Iron Order MC is a 1%er club with a military structure and strict membership rules
The Iron Order Motorcycle Club, founded in 2010, operates as a 1%er club—meaning members identify as part of the outlaw motorcycle culture that exists outside mainstream society. Unlike social riding clubs, Iron Order enforces a formal hierarchy, mandatory meeting attendance, and strict codes of conduct. The club has chapters across the United States and internationally, with membership concentrated in urban and suburban areas rather than rural strongholds typical of older 1%er organizations.
Iron Order distinguishes itself from traditional outlaw clubs by maintaining a working relationship with law enforcement in some jurisdictions and by recruiting members with military backgrounds. This approach has made the club controversial within the broader motorcycle community—some traditional 1%er clubs view Iron Order's cooperation with police as a violation of outlaw motorcycle culture, while law enforcement agencies have documented the club's involvement in criminal activity in various regions.
If you are researching Iron Order because you ride motorcycles or are considering membership, understanding the club's actual structure, reputation, and legal standing matters more than promotional materials or club websites will tell you.
Key Takeaways
- Iron Order operates under a military-style chain of command with mandatory dues, meeting attendance, and strict rules governing member behavior and patch wear.
- The club has faced criminal investigations and civil lawsuits in multiple states, with documented involvement in assault, weapons violations, and organized crime allegations.
- Membership requires a formal sponsorship process, a probationary period, and acceptance by existing chapter members—not a casual decision.
- Joining a 1%er club creates legal exposure: members can face charges for club-related crimes, civil liability for club actions, and complications with employment and housing.
How Iron Order's membership structure and rules work
Iron Order operates with a clear rank system: prospects, members, officers, and national leadership. A prospect must be sponsored by a full member, typically after riding with the club for months. During the prospect phase, candidates perform tasks assigned by the club, attend meetings, and demonstrate commitment. Prospects do not wear the full patch—only a bottom rocker identifying their chapter.
Once voted in as a full member, a rider receives the three-piece patch: the top rocker (Iron Order), the center emblem, and the bottom rocker (chapter name). Full membership requires monthly dues, mandatory chapter meetings, and participation in club events and rides. Members are expected to wear their patch in public and represent the club's image. Violations of club rules—from disrespect to officers to unauthorized patch wear—can result in fines, suspension, or expulsion.
The club maintains a national board and regional officers who enforce rules across chapters. This centralized structure differs from some older 1%er clubs, where chapters operate more independently. Iron Order's military-style organization appeals to veterans and former military personnel, who make up a significant portion of membership.
Criminal investigations and legal cases involving Iron Order
Iron Order has been the subject of criminal investigations in multiple states. In 2014, federal prosecutors in Colorado charged Iron Order members with racketeering, drug trafficking, and weapons violations. Local law enforcement in various cities has documented the club's involvement in bar fights, assaults, and organized crime activity. Court records and police reports show members have been convicted of crimes ranging from assault to drug distribution.
The club has also been named as a defendant in civil lawsuits. In 2013, a shooting incident at a Colorado Springs bar involving Iron Order members resulted in civil litigation. Multiple jurisdictions have documented gang-related activity attributed to Iron Order chapters, though the extent and nature of this activity varies by location and time period.
Importantly, criminal charges against individual members do not automatically prove the club as an organization directs criminal activity. However, law enforcement agencies in several states have classified Iron Order as an outlaw motorcycle gang and monitor club activities accordingly. This classification affects how police interact with members and can influence bail decisions, sentencing, and parole conditions in criminal cases.
Why Iron Order is controversial within motorcycle culture
Traditional 1%er clubs view Iron Order's relationship with law enforcement as a fundamental betrayal of outlaw motorcycle culture. Some chapters have reportedly cooperated with police investigations, shared information with authorities, or maintained cordial relationships with local law enforcement—practices that violate the code of silence central to traditional 1%er identity.
This controversy has led to confrontations between Iron Order and established 1%er clubs in certain regions. Territorial disputes, patch disputes (where clubs claim exclusive rights to wear certain symbols in specific areas), and direct violence have occurred in some cities. The club's rapid expansion and recruitment strategy have also created friction with older, more established organizations.
Within the broader motorcycle community, Iron Order is viewed by some as a "police-friendly" club and by others as straightforward another outlaw organization. This divided perception reflects genuine differences in how chapters operate across different regions and how individual members interpret the club's values.
Legal and personal consequences of Iron Order membership
Joining Iron Order creates legal exposure beyond typical motorcycle club participation. Members can face criminal charges for crimes committed by other members in club-related activities, even if they did not directly participate. Prosecutors sometimes use gang enhancement statutes to increase charges and sentences for crimes involving club members. Additionally, members may face civil liability for actions taken by the club or other members during club events.
Employment and housing consequences are also real. Many employers conduct background checks and may decline to hire someone with documented gang or 1%er club membership. Landlords may refuse to rent to members. Professional licenses in fields like law, medicine, and security can be affected by criminal charges or gang affiliations. Some states have laws allowing law enforcement to photograph and document club members, creating a permanent record.
Family relationships can be strained by membership demands. The club requires significant time commitment, mandatory meeting attendance, and participation in club activities that may conflict with work or family obligations. Spouses and partners of members sometimes report pressure from the club to conform to specific expectations about appearance, behavior, and loyalty.
How Iron Order compares to other 1%er motorcycle clubs
The major 1%er clubs in North America include the Hells Angels, Outlaws, Bandidos, and Mongols—organizations with decades of history and established territory. These clubs typically have stricter codes against cooperating with law enforcement and more rigid territorial control. Iron Order, by contrast, is newer and has grown rapidly through active recruitment rather than organic expansion.
Traditional 1%er clubs often have explicit rules against drug use by members, though enforcement varies. Iron Order's drug policy is less clearly documented in public sources. The older clubs maintain more decentralized chapter structures, while Iron Order's national board exercises tighter control. Dues and financial obligations also vary—some traditional clubs charge higher dues but provide more formal support structures for members in legal trouble.
The relationship with law enforcement is the most significant difference. Established 1%er clubs maintain strict separation from police and prosecutors. Iron Order's willingness to work with authorities in some cases has made the club an outlier in the 1%er world, contributing to both its controversial status and its ability to operate in jurisdictions where traditional 1%er clubs face heavy law enforcement pressure.
What happens if you are considering Iron Order membership
If someone approaches you about joining Iron Order, understand that membership is not a casual commitment. The prospect phase typically lasts six months to a year. During this time, you will be expected to attend meetings, participate in club rides, and demonstrate loyalty through assigned tasks. You will also be vetted by existing members—your background, criminal history, employment, and personal relationships will be scrutinized.
Before committing, research the specific chapter you are considering. Chapters vary significantly in their focus and activities. Some chapters are primarily social riding groups with minimal criminal involvement. Others have documented connections to criminal activity. Talk to members of other motorcycle clubs in your area—they can provide candid information about a chapter's reputation and activities.
Consider the legal and personal costs carefully. A criminal conviction while a member can result in enhanced charges, longer sentences, and permanent employment and housing consequences. Even if you personally avoid criminal activity, you may face legal exposure for club-related crimes. The time commitment is substantial, and the financial obligation (dues, event costs, mandatory purchases) can be significant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iron Order a criminal organization?
Law enforcement agencies classify Iron Order as an outlaw motorcycle gang in several states, and members have been convicted of crimes including assault, drug trafficking, and weapons violations. However, not all chapters or members are involved in criminal activity. The extent of criminal involvement varies by location and chapter. Individual members can face enhanced criminal charges based on gang membership, even if they did not personally commit the crime.
Can you leave Iron Order once you join?
Formally leaving the club requires surrendering your patch and typically involves a meeting with chapter leadership. Some chapters allow members to leave without incident. Others have enforced strict consequences for departure, including violence or threats. The process and consequences depend on the specific chapter, your standing in the club, and the circumstances of your departure.
Do you have to own a motorcycle to join Iron Order?
Yes, Iron Order requires members to own and ride a motorcycle. The specific make and model requirements vary by chapter, but most chapters expect members to ride regularly and participate in organized club rides. Some chapters have restrictions on motorcycle brands or styles, though these rules are not uniformly enforced across all chapters.
What is the difference between a 1%er club and a regular motorcycle club?
1%er clubs operate outside mainstream society and maintain codes of conduct that often conflict with law enforcement and legal standards. Regular motorcycle clubs are social organizations focused on riding and camaraderie without the hierarchical structure, mandatory participation, or involvement in criminal activity typical of 1%er clubs. 1%er clubs require formal membership processes and enforce strict rules; regular clubs typically have open membership and flexible participation.
Can law enforcement monitor Iron Order members?
Yes. In jurisdictions where Iron Order is classified as an outlaw motorcycle gang, law enforcement can photograph and document members, conduct surveillance, and use gang enhancement statutes in criminal prosecutions. Some police departments maintain gang databases that include Iron Order members' names, photographs, and known associates. This monitoring can affect bail decisions, sentencing recommendations, and parole conditions.