Our Roots

Chicago Community Jail Support started on May 30th, 2020, following the mass arrests during the protests in the name of George Floyd (and all those harmed by police brutality and incarceration).

The practice of jail support has long been a tool to show show solidarity for those arrested at protests, to demand their release, and to aid those arrested after they are let out. While our volunteers were initially present for those participating in the protests, we quickly realized the conditions in Cook County Jail required us to extend our stay and assist anyone being released, not just protesters. 

We've returned every single day since that first day and we intend to be a permanent fixture outside of Cook County Jail. 

We believe no one should be exposed to the conditions inside Cook County Jail and that incarceration is not the solution to a healthier, safer Chicago.