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.
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.
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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Chicago, IL
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