The late 1800s saw a significant influx of Swedish immigrants to Chicago and with it the need for social interaction and financial protections. Thus the Vikingarne (Vikings) was formed in 1890. The original initiation fee to join was set at just $2.00 with monthly dues of $0.50. Early member benefits included sick benefits and burial expenses.

The name changed to Independent Order of Vikings officially in 1892. IOV has established 121 lodges over its 132-year history, but as with many fraternal organizations, the number of lodges is down to just 15. IOV’s current Grand Chief (President), Rodney Ottum, is the 71st person to be elected to this position. IOV is mostly social fraternal organization. Its main philanthropic focus is in support of Illinois Fire Safety Alliance Burn Camp, Arthur C. Luf Children’s Burn Camp and The Great Lakes Burn Camp. The group also seeks to expand knowledge of Scandinavian heritage and language and encourages junior members to attend the Concordia Language Village camps. The organization provides fully paid “camperships” for two junior members each year.

We hope you will join the GBU Home Office team in welcoming our newest district, which will add even more to our ever-growing, heritage-rich GBU family.

All the best,