If you’ve experienced discrimination at work, in housing, or in public accommodations, you have several options for filing a complaint. Depending on the situation, you may be able to file with a local, state, or federal agency – or take your case to court.
The right forum depends on where the discrimination occurred, the type of claim, and the remedies you’re seeking. Below is a guide to the main agencies and courts where discrimination cases can be filed.
Agencies and Courts That Handle Discrimination Cases
| Forum | What It Covers | Filing Deadline | Key Remedies |
| Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR) | Discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and credit within Chicago city limits. | 180 days from the violation. | Fines, damages, job reinstatement, policy changes. |
| Cook County Commission on Human Rights | Employment, housing, and public accommodations discrimination in suburban Cook County (outside Chicago). | 180 days from the violation. | Fines, damages, reinstatement, policy changes. |
| Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) | Employment, housing, financial credit, public accommodations, and education discrimination statewide. | 300 days (employment) or one year (housing). | Damages, back pay, reinstatement, housing relief. |
| Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) | Federal workplace discrimination claims under Title VII, ADA, ADEA, etc. | 300 days (if state/local agency exists) or 180 days otherwise. | Damages, job reinstatement, attorney’s fees. |
| U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) | Housing discrimination under Fair Housing Act (FHA). | One year from the violation. | Damages, fines, policy changes. |
| State Court (Illinois Circuit Court) | Any state law discrimination claim (after exhausting agency process, if required). | Varies by claim – often two years after administrative action. | Damages, injunctions, policy changes. |
| Federal Court (U.S. District Court) | Federal discrimination claims under Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FHA, etc. | 90 days after receiving an EEOC or HUD right-to-sue letter. | Damages, reinstatement, attorney’s fees, injunctive relief. |
Which Forum Is Right for Your Case?
- If you live in Chicago File with CCHR if your claim involves housing, employment, or public accommodations.
- If you live in suburban Cook County The Cook County Commission may be the right option.
- If you need state-level enforcement IDHR handles employment, housing, and public accommodations claims.
- For federal workplace discrimination EEOC is required before filing in federal court.
- For housing discrimination HUD can investigate violations of the Fair Housing Act.
- If administrative complaints don’t resolve your case You may be able to file in state or federal court.
How to File a Discrimination Complaint
- Gather evidence – Save emails, performance reviews, lease agreements, or witness statements.
- Determine the correct agency – Use the table above to decide where to file your complaint.
- Submit your complaint – Agencies like CCHR, IDHR, EEOC, and HUD allow online, mail, or in-person filings.
- Follow the process – Agencies will investigate, offer mediation, or schedule a hearing.
- Consider legal action – If an agency does not resolve your case, you may be able to file in court.
Get Legal Help with Your Discrimination Case
Choosing the right forum is critical to protecting your rights. If you believe you have a discrimination claim, Justice Legal Counsel can help you determine where to file and represent you through the process.
Contact us today for a consultation.