Open Carry: Chicago vs Skokie
How do open carry rules compare between Chicago, IL and Skokie, IL?
Chicago and Skokie have similar restriction levels.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
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.
View full Chicago rules →Skokie, IL
Cook County
Illinois prohibits open carry of firearms statewide under 720 ILCS 5/24-1 and the Firearm Concealed Carry Act, which authorized only concealed carry. Cook County follows state law; there is no local open-carry exception in unincorporated areas or suburbs.
View full Skokie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Skokie |
|---|---|---|
| Open carry status | Banned statewide | - |
| Statute | 720 ILCS 5/24-1 and 5/24-1.6 | 720 ILCS 5/24-1 and 24-1.6 |
| Only legal carry | Concealed with a CCL | - |
| Hunting | Allowed on permitted land | - |
| Status | - | Banned statewide |
| Exception | - | Home, business, hunting |
| First offense | - | Class 4 felony |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
Can I openly carry a holstered handgun on a Chicago sidewalk?
No. Illinois bars open carry under 720 ILCS 5/24-1 and 5/24-1.6, and Chicago has no carve-out. Only concealed carry with an Illinois CCL is permitted.
Is open carry allowed in Chicago parks for hunting events?
No. Chicago Park District grounds prohibit firearms entirely under MCC and Park District ordinance, and Illinois sensitive-place rules treat parks as no-carry zones for everyone.
Skokie FAQ
Is any open carry permitted in Cook County?
No. Illinois bans open carry statewide; Cook County offers no local exception. Even valid CCL holders must keep their handgun fully concealed in public.
What about long guns?
Rifles and shotguns must be unloaded and enclosed in a case in public; carrying a loaded long gun openly is also prohibited under 720 ILCS 5/24-1.
Compare other topics
See how Chicago and Skokie compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool