Firearms in Chicago, IL (2026)
4 verified firearms rules for Chicago, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Illinois preempts most Chicago firearm regulation
Some RestrictionsConcealed 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.
Concealed carry needs an Illinois CCL plus FOID
Heavy RestrictionsOpen 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.
Open carry of firearms banned across Illinois and Chicago
Heavy Restrictions720 ILCS 5/24-1(a)(4) - Unlawful Possession of Weapons
A person commits the offense of unlawful possession of weapons when he knowingly: ...(4) Carries or possesses in any vehicle or concealed on or about his person except when on his land or in his own abode, legal dwelling, or fixed place of business... any pistol, revolver, stun gun or taser or other firearm, except that this subsection (a)(4) does not apply to or affect transportation of weapon...
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.
Vehicle carry needs a CCL or unloaded encased firearm
Heavy Restrictions720 ILCS 5/24-1.6(a) - Aggravated Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
A person commits the offense of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon when he or she knowingly: (1) Carries on or about his or her person or in any vehicle or concealed on or about his or her person except when on his or her land or in his or her abode, legal dwelling, or fixed place of business... any pistol, revolver, stun gun or taser or other firearm... and (A-5) the pistol, revolver, ...
Looking for Cook County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chicago city rules.
Firearms in Cook County →