Mission & Values

The Chicago Journalists Association — a 501(c)3 nonprofit — boasts a storied membership of active/veteran print, broadcast and digital journalists, media and communications professionals, as well as associated journalism educators and college journalism students in the Chicago metropolitan area.

As one of the oldest organizations of journalists in Chicago, the association rewards journalistic excellence through prestigious award competitions and provides support to Chicago area journalists through comradeship; professional development sessions led by talented journalists and trainers; ongoing newsmaker/speaker forums exploring current industry issues; and mentoring of tomorrow’s journalists.

CJA aims to elevate journalism in one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the U.S. By recognizing the best coverage in the Chicago metropolitan region, Illinois and Northwest Indiana, the association sets the bar high for holding the powerful to account and giving voice to the voiceless.

Our Partners

CJA is committed to collaborating with Chicago area news outlets, journalism organizations and journalism schools to provide more robust opportunities for our members and the rest of the Chicago journalism community. Some of our recent partners include:

Public Narrative

Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University

Columbia College Chicago

DePaul University

National Association of Hispanic Journalists (Chicago chapter)

Asian American Journalists Association (Chicago chapter)

National Association of Black Journalists (Chicago chapter)

NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists (Chicago chapter)

Chicago Headline Club

Trans Journalists Association 

Illinois High School Association

President’s Letter: Hello and Welcome from Your New Leadership

Hello, Chicago journalism community!

I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I’m Stephanie Choporis, and I’m the current president of the Chicago Journalists Association. It’s an absolute honor to lead one of Chicago’s oldest organizations of journalists.

CJA has been near and dear to me since I joined the organization as the inaugural Associate Board Chairman in 2014. During my time in this role, I organized journalism events/workshops for aspiring journalists. I loved creating opportunities to equip fellow young journalists with new knowledge and skills. The best part was always hearing how much attendees appreciated these events. It made me want to work harder and provide even more opportunities for aspiring and veteran journalists alike. I promise to bring that same level of passion and determination to my role.
 

As the youngest president in CJA’s 85-year history, representing all of Chicago is a huge responsibility and one that I don’t take lightly. I have several new ideas that I am working to implement, but I can’t do this alone.
 

CJA is the grandfather organization of Chicago journalism and therefore represents ALL Chicago journalists. My goal is to better serve all of you. If you have ideas for new things that you’d like to see from CJA, please send them our way! I will do my best to consider and honor all feedback. You can learn more about our new Board of Directors here and reach us at chicagocja@gmail.com.
 

I follow in the footsteps of two great leaders, our president emeriti: Maudlyne Ihejirika and Allen Rafalson. I can’t thank them enough for all that they have taught me along the way. Allen, my first CJA mentor, would always leave us with these inspirational words: “Onward and upward.” I will maintain that tradition.

Stay tuned for more announcements soon! I look forward to all that we can accomplish together. 

Onward and upward,

Stephanie Choporis
President
Chicago Journalists Association