Small claims court in Cook County, Illinois
In Cook County, small claims cases up to $10,000 are heard by the Circuit Court of Cook County. Here is where it is, how to reach it and how to file.
Where to file in Cook County
Circuit Court of Cook County
Address: 50 W. Washington St., Suite 1001, Chicago, IL 60602 · Map
Phone: 312-603-5030
Online filing: available, per the court
Small claims are heard in the First Municipal District (Daley Center, Chicago) and five suburban districts: 2nd Skokie (5600 Old Orchard Rd), 3rd Rolling Meadows (2121 Euclid Ave), 4th Maywood (1500 Maybrook Dr), 5th Bridgeview (10220 S. 76th Ave), 6th Markham (16501 S. Kedzie Pkwy). File in the district where the defendant lives or where the problem happened; in Chicago the Pro Se Small Claims Branch takes claims up to $3,000 where the plaintiff represents themselves.
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
Is this the right county?
The Circuit Court of the county where the defendant lives or where the problem happened; a business can also be sued where it does business. Self-represented filers must e-file unless they get an exemption.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all Illinois counties.
How to file in Cook County
Ask for payment in writing
No rule requires a demand first, but the statewide complaint form asks you to confirm that you demanded payment, so send one. Make a free demand letter.
Fill in the claim (Small Claims Complaint)
Statewide Small Claims Complaint, filed with the Small Claims Summons Get the form.
File it with the Circuit Court of Cook County and pay the fee
Each county sets its own fees, based on the amount. Cook County: $287 for claims up to $2,500 and $379 above that. Madison County: $94 up to $2,500 and $264 up to $10,000. Service by certified mail through the clerk is a few dollars plus postage; the sheriff costs more. Fee waiver: Application for Waiver of Court Fees (full or partial waiver based on income).
Have the papers served
You can't serve the papers yourself. The clerk can send them by certified mail (Illinois defendants only), or the sheriff or a court-appointed process server can deliver them.
Go to the hearing
The first court date is 40 to 61 days after the summons is issued, and the case is often tried that day. The defendant doesn't have to file a written answer. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full Illinois filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideCommon questions
Where is small claims court in Cook County?
Small claims in Cook County are filed with the Circuit Court of Cook County, 50 W. Washington St., Suite 1001, Chicago, IL 60602. Phone: 312-603-5030.
How much can I sue for in Cook County small claims court?
Up to $10,000. The limit is $10,000, not counting interest and costs, and small claims only award money. In Chicago, the Pro Se Small Claims Branch handles claims up to $3,000 where the plaintiff must represent themselves.
How much does it cost to file in Cook County?
Each county sets its own fees, based on the amount. Cook County: $287 for claims up to $2,500 and $379 above that. Madison County: $94 up to $2,500 and $264 up to $10,000. Service by certified mail through the clerk is a few dollars plus postage; the sheriff costs more. Fee waiver: Application for Waiver of Court Fees (full or partial waiver based on income).
Can I file a small claim online in Cook County?
Yes. The court says online filing is available for small claims. Check the court website for the e-filing system and any fees.