Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 13, 1913, by 22 collegiate women at Howard University to promote academic excellence and improve the lives of others through public service. Just weeks after its founding, the members of Delta Sigma Theta participated in the historic 1913 Women's Suffrage March in Washington, D.C. The Founders envisioned an organization dedicated to sisterhood, scholarship, service, and addressing the pressing issues of the day. That spirit of political activism and advocacy for fairness, equity, and inclusion has remained a hallmark of Delta's mission for more than a century. Today, Delta Sigma Theta is one of the world's preeminent service-based sororities, with more than 350,000 initiated members and over 1,050 chartered chapters worldwide.   
      
As a sisterhood of primarily Black, college-educated women, Delta addresses issues that most impact African Americans, recognizing that progress for one community strengthens our nation as a whole. The Sorority's programs are organized around its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust: economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement. Through these enduring priorities, Delta continues to uplift individuals and families, strengthen communities, and inspire generations to lead with purpose, compassion, and service.

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In 1921, Delta was experiencing tremendous growth, establishing numerous chapters across the nation. Home to Founders Osceola Macarthy Adams and Marguerite Young Alexander, the two visionaries recognized the need for a chapter in Chicago and established Lambda on the University of Chicago campus, creating a unique chapter composed of both collegiate and alumnae members.

Membership in Lambda grew exponentially, the vision and mission spread swiftly across the city to the point where another chapter was needed. In 1924 Theta Sigma was established and Lambda was designated solely as a collegiate chapter in 1931.

As the sorority continued to flourish in the Chicago area, another chapter, Gamma Chi Sigma, was chartered in 1947. These two chapters created a Joint Council which served to coordinate public service programming. The remarkable success of the council led to the merging of Theta Sigma and Gamma Chi Sigma in 1959 which established the Chicago Alumnae Chapter, (CAC).

Since 1959, Thee Chicago Alumnae Chapter has earned recognition as the premier chapter for the city of Chicago and the suburbs of Evergreen Park and Oak Lawn. Guided by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated's Five-Point Programmatic Thrust—Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement (Social Action)—the chapter delivers award-winning programs and initiatives that make a lasting impact across communities. Many of these programs and events are hosted at D'Estee, Inc., located at 4519–25 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Chicago.