About CHIRP

The Chicago Independent Radio Project (CHIRP) is a volunteer driven, listener supported radio station built and run by independent-minded music and arts fans. CHIRP is always live and local, connecting Chicago’s diverse creative communities through its programming and events.

The Chicago Independent Radio Project was founded in 2007 to bring a new community radio station to Chicago, and to expand low power FM opportunities into urban areas. CHIRP worked with national partners to successfully pass a bill through Congress, the Local Community Radio Act, that has allowed more than 1,000 new stations across the country to go on the air. 

CHIRP launched its station online in 2010, and hit the terrestrial airwaves at 107.1FM in late 2017. During that time, CHIRP has grown from a small organization into a well-loved, community-focused radio station with one staff member and more than 250 volunteers.

CHIRP is a radio station that is all about its community. CHIRP Radio - 107.1FM is a volunteer-driven, community radio station that focuses on music, arts, and culture. We are live and local every day of the year from 6am-midnight from our studios in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood, and the city we live in is a key part of everything we do. 

CHIRP plays a wide mix of local, independent, lesser-heard music, and just generally good music from a variety of genres and eras. CHIRP DJs are true music fans who love to share their discoveries, new and old, with listeners. CHIRP DJs broadcast live from our studios in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood, curating their own shows and interacting with listeners. CHIRP emphasizes local and independent music and embraces radio’s traditional strength of creating meaningful connections with listeners. CHIRP also features conversations with artists, activists, and other people doing interesting work, and our award-winning features department produce pieces highlighting Chicago’s diverse voices and stories.

In addition to the broadcast, CHIRP sponsors live shows throughout the year, maintains a presence at street festivals across the city, and partners with other organizations on community-focused events. CHIRP produces an award-winning quarterly live lit series, The First Time, as well as a monthly local music showcase, CHIRP Night at the Whistler, and also hosts the Midwest’s largest record fairs, one in the fall, and a second as part of the Pitchfork Music Festival in July.