The register › Illinois
Illinois
We can name 2 employers in Illinois. That is what the register holds today, not the number of companies in Illinois that hire people with records.
| Employer | Based in | Work | What we read |
|---|---|---|---|
I Have A BeanWheaton, Illinois coffeehouse that intentionally hires men and women returning from prison as part of its mission. | Wheaton, IL | Food serviceRetail | VerifiedJails to Jobs, Second Chance Employers NetworkRead September 3, 2026 |
McDonald's USAThe largest US fast-food chain; most restaurants are independently owned franchises hiring locally. | Chicago, IL | Food serviceRetail | VerifiedSecond Chance Business Coalition member listRead September 3, 2026 |
2 in IllinoisThe whole register
What the law gives you in Illinois
An Illinois employer cannot use a conviction against you unless it is substantially related to the job, and they have to put that in writing and hear you out first.
Private employers Covered Two laws stack here. The timing rule covers employers with fifteen or more employees. The stronger rule, the substantial relationship test and the written back-and-forth, covers nearly every Illinois employer with at least one employee. Arrests that did not end in conviction cannot be asked about or used at all, and there is no lookback limit anywhere in Illinois law. Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act, 820 ILCS 75; Illinois Human Rights Act, 775 ILCS 5/2-103.1 · checked September 17, 2026
When they may ask After you are told you have been selected for an interview, or after a conditional offer if there is no interview This is the earliest point in the process a covered employer may raise your record.
If they say no You have a step Written notice of which conviction disqualifies you and why, a copy of your conviction history report, at least five business days to respond with proof of an error or evidence of rehabilitation, then a written final decision naming any appeal process and your right to file with the Illinois Department of Human Rights.
Know a Illinois employer who belongs here?
The fastest way this map fills in is someone telling us. It is free to be listed, it stays free, and a person reads every submission. Add a company.