Welcome to

The Illinois Pawnbrokers Association

Get to know the pawnbrokers who serve the people of Illinois. 

Who We Serve

Our Customers

Every day, thousands of hard-working Illinoisians trust their local pawn shop to help them through short-term financial challenges…with dignity. 

Hear some of their stories in this video.

What We Do

What is a pawn?

Most consumers have never done business in a pawnshop, so pawnbroking is frequently misunderstood. 

This video explains what a pawn is and how it works. 

The Illinois Pawnbrokers Association (IPA) has announced a scholarship for graduating high school students in Illinois. The Frank Ingram Memorial Scholarship program is named in honor of one of the founding members of IPA and modeled after the Neighborhood Scholarship program he launched as a picnic for neighborhood children twenty years ago.

In 2003, community residents approached Ingram, owner of Ingram Windy City Pawners and Jewelers, asking to use the open vacant lot across the street from his shop for a neighborhood barbeque. Now, his family has partnered with IPA to revive the tradition of supporting their communities with scholarships aimed at students who will be continuing their studies post high-shool.

The initiative is being led by Angel Ingram, who is Frank’s granddaughter “Supporting our community is a big part of our family’s business legacy. I’m pleased that the Illinois Pawnbrokers Association is helping bring these scholarships back,” she said.

Two $1,000 scholarships are available and winners will be announced June 3.

“Frank impacted so many lives in his community and in the pawn industry,” added IPA President Kelly Swisher, “it is a fitting tribute to his legacy.”

Serving Illinois Consumers

Just Say Pawn.

A pawnshop offers a transaction that is entirely unique from anything else.


For that reason, we must work to educate legislators, consumers, and others about our industry.

Representatives from the Illinois Pawnbrokers Association took to Capitol Hill last week to meet with members of Congress to advocate for important issues affecting …

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901 West Rand Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Phone: +1(847)577-3700
Fax: +1(847)577-9711
Contact The IPA

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