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Don't Annoy Illinois

EMPOWERING ILLINOIANS WHO LOVE OUR STATE

Dont Annoy Illinois

EMPOWERING ILLINOIANS WHO LOVE OUR STATE

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WELCOME TO DON’T ANNOY ILLINOIS

Founded by lifelong Illinoisian Jim Schermerhorn, “Don’t Annoy Illinois” is more than just a phrase—it’s a celebration of state pride, resilience, and community.

The idea was sparked in 2000 when Jim watched President George W. Bush’s Republican National Convention acceptance speech. Bush invoked the saying “Don’t mess with Texas” while honoring Bob Bullock, Texas’ lieutenant governor, who was a Democrat and worked across party lines despite their political differences. Inspired by the message of unity and state pride, Jim jokingly responded, “Don’t Annoy Illinois.” then our movement was born.

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FEATURED PRODUCTS

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OUR STORY

Jim and his two sons, one a graphic design student and the other a Computer science graduate are Driven by the bipartisan spirit of “Don’t Annoy Illinois” to embrace, highlight & celebrate the hardworking, innovative, and proud people who make this state great. Our apparel, magnets, and other gear reflect Illinois’ industrious nature, heartland values, and common-sense approach to life.

We pay tribute to the builders of Illinois by designing the first “I” in Illinois to resemble the end of an I-beam. In our Orange-on-Navy blue design, the two lowercase “i”s resemble the end of a pair of railroad rails as a nod to the Illinois railroad industry and a tip of the cap to all engineers who keep our state moving forward.

As a bonus for anyone who needs a reminder that the “s” in Illinois is silent, our image has a very small “s” to help.

Whether you live in this great state or embrace the Illinois spirit from somewhere else, “Don’t Annoy Illinois” is here to unite and celebrate all who think of themselves as Illinoisans.

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