Blackhawks

The Blackhawks drum and bugle corps, based in Kankakee, was organized in the fall of 1963 with the assistance of the Blackhawks senior corps. They were sponsored by the Kankakee American Legion Post 85 and the Kankakee VFW Post 2857.

The corps was primarily a parade and exhibition corps until 1970, when they entered the field of competition, participating at the 1970 IL American Legion (AL) state championships, returning the following year, placing 10^th in the preliminaries. In 1972, the corps finished 2^nd at the Mid-American circuit “Class B” championships. In early 1973, the corps merged with the White Tornadoes to form the Blackhawk White Tornadoes for one season before separating and reorganizing in 1974, participating at the DCI Midwest, finishing 17^th in the prelims, the IL State Fair, placing 2^nd in the “Class B”  and 8th place at the VFW Nationals finals, held in Chicago.

The Kankakee Blackhawks were often referred to as the "Little Green Machine" due not only to its staff relations to the Cavaliers but also because of its 'small but powerful' recognition.

They ceased operations in 1975.

Members (3)