Report Job Discrimination - Chicago Workers

Labor and Employment Illinois 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 04, 2026 Flag of Illinois

Workers in Chicago, Illinois who experience workplace discrimination have city-level protections under the Chicago Human Rights Ordinance and can file complaints with the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations. This page explains practical steps to report discrimination at work, preserve evidence, contact the enforcing office, consider state or federal options, and track typical outcomes of investigations. Use the official contacts and links below to file, request mediation, or seek remedies; act promptly to preserve records such as emails, schedules, personnel files, and witness information.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Chicago enforces employment discrimination complaints through the Commission on Human Relations (CCHR). The CCHR investigates alleged violations of the Chicago Human Rights Ordinance, may order remedies, and can refer matters for civil enforcement. Official fine amounts and per-day penalties are not specified on the cited page. Commission on Human Relations[1]

  • Enforcer: City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations investigates and enforces the Ordinance.
  • Common non-monetary remedies include orders for reinstatement, cease-and-desist orders, and corrective measures (specific remedies are case-dependent and described by the agency).
  • Fine amounts and statutory damage caps are not specified on the cited municipal page.
  • Appeals and review routes are determined by ordinance and judicial process; exact time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
File complaints as soon as possible after the incident to preserve evidence and options.

Applications & Forms

The Commission accepts complaints submitted by phone, in person, mail, or online where available; a specific downloadable complaint form may be provided or an intake interview used. The city page does not list a mandatory fee for filing a discrimination complaint and does not publish a form number on the cited page.[1]

If you also want to pursue a federal charge, you may file with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; the EEOC provides federal filing procedures and deadlines on its site. EEOC filing information[2]

  • Time limits for filing with CCHR: not specified on the cited city page; contact the agency for exact deadlines.
  • No fee to file with CCHR is listed on the cited page.
  • Official complaint intake and contact information are available from the Commission on Human Relations webpage.[1]

How the Process Typically Works

After a complaint is filed, CCHR or the assigned unit conducts intake, may offer mediation, and investigates alleged unlawful discrimination. Investigations examine evidence, interview witnesses, and issue findings; enforcement may include administrative orders or referral to court. If a federal claim is pursued, the EEOC may investigate or issue a Notice of Right to Sue.

Keep copies of all employment records, correspondence, and incident dates in a secure folder.

Common Violations

  • Harassment based on protected characteristics (race, sex, disability, etc.).
  • Termination, demotion, or discipline tied to discriminatory reasons.
  • Refusal to provide reasonable accommodations for disabilities where required.

Action Steps

  • Document incidents with dates, locations, participants, and supporting records.
  • Contact the Commission on Human Relations to inquire about intake and filing; use the city contact page for CCHR.[1]
  • Decide whether to pursue city, state, or federal filings; in some cases you may file with multiple agencies but check deadlines.

FAQ

How do I file a discrimination complaint in Chicago?
You can contact the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations for intake and filing instructions, or file with state or federal agencies as applicable.
Are there fees to file a complaint?
The cited City page does not list a filing fee for discrimination complaints; contact the agency for current details.
What evidence should I collect?
Collect emails, messages, schedules, performance reviews, witness names, and any written notices; preserve originals and make copies.

How-To

  1. Call or visit the Commission on Human Relations intake line to report the issue and request the complaint form or intake interview.[1]
  2. Gather written evidence and a timeline of events with witness contacts.
  3. Submit the complaint by the method the agency accepts (online, mail, or in person) and obtain a receipt or case number.
  4. If pursuing federal claims, contact the EEOC to learn whether to file a charge or request a right-to-sue letter.[2]

Key Takeaways

  • Report promptly and preserve evidence.
  • Contact the Commission on Human Relations for city-level complaints.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations
  2. [2] U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission - Filing a charge of discrimination

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