Updated May 2026 Cook County, IL Circuit Court
Cook County, IL Small Claims Court (2026)
Sue for up to $10,000 in Cook County's Circuit Court Small Claims Division. Court address, filing fees, service rules, and step-by-step instructions for 2026.
$10,000
Claim limit
~$264
Filing fee
60–90 days
Hearing wait
5 yrs
Written contract SOL
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team
Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed:
Not legal advice. Court fees and procedures are sourced from the Cook County Circuit Court and Illinois state statutes (735 ILCS 5/2-209.5). Call (312) 603-5030 to confirm the exact current filing fee before visiting — surcharges are updated periodically. See our data methodology →
Circuit Court of Cook County — Small Claims Division
Address
Richard J. Daley Center
50 W. Washington St., Room 601
Chicago, IL 60602
Contact & Hours
Phone: (312) 603-5030
Mon–Fri: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Closed court holidays
Filing Fee
Approx. $210–$264 total
(base fee + mandatory surcharges)
Call to confirm current amount
Service of Process
Sheriff: $60–$100
Process server: $75–$150
Certified mail (limited): $10–$15
Cook County filing fees are among the highest in Illinois
Cook County adds mandatory surcharges (court automation, document storage, law library) on top of the state base fee. Total cost is approximately $210–$264 — significantly higher than other Illinois counties. For claims below $500, the filing fee may exceed what you can recover. Consider whether the fee is worth it relative to your claim.
How to File Small Claims in Cook County, IL
1
Confirm your claim is $10,000 or under
Illinois small claims jurisdiction is limited to $10,000 (735 ILCS 5/2-209.5). Claims above $10,000 go to the Civil Division of Cook County Circuit Court, which requires more formal procedures. You cannot reduce a larger claim to qualify.
2
Complete the Small Claims Complaint form
Download the Cook County Small Claims Complaint (SC form) from illinoiscourts.gov or pick one up at Room 601 of the Daley Center. Enter the defendant's full legal name and address, the amount owed, and a clear factual basis. For corporations or LLCs, use the exact registered name from the IL Secretary of State (ilsos.gov).
3
File in person or via e-filing
In person: go to Room 601, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St. E-filing: use the Odyssey eFileIL system at illinoiscourts.gov (adds $3–$7 transaction fee). Pay the filing fee (~$264). You'll receive a case number and hearing date, typically 60–90 days out.
4
Arrange service on the defendant
Request Sheriff service ($60–$100). The Sheriff serves the defendant at the address you provide. For corporations and LLCs, the Sheriff must serve the registered agent — find them free at ilsos.gov. Service must be completed at least 10 days before the hearing date.
5
Prepare your evidence
Three copies of all documents: contracts, invoices, texts, emails, photos, bank statements. Cook County judges handle high caseloads — present a clean, concise package. A one-page summary with key dates, amounts, and the specific relief requested is very effective.
6
Attend your hearing at the Daley Center
Arrive at 50 W. Washington St. 20 minutes early. Security lines at the Daley Center can be long. Go to Room 601 and check in. When called, state your case clearly. Judges often rule the same day for uncontested matters.
Illinois Statute of Limitations
| Claim Type | Time Limit | Illinois Code |
|---|---|---|
| Written contracts | 5 years | 735 ILCS 5/13-205 |
| Oral contracts | 5 years | 735 ILCS 5/13-205 |
| Property damage | 5 years | 735 ILCS 5/13-205 |
| Personal injury | 2 years | 735 ILCS 5/13-202 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims limit in Cook County, IL?
The small claims limit in Cook County, IL is $10,000 — the Illinois statewide cap under 735 ILCS 5/2-209.5. Claims above $10,000 go to the Civil Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County, where legal representation is strongly recommended.
Where do I file small claims in Cook County?
File at the Circuit Court of Cook County — First Municipal District Small Claims Division, located at the Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St., Room 601, Chicago, IL 60602. Phone: (312) 603-5030. Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Suburban Cook County residents may file at a suburban district courthouse.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Cook County?
Filing a small claims case in Cook County costs approximately $210–$264 total, making it one of the most expensive counties in Illinois. The cost includes a base filing fee plus mandatory surcharges: court automation fee, document storage fee, law library fee, and others required by county ordinance. Call (312) 603-5030 to confirm the exact current amount before filing.
Why are Cook County small claims fees so high?
Cook County adds several mandatory surcharges on top of the state's base filing fee. These surcharges fund court automation, records management, and the law library — and are set by county ordinance, not state law. Unlike rural Illinois counties where small claims fees may be $100–$150, Cook County's fees are significantly higher due to these add-ons.
How long does a small claims case take in Cook County?
Cook County small claims cases are typically scheduled 60–90 days after filing. The Daley Center handles enormous volume — Chicago is the largest city in Illinois. Allow the full 90 days. Both parties receive notice by mail. If the defendant is not served in time, the hearing is continued.
Can I file small claims online in Cook County?
Cook County offers e-filing through the Odyssey eFileIL system at illinoiscourts.gov. E-filing is available for small claims and adds a small transaction fee ($3–$7) on top of court fees. In-person filing is also available at Room 601 of the Daley Center.