Understanding the Eviction Process In Chicago

The eviction process involves the following steps:

1. Landlord gives an eviction notice through the proper way.
2. If the tenant still has not paid what they owe, fixed the lease violation, or moved out after the time in the notice, the landlord can start an eviction case. 
3. The first court date will be about 30 days after the landlord files the case. The tenant needs to be served. 
4. On the first court date after the tenant has been served, the tenant will be referred to the Early Resolution Program (ERP) for free legal help, mediation services, and court-based rental assistance. 
5. The second court date will be about 3 weeks later. If both parties did not agree to a settlement by the second court date, then the case will be scheduled for a third court date in a trial room. 
   1. If a tenant wants a trial with a jury, they have to file papers before the second court date (an Appearance with a Jury Demand and potentially Fee Waiver). 
   2. If a tenant does not file these documents, then the tenant will be transferred to a bench trial room with just a judge. 
   3. Illinois Court Help can help with filing documents online (call or text 833-411-1121). Or the tenant can visit the courthouse. 
6. On the third court date, the case will be set up for trial if the case is not continued or settled. 
7. Trial
8. If the tenant loses the trial, the Sheriff will enforce the eviction. 

A landlord can only change the locks AFTER waiting for the Sheriff to enforce a court order from the judge. Otherwise, they are performing an illegal lockout, which can be used as an eviction defense or claim against the landlord.