The Chicago Stock Yard Kilty Band (one of the oldest continuous pipe bands in the United States of America) was formed in 1921 by brothers Robert and James Sim.  The Sim brothers came from a piping family in Aberdeen, Scotland where their father made bagpipes.  Both served in World War I (Bob with the 4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders and Jim, who enlisted at 13, with the Royal Engineers Pipe Band and later with the 51st Highland Division).

After coming to Chicago, Bob Sim joined the Canadian Kilties Pipe Band, which has since gone out of existence.  In 1921 Sim decided to form his own pipe band and after obtaining uniforms from ex-servicemen of the British Legion he and his brother organized the British Legion Pipe Band.  In 1925 the Chicago Stockyard American Legion Post #333 was organized and was looking for a musical unit.  The band became affiliated with the Stockyard Post in 1926 and changed its name to the Chicago Stock Yard Kilty Band.

The band currently competes in grades 4 and 5. and has won six champion supreme awards, competing in Grades 5, 4, and 3 in the Midwest Pipe Band Association.

Pipe Majors past and present

Robert Sim 1921-1950

Jock Stevens 1950-1951 - Bob Sim took a one year break

Robert Sim 1951-1963

Roddy McDonald 1964-1970

Norm McLeod 1970-1975

Dave McKee Sr. 1975-2003

Matt McKee 2003-Present

Band Crest and Logo

The band crest was designed in the 1960s by band member Jimmy Oglesby.  It encompasses the St. Andrew's Cross, the Stock Yard steer head, the crest of the English government, the thistle, crown and the United State's bald eagle.  Jimmy also designed the band logo which crosses heritage and includes the following: St. Andrew's Cross, Crown of England and the American Bald Eagle

Number of band members
There are presently 45 members in Stock Yard Kilty Band, counting 25 pipers, 14 side drummers, 2 tenor drummers, 2 bass drummers, 2 alto drummers and numerous students.

Practice
The entire band practices on Friday evenings from 8-11 PM, while the students and those looking for additional instruction meet on Tuesday nights from 7-10 PM.  Before competitions extra practices are arranged for the competition groups.  Click here for practice location information

Sponsorship, Income and Expenses
The cost of uniforms, equipment, and travel is no small matter. The band depends upon fundraising, performance fees, prize winnings, and travel allowances, for its primary funding.  We are always open to and seeking new sponsorship from any source who would like to assist us in the promotion and perpetuation of the Celtic art of bagpipes and drums.

If you, your company or organization, or anyone you know would be interested in sponsoring or donating to the band please contact our Band Manager, Dan McKee at info@sykb.com.

Most income is earned by band performances (parades). We have approximately 20 band performances per year, and numerous  engagements with 1-5 piper(s) and/or drummer(s). Read more about how to hire us here.

Equipment and Tartan

Our drumline utilizes Premier alto, bass and snare drums.  Our pipleline  uses Shepherd chanters with Shepherd reeds and Kinnaird Drone reeds.

The early origin of this family is said to be a son of the king of Ulster who landed in Argyll around 1016 and was rewarded with land on the east side of Loch Lomond by King Malcolm II, for service in fighting Nordic invaders. The area was known as "Buth chanain", Gaelic for "house of the canon" and may have been connected with the ancient Celtic Church. The land was to remain in the possession of Buchanans until 1682 when the 22nd laird of Buchanan died and the estates had to be sold to repay debts. The mansion house of Buchanan is now owned by the Graham Dukes of Montrose.  This kilt was chosen in the 1930s because of how well it looked on parade.

The Stock Yard Kilty Band is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization and your donation may be considered tax-deductible.