Metros & Communities
Across Illinois.
Illinois is home to the highest Muslim population share in the United States (3.7%). Explore curated hubs by metropolitan area, city, and cultural commercial corridors.
Greater Chicago
Greater Chicago encompasses Chicago proper and its culturally rich suburban corridors. From the historic Palestinian and Arab community in Bridgeview along Harlem Avenue to the renowned Pakistani and Indian culinary destination on Devon Avenue, and the educational hubs of Villa Park and Lombard, Greater Chicago offers unparalleled halal dining, full-time Islamic schools, and historic mosques.
Bridgeview
Known widely as Chicago’s "Little Palestine" and the heart of the southwest suburbs Muslim community. Centered around Mosque Foundation along 93rd St and Harlem Avenue, Bridgeview is renowned for charcoal Palestinian grills, artisan bakeries, Islamic schools, and halal supermarkets.
Villa Park
A cornerstone of Muslim family life in Chicago’s western suburbs, anchored by Islamic Foundation and the historic Islamic Foundation School campus on Highridge Road since 1981.
Lombard
A thriving center of Islamic scholarship and community in DuPage County, home to DarusSalam Seminary and College Prep School of America (CPSA), alongside diverse halal dining.
Chicago — Devon Avenue
Chicago’s iconic West Ridge corridor, also known as Little India and Little Pakistan. Famous across North America for authentic Nihari, Karahi, Bihari kababs, halal grocers, and community centers.
Chicago — Downtown & Loop
Serving workers, students, tourists, and downtown residents. Features the Downtown Islamic Center (DIC) on State Street and beloved halal lunch spots like Oasis Cafe and Taza.
Naperville
One of Illinois’s fastest-growing Muslim populations, centered around the multi-facility Islamic Center of Naperville (ICN) network, Al-Falah Academy, and international halal markets.
Skokie & Morton Grove
North Shore suburban anchor home to the Muslim Education Center (MEC), MCC Academy, and Zad by Pita Inn on Dempster Street.
Orland Park
A prominent southwest suburban destination with the Orland Park Prayer Center, Middle Eastern specialty markets, and family dining.
Worth
Southwest suburban village just south of Bridgeview, along Harlem Avenue.
Aurora
Fox Valley city where ICN’s Al-Falah Academy currently operates at Fischer Middle School.
Chicago — Irving Park
Northwest Side Chicago neighborhood around Elston Avenue, home to the Muslim Community Center’s Elston campus.
Niles
North suburban village along Touhy Avenue, home to Fresh Farms International Market.
Rockford
Northern Illinois’s largest metropolitan center outside Chicago. Home to the Muslim Association of Greater Rockford (MAGR), serving Winnebago County with daily prayers, weekend programs, and expanding halal culinary options.
Rockford
Regional hub for Winnebago and Boone counties, centered around MAGR on Darlene Drive.
Peoria
Peoria has a rich Islamic heritage dating back over a century, anchored today by the Islamic Center of Peoria on Charter Oak Road. Serving medical professionals, university scholars, and local families across the Illinois River valley.
Peoria
Central Illinois center on Charter Oak Road, featuring comprehensive prayer facilities and community services.
Champaign-Urbana
A diverse, vibrant university town home to UIUC students, international researchers, and longtime resident families. Anchored by the Central Illinois Mosque and Islamic Center (CIMIC) on Lincoln Avenue in Urbana.
Champaign-Urbana
Serving the university campus, Champaign, and Urbana with daily prayers, campus halaqas, and halal dining options near Green Street.
Springfield
Serving Sangamon County and the state capital. Anchored by the Islamic Society of Greater Springfield on Stanton Street, providing central prayer services, community iftars, and youth education.
Springfield
State capital community hub on Stanton Street, welcoming state workers, healthcare providers, and local families.