While it was not legally allowed to operate, bounteous influential intellectuals and progressive politicians counted themselves as members, including Ferdinand of Brunswick and the diplomat Xavier von Zwack. Xavier von Zwack was also the number two man in the operation and was caught with much of the group's documentation when his home was searched. The Illuminati's members pledged obedience to their superiors, and were divided into three main classes, each with several degrees:

In addition to the conspiracy theories, distinct modern groups have used the name Illuminati in founding their own rites. Some of these include the Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO) founded by Theodor Reuss and Aleister Crowley (England), Fine Lodge Rockefeller founded by David Goldman (USA), Orden Illuminati Illuminati founded by Gabriel López de Rojas (Spain), The Illuminati Order and others.