The Buddhist Temple of Chicago

BTC is a diverse Buddhist temple in the historic Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. Visit Sundays at 11 am for weekly English service (newcomer guide), explore our educational classes, meditate on Thursdays & Sundays, and drop in on our many cultural offerings and events. Check our Facebook page for the most recent updates. Everyone is welcome. Directions and parking info are at the bottom of the page.

2026 Memberships

Join online here to experience the convenience of immediate registration, send the paper form through snail mail for a more traditional approach, or come in person to join or renew your membership so that you can enjoy all the benefits we offer. Engaging with our community in this way not only simplifies the process but also allows you to fully immerse yourself in our activities and events, building meaningful connections with fellow members and participating actively in our vibrant community.

Note there are two new lower price memberships for individuals under the age of 30 and any first time new member. Your support is gratefully received, and allows us to keep the temple open. Thank you!

EVENTS


The Buddhist Temple of Chicago Asoka Society invites you to a conversation with acclaimed novelist/playwright Yu Miri. Yu is currently in residence at the University of Chicago as part of "Re-Staging a Japanese American Chicago," a project sponsored by UChicago's Center for East Asian Studies. She will carry out oral history interviews with members of Chicago's Japanese American community and use those as the basis for a new theatrical playscript.Yu and project co-organizer, Michael Bourdaghs, (East Asian Languages and Civilizations, UChicago) will make a public presentation about their plans, including a video introducing Yu's previous theatrical productions. The event is open to the public. At The Buddhist Temple of Chicago, 1151 W. Leland Avenue from 2:00-4:00 on Saturday, February 7, 2026. 

Please RSVP using the QR code above or at: https://tinyurl.com/2wry4kfx

More information about the project: https://ceas.uchicago.edu/re-staging-japanese-american-chicago

14th World Dobo Gathering

The 14th World Dōbō Gathering, organized by Higashi Honganji, brings together the global Jodo Shinshu community for discussions, reflections, and activities aimed at deepening understanding of Shinran Shonin’s teachings. Download an informational brochure here.

Recent events at the Buddhist Temple of Chicago

Any pictures or videos that people want to share can be sent to btctemplerelations@gmail.com

Supervising Minister Rev. Fred Brenion

With Rev. Patti’s September retirement, Rev. Fred Brenion serves as the supervising minister for the Buddhist Temple of Chicago during the ministerial search. Rev. Brenion lives in Yucaipa, California and provides live Dharma messages for our Sunday services via live streaming. In 2011 Frederick became a Jodo Shinshu minister and has been active with other ministers and temples throughout the Higashi Honganji North American District.

COVID 19 Update

The temple is open for Sunday service. Masks are available and optional. However, we ask that participants respect individual decisions to wear or not wear a mask. We also have hand sanitizer readily accessible. Our modern HVAC system circulates the air by taking in outside air and expelling inside air. The walls to our main hall (the Hondo) are open allowing more space. We encourage attendees to socially distance themselves whether there are few or many people. These measures can improve safety for all attendees.

Live Streaming & Service Books
For those unable to attend as well as our friends across the country and internationally we will continue to stream select Sunday services on Facebook Live and ZOOM.

A full service book will help you follow the full service order (sutras, Dhammapada, gathas). Updated in 2009, the service book contains general explanations of the service form, elements of the service, core Sutras (chants), and gathas (songs) used during the service. Books can be ordered online here.