In this study, CrCI3, H-Y, Cr-Y and calcined CrOx-Y zeolites were studied in the liquid phase heterogeneous catalytic conversion of glucose to HMF in ionic liquids. Characterization of catalysts was done in XPS, XRD and NH3-TPD. Both glucose conversion and HMF yield decreased with the addition of chromium (III) chloride impregnated catalysts in comparison to the homogeneous CrCI3-[BMIM]CI system. High glucose and HMF yields were obtained with heterogeneous calcined CrOx-Y zeolite. Best HMF yield achieved was 52.8%.