Where to File Public Accommodations Claims

The following table provides general guidance. This is not a guarantee of coverage. Certain exceptions and limitations may apply. You may be able to file your claim with more than one agency. Please telephone an agency if you have questions.

Agencies to Contact Chicago Commission on Human Relations Cook County Commission on Human Rights Illinois Department of Human Rights
Types of Discrimination Covered Race
Color
Religion
Sex (including sexual harassment)
National Origin
Ancestry
Age
Marital Status
Disability
Parental Status
Sexual Orientation
Source of Income
Military Discharge Status
Limited Retaliation
Gender Identity
Race
Color
Religion
Sex (including sexual harassment)
National Origin
Ancestry
Age
Marital Status
Disability
Parental Status
Sexual Orientation
Source of Income
Military Discharge Status Housing Status
Retaliation
Aiding/Abetting
Willful Interference
Gender Identity
Race
Color
Religion
Sex (including sexual harassment)
National Origin
Ancestry
Age
Marital Status
Disability
Unfavorable Military Discharge Status
Retaliation
Aiding/Abetting Willful Interference Coercion
How to report discrimination based on gender identity (suggested) Gender identity covered. Gender identity to be covered 60 days after passage.
(Amendment passed 11/19/02, effective 1/20/03)
Gender identity and sexual orientation not covered. File complaint on basis of disability with proof of gender identity disorder
Geographic Limitations Violation occurred within City of Chicago Violation occurred within Cook County Violation occurred within Illinois
Time Limitations Must file within 180 days of the alleged violation Must file within 180 days of the alleged violation Must file within 180 days of the alleged violation
Who Can Be Sued Place, business establishment or agency that sells, leases, provides or offers any product or service to general public, including membership organizations with over 400 members which provide regular meal service and receive payment for dues or other services from or on behalf of nonmembers Person, business establishment, place or agency that sells, leases, provides or offers any product or service to general public, including membership organizations with over 400 members which provide regular meal service and receive payment for dues or other services from or on behalf of nonmembers Accommodation or business facility of any kind which sells or otherwise offers services or goods to public Public officials, offering public accommodations, who are officers or employees of the State or its agencies
Kinds of Relief Available

Make Whole Damages (such as out-of-pocket expenses and emotional distress damages)

Punitive Damages

Injunctive Relief (such as order to admit Complainant to public accommodation)

Fines to City

Attorneys fees for prevailing Complainant

Make Whole Damages (such as out-of-pocket expenses and emotional distress damages)

Punitive Damages

Injunctive Relief (such as order to admit Complainant to public accommodation)

Fines to County

Attorneys fees for prevailing Complainant

Make Whole Damages (such as out-of-pocket expenses and emotional distress damages)



Injunctive Relief (such as order to admit Complainant to public accommodation)


Attorneys fees for prevailing Complainant

Agency Contact Information

Chicago Commission on Human Relations


740 N. Sedgwick,
Third Floor
Chicago, IL 60610


(312) 744-2852
(312) 744-1088 (TDD)
(312) 744-1081 (FAX)

Cook County Commission on Human Rights

9 W. Washington St.
Suite 2900
Chicago, IL 60602


(312) 603-1100
(312) 603-1101 (TDD)
(312) 603-9988 (FAX)

Illinois Department of Human Rights


James R. Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph
Suite 10-100
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 814-6200
(312) 263-1579 (TDD)
1-800-662-3942 (Toll free housing discrimination line)
(312) 814-1541 (Fax)

Office Hours

Filing Hours:
Monday through Friday
9:00 - 5:00 (2 copies of all filings required)

Intake Hours:
Monday through Friday
9:00 - 5:00

Office Hours: Monday through Friday
8:30 - 5:00


Intake Hours:
Monday through Friday
8:30 - 5:00

Office Hours:
Monday through Friday
8:15 - 4:45


Intake Hours:
Monday through Friday
8:15 - 4:45

Other Forms of Discrimination Covered Employment
Housing
Credit Transaction
s
Employment
Housing
Credit Transactions
Employment
Housing
Credit Transactions
SexualHarassment in Higher Education

Table courtesy of the City of Chicago, Commission on Human Relations.
www.cityofchicago.org/humanrelations/