Chicago, IL Firearms: Open Carry (2026)
Key Facts
- 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
Summary
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.
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 weapons that meet one of the following conditions: (i) are broken down in a non-functioning state; or (ii) are not immediately accessible; or (iii) are unloaded and enclosed in a case... or (iv) are carried or possessed in accordance with the Firearm Concealed Carry Act.
Full Breakdown
Illinois is one of the few states with no public open carry option. The Firearm Concealed Carry Act allows only concealed carry, and 720 ILCS 5/24-1 and 5/24-1.6 criminalize carrying any loaded or immediately accessible firearm uncased on a public street, sidewalk, or property. Chicago enforces these provisions citywide; there is no zone, park, or shoreline where open carry is allowed. Hunting on legal land with proper licenses, on-duty peace officers, and licensed security professionals are exempt. Carrying an unloaded, encased firearm openly while transporting it under FOID rules is permitted, but display is otherwise barred. Even CCL holders must keep firearms concealed when carrying.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I openly carry a holstered handgun on a Chicago sidewalk?
Is open carry allowed in Chicago parks for hunting events?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chicago
Compare Chicago to another location·View the Illinois firearms overview
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