Founded in 1969, the nonprofit Jazz Institute of Chicago promotes and nurtures jazz in Chicago by providing jazz education, developing and supporting musicians, building audiences for jazz, and fostering a thriving jazz scene. In that vein, they present diverse programs in communities all over Chicago.

Programmed by the Jazz Institute and produced by the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the Chicago Jazz Festival, has taken place every year since 1979. Other programs include the Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz a multi-concert series presented in Millennium Park and JazzCity. The latter—in partnership with the Chicago Park District—brings Chicago's star talent into neighborhoods across the city for free, including bringing Latin jazz musicians from around the country to Humboldt Park.

In addition to its concert programs, the Jazz Institute provides jazz education through its Jazz Links program for young and old alike. The program nurtures students by connecting them with world-class artists and helping them with their professional development.