Chicago Hellfire Club [Edit]
The Chicago Hellfire Club is a club in Chicago, Illinois for gay and kinky men. It is best known for being the producer of Inferno, an invitation only S/M play event held annually near Chicago. The Club is also noted for having a cocktail party open to all in the host hotel during International Mr. Leather each year.
History
The Chicago Hellfire Club was founded in 1971 by thirteen men. They initially held their play parties in homes until they bought a clubhouse.
The Club is best known for being the producer of Inferno, an invitation only S/M play event held annually near Chicago. Inferno V, held in 1976, was the first overnight Inferno event. Tony DeBlase developed the contest and demonstration schedule at Inferno, and he helped export those lessons to other, less experienced SM clubs. Also, of particular note in terms of Bob Buckley’s SM techniques was ‘erotic abrasion’, which he undertook demonstrations on when traveling, including at Inferno events.
In 2016 the Club began allowing transgender men living full-time as men and who hold government issued identification reflecting their male gender to be Club members.
Archives
The Leather Archives & Museum holds the CHC Archives, a collection of material related to the Chicago Hellfire Club, including archival boxes, posters, memorabilia, and oral histories. However, people are only allowed access to these archives by the President of the Chicago Hellfire Club.
Notable Awards Given
Caligula Award
Medal for Outstanding Brotherhood and Leadership
Notable Awards Received
The Chicago Hellfire Club was inducted into the Leather Hall of Fame in 2014.