Onstage company
Documented collaborators
The Chicago Jazz Orchestra (CJO) stands as Chicago’s oldest continuously operating professional jazz orchestra and the second-oldest professional civic jazz orchestra in the United States. Founded in 1978 by Jeff Lindberg and Steve Jensen, the ensemble began as a dynamic exploration of the jazz orchestra tradition and orchestral arrangements. In 1999, the group evolved into the Chicago Jazz Orchestra Association, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of the city’s vibrant jazz scene. CJO’s mission blends rigorous musicianship with accessible performances, making big-band jazz approachable for new listeners while providing depth for longtime fans.