File Small Claims Court Chicago OnlineCook County Circuit Court • $10,000 Maximum
File your Chicago small claims case online in 5 minutes. PettyLawsuit finds the defendant, generates your Cook County court forms, sends your demand letter via certified mail, and aggressively follows up to maximize your chances of a quick, out-of-court settlement.
Yes, you can file small claims court online in Chicago. Cook County Circuit Court accepts electronic filing through the Illinois e-Filing system. PettyLawsuit makes it even easier by handling business lookup, generating court-ready forms, and sending your demand letter.
Chicago small claims cases are heard in Cook County Circuit Court, which allows claims up to $10,000. Get started in just 5 minutes from anywhere.
How to File Small Claims Online in Chicago
Tell Us About Your Case
Describe what happened and how much you're owed (up to $10,000). Our AI helps organize your case.
We Find the Illinois Business
Enter the business name and we look up their Illinois Secretary of State records for their legal name and registered agent.
Get Cook County Forms
We generate Cook County Small Claims forms and a professional demand letter ready to send.
Demand Letter Sent
Your demand letter is sent via USPS certified mail with tracking. About 70% of cases settle here.
We Follow Up
We follow up with phone calls and emails, keeping pressure on to settle before you escalate to court.
Cook County Courthouses
PettyLawsuit works with all Cook County court locations
Daley Center
District 1 (Chicago)
50 W. Washington St
$10,000 Maximum
Skokie Courthouse
District 2 (Skokie)
5600 Old Orchard Rd
$10,000 Maximum
Rolling Meadows
District 3
2121 Euclid Ave
$10,000 Maximum
Maywood Courthouse
District 4
1500 Maybrook Dr
$10,000 Maximum
Bridgeview Courthouse
District 5
10220 S. 76th Ave
$10,000 Maximum
Markham Courthouse
District 6
16501 S. Kedzie Pkwy
$10,000 Maximum
$10,000 Limit
Cook County small claims allows claims up to $10,000 - higher than Illinois state minimum.
5 Year Limit
Illinois has a 5-year statute of limitations for written contracts, 4 years for oral.
e-Filing Available
Cook County offers mandatory e-filing through the Illinois e-Filing system.
All Chicago Neighborhoods Covered
PettyLawsuit works for small claims cases anywhere in Cook County - whether you're in the Loop, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Hyde Park, or any Chicago neighborhood. We also cover suburban Cook County including Evanston, Oak Park, Skokie, and more.
Chicago Small Claims Court FAQ
Chicago Small Claims FAQ
Answers to common Chicago / Cook County small claims court questions
Quick Answer
PettyLawsuit helps you file small claims court cases in 5 minutes for $29. No lawyer needed. We handle demand letters, business lookups, and court documents automatically.
Ready to File Your Chicago Case?
PettyLawsuit handles everything online - business lookup, Cook County court forms, and certified mail delivery. Start in 5 minutes.
5 minutes to complete | Certified mail included | No lawyer needed
Frequently asked questions
Can you file small claims court online in Chicago?
Yes, you can file small claims court online in Chicago. Cook County offers e-filing through the Illinois e-Filing system. PettyLawsuit makes it even easier by handling business lookup, generating Chicago court forms, and sending your demand letter via certified mail - all online in about 5 minutes.
What is the Chicago small claims court limit?
Chicago small claims cases are heard in Cook County Circuit Court, Small Claims Division, which allows claims up to $10,000. This applies to most money disputes including unpaid debts, property damage, security deposits, and breach of contract cases.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Chicago?
Chicago (Cook County) small claims court filing fees range from $61 to $206 depending on the claim amount. PettyLawsuit charges just $29 to prepare your case, generate court documents, and send your demand letter via certified mail. Many cases settle before needing court fees.
Where do I file small claims in Chicago?
In Chicago, small claims cases are filed at the Richard J. Daley Center (50 W. Washington Street) for the downtown district, or at one of the five suburban district courthouses depending on where the defendant is located. Cook County has municipal districts 2-6 covering different areas.
Do I need a lawyer for Chicago small claims court?
No, Chicago small claims court is designed for self-representation. You can represent yourself without a lawyer. PettyLawsuit provides all the guidance and documents you need to file your case professionally.
How long does a Chicago small claims case take?
After filing in Cook County Small Claims, you can typically expect a hearing date within 45-60 days. The entire process from demand letter to resolution often takes 2-4 months if the case goes to trial.