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Chicago Genealogy Services

History with Dancestors Genealogy

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Who is Dancestors Genealogy in Chicago?

Here at Dancestry Genealogy, it is our goal to help you uncover the history and legacy behind your family tree through our comprehensive genealogy research and archiving services in the Chicago, IL area. We have a team of experienced and skilled genealogy researchers in Chicago that specializes in family history research services, namely ancestry research, DNA research, and organization of family archives.

Hiring a professional genealogist in Chicago can help you save a great amount of time, cost, and effort during research, documentation, and archival of your family memorabilia. At the same time, you will also be able to have a clearer path as to how you will build your family tree. In our experience as a genealogy firm in Chicago, we at Dancestry Genealogy have witnessed how meaningful and beneficial it can be to a family or individual to gain access to their family history and genealogy.

Many of our clients learned more about themselves, embraced their culture and family traditions more, and even developed a better relationship with their families after learning about their ancestors and family history. In some situations they were also able to use the information gathered for inheritance claims, government benefits, family reunions, and more. Let us help you benefit from your past through our genealogy Chicago services. On the other hand, our genealogy researchers Chicago are also here to make sure that generations to come can also benefit from your family’s history.

Client Reviews

     
 
 
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   Valerie Laclair 
 20 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They  were very responsive to my original inquiry and worked very quickly to get me the information I required. I found their fee to be very reasonable compared to what I was quoted by others.
  
 
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   Laura Moore 
 8 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Requested info was expedited in a timely manner
Personable & courteous communications
So glad to be in contact with Dancestors Genealogy
Thank you for your time & work in starting my project !
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Kathleen Dobbin 
 4 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I used Dancestors to learn more about my grandparents origins.  I learned a lot about my family.  I had no idea that my Mom’s family had been here in America since 1640.  My Hungarian great grandmother came here at 17 and had brothers here who changed the family name.   The cost was reasonable and much more efficient than using other search services.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   JE Hurley 
 3 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dan Nelson, founder of Dancestors Genealogy, has been my "go to" source for hard to find historical documents for several years. As a retired law enforcement criminal investigator for 38 years, I can recognise a quality investigative product when I see one. In 2023, I contacted Mr Dan Nelson (Dan) and sought assistance in locating historical family ancestral documents to support a "proof of lineage" for application to the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), a patriot organization. As a novice in family ancestry research, I soon discovered my investigative abilities were challenged. A different skill-set is required to investigate century old family roots than investigating a homicide or robbery. Having done considerable research nationwide on ancestry research companies, I selected Dancestors Genealogy. I found the company was reputable and fees were reasonable. I spoke directly with Dan and he convinced me his company had the skills to meet my ancestry goals in a timely fashion. I have not been disappointed with the results.

These are only two examples of the outstanding results to be expected in working with Dancestors Genealogy. The documents provided, what I know had to be exhaustive research, proving lineage to my 5th great-grandfather William Henry Prentice 1726-1798 on my mothers side. Also, documented proof of lineage to my 5th great-grandfather Elias Hollingsworth 1730-1791 on my fathers side. Both of my great-grandfathers were Patriots who fought in the American Revolutionary War.
  
 
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   Kathy Sandman 
 24 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I asked Dan to help me find documents related to my grandfather.  He was born in another country in 1898.  I received all the information I needed in a timely manner.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   David O'Neil 
 12 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The service was very fast and resulted in great information of my grandparents. It will be very useful for my purpose to apply for citizenship by decent.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Steve Kimbrough 
 12 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Prompt response for initiation. Efficient and clear communication for setting up the work. Work done quickly. Work product exceeded my expectations; it was really excellent.  I especially note that they were cognizant of my purposes and assembled documentation and instructions well suited to those purposes.  Excellent all around.
  
 
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   Valerie Elliott 
 23 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. very professional and did exactly as I requested very happy with the outcome and all my questions and quick response for everything , well done
  
 
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   Berkley Catura 
 18 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very detailed and responsive to any questions. Has found lots of different pieces of my family history.
  
 
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   Lynda Suzanne 
 18 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dan was Very, kind, thorough and quick response.
Highly recommend
  
 
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   funmi akintade 
 24 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dan and his company do a great job.
  
 
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   Frankie Moon 
 11 May 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It’s nice to know your genealogy and more that we can learn.
  
 
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   Robert Sevier 
 7 May 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very quick to respond. Completed research quickly.
  
 
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   janet Anderson 
 12 April 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Impressed with the speed of the research and quality of the presentation.
  
 
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   Gloria Thatsit 
 30 March 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dancestors Genealogy provided thorough information about my family tree in a very timely manner. They were very professional and easy to work with. I highly recommend Dancestors Genealogy.
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Trustindex rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 118 reviews 
 
   Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Need Help With Family History?

How It Works & Our Process

We at Dancestors Genealogy Chicago take great pride in being able to develop and regularly practice our methodical genealogy research process that encompasses Chicago and other cities where your family originated. Rest assured that upon conducting a full fact-finding family history research, the assigned genealogy researchers in Chicago will act in full discretion and transparency.

Step 1

Initial Meeting

It is crucial to have an initial discussion between one of our genealogy research specialists serving Chicago, IL and our clients to discuss their goals, expectations, and existing sources. We dedicate a free, no obligation meeting to each of our clients so we can have a better grasp of what they truly want to happen.

Step 2

Background Exploration & DNA Submittal

This step involves gathering and utilizing existing ancestral information, DNA data, and official records provided to us. Part of this phase also includes conducting a brief interview with our clients’ immediate family and/or willing relatives at the best time possible.

Step 3

The Hunt

Fleshing out tree data, beginning narrative/story documentation, and searching for possible DNA cousins – These are the crucial parts of this phase of the genealogy research process. Our genealogy experts in Chicago, IL will visit and coordinate with Chicago genealogical societies, libraries, courthouses, cemeteries, and more in order to find and organize past records, letters, census dates, certificates, and other pertinent documents.

Step 4

Non-Digital Research

Upon conducting a thorough family history research, the next responsibility of our Chicago genealogical researchers is to professionally compile and organize the information gathered into a user-friendly and easy-to-navigate medium, which is the Narrative Family Legacy book. This will include old photos, gathered documents and records, family charts and reports detailing your history, and more.

Importance of Genealogy in Chicago

Chicago, IL has always been regarded as one of the biggest cultural incubators in the United States, with a steadily growing population of 2.7 million residents and a land area of 227.4 square miles. Diversity in the Windy City has never been more evident as 90% of its population is split near equally among Latinos, African Americans, and White residents. Almost 7% are Asians in the city’s total population. In terms of history, Chicago has witnessed pivotal events in America, such as The Great Chicago Fire, The World’s Columbian Exposition, and the Prohibition era in the 1920s.

Going back to today, we at Dancestors Genealogy are on a mission to help our clients living in Chicago and its surrounding cities in Illinois gain insights into their family history and genealogy. Utilizing our genealogy Chicago consultative services, you, too, will not only gain access to archives dating back to your ancestors, but you will also have the opportunity to build a family tree that can span up to 6 generations and beyond.

Chicago is the county seat of Cook County, which makes up of approximately 40% of Illinois’ residents. There are 23 cities in the county, which includes Evanston, Rolling Meadows, Chicago Heights, Calumet City, Berwyn, Oak Forest, Orland Park, Palos Hills, Palos Park, Harvey, Des Plaines, Burbank, Park Ridge, Northlake, and more. We have the manpower and resources to conduct a full genealogy research project in Chicago and other cities in Cook County.

Testimonials

I wanted to give my mother something special for her 95th birthday. Dancestors worked with me to tell the story of mother’s life and her ancestry through narrative and pictures. It was a bonus when he found overseas information about her families origins in Eastern Europe.
Amy C.
This past year I engaged Dancestors to work on my parent’s family. There had always been scattered pieces of the family tree, but nothing had ever been pulled together in a format that not only made a prized gift but had some great stories that were in danger of being lost forever. This next year Dancestors will be working on my wife’s family.
Keith B.
Hi, my name is Nicky. What I was looking for was a way to provide a great gift for my family, but also a way in which we could add pictures and stories as the family grew and as younger generations became interested in “where we came from?”. I grew up thinking my surname was German. Through Dancestors' research, I found out that my surname and roots were English and not German. Dancestors delivered exactly what I was looking for: the bound books and the online access for future additions.
Nicky O.
I was a little concerned when I engaged someone to do the book that lived halfway across the country. That turned out not to be a concern as through email and phone we communicated more effectively with my busy schedule than in person meetings would have allowed. I’d grown up hearing great stories about my family, but they were all disconnected and not well documented. Dancestors researched my mother’s line first and gathered some great stories, including trips across America by wagon train, ancestors who found religions and a long line of English folks.
Cheryl S.
Dan and Andrea, I saw Mom yesterday for the first time in a couple of weeks. She told me how much she loved having Dad's letter in the books; how she could pick them up at odd times of the day and how she had difficulty putting them down; and lastly how they almost always brought tears to her eyes. You should be proud of your efforts and work! What a wonderful Gift! Thank You!
Mike
View our client video testimonials, click here.

Who is on Your Family Tree?

Vintage portrait of a uniformed soldier ancestor - Chicago family history research

Vintage photograph of women ancestors at the beach - Chicago family history research

Handwritten family journal from 1883 - Chicago family history research

Ancestor in a vintage pilot’s helmet beside an aircraft - Chicago family history research

Two ancestors in military dress uniforms - Chicago family history research

Vintage photograph of an early automobile - Chicago family history research

Vintage outdoor photograph of ancestors - Chicago family history research

Ancestor photographed in a Civil War uniform - Chicago family history research

Why Dancestors Genealogy for Chicago?

There are many professional genealogists in Chicago, IL, but not everyone has the same level of dedication and passion that we at Dancestors Genealogy apply in all of our family history research projects. Our Chicago genealogy services, namely ancestry research, DNA research, and organization of family archives, are geared towards helping individuals and families gain a deeper level of understanding and appreciation of their ancestors, culture, and heritage. The information gathered during the data gathering process have proven to also be beneficial in tracing medical history, settling land title disputes, and searching for distant relatives.

Preserving and passing on family legacy are very important for Dan Nelson, head of Dancestors Genealogy. His path to becoming the seasoned genealogist that he is today started when he took great interest in his own family’s history and continued his mother’s research. Along the way he was able to master thorough and meticulous genealogy research, and later on he was able to utilize modern day technology to his method.

Like our founder, we at Dancestors Genealogy are very eager to help you discover the truths of your ancestral history and build your family tree through your very own Narrative Family Legacy book. Call us today or fill out the contact form below to learn more about our genealogy research and archiving services in Chicago, IL. Our friendly and highly knowledgeable Chicago genealogy specialists can schedule a free consultation with you at your convenient time.

Discover Your Family History

Your Narrative Family Legacy book provides you and your family members with historical insights. Your family history has a lot of detail to it, so the research on where you came from helps you navigate your origins. In addition to this personalized book, we also provide you with various genealogical files and materials. These include an online ancestry tree, printed pedigree charts, DNA ethnicity, cousin contacts, and so much more.