Chester Commodore (August 22, 1914 - April 10, 2004) was an African American cartoonist, both of political cartoons and comic strips. Born in Racine, Wisconsin, Commodore was always interested in drawing. He moved to Chicago, Illinois to attend high school, and it was there that he studied art.

While still in high school, he tried to get a job with the Chicago Defender, one of the country's most notable African American newspapers, but he was told to finish his education first. Following school, he worked as a chauffeur and a mechanic, and got a job with the Pullman company. He was always drawing, and posted his drawings on company bulletin boards. He was recommended for a staff position with the Minneapolis Star in 1938, but when he showed up for the interview, he was told that there was no such job.

He eventually went to work for the Defender, doing layout. When staff cartoonist Jay Jackson died in 1950, he took over the position. Not only did he draw political cartoons, he also drew the strips The Sparks and The Ravings of Prof. Doodle . Commodore was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize twelve times.

Commodore and his wife retired to Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1981, but he continued to draw weekly until his death.