 Jesús “Jesse” Ińiguez is a first-generation Chicagoan born and raised in the Back of the Yards and lifetime resident of the 12th Ward. He graduated from Seward Communications Arts Academy, Kennedy High School, and the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is also a member of Holy Cross/IHM parish and is the founder and Vice President of No-Manches.com. Inspired by Cesar Chavez’ words, "We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community...Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own," he has dedicated his life to service becoming part of a movement in his church and community that is getting young people involved in becoming active participants in their communities and the political process. Jesse helped found the Holy Cross Youth Council, the Holy Cross Peace and Justice Commission and the Zócalo Urbano Youth Space.
He is the son of two hard working Mexican immigrants, Vicente and Candelaria Ińiguez, who migrated to Chicago from their native state of Jalisco in 1975 searching for the “American Dream.” He is the seventh child of eight, the first American born, and the first to obtain a college degree. Like many immigrant families, the Ińiguez family made sacrifices so that their children could have better opportunities and thus have better lives.
His leadership skills have helped him enrich his immediate neighborhood over the years, never being afraid to take charge, but most importantly staying grounded or as his parents would say, “humilde”. Through his involvement, he has envisioned a better life not only for himself, but also for all the people of his community.
Jesse Ińiguez attended The University of Illinois at Chicago earning a degree in Psychology and Latin American and Latino Studies, where he conducted numerous research projects and participated in others, where he excelled as a SROP and McNair Scholar. He was also a member of the Mexican Students de Aztlán executive board, and student representative of the Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of Latinos. Through his work he was able to organize activities and seminars focusing on the advancement of Latinos at UIC, but also provide a link between the University and the Latino Community. He was employed by the Latin American and Latino Studies program as the only undergraduate teacher assistant, a testament of his abilities, and work ethic. He was also employed at the Center for Urban and Economic Development as a researcher.
Immediately after graduating he became an organizer for Centro Sin Fronteras, where he lobbied in Springfield, Washington and Mexico City to reunify families that had been separated due to deportations. He then taught Social Studies at Latino Youth Alternative High School, where he helped rebuild a struggling historical High School that was nearly about to close after over 30 years of existence, and at the same time become a mentor to struggling students who lacked social support.
In 2003 he founded Fut7 soccer league that services his community, while also operating and managing Sunrise Café on 47th Street. This is where he discovered his entrepreneurial spirit that led him to co-find, along with a lifelong friend, No Manches, Inc. a creative clothing company focusing on Latino culture, identity and humor.
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