Names have been changed to protect the innocent, guilty and associated.
This is our history. J.F.F.J.
In the year 1956, in a small town in upstate Indiana a group of men would get together and ride there bikes to local hangouts. After riding in and around the area and getting a few more riders to participate, they were becoming noticed as a group by the local townspeople.
After one weekend of partying at a local bar one of the locals referred to this group as the “JOKER BUNCH” The men then decided to start a club for the motorcycle riders in their area, and revised the name to JOKERS M/C. They continued to ride and party forming a close bond between all members.
They held monthly meetings, elected officers, and designed the first set of patches/colors that they would wear on their denim cuts.
These colors were red/white rockers with a center patch depicting a Joker familiar to most from a deck of playing cards.
As the club grew larger and rode a greater number of miles in and around the Midwest newer members began to join and a few other chapters were established with the mother chapter being in upstate Indiana.
In 1971 hard times fell upon the club. A large well known 1% motorcycle club moved into the area of the mother chapter. A lot of the Jokers members that liked the lifestyle of the 1%er left the Jokers and joined with them.
The members that were left decided to disband the Jokers and form their own loosely knit group (name withheld) At this point the Jokers M/C was officially disbanded, except for a few Nomads and a small chapter on the east coast.
However, after numerous run ins with the law the 1%er club folded and went by the wayside leaving many ex Jokers members in jail or labeled trouble makers.
In 1977 the Jokers M/C was re-established with the main goal of forming a club with a place for every type of motorcycle rider, as well as a club which would help better the image of the “motorcycle club”, and promote brotherhood and goodwill between motorcycle clubs.
This first reformed chapter remained localized for several years. Then in 1983 after much discussion between current members it was decided to once again attempt expansion.
At this time the club patches and colors were changed from red/white to current red on black rockers and the center patch was slightly changed to a more pleasing smiling Joker icon.
This attempt to expand including placing an add in a popular biker magazine to accept membership from almost anyone that was interested.
In 1984 the Jokers M/C went National and International, establishing chapters in many states and foreign countries. The club charter was revised to establish regional and country divisions for the chapters.
The club grew so large and covered such a large area that it became necessary to appoint National Officers which included National President, National Vice President, National Membership Director, Secretary, Treasurer, and Sergeant of Arms.
This expansion attempt proved to be costly for the club; with so many members and areas to cover they lost sight of the original constitution of the club to promote brotherhood and goodwill between clubs.
Chapters that had the wrong mindset for this organization had their charters pulled; members that were causing problems were dealt with. Apathy and bad attitudes had once again taken there toll on the Jokers M/C.
In 1987 the club was once again disbanded, a few outstanding members were aloud to keep their patches with the understanding that they were not to be worn until the club was re-organized.
In 1989 some of the very first founding members were contacted by these patch holding members about once again reorganizing the club. These faithful and hard working men that cared about the club were granted the opportunity to go forward with a new constitution and declaration for the Jokers M/C.
Once again the patch was changed however, the rockers remained red/black. The center patch now/currently depicts a skull with the Joker style hat and collar.
The current constitution limits the membership numbers, the areas chapters can be located, and members direct employment i.e., No Cops.
The Jokers M/C patch has been trademarked, the entire club has since been incorporated.
Since 1989 the club has worked hard to once again regain the respect and support of other clubs. We continue to ride and party with other clubs in our areas.
Many members are currently involved with other motorcycle rights organizations dedicated to protecting the rights and freedom of the road for all motorcyclists.
In 2006 we celebrated our 50 Year Anniversary. Members old and new attended to make this a great event.
The Jokers M/C are a proud group and has a right to be.
We have seen good days and bad. But we are still here and riding strong. We wear the red and black with pride.
J.F.F.J. JOKERS FOREVER FOREVER JOKERS
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