---
title: "Warlocks MC: Two Clubs, Phoenix Patch, Pagans"
slug: "the-warlocks-biker-gang"
description: "Two Warlocks MC, not the same club. Florida Warlocks (1967, Phoenix patch), Pennsylvania Warlocks (Harpy Eagle), 4-country reach, the Pagans feud."
pubDate: 2019-07-18T00:00:00.000Z
canonical: https://bobberbrothers.com/pages/the-warlocks-biker-gang/
---
## Who Are the Warlocks MC?
The Florida-based Warlocks Motorcycle Club is a [one-percenter outlaw motorcycle club](/pages/1-percenter-biker/) founded in 1967 in Lockhart, Florida by 13 US Navy servicemen who had bonded over Harley-Davidsons during a deployment on the USS Shangri-La. The club is documented in DOJ National Gang Threat Assessment reports and has been the subject of multiple federal investigations and academic research over its history.
| Field | Documented detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1967, Lockhart, Florida |
| Founder | Tom "Grub" Freeland |
| Original membership | 13 US Navy servicemen from USS Shangri-La |
| Center patch | Phoenix (also called the Warbird) in orange, crimson red, gold on black |
| Documented presence | Florida (Mother Chapter), Southeast US, plus international chapters per published club history |
| Federal classification | Outlaw motorcycle gang per DOJ National Gang Intelligence Center |
A common point of confusion: there are two separate motorcycle clubs that share the Warlocks name. The Florida-based Warlocks MC (Phoenix patch) and the Pennsylvania-based Warlocks MC (Harpy Eagle patch) are completely different organizations with different histories, different leadership, and a long-running dispute over the name. This article covers the Florida-based Warlocks MC with the Phoenix emblem.
## Warlocks MC Founding and Origins
The story of the Warlocks MC starts on the deck of the USS Shangri-La, a US Navy aircraft carrier. During an eight-month deployment in 1967, 13 sailors discovered they shared the same thing: a deep love for Harley-Davidson motorcycles and the freedom that comes with riding them.
When the deployment ended, these men returned stateside with a plan. Tom "Grub" Freeland, one of the original 13, founded the first chapter in Lockhart, a small community just north of Orlando, Florida. That chapter became the Warlocks Mother Chapter and still holds that title today.
The military roots of the Warlocks MC are not unusual. Many of the major outlaw motorcycle clubs in the United States were started by veterans. The [Outlaws MC](/pages/the-outlaws-biker-gang/), the Bandidos, and even the Hells Angels all have deep connections to men returning from war. After serving, these men wanted the brotherhood, the adrenaline, and the sense of purpose that civilian life did not always provide. Riding motorcycles in a tight-knit club gave them exactly that.
The name "Warlocks" carries a deliberate edge. A warlock is a male practitioner of dark magic, and the founders chose it to signal that this was not a weekend riding club. This was something harder, something with teeth.
### The Name Dispute with Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania-based Warlocks claim that the Florida club stole their name. According to the PA Warlocks, some Florida members visited the Philadelphia Navy Yards in the late 1960s and brought the name back south. The Florida Warlocks deny this entirely and maintain they chose the name independently.
There has never been definitive proof either way. What is certain is that the two clubs are completely separate organizations. The Pennsylvania Warlocks wear a Harpy Eagle patch and operate primarily in the mid-Atlantic states. The Florida Warlocks wear the Phoenix patch and dominate the Southeast. The two groups have had hostile interactions over the years, and members of one do not recognize the other as legitimate.
## Warlocks MC Patch and Colors
The Warlocks MC patch is one of the most distinctive in the outlaw motorcycle world. The centerpiece is a Phoenix, sometimes referred to as the "Warbird." The Phoenix is rendered in vivid orange, crimson red, and gold against a black background. It shows the mythical bird rising with wings spread and flames trailing below.
The Phoenix symbolism is deliberate. In mythology, the Phoenix dies in fire and is reborn from its own ashes. For the Warlocks, it represents resilience, rebirth, and the idea that the club cannot be destroyed.
The patch is worn as a traditional three-piece back patch:
- **Top rocker:** "Warlocks" in an arched banner
- **Center patch:** The Phoenix/Warbird emblem
- **Bottom rocker:** The chapter location
The club's official colors are orange, red, gold, and black. Members are known to be extremely protective of the patch. Like all one-percenter clubs, the Warlocks consider unauthorized reproduction or wearing of their colors a serious offense.
If you are into the meaning behind biker patches and what they represent, the Warlocks patch is a textbook example of how a club's identity is encoded in its colors.
## Warlocks MC Mottos
The Warlocks MC has several well-known mottos that reflect the club's attitude and culture.
**"Warlocks Forever, Forever Warlocks" (WFFW)** - This is the club's primary motto and is often abbreviated as WFFW on patches, tattoos, and club merchandise. It echoes the "forever" pledge seen in other outlaw clubs and signals lifelong commitment.
**"Our Business Is None of Your F---ing Business"** - This motto captures the Warlocks' stance on privacy and secrecy. Like most one-percenter clubs, they do not discuss internal affairs with outsiders.
**"To Find Us, You Must Be Good. To Catch Us, You Must Be Fast. To Beat Us, You Must Be Kidding."** - A more colorful motto that speaks to the Warlocks' self-confidence and defiance toward law enforcement and rival clubs.
## Warlocks MC Chapters: Full Breakdown
The Warlocks MC has grown from that single Lockhart chapter to dozens of chapters across four countries. Here is a breakdown of their known chapter locations.
### Warlocks MC United States Chapters
Florida remains the heartland of the Warlocks MC. The state hosts 11 chapters, more than any other. The Mother Chapter in Lockhart (Orlando) is the center of authority for the entire organization.
Beyond Florida, the Warlocks have a strong presence across the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States:
- **Florida** - 11 chapters (including the Mother Chapter in Lockhart/Orlando)
- **South Carolina** - 7 chapters
- **Virginia** - 5 chapters
- **West Virginia** - 4 chapters
- **Ohio** - 2 chapters
- **New York** - 1 chapter
- **Minnesota** - Active presence
- **Georgia** - Active presence
The club also maintains Nomad chapters. Nomad members do not belong to any specific geographic chapter and operate independently within the club's territory.
---
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---
### Warlocks MC International Chapters
The Warlocks MC expanded beyond US borders starting in the late 20th century. Their international presence includes:
**Germany:**
- Warlocks Allgau Chapter
- Warlocks Mountain Valley Chapter
**England:**
- Warlocks Lincolnshire Chapter
- Warlocks Lincoln Chapter
- Warlocks Scunthorpe Chapter
**Canada:**
- Warlocks Edmonton Chapter
- Warlocks Fort McMurray Chapter
- Warlocks Drayton Valley Chapter
The Canadian chapters are concentrated in Alberta, while the English chapters cluster in the East Midlands region of England.
### Special Chapters
- **Warlocks Nomad Chapter** - Members who operate without a fixed geographic territory
- **Warlocks Freebird Chapter** - A designated chapter with its own internal structure
## Warlocks MC Organizational Structure
Like most outlaw motorcycle clubs, the Warlocks MC operates with a strict hierarchy. The structure mirrors what you will find in clubs like the Outlaws or the [Pagans](/pages/all-about-the-notorious-pagan-biker-gang/).
The standard chain of command includes:
- **President** - Leads the chapter and represents it in inter-chapter matters
- **Vice President** - Second in command
- **Sergeant-at-Arms** - Enforces club rules and handles security
- **Road Captain** - Manages logistics for group rides and runs
- **Secretary/Treasurer** - Handles club finances and records
Prospective members, known as "prospects," must go through a probationary period before earning full membership and the right to wear the club's patch. The prospecting process is intentionally difficult and tests loyalty, commitment, and willingness to put the club first.
The Mother Chapter in Orlando holds ultimate authority over all other chapters. Disputes between chapters, changes to club bylaws, and major decisions flow through the Mother Chapter's leadership.
## Warlocks MC Rivalry with the Pagans
The Warlocks MC's most well-known rivalry is with the [Pagans Motorcycle Club](/pages/all-about-the-notorious-pagan-biker-gang/). This conflict is rooted in territory. Both clubs claim turf along the East Coast, and their areas of operation overlap in several states.
The Pagans MC, founded in 1959 in Prince George's County, Maryland, is one of the Big Four outlaw motorcycle clubs in the United States. They have historically dominated the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, while the Warlocks hold the Southeast. But where those territories meet - particularly in the Carolinas, Virginia, and West Virginia - tensions have run high for decades.
This rivalry has produced violent confrontations over the years. Law enforcement agencies have documented multiple incidents between the two clubs, including assaults, shootings, and territorial disputes at biker events. The conflict is not just about territory. It also involves respect, reputation, and the principle that no club backs down on its home turf.
The Warlocks have also had run-ins with the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, another major East Coast presence. However, the Pagans rivalry has historically been the most intense and persistent.
For a broader understanding of these dynamics, check out our overview of the most famous biker gangs and how territorial lines have shaped the outlaw world.
## Warlocks MC and Law Enforcement
The Warlocks MC has been the subject of extensive law enforcement attention over the decades. Federal and state agencies, including the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) and the FBI, have conducted multiple investigations into the club's activities.
### Major Law Enforcement Actions
**2010s Operations:** Throughout the 2010s, multiple law enforcement operations targeted Warlocks MC members across Florida and the Carolinas. These operations often involved undercover agents who spent months or even years building cases.
**RICO Prosecutions:** Like several outlaw motorcycle clubs, members of the Warlocks have faced charges under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. RICO charges allow federal prosecutors to target the organizational structure of a club, not just individual members.
**Drug-Related Arrests:** Various state and federal agencies have arrested Warlocks members on drug trafficking charges over the years. These charges have ranged from methamphetamine distribution to marijuana cultivation.
It is worth noting that the Warlocks MC, like most outlaw clubs, insists that the actions of individual members do not reflect the club as a whole. The club's official position is that it is a motorcycle club, not a criminal organization.
## Warlocks MC Culture and Lifestyle
### Riding Culture
At its core, the Warlocks MC is a motorcycle club. Members ride Harley-Davidsons, and the club maintains strict rules about what qualifies as an acceptable bike. This is standard across most one-percenter clubs. You ride American iron, or you do not ride with the club. Japanese bikes, European bikes, trikes - none of that flies. The Warlocks were founded by men who loved Harleys, and that has never changed.
Group rides, known as "runs," are a central part of club life. These range from short local rides to multi-day events that bring together members from different chapters. Mandatory runs require attendance from all full-patch members. Missing a mandatory run without a legitimate reason can result in fines or disciplinary action within the club.
The Warlocks are also known to attend major biker rallies and events, particularly in the southeastern United States. Daytona Bike Week, held annually in Florida, is one event where the club's presence has been noted over the years. These public gatherings serve as both social events and displays of club strength.
### Brotherhood and Loyalty
The concept of brotherhood is not just a word in the Warlocks MC. It is the foundation of everything. Members are expected to put the club above personal interests, career, and sometimes even family. The motto "Warlocks Forever, Forever Warlocks" is not just something stitched on a patch. It is a commitment.
This level of loyalty is what separates one-percenter clubs from recreational riding groups. When a Warlock needs help, the club responds. When the club calls, members answer. That dynamic has held the Warlocks together for over 50 years through law enforcement pressure, rival conflicts, and internal challenges.
### Community Involvement
Despite their outlaw designation, the Warlocks MC has been involved in charity events and community activities in their areas of operation. Toy runs during the holiday season, benefit rides for local causes, and fundraisers for members' families are common. This dual nature - outlaw identity combined with community presence - is something shared across many one-percenter clubs.
## The Two Warlocks: Florida vs. Pennsylvania
This is one of the most misunderstood topics in the MC world, so it is worth addressing in detail.
**Florida Warlocks MC (est. 1967):**
- Patch: Phoenix/Warbird
- Colors: Orange, red, gold, black
- Base: Orlando, Florida
- Territory: Southeastern US, international chapters
**Pennsylvania Warlocks MC (est. 1960s):**
- Patch: Harpy Eagle
- Colors: Black and white
- Base: Philadelphia/Chester, Pennsylvania
- Territory: Mid-Atlantic states
These are two completely separate clubs that happen to share a name. They do not cooperate, they do not recognize each other, and there is genuine hostility between them. If you are reading about the Warlocks MC, always check which one is being discussed. Media reports frequently confuse the two, which leads to misinformation.
The Florida Warlocks are generally considered the larger of the two organizations, with more chapters and a wider geographic reach including international expansion.
## Warlocks MC in the Media
The Warlocks MC has received less mainstream media attention than clubs like the Hells Angels or the Bandidos, but they have been featured in various documentaries, news reports, and books about outlaw motorcycle culture.
The club tends to avoid media attention by design. Their motto about their business being nobody else's business is not just words - they actively discourage media contact and rarely issue public statements. This secrecy has actually contributed to a certain mystique around the Warlocks that larger, more publicly visible clubs do not always have.
When the Warlocks do appear in media, it is usually in connection with law enforcement operations or territorial disputes. Local news outlets in Florida, the Carolinas, and Virginia have covered various incidents involving the club over the years.
## Warlocks MC Current Status
As of the mid-2020s, the Warlocks MC continues to operate as an active one-percenter motorcycle club. They maintain chapters across the United States, Canada, Germany, and England. The Mother Chapter in Lockhart/Orlando remains the organizational center.
The club faces the same pressures that all outlaw motorcycle clubs deal with today: increased law enforcement scrutiny, RICO-based federal investigations, competition with other clubs for territory, and the challenge of recruiting new members in an era when motorcycle culture has shifted.
Despite these challenges, the Warlocks have shown the resilience their Phoenix patch represents. They have survived internal conflicts, external pressure, and over five decades of existence. In the outlaw MC world, longevity like that is earned, not given.
If you want to read the East Coast outlaw motorcycle world correctly, the Warlocks belong on the same page as the [Outlaws](/pages/the-outlaws-biker-gang/) and the [Pagans](/pages/all-about-the-notorious-pagan-biker-gang/). They show how territory, loyalty, and reputation drive the one-percenter world.
## Frequently Asked Questions About the Warlocks MC
### Are the Florida Warlocks and Pennsylvania Warlocks the same club?
No. The Florida-based Warlocks MC (Phoenix patch, founded 1967) and the Pennsylvania-based Warlocks MC (Harpy Eagle patch) are completely separate organizations. They share a name but have different origins, leadership, patches, and territories. There is hostility between the two groups over the shared name.
### Where was the Warlocks MC founded?
The Warlocks MC was founded in 1967 in Lockhart, a community near Orlando, Florida. The founder was Tom "Grub" Freeland, one of 13 ex-US Navy servicemen who served together aboard the USS Shangri-La aircraft carrier.
### What does the Warlocks MC patch look like?
The Warlocks MC patch features a Phoenix (also called the Warbird) in orange, crimson red, and gold on a black background. It is displayed as a traditional three-piece back patch with a top rocker reading "Warlocks," the Phoenix center patch, and a bottom rocker showing the chapter location.
### Is the Warlocks MC a one-percenter club?
Yes. The Warlocks MC is a recognized one-percenter motorcycle club, meaning they identify as part of the 1% of motorcyclists who live outside mainstream society and its laws. Members wear the 1% diamond patch. Learn more about [what one-percenter means](/pages/1-percenter-biker/).
### What is WFFW?
WFFW stands for "Warlocks Forever, Forever Warlocks." It is the club's primary motto and is commonly seen on patches, tattoos, and club gear. It signals lifelong commitment to the club.
### Who are the Warlocks MC's main rivals?
The Warlocks MC's most prominent rivalry is with the [Pagans Motorcycle Club](/pages/all-about-the-notorious-pagan-biker-gang/), primarily due to overlapping territorial claims along the East Coast. They have also had conflicts with the Outlaws MC and the Pennsylvania-based Warlocks over the years.
### How many chapters does the Warlocks MC have?
The Warlocks MC has chapters across at least eight US states, plus chapters in Germany, England, and Canada. Florida alone hosts 11 chapters. The exact total number fluctuates as chapters open and close.
### Can anyone join the Warlocks MC?
No. Like all one-percenter clubs, the Warlocks MC has a strict prospecting process. Prospective members must be sponsored by existing members, go through a lengthy probationary period, and prove their loyalty and commitment before earning full-patch membership. The club rides Harley-Davidsons exclusively.
## Sources
- [U.S. Department of Justice --- Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs](https://www.justice.gov/criminal-ocgs/gallery/outlaw-motorcycle-gangs-omgs) --- DOJ overview and classification of outlaw MCs including the Warlocks
- [Warlocks MC (Florida) --- One Percenter Bikers](https://onepercenterbikers.com/warlocks-mc-motorcycle-club-florida/) --- Detailed history of the Florida Warlocks MC founding and chapter structure
- [A Brief History Of The Warlocks Motorcycle Club --- SlashGear](https://www.slashgear.com/2035663/history-warlocks-motorcycle-club-explained/) --- Overview of the Warlocks MC history and the Florida vs. Pennsylvania distinction
- Barker, Thomas. *Biker Gangs and Organized Crime.* Anderson Publishing, 2007 --- Academic overview of outlaw MC structures and territories
- National Gang Intelligence Center (NGIC). *National Gang Threat Assessment* --- Federal intelligence reports referencing the Warlocks MC
- Winterhalder, Edward. *Out in Bad Standings: Inside the Bandidos Motorcycle Club.* Blockhead City Press, 2005 --- References to Warlocks MC in the broader outlaw MC context
*If you want the full picture of one-percenter culture, club hierarchies, and territory dynamics, our [motorcycle clubs complete guide](/pages/motorcycle-clubs-complete-guide/) covers it end to end.*