International Brotherhood of Magicians
A global organization for professional and amateur magicians founded in 1922.
The International Brotherhood of Magicians is a nonprofit group supporting stage illusionists worldwide. Founded in Canada, it now operates from the United States with thousands of members across many countries.
- Founded in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on February 10, 1922.
- Headquarters located in St. Charles, Missouri.
- Publishes the monthly periodical The Linking Ring.
- Holds annual conventions usually in June or July.
- Has over three hundred local groups called Rings.
What it is
The International Brotherhood of Magicians serves as a central hub for the art of stage magic. It supports both professionals and amateurs who create illusions for entertainment. The group provides a structure for performers to share techniques and celebrate their craft through local clubs and large gatherings.
Where it comes from
The organization began on February 10, 1922, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Founders Len Vintus, Gene Gordon, and Don Rogers established the group to help magicians living outside major cities. Unlike earlier clubs that met in urban centers, this new society allowed members to connect by post. Gene Gordon later formed the first local club, Ring 1, in Rochester, New York.
International Brotherhood of Magicians, drawn and placed
- Living
- Revived
- Fading
- Historical
- Legendary
- Performed
What it is for
The group exists to support the community of illusionists. It offers a platform for sharing tricks and discussing the industry. Members can join to connect with others who share an interest in magic. The organization publishes a monthly magazine called The Linking Ring to keep members informed about shows and events.
Who does it
Membership is open to anyone interested in magic, provided they meet age requirements. Active members must be at least eighteen years old and have practiced for two years. Youth members between seven and seventeen can also join. The leadership includes an elected President and Territorial Vice Presidents who coordinate activities across different countries.
Peoples and places
The headquarters is located in St. Charles, Missouri. Local groups exist in more than eighty-eight countries, though they are most common in the United States and Canada. The organization holds annual conventions, sometimes joining with other groups like the Society of American Magicians for larger gatherings in cities such as Louisville and Orlando.
At a glance: who, where and when
Who does it
Occasions
When it is done
The group holds an annual convention, typically in June or July. This event brings together magicians from around the world. Some years feature combined conventions with partner organizations. The 2021 meeting was held virtually due to the pandemic, with entries selected from pre-recorded performances.
Today
The International Brotherhood of Magicians continues to operate with approximately fifteen thousand members. It maintains its headquarters in Missouri and oversees hundreds of local Rings globally. The organization remains active in supporting the performing arts of stage magic through publications and regular conventions.
Questions people ask about International Brotherhood of Magicians
What is the International Brotherhood of Magicians?
It is a nonprofit organization for professional and amateur stage magicians. It supports performers worldwide through local clubs and annual conventions.
Where did the I.B.M. originate?
The group was founded in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, in 1922 by magicians who wanted to connect beyond major city limits.
How do members participate?
Members join local clubs called Rings. They also attend annual conventions where they can compete in contests and share their illusions.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "International Brotherhood of Magicians", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryJaadu rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Names and customs differ from one community to the next, and some knowledge is closed to outsiders and left out here. This page describes belief and practice. It does not say that any of it works, it is not a how-to, and it is not medical advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.
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