Outlaws MC history
Outlaws MC is one of the largest outlaw motorcycle clubs in the world and the historic arch-rival of the Hells Angels. It is one of the Big 4 one percenter motorcycle clubs, along with the Hells Angels MC, Bandidos MC, and Pagans MC.
It is incorporated as the American Outlaws Association (A.O.A.). This is a counter-organization to the A.M.A. (American Motorcycle Association).
According to the Department of Justice, the Outlaws MC should be considered to be a part of criminal organizations as it is a Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMG).
Table of contents
Founding of the club
It was founded in 1935, out of Matilda’s Bar on old Route 66 in McCook, Illinois, just outside Chicago. Outlaws MC was initially known as the McCook Outlaws Motorcycle Club.
Outlaws MC over the years
Club colors and patch
Outlaws MC’s logo consists of the words “OUTLAW MC” above a human skull positioned in front of a pair of crossed pistons. The skull and pistons in the logo are known as “Charlie.”
History and evolution of the patch
When the club first started in 1935, its logo was a winged motorcycle and old English-style letters.
Then, in 1950 the logo changed. A small skull replaced the winged motorcycle. And it became popular for an Outlaws Motorcycle Club to get the logo embroidered on black shirts and hand painted on leather jackets.
In 1954, a set of Crossed Pistons was added to the small skull. This time, the design was embroidered on black western-style shirts with white piping.
The biker movie The Wild One, starring Marlon Brando, influenced this backpatch. You can watch the movie’s trailer on Youtube or buy it on Amazon.
Then, in 1959, the Skull and Crossed Pistons were redesigned, making them much larger with more detail.
Between 1960 to 1963, Outlaws MC members who raced wore an “O.M.C.” on their outfits. This was in response to the A.M.A.’s ban of the word “Outlaw” from all race clothing.
In 1965, Outlaws MC as A.O.A. also adopted a new logo. The logo is the same shape ad the A.M.A.’s, except it has “A.O.A.” on it (one letter in each corner). And a fist showing the middle finger in the center.
In 1989, the MC added the abbreviation “MC” to their backpatch.
Motto
Outlaws MC’s motto is “God forgives, Outlaws don’t “(G.F.O.D.). It was adopted in 1969.
Inner workings of the club
Who is part of the current leadership?
Law enforcement believes that John (Tommy O) Ermin is the current International President of Outlaws MC. 51-year-old Ermin is the dayshift general manager at Pharoah’s Gentlemen’s Club in Cheektowaga, New York. The club is owned by the nephew of Buffalo Mafia don Joseph (Big Joe) Todaro, Jr. (Source).
Which states and countries are they in?
Law enforcement agencies estimate that Outlaws MC has more than 1,700 members worldwide. However, this estimate may need to be corrected. The actual number could be much higher. The MC does not advertise its activities or membership. Most initiations are secretive, so the real numbers remain unknown despite the MC being so famous.
The MC is believed to have some 176 chapters spread across the U.S. As per the Outlaws MC website, the MC has the most chapters in Florida, Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
It also has chapters in many foreign countries, including France, Australia, Ireland, Japan, Norway, and Russia.
The notoriety of the club
What do law enforcement agencies say about them?
They are one of the big four 1% M.C.s in the U.S., associated with many illegal and criminal activities. However, the MC denies many of the allegations saying that just because some members are criminals, it doesn’t mean that the organization is a criminal organization as a whole.
Criminal activities they are most associated with.
The MC is associated with many criminal activities. They include money laundering, extortion, murder, dealing with illegal drugs, and many more.
- The United States Department of Justice has stated that the Outlaws have been criminally associated with the Chicago Outfit. The Chicago Outfit, or the Chicago Mob, is an Italian-American organized criminal enterprise and crime syndicate based in Chicago, Illinois. It is part of the larger Italian-American Mafia. Source
- On July 11, 2012, U.S. Marshals raided the Indianapolis Outlaws Chapter clubhouse. They arrested 42 members for crimes ranging from mail fraud to money laundering. Source
- On August 24, 2009, 15 members of the Outlaws Philadelphia chapter were arrested in connection with a methamphetamine ring. Those arrested included chapter president Thomas “The Boss” Zaroff and Lonzo “Death Row.” Source
Relationships with other 1% M.C.s
Who are they rivals with?
Outlaws MC is arch enemies with the Hells Angels. There have been numerous violent incidents between the two till now. The story of how their rivalry started needs to be clarified and keeps changing. But the feud between the two clubs is one of the bloodiest and most notorious in motorcycling history.
In fact, there is even a term that Outlaws coined for Hells Angels – ADIOS. ADIOS is an acronym coined by the Outlaws MC for Hells Angels who venture into their territory, and it stands for “Angels Die In Outlaw States.”
The rivalry is believed to have started around the 1960s, but the situation got even worse in the late 1980s. This was when rumors started about the Hells Angels’ plan to absorb the Hell’s Henchmen MC. This was a club with a strong chapter in the Outlaws’ home ground, Chicago. The ensuing War led to one of the most violent periods in biker history.
Which other M.C.s do they ally with?
The Grim Reapers, the Iron Coffins, and the Mongols are allies. They are also on friendly terms with Bandidos, who are also arch enemies of the Hells Angels.
However, after many years of peace, things may not be as smooth with the Mongol Nation Motorcycle club. Reports say that the Outlaws may be at War with Mongols MC, which has been making an incursion into the Outlaws’ Chicago turf. There have been brawls in bars and shootouts. Source
Membership
What kind of members do they accept, and the kind of motorcycles do they ride?
Membership in the Outlaws is limited to men who ride Harley-Davidsons or other USA-made cruiser motorcycles with engines of 1000cc or more. Women are not allowed.
Aspiring members must fulfill the following criteria:
- Owns and rides a Harley-Davidson.
- Is competent in the mechanics of motorcycles.
- Lives a lifestyle congruent with biker subculture and “treats other righteous bikers as bros.”
- Must be male, heterosexual, and masculine in “outlook, behavior, and sexual orientation.”
- Does not conform to “worldly values” but instead conforms to the lifestyle of the club.
How to join?
Like other 1%er motorcycle clubs, Outlaws is also an exclusive club where membership takes work. Its website says, “Everything is done face to face, NOT online. DO NOT write us asking how to join! Find an Outlaw and ask him!”.
So, membership involves hanging around the club and members for a while to prove your loyalty and that you are trustworthy. It is a slow process and usually for life.
Any famous past or present members
Harry Bowman
The most famous (or infamous) Outlaws MC gang member is Harry Joseph Bowman, nicknamed “Taco.” Taco was born in 1949 in Michigan and died in 2019. He served as the international president of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club between 1984 and 1999.
Taco is considered to be one the most notorious motorcycle gang leaders in U.S. history; He escalated a biker war between the Outlaws and the Hells Angels in the 1990s. And became the 453rd fugitive listed on the F.B.I. Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in 1997. He was caught by the F.B.I. in June 1999 after being on the run for 18 months.
He was convicted in Tampa, Florida, in 2001 of the murders of rival gang members, firebombings, racketeering, conspiracy, and various drug and firearm offenses. And was sentenced to serve two life prison sentences plus 83 years.
An interesting fact about Bowman is that contrary to the stereotypical image of a long-haired, bearded biker, he was generally clean-shaven, well-groomed, and was known to wear expensive suits. He had a reputation as a formidable, ruthless, and inventive but discreet crime boss.
You can watch a video on this notorious outlaw on Amazon Prime.
Reputation
How are they perceived as compared to other 1%ers
Outlaws MC is one of the four big Big 4 one percenter motorcycle clubs, along with the Hells Angels MC, Bandidos MC, and Pagans MC.
Its reputation is notorious even among the general public. It is infamous for its execution-style shootings, drug trafficking, money laundering, extortion, gun fights, and even firebombs.
How do other M.C.s see them?
Outlaws MC is the oldest and the longest-running of all outlaw motorcycle gangs or clubs in the United States. Many other M.C.s see them as the epitome of 1%-ness. Its great rivalry with Hells Angels often means that it has allied with other Hells Angels rivals such as Bandidos MC.
List of support clubs/auxiliary clubs
Black Pistons MC
It is arguably the most well-known support club of Outlaws MC. It was established in Neuwied, Germany, in October 2001. Today, it is estimated that the Black Pistons have around 70 domestic chapters in 20 U.S. states and many international chapters. They exist in Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, Germany, Great Britain, Norway, Ireland, the Philippines, Japan, Russia, France, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Poland.
It is believed that the Outlaws use the Black Pistons chapters as a recruitment source for prospective Outlaws members.
Other support clubs
Outlaws MC also has many more support clubs. They include the following:
- Alimus MC Philippines
- 15 Crew
- 15 Bastards MC
- Berserker Bikers
- Black & White Crew
- Black Legion
- Black Riders MC Philippines
- Black Skulls MC
- Black Venom
- BOAR MC
- Border Riders MC
- Chosen Few MC
- Dead Eyes MC
- Filthy 15
- Friends & Family MC
- Handful MC
- Horse Creek MC
- Iron Breed MC
- Keltics MC
- Knights of Sin MC
- Legacy MC
- Mandingos SC
- Manila Klasiko MC Philippines
- New Attitudes MC
- Overlords MC
- Piston Pirates MC
- Randomers
- Rat Bobbers MC
- Reapers MC
- Road Runners MC
- Rotten MC
- Rough Creed MC
- Southern undeniable
- Steel Pistons
- Southern Saints
- Throttle Brothers MC
- Trogs MC
- Wilde Horde
- Wolf Pack MC
- Wolverine-Clan
- Dirty Crew MC
- S.A.W. Boy MC
- Bluegrass Brotherhood Louisville Ky
- The Originals MC
- Viking Tribe MC
Presence in pop culture
As it is expected, many people over the years have found Outlaws MC fascinating. O.M.G.s usually have a fan following, and many people who are interested in them are not necessarily bikers. The MC has been featured in a bunch of books as well as videos. Let’s look at some of them below.
Books
- The Bikeriders by Danny Lyon (Photographer). This photo book explores firsthand the stories and personalities of the Chicago Outlaws Motorcycle Club. Get in on Amazon.
- You Gotta Be Dirty: The Outlaws Motorcycle Club In & Around Wisconsin by Michael Grogan. Get it on Amazon.
- Charlie and the Angels: The Outlaws, the Hells Angels and the Sixty Years War by Alex Caine. Get it on Amazon.
- Outlaws: Inside the Violent World of Biker Gangs by Tony Thompson. This book is the biography of ex-Outlaws MC member Daniel “Snake Dog” Boone. But it also explores the wider outlaw biker scene in the U.K. in the 1980s. Get it on Amazon.
- Bikin’ and Brotherhood: My Journey by David Charles Spurgeon. The book is about the author’s experience of riding with Outlaws MC for over a decade. Amazon.
- Twilight of the Outlaws by Donald Charles Davis. The book centers around the true story of the murder of Black Piston patch holder Zack Tipton in Florida in June 2014. Buy it on Amazon.
- The Ultimate Biker Anthology: An Introduction To Books About Motorcycle Clubs & Outlaw Bikers by Winterhalder Iain Parke. As the title suggests, the book talks about many O.M.G.s, and Outlaws MC is one of them. Amazon.
- Showdown by Jerry Langton. This book talks about the deadly street war between Canada’s most violent biker gangs. They include Hells Angels, Bandidos, and Outlaws MC. Amazon.
- Vagos, Mongols, and Outlaws: My Infiltration of America’s Deadliest Biker Gangs by Charles Falco and Kerrie Droban). Get it on Amazon.
Movies/Music
- The Canadian T.V. series Gangland Undercover! It is based on the book Vagos, Mongols, and Outlaws: My Infiltration of America’s Deadliest Biker Gangs. Watch it on Amazon Prime Video.
- We kill the Hells Angels documentary 2017. Watch it here:
The Outlaws MC in 2026: Current State of the A.O.A.
As of 2026, the Outlaws Motorcycle Club remains the second-largest outlaw motorcycle club in the world, behind only the Hells Angels. With 441 chapters spread across 43 countries and an estimated membership exceeding 5,000 patched members, the American Outlaws Association continues to be a dominant force in the 1%er world — particularly east of the Mississippi River, where the club has maintained territorial supremacy since the 1960s.
The club’s international president is believed to be John “Tommy O” Erwin, identified by federal prosecutors in 2021 as the general manager of Pharaoh’s Gentlemen’s Club in Cheektowaga, New York. Under Erwin’s leadership, the Outlaws have continued their decades-long strategy of aggressive expansion through patchovers — absorbing smaller clubs into the A.O.A. fold — while simultaneously navigating increased federal scrutiny and RICO-related investigations.
The club’s ten color-coded U.S. regions remain operational in 2026:
- Black Region — Indiana and Michigan (the historic Midwest heartland)
- White Region — Illinois (home of the “Mother Ship” South Side Chicago chapter)
- Gold Region — Wisconsin
- Blue Region — Pennsylvania
- Red Region — New England and the Philadelphia metro area
- Green Region — Kentucky, Ohio, and Oklahoma
- Orange Region — Florida (one of the strongest Outlaws territories)
- Copper Region — North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia
- Silver Region — Alabama and Georgia
- Gray Region — Tennessee
Internationally, the Outlaws have a significant presence in Canada, Australia, Europe (particularly Norway, Germany, France, Belgium, and the UK), and Japan (Okinawa — the first 1%er MC chapter in the Far East, established in 2006). The club’s European expansion has been particularly aggressive in Scandinavia and the Benelux countries, often bringing them into conflict with Hells Angels chapters that had previously been established in those regions.
In 2024, the 2024 film adaptation of The Bikeriders — based on Danny Lyon’s iconic 1967 photojournalism book documenting the Outlaws’ Chicago chapter — brought renewed mainstream attention to the club. Directed by Jeff Nichols and starring Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, and Jodie Comer, the film reignited public interest in the Outlaws’ roots and the golden age of American outlaw biker culture. The original book had been the first major work of photojournalism about an outlaw motorcycle club, predating even Hunter S. Thompson’s famous Hells Angels book.
Outlaws MC and Law Enforcement in 2026: Federal Crackdowns, RICO Cases & Ongoing Investigations
The Outlaws’ relationship with law enforcement has always been contentious, and the mid-2020s have been no exception. Federal agencies — particularly the FBI, ATF, and DEA — have continued to target the A.O.A. through RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) investigations, undercover operations, and multi-state task forces dedicated to outlaw motorcycle gang intelligence.
Key law enforcement developments affecting the Outlaws in recent years:
- International President under federal scrutiny — John “Tommy O” Erwin was publicly identified by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Western New York during a 2021 murder case involving the death of a prosecution witness. The case underscored the DOJ’s view that the Outlaws operate as a top-down criminal enterprise.
- Former National President Orvie Cochran — The ex-Chicago Outlaws boss, convicted in a 2018 federal racketeering case involving drug trafficking and witness intimidation, received early prison release in 2021 under the First Step Act. His release reignited debate about sentencing reform for organized crime figures.
- Black Pistons support club crackdowns — The Outlaws’ primary support club, the Black Pistons MC, has continued to face federal heat. Multiple Black Pistons chapters have been targeted in drug and weapons trafficking investigations, with the DOJ arguing that the Black Pistons serve as a “farm team” and criminal buffer for the A.O.A.
- Ongoing international operations — Europol and Australian law enforcement continue to monitor Outlaws activities in Europe and the Asia-Pacific, with particular attention to the club’s involvement in methamphetamine and cocaine distribution networks.
The Outlaws have consistently denied being a criminal organization, maintaining that they are simply a brotherhood of motorcycle enthusiasts. Their website famously states: “The government has labeled the Outlaws MC a criminal organization and all its members as criminals simply because they are members. This is one of the most untrue and unjust statements ever made concerning our club.” The club’s internal motto regarding federal charges remains: “Outlaws we are, RICO we’re not.”
Despite these denials, the DOJ classifies the Outlaws as one of the “Big Four” outlaw motorcycle gangs (alongside Hells Angels, Bandidos, and Pagans) and continues to allocate significant resources to monitoring and prosecuting the club. In 2026, the Outlaws face perhaps the most sustained federal pressure in their 91-year history.
Outlaws vs. Hells Angels in 2026: The Longest-Running Rivalry in Biker History
The Outlaws-Hells Angels rivalry is the oldest, most violent, and most consequential feud in outlaw motorcycle club history. It has shaped territorial boundaries, club alliances, and law enforcement strategies for over 50 years — and in 2026, the cold war between the A.O.A. and the H.A.M.C. shows no signs of thawing.
How the war started: The feud officially ignited on April 27, 1974, when Outlaws members executed and beheaded three Hells Angels in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in retaliation for the beating of an Outlaw member in New York City on New Year’s Eve 1973. The Hells Angels declared war at a club summit in Cleveland later that year. The conflict has since claimed over 1,000 lives on each side across the following decades.
The territorial divide in 2026:
- The Outlaws dominate east of the Mississippi, particularly the Great Lakes states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio), the Southeast (Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee), and much of the Mid-Atlantic (Pennsylvania, Virginia).
- The Hells Angels dominate the West Coast (California, Arizona, Nevada) and have significant footholds in New York, New England, and Alaska.
- Contested territory exists along the borders — particularly in states like New York, where both clubs maintain active chapters, and in Florida, where the Hells Angels have been slowly expanding into traditional Outlaws strongholds.
Key Outlaws mottos reflecting the rivalry:
- “ADIOS” — “Angels Die In Outlaw States” (a warning to Hells Angels who enter Outlaws territory)
- “AHAMD” — “All Hells Angels Must Die”
- “GFOD” — “God Forgives, Outlaws Don’t” (the club’s founding motto since 1969)
While outright violence between the two clubs has decreased compared to the 1970s-1990s “biker wars” era, the underlying territorial claims and mutual hostility remain. Law enforcement sources indicate that both clubs maintain intelligence networks that track the other’s movements, and that confrontations still occur at motorcycle rallies, bars, and contested roadways. For independent riders and smaller clubs, understanding the Outlaws-Hells Angels territorial map remains critical for navigating the 1%er landscape safely.
FAQ: Outlaws Motorcycle Club in 2026
How many members does the Outlaws MC have in 2026?
The Outlaws MC has an estimated 5,000+ patched members worldwide, spread across 441 chapters in 43 countries. This makes them the second-largest outlaw motorcycle club in the world after the Hells Angels. In the United States alone, the club operates in at least 20 states organized into ten color-coded regions.
Who is the current president of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club?
As of 2026, the international president of the Outlaws is believed to be John “Tommy O” Erwin, based in the Western New York area. Erwin was publicly identified by federal prosecutors in 2021 court filings. The Outlaws’ leadership has historically rotated between the Midwest (Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee) and the Southeast (Tampa, Florida).
Are the Outlaws MC bigger than the Hells Angels?
No. The Hells Angels remain the largest outlaw motorcycle club in the world with an estimated 6,000+ members. However, the Outlaws (5,000+ members) are the second-largest and the oldest — founded in 1935 in McCook, Illinois, predating the Hells Angels’ founding in 1948. The Outlaws are the dominant 1%er club east of the Mississippi River.
What does A.O.A. stand for?
A.O.A. stands for the American Outlaws Association, the legal corporate name of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club since 1965. The A.O.A. patch, featuring an upstretched middle finger in a rounded triangle, is a parody of the American Motorcycle Association (A.M.A.) logo and is worn alongside the club’s primary “Charlie” skull-and-crossbones emblem.
What is the Outlaws MC motto?
The Outlaws’ primary motto is “God Forgives, Outlaws Don’t” (abbreviated as GFOD), adopted in 1969. Other well-known phrases include “ADIOS” (Angels Die In Outlaw States), “OFFO” (Outlaws Forever, Forever Outlaws), and “Snitches are a dying breed.”
Can you join the Outlaws MC in 2026?
Prospective members must be men over 21 who own and ride an American-made motorcycle of at least 750cc (typically a Harley-Davidson). The process involves becoming a “hangaround,” then a “prospect,” then a “probate,” and finally a patched member — which requires a unanimous chapter vote. The entire process typically takes 1-2 years. Outside North America, the American-made motorcycle requirement is relaxed to include any chopper-style bike.
What happened to The Bikeriders movie about the Outlaws?
The 2024 film The Bikeriders, directed by Jeff Nichols, was based on Danny Lyon’s 1967 photojournalism book documenting the Outlaws’ Chicago chapter in the 1960s. Starring Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, and Jodie Comer, the film received positive reviews and brought renewed mainstream attention to the Outlaws’ origins. The movie depicts a fictionalized version of the club’s transformation from a brotherhood of riders to a more organized, territorial entity.
Is the Outlaws MC considered a criminal organization?
The U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Intelligence Service Canada, and Europol all classify the Outlaws MC as an organized crime syndicate. The club is designated as one of the “Big Four” outlaw motorcycle gangs. However, the Outlaws strongly deny these classifications, maintaining they are simply a brotherhood of motorcycle enthusiasts. Federal RICO prosecutions against the club have been ongoing since the 1990s.
Conclusion
As you can see above, motorcycle gangs are fascinating and often have a rich history. Hells Angels are the most well-known MC in the U.S. and all over the world. But that doesn’t mean that Outlaws MC is any less followed or read about. Its secretive nature makes it even more appealing to motorcycle enthusiasts.
