Muslim Community Center (MCC). It was officially registered as a non-profit that same year and is considered the mother organization for many other centers and masjids that came later. It’s one of the oldest and largest Muslim organizations in Chicagoland.
The MCC is a membership-based masjid where all decisions are made based on the Qur'anic principle of Shoora (consultation). They currently have over 1,600 paying members (and they post every single name!). But between its two affiliated mosques, the weekly Jumu'ah (Friday sermon) attendance tops 3,000 souls.
The MCC headquarters on Elston Avenue is a real head-turner because the building used to be the Rivoli Theater, built back in 1923. Inside, the main musalla (prayer hall) still keeps the original theater structure. You pray where the main audience used to sit, with a raised stage area and even the second-floor balcony converted into a prayer space for the sisters. It’s a sight to see.
MASOM （Midwest Association of Shia Organized Muslim）
4353 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
A few other spots in the neighborhood:
MASOM (Midwest Association of Shia Organized Muslim): Established in 1994, this is the center for South Asian Twelver Shia Muslims. You can't miss the distinctive Shia flags and the Hand of Fatima (Hamsa) flying outside, marking their unique identity.
Masjid Dar Al-Hadeeth
4809 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
MASJID AL RAHMAN
4846 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
Masjid Dar Al-Hadeeth & MASJID AL RAHMAN: Two more local masjids on the same street. When I stopped by Masjid Al Rahman, it was time for the Asr (afternoon) prayer, but wouldn't you know it, the doors were locked.
Chicago's South Side
Al-Sadiq Masjid
4448 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60653
In 1920, the first missionary from the Ahmadiyya movement in Islam, Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, made his way to Chicago. By 1922, he had established America's first Ahmadiyya mosque right here on South Wabash Avenue, and it served as the movement's national headquarters until 1950. The mosque has a claim to fame as being the very first masjid in Chicago, and some say in all of America. The original 1922 building is long gone, but the current one was rebuilt on the very same spot in 1994.
Mosque Maryam
7351 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60649
Mosque Maryam (also known as Muhammad Mosque No. 2) is the national headquarters for the Nation of Islam (NOI). The building itself has a wild history; it was originally the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. In 1972, the Honorable Elijah Muhammad bought the building, securing a $3 million loan from Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to convert the church into a temple. After Elijah Muhammad passed away in 1975, his son, Imam Warith Deen Mohammed, undertook a momentous task. He dissolved the Nation of Islam, steered the entire community towards the path of orthodox Sunni Islam, and re-established the organization as the American Muslim Mission. A powerful chapter in the story of Islam in America.
In 1981, former Nation of Islam (NOI) member Louis Farrakhan and his followers held the traditional Saviours’ Day gathering in Chicago and officially brought back the “Islamic Nation of North America” name. In his keynote address, Farrakhan pledged to work toward restoring the organization based on the teachings of Elijah Muhammad. By 1988, Farrakhan had repurchased and reopened the old mosque, naming it “Masjid Maryam” in honor of Maryam (Mary), the mother of ‘Isa (Jesus). Right next door sits Muhammad University of Islam, an educational institution founded by the NOI that offers classes from pre-K through 12th grade for both boys and girls—think of it as a full-fledged Islamic madrasah right in the heart of Chicago.
Masjid Al-Faatir
1200 E 47th St, Chicago, IL 60653
Masjid al-Faatir opened its doors in 1987 in the Kenwood neighborhood of Chicago. It was established by Jabir Herbert Muhammad—the late boxing legend Muhammad Ali’s manager and son of Elijah Muhammad—who donated the land, while Ali himself kicked in significant funds for construction. The masjid’s striking design features two interlocking octagonal halls, two standalone minarets, and a grand central dome. On Jummah days, it can accommodate up to 3,000 worshippers praying Salah side by side, shoulder to shoulder, in a powerful testament to ummah unity.
When his father set up the NOI headquarters in Chicago, Jabir Herbert Muhammad took on the role of Chief Business Manager, running restaurants, bakeries, laundromats, and more under the organization’s umbrella. He also oversaw the publication of Muhammad Speaks, the group’s newspaper. From 1966 to 1991, he served as Muhammad Ali’s manager—talk about wearing multiple kufi caps! Fun fact: Elijah Muhammad’s home and Muhammad Ali’s residence were just two streets away from Masjid al-Faatir, making that stretch of Chicago a real hub of Islamic heritage.
In “The Loop”
Downtown Islamic Center
231 S State St #4, Chicago, IL 60604
Easily the most accessible masjid in Chicago’s Loop, the Downtown Islamic Center hides behind a tiny door in a street-side office building. Head up to the fourth floor and you’ll find a cozy prayer hall where the call to prayer echoes off glass and steel—a real urban oasis for your daily salah.
Little India District
Tucked between Ridge Avenue and Kedzie Avenue along West Devon Avenue, this “Little India” corridor boasts more than ten masajid, plus Islamic bookstores, halal eateries, and markets. One standout is:
Masjid E-Noor
6151 N Greenview Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
This unique masjid, seemingly repurposed from an old church, draws a diverse crowd—especially faces from Central Asia. On Jummah, you’ll hear the mix of Farsi, Urdu, and Arabic, echoing beneath its vaulted ceilings.
Evanston
Home to the prestigious Northwestern University, Evanston also hosts two notable masajid:
Baitul Huda (House of Guidance)
A converted church that now serves as a vibrant community center for Jummah prayers and youth programs.
Dar-us-Sunnah Masjid
A brand-new standalone building with a spacious musalla, echoing with the recitation of Quran during Taraweeh in Ramadan.
Des Plaines
Des Plaines Downtown Masjid (DDM)
733 Lee St, Des Plaines, IL 60016
A large complex housing both a masjid and an Islamic seminary. I tried popping in for Zuhr, but the doors were locked—turns out they run on strict school hours.
Islamic Community Center of Des Plaines (ICCD)
Just a ten-minute drive from O’Hare Airport, making it a handy stop for travelers looking to freshen up for Dhuhr and Asr prayers en route.
Tasting Kyrgyz Delights
Chicago’s melting-pot vibe means you can snag authentic eats from all over the ummah. From budget-friendly Arabic feasts (think lamb platter with salad and flatbread for just $16) to an upscale, alcohol-free Italian spot run by Kyrgyz chefs—yes, you read that right, Kyrgyzstan-style spaghetti! There’s even a Central Asian joint dishing out manti (dumplings) and rice bowls, just like back in the day in Xinjiang.
Arzan Café
Funny enough, two of my three sit-down meals (tip expected, of course) were at Kyrgyz spots. At the Italian place, all the chefs and waitstaff were unmistakably Central Asian. Curious, I asked one server why so many Kyrgyz folk call Chicago home. She shrugged, “Hard to say exactly—no reliable stats—but we’re over 13,000 strong here now. Ten years ago, that number was way smaller.” She herself came from Russia five years ago, echoing a trend of Kyrgyz leaving the Motherland to avoid conscription into the Moscow–Kyiv conflict.
This year, the U.S. Census Bureau even added “Kyrgyz” as its own category in community surveys. As a sanctuary city, Chicago has long been a beacon for immigrants and asylum seekers. During our meal, the server asked, “Where are you from?” I replied, “China.” She probed, “Uyghurs?” I explained, “No, we’re Hui—Mandarin-speaking Chinese Muslims.” She lit up: “Alhamdulillah! I know of the Dungan people too!” I beamed back, “Exactly—we’re from eastern China, my wife from central China.” It was such a heartwarming exchange we bumped our tip by an extra 5%—hey, a little sadaqah for good conversation never hurts!
They say Chicago has the most beautiful skyline in all of America, and you’d better believe it. Gaze at the city from the north or south along the shore of Lake Michigan—which feels more like an ocean, Subhan'Allah—and you'll be captivated by a stunning tapestry of skyscrapers. The crown jewel of that skyline, the one that really catches your eye, is the 442-meter tall, black Sears Tower. When it was built, it was the tallest kid on the block. But what most people don't know is that the tower's chief architect was a brother in Islam, a devout Muslim.
Fazlur Rahman Khan, a Bengali-American structural engineer, was the genius behind the structural systems for both the Sears Tower and the John Hancock Center. For his work, he’s hailed as the "father of the tubular design" for high-rises and was a pioneer in Computer-Aided Design (CAD). And Fazlur Khan is hardly the only Chicago Muslim to earn worldly acclaim. Just ask about Dr. Hussein Abd Al-Sattar, a professor of pathology at the University of Chicago Medical School, often called the father of American pathology. To the local Muslim community, he is even better known for his deep taqwa (God-consciousness). Dr. Sattar, now in his 50s, came to Chicago with his parents from Pakistan back in the '80s. Alhamdulillah (all praise is due to God), the city of Chicago alone is a powerful answer to those who ask what Islam or Muslims have done for the modern world.
The success of these two men from South Asia is no fluke; it reflects how the city has been a magnet for immigrants seeking to build a new life. The pioneers of Chicago’s ummah (Muslim community) were the Bosnians and Arabs, who had already established their own Muslim associations in the early 20th century. The history of Palestinians in Chicago is especially prominent; in fact, Cook County is affectionately known as “America’s Palestinian hometown.” Palestinian Muslims began their hijra (migration) to Chicago in the early 1900s, and the political turmoil following the establishment of Israel in 1948 brought even more. By the late 1940s, Palestinians began to put down roots and build a community in Bridgeview, on the edge of the South Side's African-American neighborhoods. If you ask any local where to find “Little Palestine,” they’ll point you straight to Bridgeview. Other Arab Muslims who were not Palestinian started arriving in the mid-1950s.
Head over to the north side, to Devon Avenue, and you'll find a place locals have nicknamed “Little India.” Walking down Devon, surrounded by all kinds of halal South Asian restaurants, supermarkets, and Islamic bookstores, you know right away you’re in a South Asian Muslim enclave. It is here that Dr. Sattar, seeking to spread 'ilm (sacred knowledge), established his own masjid (mosque) and learning center: the Sacred Learning Center.
Today, Chicago is home to the second-largest Muslim community in the United States, a true testament to the barakah (blessings) of this city. Since the 1965 immigration reforms, the diversity of the local Muslim community has blossomed. In just forty years, from the 1960s onward, the number of masjids in the Greater Chicago area skyrocketed from a mere five to over one hundred. South Asian Muslims, in particular, have had a profound impact on community institutions in recent years. More than half of the region's mosques primarily serve a South Asian congregation, with several of these located in suburbs where the income is well above the regional average.
Beyond that, Masha'Allah (as God has willed), Chicago has built a complete ecosystem of Muslim educational institutions, from kindergarten all the way up to university. This deep commitment to tarbiyah (Islamic education and upbringing) is on full display every year when Chicago hosts the national forum for Muslim school educators.
The Story of the First Minaret in Chicago
Islamic Cultural Center of Greater Chicago (ICCGC)
1800 Pfingsten Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062
The story of this community began way back in 1906, when our Bosnian brothers and sisters founded the "Muslim Mutual Aid and Benevolent Society of Illinois" (Muslimansko Potpomagajuce Drustvo Dzemijetul Hajrije) in the city's Near North Side. Masha'Allah, it stands today as the oldest Muslim organization in the entire history of the United States. Fast forward to the 1970s, the original Bosnian masjid (mosque) on North Halsted Street packed up and moved to the northern suburb of Northbrook. The new center was given a name reflecting its broader mission: the "Islamic Cultural Center of Greater Chicago."
On Saturday, September 8, 1974, a groundbreaking ceremony was held on a little over two acres of land, a blessed day attended by representatives from both the Muslim and non-Muslim communities. By the grace of Allah, Phase I of the center—which included administrative offices, a library, classrooms for weekend school, a nursery, and a social hall—officially opened its doors on March 21, 1976.
The call to build a proper house of worship grew stronger, and on June 29, 1984, the community broke ground for Phase II: the masjid and its minaret. This second phase, completed in 1988, added a beautiful musalla (prayer hall) that could hold 500 worshipers, a lecture hall for 200, and a towering minaret—the first and, at that time, the only one in the entire state of Illinois. Allahu Akbar (God is the Greatest).
The first Imam (spiritual leader) of the center was a Bosnian, Kamil Avdich, who served the ummah (community) faithfully until his passing in December 1979. May Allah grant him Jannah (paradise). The center's most famous Imam, however, has to be Dr. Mustafa Cerić, a real heavy-hitter in Bosnia and Herzegovina with massive influence in both religious and political circles. From 1993 to 2012, Dr. Cerić served as the Grand Mufti of Bosnia and Herzegovina and even ran for a seat on the Bosnian presidency in 2014.
Today, the center’s members come from many different backgrounds, though the majority are still from Bosnia, Montenegro, and other parts of the Balkans. It's a sad reality, though, that most of the time you’ll find the doors to this beautiful masjid locked outside of the prescribed prayer times.
“Little Palestine” of Bridgeview
Take a drive southwest from downtown Chicago into Bridgeview, and before you know it, you’re in Little Palestine. It's a dead giveaway. Just drive down Harlem Avenue in the heart of the Bridgeview community, and you'll see Arabic script everywhere—on signs for shops, law offices, barbers, and restaurants.
The Palestinian presence in this city goes way back to the 1890s. The first arrivals were willing to get their hands dirty, taking any job they could find and selling goods in the city's undeveloped areas. Their early success laid the groundwork for the waves of Palestinians to come. It’s no surprise, then, that in the wake of the 1948 Nakba (The Catastrophe), when over 700,000 Palestinians were tragically displaced from their homeland, a good number of them came here to settle. Today, Cook County is home to more than 22,000 Palestinians—more than anywhere else in the United States.
The shopping plazas in Little Palestine have a flavor all their own. The signs are proudly written in both Arabic and English. You can easily find authentic Arab sweet shops, sizzling shawarma joints, and stores selling traditional clothing and everyday goods. But it’s more than just commerce; it's a community that wears its heart on its sleeve. The walls outside shops are often adorned with posters of the Shahada (the declaration of faith) and beautiful du'as (prayers). Inside, you’ll find information on how to give sadaqa (charity) to support those in Palestine and messages of unwavering solidarity.
Sometimes, even the food carries a deeper meaning. One fried chicken joint in the neighborhood, in an act of defiant creativity, named its chicken tenders the “Gaza Strips.” They are not afraid to make their stance known, doing what they can to give you a gut-punch of a reminder of the ethnic cleansing happening in Gaza as we speak.
The first local masjid in this area, now known as the Mosque Foundation, got its start in 1954. In 1982, it set up a new home in the southwest suburb of Bridgeview and later added two state-accredited Muslim schools. Subhan'Allah (glory be to God), the Mosque Foundation is a magnificent sight. It’s the anchor of the neighborhood, and it seems like most of the villas surrounding it are owned by Muslims—it's a common sight to spot a beautiful piece of calligraphy with an ayah (verse) from the Qur'an posted on the front doors.
Even though it’s a good ways from downtown, come Dhuhr (noon prayer) time, the main prayer hall is packed to the gills with brothers standing shoulder-to-shoulder. Right next to the mosque's courtyard, you’ll find its affiliated Islamic elementary school, the Aqsa School, and a Muslim high school, the Universal School. Together, they provide a private K-12 education where students dive deep into Islamic studies, the Arabic language, and the Holy Qur'an. The school's motto says it all: "Where Islam and Education Come Together."
Muslim Foundation
Villa Park and Lombard
Out in the western suburbs of Chicago, Villa Park and Lombard are home to a booming Muslim population. The two crown jewels of the community out here are the Islamic Foundation and Masjid DarusSalam.
Islamic Foundation of Villa Park
300 W Highridge Rd, Villa Park, IL 60181
The Islamic Foundation (IF) was established in 1974 to serve the ummah in Chicago's western suburbs. The Islamic Foundation Masjid is considered one of the largest in North America, a massive project that was completed in 1998 after three years of construction. Today, the campus is the whole nine yards: it includes a bookstore, a library, a community center, a hall for banquets and lectures, a modern kitchen, conference rooms, and offices for the foundation's staff.
Their commitment to tarbiyah (Islamic upbringing) is serious business. Back in 1975, the community started a weekend Islamic school in a rented space with just 36 students. From those humble beginnings, the foundation purchased a former public school building in 1983 to create the campus they have today. The Islamic Foundation School (IFS) is now a fully accredited K-12 institution with about 650 full-time students from over 400 families, making it one of the largest Islamic schools in North America, Alhamdulillah.
Masjid DarusSalam
21W525 North Ave, Lombard, IL 60148
Completed in 2013, Masjid DarusSalam in Lombard serves Muslims from about 20 surrounding communities. The campus is a behemoth, with 87,000 square feet of building space. It not only provides beautiful prayer spaces for brothers and sisters but also includes over 20 classrooms, a library, funeral facilities for handling the Janazah (funeral prayer), an NCAA-standard gymnasium, a banquet hall, a fitness center, a kitchen, and plenty of parking.
This masjid is also home to the DarusSalam Seminary, a national institution dedicated to teaching traditional Islamic sciences. This is where they are forging the next generation of 'ulama (scholars) and community leaders, insha'Allah (if God wills).
Irving Park Avenue
Hop off the Blue Line train at the Irving Park station, and after a short walk, you'll find the Muslim Community Center (MCC). You're in the heart of a Muslim hub here; within a stone's throw of the MCC, there are as many as seven masjids.
Muslim Community Center (MCC Chicago)
4380 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
On a cold Sunday in February 1969, after much heartfelt discussion, members of the Yugoslavian-Bosnian Muslim Religious and Cultural Home decided to form the Muslim Community Center (MCC). It was officially registered as a non-profit that same year and is considered the mother organization for many other centers and masjids that came later. It’s one of the oldest and largest Muslim organizations in Chicagoland.
The MCC is a membership-based masjid where all decisions are made based on the Qur'anic principle of Shoora (consultation). They currently have over 1,600 paying members (and they post every single name!). But between its two affiliated mosques, the weekly Jumu'ah (Friday sermon) attendance tops 3,000 souls.
The MCC headquarters on Elston Avenue is a real head-turner because the building used to be the Rivoli Theater, built back in 1923. Inside, the main musalla (prayer hall) still keeps the original theater structure. You pray where the main audience used to sit, with a raised stage area and even the second-floor balcony converted into a prayer space for the sisters. It’s a sight to see.
MASOM （Midwest Association of Shia Organized Muslim）
4353 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
A few other spots in the neighborhood:
MASOM (Midwest Association of Shia Organized Muslim): Established in 1994, this is the center for South Asian Twelver Shia Muslims. You can't miss the distinctive Shia flags and the Hand of Fatima (Hamsa) flying outside, marking their unique identity.
Masjid Dar Al-Hadeeth
4809 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
MASJID AL RAHMAN
4846 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
Masjid Dar Al-Hadeeth & MASJID AL RAHMAN: Two more local masjids on the same street. When I stopped by Masjid Al Rahman, it was time for the Asr (afternoon) prayer, but wouldn't you know it, the doors were locked.
Chicago's South Side
Al-Sadiq Masjid
4448 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60653
In 1920, the first missionary from the Ahmadiyya movement in Islam, Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, made his way to Chicago. By 1922, he had established America's first Ahmadiyya mosque right here on South Wabash Avenue, and it served as the movement's national headquarters until 1950. The mosque has a claim to fame as being the very first masjid in Chicago, and some say in all of America. The original 1922 building is long gone, but the current one was rebuilt on the very same spot in 1994.
Mosque Maryam
7351 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60649
Mosque Maryam (also known as Muhammad Mosque No. 2) is the national headquarters for the Nation of Islam (NOI). The building itself has a wild history; it was originally the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. In 1972, the Honorable Elijah Muhammad bought the building, securing a $3 million loan from Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to convert the church into a temple. After Elijah Muhammad passed away in 1975, his son, Imam Warith Deen Mohammed, undertook a momentous task. He dissolved the Nation of Islam, steered the entire community towards the path of orthodox Sunni Islam, and re-established the organization as the American Muslim Mission. A powerful chapter in the story of Islam in America.
In 1981, former Nation of Islam (NOI) member Louis Farrakhan and his followers held the traditional Saviours’ Day gathering in Chicago and officially brought back the “Islamic Nation of North America” name. In his keynote address, Farrakhan pledged to work toward restoring the organization based on the teachings of Elijah Muhammad. By 1988, Farrakhan had repurchased and reopened the old mosque, naming it “Masjid Maryam” in honor of Maryam (Mary), the mother of ‘Isa (Jesus). Right next door sits Muhammad University of Islam, an educational institution founded by the NOI that offers classes from pre-K through 12th grade for both boys and girls—think of it as a full-fledged Islamic madrasah right in the heart of Chicago.
Masjid Al-Faatir
1200 E 47th St, Chicago, IL 60653
Masjid al-Faatir opened its doors in 1987 in the Kenwood neighborhood of Chicago. It was established by Jabir Herbert Muhammad—the late boxing legend Muhammad Ali’s manager and son of Elijah Muhammad—who donated the land, while Ali himself kicked in significant funds for construction. The masjid’s striking design features two interlocking octagonal halls, two standalone minarets, and a grand central dome. On Jummah days, it can accommodate up to 3,000 worshippers praying Salah side by side, shoulder to shoulder, in a powerful testament to ummah unity.
When his father set up the NOI headquarters in Chicago, Jabir Herbert Muhammad took on the role of Chief Business Manager, running restaurants, bakeries, laundromats, and more under the organization’s umbrella. He also oversaw the publication of Muhammad Speaks, the group’s newspaper. From 1966 to 1991, he served as Muhammad Ali’s manager—talk about wearing multiple kufi caps! Fun fact: Elijah Muhammad’s home and Muhammad Ali’s residence were just two streets away from Masjid al-Faatir, making that stretch of Chicago a real hub of Islamic heritage.
In “The Loop”
Downtown Islamic Center
231 S State St #4, Chicago, IL 60604
Easily the most accessible masjid in Chicago’s Loop, the Downtown Islamic Center hides behind a tiny door in a street-side office building. Head up to the fourth floor and you’ll find a cozy prayer hall where the call to prayer echoes off glass and steel—a real urban oasis for your daily salah.
Little India District
Tucked between Ridge Avenue and Kedzie Avenue along West Devon Avenue, this “Little India” corridor boasts more than ten masajid, plus Islamic bookstores, halal eateries, and markets. One standout is:
Masjid E-Noor
6151 N Greenview Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
This unique masjid, seemingly repurposed from an old church, draws a diverse crowd—especially faces from Central Asia. On Jummah, you’ll hear the mix of Farsi, Urdu, and Arabic, echoing beneath its vaulted ceilings.
Evanston
Home to the prestigious Northwestern University, Evanston also hosts two notable masajid:
Baitul Huda (House of Guidance)
A converted church that now serves as a vibrant community center for Jummah prayers and youth programs.
Dar-us-Sunnah Masjid
A brand-new standalone building with a spacious musalla, echoing with the recitation of Quran during Taraweeh in Ramadan.
Des Plaines
Des Plaines Downtown Masjid (DDM)
733 Lee St, Des Plaines, IL 60016
A large complex housing both a masjid and an Islamic seminary. I tried popping in for Zuhr, but the doors were locked—turns out they run on strict school hours.
Islamic Community Center of Des Plaines (ICCD)
Just a ten-minute drive from O’Hare Airport, making it a handy stop for travelers looking to freshen up for Dhuhr and Asr prayers en route.
Tasting Kyrgyz Delights
Chicago’s melting-pot vibe means you can snag authentic eats from all over the ummah. From budget-friendly Arabic feasts (think lamb platter with salad and flatbread for just $16) to an upscale, alcohol-free Italian spot run by Kyrgyz chefs—yes, you read that right, Kyrgyzstan-style spaghetti! There’s even a Central Asian joint dishing out manti (dumplings) and rice bowls, just like back in the day in Xinjiang.
Arzan Café
Funny enough, two of my three sit-down meals (tip expected, of course) were at Kyrgyz spots. At the Italian place, all the chefs and waitstaff were unmistakably Central Asian. Curious, I asked one server why so many Kyrgyz folk call Chicago home. She shrugged, “Hard to say exactly—no reliable stats—but we’re over 13,000 strong here now. Ten years ago, that number was way smaller.” She herself came from Russia five years ago, echoing a trend of Kyrgyz leaving the Motherland to avoid conscription into the Moscow–Kyiv conflict.
This year, the U.S. Census Bureau even added “Kyrgyz” as its own category in community surveys. As a sanctuary city, Chicago has long been a beacon for immigrants and asylum seekers. During our meal, the server asked, “Where are you from?” I replied, “China.” She probed, “Uyghurs?” I explained, “No, we’re Hui—Mandarin-speaking Chinese Muslims.” She lit up: “Alhamdulillah! I know of the Dungan people too!” I beamed back, “Exactly—we’re from eastern China, my wife from central China.” It was such a heartwarming exchange we bumped our tip by an extra 5%—hey, a little sadaqah for good conversation never hurts!
