The Degree of Chevalier is the highest honor for distinguished DeMolay service within the gift of the International Supreme Council of the Order of DeMolay. Only one other honor, the Legion of Honor Degree for outstanding leadership and service to humanity, outranks the Degree of Chevalier. The Degree of Chevalier is the highest honor which can be bestowed on an Active DeMolay. The nominee must be at least seventeen years of age or older and have been a member of the Order of DeMolay in good standing for at least two years to be eligible for consideration for nomination. A Senior DeMolay is eligible to receive the Honor. The citation is for outstanding and marked DeMolay activity and labor.

The Honor was created in 1920, discontinued shortly thereafter and was recreated in 1936 and was granted again beginning in 1937. In 1936, the minimum age was eighteen, then in 1962 it was lowered to sixteen. Beginning in 1968, the minimum age for nomination was seventeen and two years membership in the Order. In 2000 the minimum age was lowered again to sixteen.

The Degree of Chevalier is awarded by the International Supreme Council at its Annual Sessions. Recommendation may be submitted by the Advisory Council of a DeMolay Chapter or of a Knighthood Priory, or by a Court of Chevaliers to the Executive Officer of the Jurisdiction (State). Each Active Member of the International Supreme Council shall have the right to make not more than one personal nomination each year. The Degree cannot be applied for, and the nomination is made without the knowledge of the DeMolay who is honored. The unanimous vote of the Supreme Council in Annual Session is required to elect a nominee to the Degree of Chevalier. Any person who fails to observe secrecy as to the consideration for or action on any nomination for the Degree of Chevalier shall himself be subject to removal of his own honors or to removal from his offices and memberships.

Regalia includes a gold medallion with a bust in relief of Jacques DeMolay encircled by a ring of red enamel suspended from a gold cordon and a silver ring worn on the third finger of the left hand. Initially the medallion was suspended about the neck by a red rayon collar with a DeMolay emblem embroidered thereon.