The Order of Saint Joachim is ruled by its Grand Chapter, led by the Grand Master and governed by its constitution. As has been the tradition since the Order’s inception in 1755, the Grand Master is elected by eligible members of the Chapter General of the Order, to serve for life. Grand Chapter appointments serve at the pleasure of Grand Chapter and the Grand Master.
Where numbers warrant, national Commanderies are established by Grand Chapter. They currently include the United Kingdom, Austria-Germany, the United States of America and Canada. Smaller Sub-Commanderies are established primarily for organizational and social purposes both inside Commanderies and in countries where numbers do not warrant a full Commandery. Members not belonging to a national Commandery are part of the Knights Errant Commandery under the Order’s Grand Prior.
