$10,000Claim Limit
$55–$100Filing Fee
5 yrsSOL Period
30 daysAppeal Window
Illinois Small Claims Rules
| Court Name | Circuit Court — Small Claims Division |
| Claim Limit | $10,000 ($10,000 for businesses) |
| Filing Fee | ~$55–$100 (varies by claim amount and county) |
| Statute of Limitations | 5 years for most contract disputes |
| Attorneys | ✓ Attorneys allowed Attorneys are allowed |
| Service of Process | Sheriff or certified mail |
| Appeal Deadline | 30 days from judgment |
| Judgment Valid For | 7 years |
| Online Filing | ✗ In-person at courthouse |
| Official Court Website | https://illinoiscourts.gov → |
Illinois Security Deposit & Wage Rules
| Deposit Return Deadline | 30 days (Chicago: 45 days with receipt required) |
| Penalty for Violation | 2× deposit plus 5% monthly interest (Chicago: additional penalties apply) |
| Wage Claims SOL | 5 years (written) / 5 years (oral) |
💡 Before suing in Illinois, send a written demand letter first. Generate one free →
What You Need to Know About Illinois Small Claims
Illinois small claims are filed in Circuit Court. The $10,000 limit covers most consumer disputes. Chicago has additional tenant protections beyond state law — landlords in Chicago face stricter deposit return requirements and steeper penalties. The 5-year SOL applies to both written and oral contracts.
Filing Tips for Illinois
1
Chicago landlords face additional local ordinance requirements on top of state law — verify which rules apply
2
Illinois allows interest to accrue on unpaid judgments — factor this into your claim
3
File in the county where the defendant lives or the contract was to be performed
4
The $10,000 limit handles most Illinois consumer and landlord disputes in one court
Common Cases in Illinois
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