Chicago's Firearms: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles firearms a little differently. In Chicago, Illinois, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Local Firearms Preemption

Illinois law preempts most local firearm regulation, but Chicago's home-rule status survives in narrow areas. The McDonald v. Chicago decision struck down the city handgun ban; current MCC 8-20 governs registration adjacent to state FOID law.

Key details: State preemption: Firearm Concealed Carry Act. City code: MCC chapter 8-20. Required state ID: FOID card, 430 ILCS 65. Assault weapons: Banned under PA 102-1116.

Illegal possession or unlawful use of a weapon under 720 ILCS 5/24-1 is a Class A misdemeanor or felony; MCC 8-20-040 storage breaches add city fines up to one thousand dollars per offense.

Concealed Carry

Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act licenses are issued by the Illinois State Police. Chicago is fully covered, but the city has expansive sensitive-place lists where licensed carry is barred under 430 ILCS 66/65 and MCC 8-20.

Key details: Permit issuer: Illinois State Police. Statute: 430 ILCS 66 (FCCA). Training: Sixteen hours required. CTA transit: No carry, sensitive place.

Carrying without a CCL is unlawful use of a weapon under 720 ILCS 5/24-1 or aggravated under 5/24-1.6, a Class 4 felony; carrying in a sensitive place is a Class B misdemeanor with license revocation risk.

This is one of the stricter rules in Chicago's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Firearms in Vehicles

Illinois law allows firearm transport in a Chicago vehicle only if the gun is unloaded and enclosed in a case, OR the driver holds a valid Illinois Concealed Carry License. 720 ILCS 5/24-1.6 criminalizes loaded firearms in a vehicle without a CCL.

Key details: Without CCL: Unloaded, cased, inaccessible. With CCL: Loaded carry permitted. Statute: 720 ILCS 5/24-1.6. Glove box: Not a valid case.

Loaded or accessible firearms in a vehicle without a CCL are aggravated unlawful use of a weapon under 720 ILCS 5/24-1.6, a Class 4 felony with up to three years prison and mandatory FOID revocation.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Chicago actively enforces its firearms in vehicles requirements.

Open Carry

Illinois bans open carry of firearms statewide. Under 720 ILCS 5/24-1 and 5/24-1.6, carrying an exposed loaded or accessible firearm in public is unlawful use of a weapon. Chicago has no exceptions; only licensed concealed carry is permitted.

Key details: Open carry status: Banned statewide. Statute: 720 ILCS 5/24-1 and 5/24-1.6. Only legal carry: Concealed with a CCL. Hunting: Allowed on permitted land.

Open carry is unlawful use of a weapon under 720 ILCS 5/24-1, a Class A misdemeanor, or aggravated unlawful use under 5/24-1.6, a Class 4 felony with up to three years prison and FOID revocation.

This is one of the stricter rules in Chicago's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Chicago is tougher than many cities when it comes to firearms. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Chicago, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Chicago's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.