The Chicago Chamber Musicians (CCM) was founded in 1986 by a group of prominent musicians and chamber music devotees for the purpose of building an internationally-recognized Chicago institution devoted to the study and performance of chamber music. CCM began as the resident ensemble of WFMT and that same year inaugurated its year-round, free First Monday Series at the Chicago Cultural Center. Repeated requests from listeners led CCM to create its annual subscription series in 1988. CCM also started offering education programs in Chicago public schools in 1988, and was recognized for this work in 1991 as the Chicago Board of Educations Volunteer of the Year. CCM created its annual Family Concerts in 1996 to nurture the enjoyment of chamber music among young audiences. In 1998, CCM launched its contemporary music program, an annual series dedicated to fostering greater exposure and appreciation for today's composers and the new music of the 20th and 21st centuries. The series won two CMA/ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming in 1999 and 2002. In 2005, CCM piloted the first phase of its Chamber Music Professional Development Program (PDP) to pass on its significant knowledge as a leading chamber music institution to the next generation of professional musicians. The number of ensemble artists has grown from 5 to 16 and CCM's repertoire now numbers more than 700 pieces including 15 commissioned works and 10 recordings.

The Chicago Chamber Musicians (CCM)is a society of professional musicians and interested supporters dedicated to excellence in the study and performance of chamber music. CCM intends to be a national leader in providing the highest quality programs in artistic development, concert performance, and education. Creativity, generosity of spirit, and artistic drive are CCM's hallmark as we strive to share the joy of music with the broadest possible public, thereby enriching the cultural life of Chicago and beyond.

Currently CCM achieves its mission through the following programs: the First Monday Series of free concerts at the Chicago Cultural Center, which includes live broadcasts on WFMT and CCM's Move to the Music program providing school groups with free transportation to and from the concerts; a masterworks series of 6 programs (12 concerts) performed at Pick-Staiger in Evanston and Merit School of Music in Chicago; a national and international touring program; active commissioning of new works from today's leading composers to ensure the ongoing vitality of this living art form; the School Residency Program which consists of of hands-on music instruction taught by CCM teaching artists, in-school performances by professional musicians, and field trips to experience concerts in professional settings; an award-winning contemporary music series; the Chamber Music Professional Development Program (PDP); the Youth Audience Development project which engages high school students and their parents through master classes taught by CCM ensemble artists in exchange for CCM subscription tickets for students and their parents; and a nationally syndicated radio series reaching over 150 markets.