About Chicago Drum
Founder Jim Moritz explains the beginnings of Chicago Drum:
In this interview with Nick Grizzle of DRUM! Magazine, Jim talks about the history of Chicago Drum
In this Drum History podcast, Growing Up Slingerland, Jim sits down with Bart Vanderzee to talk about his history with Slingerland® and discusses how he used that experience to begin making drums at Chicago Drum
I have a rich family history with Slingerland drums. My great-uncle, Oswald Kern, worked for Slingerland and helped my father, Jack, get a job at Slingerland when he emigrated from Germany to the United States.
Dad spent more than 30 years with Slingerland. He was head of the woodshop and stayed with them right through the move from the Niles, Illinois plant to the Algonquin, Illinois plant. Dad had European craftsmanship roots, and he taught me well.
During Slingerland’s heyday in the mid-1970s, I worked summers at the Niles plant while in high school, and after school on the night shift. Talk about a sweet job for a high school kid who was a drummer!
I attended a local high school where I studied drums and participated in a percussion ensemble directed by Slingerland endorser and clinician Jake Jerger. The love of drums was always there and our family’s deep connection and history with Slingerland only made it stronger.
With backgrounds in woodworking, cabinet making and finishing, and machining, it was a natural next step to start Chicago Drum. We bring knowledge, true craftsmanship, and a level of attention to detail that is hard to find elsewhere.
Chicago Drum may not be a large company, but we are large in the details that matter, like our Slingerland badge grommets which we manufactured because no other supplier carries a correct style grommet. These grommets truly are “dead on” reproductions of the old Slingerland parts and that’s the kind of extra attention you’ll get from us!
Jim has the skills and foresight to build a company that both honors the traditions of the classic Slingerland drum line and pushes forward with innovative percussion products of the highest quality.
– Jim Moritz, President and Founder of Chicago Drum
In Memoriam
We were heartbroken at the loss of Jim’s father, Jack Moritz, on October 10, 2020. Jack was a wonderful Dad, friend, and mentor. He was an important part of Chicago Drum, often stopping by to help out or simply to hang out in the shop. Jack was always generous with his advice and ready to lend a hand, that was simply who he was. We miss him terribly and remain grateful for the time we were able to spend with him.
Rest In Peace, Jack
September 11, 1927 – October 10, 2020
