JAIN SOCIETY OF METROPOLITAN CHICAGO INC

What JAIN SOCIETY OF METROPOLITAN CHICAGO INC does

Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit religious organization founded on January 11, 1970, operating the Jain Derasar (temple) in Bartlett, Illinois on a 15.4-acre property acquired in 1988. The temple was the first significant Jain temple of North America, with main Pratishtha ceremonies completed in 1993. JSMC serves approximately 2,200 lifetime member Jain families in the Chicago metropolitan and surrounding tri-state area, providing daily darshan (7am–8pm), pooja services, evening aarti, and major religious festivals (Paryushan, Das Laxana, Diwali, Mahavir Janma Kalyanak).

The organization's core products and services include Pathshala religious education for ages 3 through adult, a free monthly medical clinic (1st Sunday of each month), community hall rental (East Hall ~5,700 sq ft / ~700 capacity, West Hall ~6,300 sq ft / ~750 capacity, Multi-Activity Hall, Dining Hall ~650 capacity), a food court with online ordering and catering services, the JainX program for diaspora Jains aged 25–55 born outside India, the JSMC Premier League cricket tournament, annual youth Lock-In events, the Education Award scholarship program, and interfaith dialogue activities. Underlying technology consists of a website-based member management system, a membership portal at app.jsmcmember.org, live Darshan video streaming for remote devotees worldwide, Constant Contact email newsletter infrastructure, and an online donation platform at donations.jsmconline.org.

JSMC's business model is community-supported, relying on voluntary contributions rather than commercial revenue. Primary revenue streams include the tiered Lifetime Supporter Program ($365+ / $500+ Silver / $1,000+ Gold / $2,500+ Platinum / $5,000+ Diamond, on annual cadence), event sponsorships, community hall rental fees, food court and catering income, and the JSMC Education Award program. Annual operational expenses are approximately $1 million. The organization is volunteer-led, with a Board of Trustees and Executive Committee elected annually, and reports a stated staff of 6 alongside 200+ active volunteers. JSMC is a member of JAINA (Federation of Jain Associations in North America) and has hosted the JAINA Convention (1995). The organization holds 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status (Tax ID #51-0175101) and is governed by Illinois state non-profit regulations.

Name

JAIN SOCIETY OF METROPOLITAN CHICAGO INC

Legal name

Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago

Website

https://jsmconline.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1970

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

JSMC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit religious organization founded in 1970 that operates the first significant Jain temple of North America in Bartlett, Illinois, serving approximately 2,200 lifetime member Jain families across the Chicago metropolitan area with worship, religious education, healthcare, and community services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Religious Organization Services

NAICS

Religious Organizations (8131)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAGAJAL

Places of Worship & Religious Facilities Operations (Cemeteries, Retreat Centers, Pilgrimage Sites)

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Religious & Faith-Based Organizations

Keywords

• Religious temple services
• Community hall rentals
• Religious education programs
• Interfaith community services
• Free medical clinic services

Headquarters

HQ city

Bartlett

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Lifetime Supporter Program: Annual donation program with tiered levels ($365+ Lifetime Supporter, $500+ Silver, $1,000+ Gold, $2,500+ Platinum, $5,000+ Diamond). Minimum pledge of $365 annually ('a dollar a day'). Reinvigorated in 2024.
2. Event Sponsorships: Various sponsorship opportunities for religious events, cultural programs, and celebrations including Swamivatsalya (meals), Paryushan events, Diwali, Derasar anniversaries, and other religious observances
3. Community Hall Rental: Rental of East Hall (5,700+ sq ft, ~700 capacity), West Hall (6,300+ sq ft, ~750 capacity), Multi-Activity Hall, and Dining Hall (~650 capacity). Facilities available for weddings, receptions, corporate events.
4. Food Court and Catering: JSMC Food Court with online ordering system, catering services for events, and lunch sponsorship for Pathshala ($603)
5. Medical Clinic Services: Free primary care and specialist consultation services; funded through donations and community support
6. Membership Fees: Lifetime family membership serving 2,200+ Jain families in the Chicago metro area

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago operates the first significant Jain Temple of North America in Bartlett, IL, providing daily religious services (Darshan, Pooja, Aarti), religious festivals (Paryushan, Diwali, Mahavir Janma Kalyanak), Pathshala religious education for children and adults, a free monthly Medical Clinic, community hall rental for events, and a Jain food court with catering. The society serves approximately 2,200+ Jain families in the Chicago metropolitan and tri-state area through lifetime membership and tiered annual donations (Lifetime Supporter program from $365 to $5,000+).

Product overview

Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC) operates the Jain Derasar (Temple) as its core religious facility, offering daily worship services (darshan, pooja, aarti). The organization provides community services including a free Medical Clinic, Community Hall Rental, and Food Court/Catering. Educational programs include Pathshala (religious education for all ages), JainX (for diaspora Jains), and an Education Award Program. Recreational offerings encompass JSMC Premier League cricket (with men's, women's, and youth divisions), annual Lock-In events, and youth programs. JSMC publishes Jain Darshan newsletter and conducts interfaith activities. The Lifetime Supporter Program provides tiered membership with recognition benefits. The organization is a 501(c)(3) non-profit serving approximately 1,800 Jain families in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• JainX: A platform for 25-55 year old adults following the Jain dharma who were born or predominantly raised outside of India. Provides spiritual, humanitarian, social, and professional activities and opportunities.

Products and services

• Derasar (Jain Temple) Worship Services Main Jain temple offering daily religious services including Darshan (7am-8pm), Pooja (up to 4pm), and Evening Aarti (8pm). Houses idols of Mulnayak Shri Mahavir Swami and other Tirthankars. Open to devotees for daily worship.
• Pathshala Religious Education Jain religious education program for children and adults with levels from toddler (age 3) to adults, covering Jain philosophy, Sutras, and practice. Classes held at the Jain Center facility with online registration via the membership portal.
• JSMC Free Medical Clinic Free primary care and healthcare specialist consultation services offered on the 1st Sunday of each month, including cardiologist, gastroenterologist, dentist, and ophthalmologist consultations, plus EKG, blood sugar checks, and limited medicines. Open to all individuals unable to pay for medical care.
• Community Hall Rental Event venue rental service with East Hall (5,700+ sq ft, ~700 capacity theatrical), West Hall (6,300+ sq ft, ~750 capacity theatrical), Multi-Activity Hall (~2,250 sq ft), and Dining Hall (~650 capacity) with fully equipped kitchen. Available for weddings, receptions, corporate events.
• JSMC Food Court and Catering Jain food catering and food court services for events and celebrations, with online ordering system and Pathshala lunch sponsorship at $603 per event.
• JainX Program Program for adults aged 25-55 born or raised outside India, providing spiritual, humanitarian, social, and professional activities for diaspora Jains following Jain dharma.
• Lifetime Supporter Program Tiered donation program with Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and basic Lifetime Supporter levels starting at $365/year, including benefits like digital name display, lapel pin, event recognition, and preferential seating.
• JSMC Health Fair Annual health fair providing medical screenings and health education to community members (15th consecutive year held).
• JSMC Education Award Program Need-based and merit-based scholarships and interest-free loans for JSMC member students pursuing undergraduate college education. Applications due annually.
• JSMC Premier League (JPL) Cricket Cricket league with men's, women's (JWL), and youth (JYL) divisions, held annually during Memorial Day weekend.
• Live Darshan Video Streaming Live streaming video system providing real-time views of temple worship services for remote devotees worldwide to participate in Darshan remotely.
• Jain Darshan Newsletter Monthly religious publication covering Jain philosophy, society news, and religious topics, with subscription managed by Dilip Shah and Chandan Shah.

Quantifiable outcome

• Serving 2,200+ lifetime member families
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• JAINA (Federation of Jain Associations In North America)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJSMC is a proud member of JAINA, the umbrella organization for Jain associations across North America. JAINA organizes conventions and provides a platform for coordination among Jain centers.
• JAINA Convention 1995majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJSMC hosted the JAINA Convention in 1995, bringing together Jain communities from across North America
• Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJSMC participates in interfaith peace dialogues organized by HWPL, a non-governmental organization registered under Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs. JSMC representatives speak on Jain philosophy at HWPL events.
• Chinmaya MissionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJSMC participated in Intra-Faith Dialogue on youth engagement hosted by Chinmaya Mission in Willowbrook, IL, representing Jain perspectives alongside BAPS, ISKCON, and other faith organizations
• Lake Street Church of EvanstonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJSMC presented Jain sacred songs and chants at the Lake Street Church interfaith event, introducing Jain philosophy to approximately 250 attendees from six major religions
• BAPS Swaminarayan TempleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint spiritual field trip destination along with Bahai Temple and Lemont Temple, fostering interfaith understanding among JSMC youth

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves15 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago: Regional Hindu temple serving the Chicago-area Indian diaspora with worship services, cultural events, and community programming. Comparable as a parallel Indian-diaspora religious institution serving similar members in the same geography.
• ISKCON Chicago (Hare Krishna Temple): Hare Krishna temple serving the Chicago area with worship services, community meals, and youth programming. Comparable as a diaspora religious community center offering regular services, educational outreach, and community engagement.
• BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir Chicago: Hindu temple complex also located in the Bartlett, IL area serving the Indian diaspora with religious services, youth programs, and community facilities. Directly comparable as a geographically proximate diaspora religious organization with overlapping services and target demographics.
• Jain Center of Greater Boston: Northeast regional Jain center providing temple services, religious education, and community programming to the Boston-area Jain diaspora. Directly comparable as a JAINA-affiliated Jain society serving a metropolitan diaspora community.
• Jain Society of Greater Detroit: Regional Jain center serving the Detroit metro area with temple services, Pathshala, and community events. Directly comparable in scale and service offerings to JSMC within the Midwestern Jain diaspora ecosystem.
• Sikh Religious Society of Chicago: One of the oldest Sikh gurdwaras in North America, located in Palos Hills, IL, serving the Chicago-area Sikh community with worship, education (Punjabi school), and community services. Comparable as a South Asian diaspora religious organization with similar community-service mission.
• Jain Center of Southern California: Major Jain center serving the Southern California Jain diaspora with temple, educational programs, and community services. Directly comparable as a West Coast counterpart to JSMC's Midwest Jain community role.
• Jain Center of America: One of the oldest and largest Jain centers in North America, located in the New York metro area. Directly comparable as a JAINA-affiliated Jain temple serving a large diaspora community with similar religious, educational, and community programming.

Others

• Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA): Umbrella organization coordinating Jain associations across North America, of which JSMC is a member. Not a direct competitor but a coordinating body that provides advocacy, conventions, and inter-center collaboration relevant to JSMC's strategic context.

Emerging players

• Chinmaya Mission Chicago: Hindu spiritual organization with Chicago-area presence offering religious education, youth programs, and interfaith dialogue — including a joint youth engagement event with JSMC. Comparable in offering diaspora-targeted spiritual education and interfaith programming.

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/JSMCChicago
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/jain-society-of-metropolitan-chicago-inc

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles20 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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