Chee Kung Tong is commonly called "Chinese Freemasons". They use masonic insignia, but the Grand Lodge of California does not recognize them.

They are one of the descendants of the Yee Hing secret society, formed in the 17th century to overturn the Manchu Qing dynasty in favor of the Ming dynasty. The overthrow of Qing was achieved in the 20th century, under leadership of Dr. Sun Yat Sen, a member of Chee Kung Tong.

In the 19th century Chee Kung Tong defied the Chinese Exclusion Act by smuggling immigrants and slaves into San Francisco.

Today the society's members say they are an entirely benevolent entity, akin to an Elk lodge. Occasionally there are occasional claims of illegal activities, but whom are you going to believe - the FBI, or a bunch of kindly grandfathers?