List of people from Illinois
Location of Illinois in the U.S. map
A
Aa–Ag
- Emma Abbott, opera soprano (born and raised in Illinois; funeral and cremation in Illinois)[1]
- Margaret Abbott, golf champion, 1900 Olympic Games[2]
- Robert Sengstacke Abbott, founder of The Chicago Defender and Bud Billiken Parade (born in Georgia; educated in Chicago and had his newspaper career in Chicago)[3]
- Jessica Abel, comic book writer and artist
- Gertrude Abercrombie, surrealist painter
- Max Abramovitz, architect
- Ben Abruzzo, balloonist
- Tony Accardo, organized crime figure
- Barbara Acklin, singer (born in California)
- Ron Acks, NFL linebacker 1968–76
- Valdas Adamkus, president of Lithuania 1998–2009 (born in Lithuania)
- Berle Adams, founder of Mercury Records
- Flozell Adams, NFL offensive tackle 1998–2010
- Franklin Pierce Adams, writer, member of Algonquin Round Table
- Jane Adams, actress, Frasier, Happiness, Hung (born in D.C.)
- John Hicks Adams, gunslinger, Wild West lawman
- Katrina Adams, president of United States Tennis Association
- Jane Addams, social worker, teacher, Nobel Peace Prize recipient
- George Ade, author and cartoonist (born in Indiana)
- Paul Adelstein, actor, Prison Break, Private Practice
- Victor Adeyanju, NFL defensive end 2006–10
- Dankmar Adler, architect (born in Germany)
- David Adler, architect (born in Wisconsin)
- Max Adler, founder of Adler Planetarium
- Scott Adsit, actor, writer, improvisational comedian, 30 Rock, Big Hero 6
- John Agar, actor, Sands of Iwo Jima, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, husband of Shirley Temple
- Alex Agase, football player for Cleveland Browns; head coach of Northwestern, Purdue
- Lou Agase, football player for Illinois, coach of CFL's Toronto Argonauts
- Milton Ager, composer, "Ain't She Sweet", "Happy Days Are Here Again"
- Benjamin Agosto, ice dancer, 2006 Turin Olympics silver medalist
- Mark Aguirre, forward for DePaul, NBA's Dallas Mavericks and Detroit Pistons; top pick of 1981 NBA draft
Ah–Am
- Gene Ahern, cartoonist
- Joe Aiello, organized crime figure (born in Sicily)
- Joseph Aiuppa, organized crime figure
- Stan Albeck, basketball head coach, Bradley, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls
- Abraham Adrian Albert, mathematician
- Eddie Albert, Oscar-nominated actor, Green Acres, Switch, Oklahoma!, Roman Holiday, The Heartbreak Kid, The Longest Yard
- Frankie Albert, quarterback and head coach for San Francisco 49ers, College Football Hall of Famer
- Bruce Alberts, biochemist, original author of Molecular Biology of the Cell
- Steve Albini, musician, producer
- Ted Albrecht, offensive tackle for Purdue and Chicago Bears
- James L. Alcorn, governor and U.S. Senator of Mississippi
- Jody Alderson, swimmer, 1952 Olympic bronze medalist
- Dorothy Aldis, children's author
- Gus Alex, organized crime figure
- Dan Alexander, football player, 2000 Alamo Bowl MVP
- Houston Alexander, mixed martial artist
- Linsey Alexander, blues musician (born in Mississippi)
- Lorez Alexandria, jazz and gospel singer
- Nelson Algren, author, The Man with the Golden Arm, A Walk on the Wild Side (born in Michigan)
- Saul Alinsky, founder of modern community organizing and writer
- Brian Allard, MLB pitcher 1979–81
- Jeff Allen, offensive guard for Kansas City Chiefs
- Joan Allen, Oscar-nominated actress, The Bourne Ultimatum, The Contender, The Upside of Anger, Nixon, Face/Off
- Karen Allen, actress, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Animal House, Scrooged
- Leo E. Allen, 14-term U.S. Representative
- Leslie Allen, auto racer, 9th in 1930 Indianapolis 500
- Rex Allen Jr., country singer, narrator of film Me, Myself and Irene
- Ronnie Allen, professional pool player
- Sandy Allen, tallest U.S. woman
- Steve Allen, television personality, actor, author, songwriter, first host of The Tonight Show (born in New York)
- Tony Allen, forward for Memphis Grizzlies
- William J. Allen, judge, U.S. Representative (born in Tennessee)
- Justin Allgaier, auto racer, 2008 ARCA RE/MAX Series champion
- Fran Allison, radio-TV personality, Kukla, Fran and Ollie (born in Iowa)
- Luther Allison, blues musician (born in Arkansas)
- Samuel Allison, prominent physicist who worked on Manhattan Project
- Arthur Allyn Jr., co-owner of Chicago White Sox in 1960s
- John Allyn, owner of White Sox 1961–75
- Mike Alstott, fullback for Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1996–2007, Super Bowl XXXVII champion
- Michael J. Alter, real estate developer, owner of WNBA's Chicago Sky
- John Peter Altgeld, Governor of Illinois 1893–97 (born in Germany)
- Dave Altizer, MLB infielder 1906–11
- Scott Altman, astronaut, four Space Shuttle missions
- John Altschuler, screenwriter, Blades of Glory, Silicon Valley
- Anita Alvarez, Cook County State's Attorney
- John Alvin, actor, The Beast with Five Fingers, Objective, Burma!
- A.A. Ames, 4-term mayor of Minneapolis
- Edward Ames, founder, McKendree University (born in Ohio)
- Knowlton Ames, college football player and coach
- Rosemary Ames, actress, Our Little Girl, Pursued
- Stephen E. Ambrose, author, historian, Band of Brothers
- The American Breed, band, "Bend Me, Shape Me"
- Warren Amling, Ohio State athlete in College Football Hall of Fame
- Albert Ammons, jazz musician
- Gene Ammons, jazz musician
- Lila Ammons, singer
- Morey Amsterdam, actor and comedian, The Dick Van Dyke Show
An–Ar
- Merry Anders, actress, The Dalton Girls, Hear Me Good, Tickle Me
- Arthur E. Andersen, founder of accounting firm
- Alexandria Anderson, NCAA champion sprinter
- Andree Anderson, ice dancer, member of Figure Skating Hall of Fame
- Craig Anderson, goaltender for Ottawa Senators
- Gillian Anderson, Emmy Award-winning actress, The X-Files, The House of Mirth, Bleak House, Hannibal
- J. J. Anderson, forward for Bradley and Utah Jazz
- John B. Anderson, politician, U.S. Representative 1961–81, U.S. presidential candidate
- Ken Anderson, NFL quarterback 1971–86, four-time Pro Bowl selection
- Kevin Anderson, actor, Sleeping with the Enemy, Miles from Home, Hoffa
- Kurt Anderson, football player and coach
- Laurie Anderson, performance artist and musician
- Les Anderson, auto racer, 11th in 1947 Indy 500
- Margaret C. Anderson, editor and publisher (born in Indiana)
- Nick Anderson, guard for Orlando Magic and Sacramento Kings
- Philip Warren Anderson, Nobel Prize-winning physicist
- Ray Anderson, musician
- Robert Orville Anderson, founder of ARCO oil company
- Sherwood Anderson, novelist
- Walter Stratton Anderson, naval vice admiral, battleship commander
- Fern Andra, circus performer, actress, director
- Emil Andres, auto racer, drove in nine Indianapolis 500s
- Bruce Andrews, poet
- Stanley Andrews, actor
- Ethel Percy Andrus, founder of AARP
- Elmer Angsman, running back for Notre Dame, Chicago Cardinals
- John Ankerberg, Christian evangelist, TV presenter
- Morris Ankrum, actor
- Ann-Margret, Oscar-nominated actress, Bye Bye Birdie, Viva Las Vegas, Carnal Knowledge, The Cincinnati Kid, Tommy (born in Sweden)
- Beulah Annan, inspiration for "Roxie Hart" in play and film Chicago
- Moses Annenberg, newspaper publisher (born in Prussia)
- Frank Annunzio, politician (Democrat), 13-term U.S. Representative
- Albert Anselmi, Chicago gangster (born in Sicily)
- Cap Anson, Hall of Fame infielder for Chicago White Stockings (born in Iowa)
- Luis Aparicio, Hall of Fame infielder for Chicago White Sox (born in Venezuela)
- Clarence Applegran, basketball coach, Kentucky 1924–25
- Amy Applegren, pro baseball player
- Arthur I. Appleton, businessman, thoroughbred owner
- Luke Appling, Hall of Fame infielder for White Sox (born in North Carolina)
- Lee Archambault, astronaut
- Robert Ardrey, playwright and screenwriter, Khartoum, The Three Musketeers
- Leslie C. Arends, politician (Republican), U.S. Representative 1943–74, Majority and Minority Whip
- Mark Arie, two gold medals in shooting at 1920 Olympics
- Hub Arkush, publisher of Pro Football Weekly
- Andrew Watson Armour III, meat-packing executive, philanthropist
- Philip Danforth Armour, businessman, founder of Armour and Company (born in New York)
- Terron Armstead, NFL offensive lineman
- Matthew John Armstrong, actor, Heroes
- Otis Armstrong, running back for Denver Broncos 1973–80
- Billy Arnold, auto racer, won 1930 Indianapolis 500
- Billy Boy Arnold, blues musician
- Isaac N. Arnold, U.S. Representative, author (born in New York)
- Cliff Arquette, comedian and actor (born in Ohio)
- Lewis Arquette, actor, Sherlock Hound, Camp Candy, The Waltons
- Patricia Arquette, Oscar and Emmy-winning actress, Boyhood, Medium, True Romance, CSI: Cyber
- Gerry Arrigo, MLB pitcher 1961–70
As–Az
- Jon Asamoah, offensive guard for Atlanta Falcons
- Diandra Asbaty, bowler
- Tom Ashbrook, NPR personality
- John Ashcroft, politician (Republican), U.S. Attorney General 2001–05, Missouri senator and governor
- Darryl Ashmore, NFL tackle 1992–2002
- James N. Ashmore, basketball coach, North Carolina, Iowa, Washington State, DePauw
- Ed Asner, actor, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Up, Elf (born in Missouri)
- Mary Astor, Oscar-winning actress, The Maltese Falcon, Dodsworth, Meet Me in St. Louis, The Great Lie
- Joe Astroth, MLB catcher 1945–56
- Ira Aten, lawman, Texas Ranger
- Doug Atkins, defensive end for Chicago Bears 1955–66, Hall of Fame (born in Tennessee)
- Smith D. Atkins, editor, Civil War colonel (born in New York)
- Edith Atwater, actress, True Grit, Family Plot, The Body Snatcher
- Richard and Florence Atwater, co-authors of Mr. Popper's Penguins
- Steve Atwater, twice Super Bowl champion with Denver Broncos
- James T. Aubrey Jr., television executive, president of CBS
- David Auburn, playwright, Proof
- Jean M. Auel, author, The Clan of the Cave Bear
- James Augustine, center for Illinois' 2005 NCAA runners-up
- Jeff Austin, mandolinist, singer
- Lovie Austin, jazz musician (born in Tennessee)
- Jason Avant, NFL wide receiver
- Charles Avery, silent film actor, Keystone Kops
- Sewell Avery, chairman of Montgomery Ward, first president of Museum of Science and Industry (born in Michigan)
- John Avildsen, Oscar-winning film director, Rocky, Save the Tiger, Lean on Me, The Karate Kid
- David Axelrod, political advisor to Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, author, TV commentator
- Brendon Ayanbadejo, NFL linebacker 1999–2012
- Marion Aye, silent-film actress
- David Ayer, screenwriter and director, Training Day, End of Watch, Fury
- Edward E. Ayer, benefactor and first president of Field Museum of Natural History (born in Massachusetts)
- Harriet Hubbard Ayer, 19th-century cosmetics maven, journalist
- Bill Ayers, founder and member of Weather Underground
- Reiko Aylesworth, actress, Michelle Dessler on 24
- Agnes Ayres, silent-film actress
- Irving Azoff, music executive, head of Ticketmaster, Live Nation Entertainment
B
Ba–Bd
- Richard Bach, author, Jonathan Livingston Seagull
- Charlie Bachman, football coach, Kansas State, Florida, Michigan State
- Bill Bachrach, Olympic swim coach
- Henry Bacon, architect of the Lincoln Memorial
- Mary Bacon, jockey
- Benjamin F. Bailar, United States Postmaster General 1975–78
- Chantal Bailey, Olympic speed skater
- Cory Bailey, MLB pitcher 1993–2002
- Willis J. Bailey, Governor of Kansas 1903–05
- Barbara Bain, actress, Mission: Impossible
- Harold Baines, outfielder, coach for Chicago White Sox (born in Maryland)
- Butch Baird, pro golfer
- Leah Baird, silent-film actress
- David J. Baker, judge, U.S. Senator for 29 days (born in Connecticut)
- David J. Baker Jr., 19th-century judge
- Edward Dickinson Baker, U.S. Representative of Illinois, U.S. Senator of Oregon (born in England)
- Jehu Baker, 19th-century politician, U.S. Representative (born in Kentucky)
- Ralph Baker, Northwestern halfback in College Football Hall of Fame
- LaVern Baker, singer in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- A. J. Balaban, theater owner and showman
- Barney Balaban, Hollywood studio chief
- Bob Balaban, actor, Gosford Park, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Catch-22, Waiting for Guffman
- Frank Balasz, NFL running back 1939–45
- Marcelo Balboa, pro soccer player
- H.C. Baldridge, Governor of Idaho 1927–31
- Adam Baldwin, actor, voice actor, blogger, Chuck, Full Metal Jacket, Serenity, My Bodyguard
- Rosecrans Baldwin, novelist, essayist
- George Ball, diplomat, adviser to JFK and LBJ, U.S. Ambassador to United Nations
- Carl Ballantine, magician, comedian, actor, McHale's Navy
- Edwin Balmer, editor of Redbook magazine
- Eddie Bane, MLB pitcher and executive
- Ted Banker, NFL lineman 1983–91
- Ernie Banks, 19-year infielder for Chicago Cubs, in Baseball Hall of Fame (born in Texas)
- Kelcie Banks, boxer, 1987 Pan American Games champion
- Jerry Barber, golfer, winner of 1961 PGA Championship
- Curt Barclay, MLB pitcher 1957–59
- Paris Barclay, Emmy-winning TV director and producer, In Treatment, NYPD Blue, Cold Case
- John Bardeen, winner of two Nobel Prizes in Physics (born in Wisconsin)
- Jesse Barfield, outfielder for Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees 1981–92
- Ike Barinholtz, actor, comedian, voice actor, Mad TV, The Mindy Project, The Awesomes
- Al Barlick, Hall of Fame baseball umpire
- Brandon Barnes, rock musician in band Rise Against
- Brenda C. Barnes, CEO of Sara Lee and PepsiCo
- Edward Larrabee Barnes, architect
- Margaret Ayer Barnes, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist
- Charlene Barnett, pro baseball player
- Robert Barnett, attorney
- Carol Ross Barney, architect
- Dale Barnstable, basketball player for Kentucky, banned by NBA
- Tony Barone, basketball coach, Creighton, Texas A&M and NBA's Memphis Grizzlies
- Bea Barrett, golfer
- The Barrett Sisters, gospel singers
- Barbara Barrie, Oscar-nominated, Tony Award-winning actress, Barney Miller, Breaking Away
- George Barris, auto customizer, created TV's Batmobile
- Ed Barrow, baseball manager, executive
- John Barrowman, actor, singer, dancer (born in Scotland)
- Jimmy Barry, 19th-century boxing champion
- Norman Barry, head coach of 1925 NFL champion Chicago Cardinals, judge
- Viola Barry, silent-film actress
- Dick Bartell, shortstop, played in three World Series
- William Bartholomay, owned baseball's Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves
- Bonnie Bartlett, actress, St. Elsewhere (born in Wisconsin)
- Peter Bartlett, actor, One Life to Live
- Dan Barton, actor
- Dick Barwegan, MLB outfielder 1947–54
- Burt Baskin, co-founder of Baskin-Robbins
- Mary Bass, editor of Ladies' Home Journal 1936–63
- Granville Bates, actor
- Bates Battaglia, NHL winger 1997–2008
- Sam Battaglia, organized crime figure
- Kenny Battle, player for four NBA teams
- Lloyd Batts, pro basketball player
- Hank Bauer, outfielder and manager, New York Yankees, Kansas City A's; decorated World War II U.S. Marine
- Sybil Bauer, swimmer, gold medalist at 1924 Summer Olympics
- Tom Baugh, center for Southern Illinois and Kansas City Chiefs
- H. R. Baukhage, news broadcaster
- Harry Neal Baum, ad executive, author (born in South Dakota)
- L. Frank Baum, creator of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Chicago journalist (born in New York)
- Ross Baumgarten, MLB pitcher 1978–82
- Stan Baumgartner, MLB pitcher 1914–26 (born in Texas)
- Harry Bay, baseball player and bandleader
- Nora Bayes, actress, singer and songwriter, "Shine On, Harvest Moon"
- Rick Bayless, chef and Chicago restaurateur (born in Oklahoma)
- Beverly Bayne, silent-film actress (born in Minnesota)
Be–Bg
- Jennifer Beals, actress, Flashdance, The L Word, The Bride, Devil in a Blue Dress, The Book of Eli
- Harry P. Beam, U.S. Representative 1931–42
- Todd Beamer, heroic passenger on United 93 on 9/11 (born in Michigan)
- Melissa Bean, U.S. Representative 2005–11
- Warren A. Bechtel, founder of Bechtel
- Boom-Boom Beck, MLB pitcher 1924–45
- Fred Beck, MLB player 1909–15
- John Beck, actor, The Other Side of Midnight, Rollerball, Dallas
- Marilyn Beck, syndicated columnist
- George Becker, labor leader
- Kurt Becker, lineman for Michigan and Chicago Bears
- Rich Becker, MLB outfielder 1993–2000
- Arnold Orville Beckman, chemist and inventor
- Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith, great-grandson of Abraham Lincoln
- Hal Bedsole, tight end, College Football Hall of Fame
- Don Beebe, wide receiver for Buffalo Bills and Super Bowl XXXI champion Green Bay Packers
- Fred Beebe, MLB pitcher (born in Nebraska)
- June Beebe, golfer
- Edward Beecher, theologian and abolitionist (born in New York)
- Ken Behring, real-estate developer, owned NFL's Seattle Seahawks
- Ed Beinor, NFL tackle 1939–42
- Bob Bell, star of Bozo's Circus (born in Michigan)
- Darryl M. Bell, actor, A Different World, Homeboys in Outer Space
- Edward Price Bell, foreign correspondent
- Josh Bell, third baseman for Baltimore Orioles 2010–11
- Lee Phillip Bell, television personality, creator of The Young and the Restless
- Rex Bell, actor, lieutenant governor of Nevada, husband of Clara Bow
- William J. Bell, television producer, creator of The Bold and the Beautiful
- Ralph Bellamy, Oscar-nominated actor, His Girl Friday, Sunrise at Campobello, Rosemary's Baby, Trading Places
- Harry Bellaver, actor, Naked City, From Here to Eternity, Love Me or Leave Me
- Dan Bellino, MLB umpire
- Saul Bellow, Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, Humboldt's Gift, Seize the Day
- Louis Bellson, jazz drummer, bandleader and musician
- James Belushi, actor, comedian, According to Jim, Saturday Night Live, Taking Care of Business, K-9
- John Belushi, actor, comedian, Saturday Night Live, Animal House, 1941, The Blues Brothers
- Solon Spencer Beman, architect
- Albert Benbrook, guard, College Football Hall of Fame
- Bob Bender, basketball player, Indiana and Duke; head coach, Illinois State, Washington
- Vincent Hugo Bendix, automotive and aviation pioneer
- Chloe Bennet, actress, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
- Beck Bennett, comedian, Saturday Night Live
- Doc Bennett, baseball manager and scout
- Gary Bennett, MLB catcher 1995–2008
- Rhona Bennett, singer
- Harve Bennett, producer, The Six Million Dollar Man, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
- John W. F. Bennett, athlete and engineer
- Jack Benny, iconic comedian, radio and TV personality and actor, The Jack Benny Program
- Jodi Benson, actress, voice actress, singer, The Little Mermaid
- Jack Berch, singer and radio personality
- Pete Bercich, linebacker for Notre Dame and Minnesota Vikings
- Tom Berenger, Oscar-nominated actor, Platoon, Major League, The Big Chill, Sniper, Inception
- Edgar Bergen, actor and ventriloquist, You Can't Cheat an Honest Man, father of Candice Bergen
- Heinie Berger, MLB pitcher 1907–10
- Norma Berger, pro baseball player
- Wally Berger, MLB outfielder 1930–40, four-time All-Star
- Emily Bergl, actress, Men in Trees
- Dave Bergman, first baseman for 1984 World Series champion Detroit Tigers
- Sean Bergman, MLB pitcher 1993–2000
- Nate Berkus, designer, television personality
- Shelley Berman, comedian, actor, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Best Man, Meet the Fockers
- Carlos Bernard, actor, 24
- Dwight Bernard, MLB pitcher 1978–82
- Jason Bernard, actor, All of Me, While You Were Sleeping, Liar Liar
- Ernani Bernardi, musician and politician
- Joseph Bernardin, Cardinal Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago
- Edward Bernds, director, Return of the Fly, Queen of Outer Space
- Edward Allen Bernero, TV writer, director, co-creator of Third Watch
- Ken Berry, actor, F Troop, Mayberry, R.F.D., Mama's Family
- Marcheline Bertrand, actress, mother of Angelina Jolie
- Dick Bertell, catcher for Cubs 1960–67
- Jay Berwanger, football star for University of Chicago, first winner of Heisman Trophy (born in Iowa)
- William P. Bettendorf, inventor, Bettendorf, Iowa named for him
- Gary Bettenhausen, auto racer, third place in 1980 Indianapolis 500
- Tony Bettenhausen, auto racer, five top-10 finishes in Indy 500
- Tony Bettenhausen Jr., auto racer, 7th place in 1981 Indy 500
- Tom Bettis, NFL linebacker, coach
- John Lourie Beveridge, Civil War officer and 16th Governor of Illinois (born in New York)
- Patrick Beverley, guard for NBA's Houston Rockets
Bh–Bm
- Kapri Bibbs, NFL running back
- Bill Bidwill, owner of NFL's Arizona Cardinals
- Charles Bidwill, owner of Chicago Cardinals 1933–47
- Judy Biggert, U.S. Representative 1999–2013
- Michael Bilandic, Mayor of Chicago 1976–79, chief justice of Illinois Supreme Court
- George Binks, MLB outfielder 1944–48
- Claude Binyon, journalist, screenwriter and film director
- William Morris Bioff, organized crime figure
- Andrew Bird, musician
- Chris Bisaillon, college football player
- Frank Biscan, MLB pitcher 1942–48
- William Bissell, doctor, Governor of Illinois 1857–60 (born in New York)
- Uwe Blab, basketball player (born in Germany)
- Black Beaver, 19th-century scout
- Black Hawk, Sauk Indian Chief
- Edwin Black, columnist, author of IBM and the Holocaust
- John Charles Black, Civil War general, district attorney (born in Mississippi)
- Jordan Black, comedy writer, actor, Halfway Home
- Karen Black, Oscar-nominated actress, The Great Gatsby, Five Easy Pieces, Airport 1975, Family Plot
- Quincy Black, NFL linebacker 2007–12
- Harry Blackmun, Supreme Court justice 1970–94
- Harry Blackstone Sr., stage magician and illusionist
- Timothy Blackstone, railroad mogul, founder of Union Stock Yards, mayor of LaSalle, Illinois
- Ray Blades, MLB outfielder and manager
- Rod Blagojevich, Governor of Illinois 2003–09, imprisoned in 2012
- Bonnie Blair, speed skater, five-time Winter Olympics gold medalist (born in New York)
- William M. Blair, financier
- Zach Blair, musician, Rise Against
- John Blake, football coach
- Rosa Blasi, actress, Strong Medicine, Make It or Break It, Hitz
- Neil Blatchford, two-time Olympian speed skater
- Tony Blazine, football player for Illinois Wesleyan and Chicago Cardinals, College Football Hall of Fame
- Tempestt Bledsoe, actress, Vanessa Huxtable on The Cosby Show
- Herbert Blitzstein, organized crime figure
- Robert Bloch, writer, author of Psycho
- John Rusling Block, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture 1981–86
- Ike Bloom, nightclub owner during Prohibition
- Sol Bloom, impresario, 14-term U.S. Representative of New York
- Ossie Bluege, MLB player and manager
- Deborah Blum, journalist and author
- Sidney Blumenthal, journalist, aide to President Bill Clinton
- Jimmy Blythe, musician and composer
Bn–Bo
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- Harold P. Boas, mathematician
- Michael Boatman, actor, writer, Spin City, China Beach, Arliss
- Ryan Boatright, basketball player
- Nicole Bobek, figure skater, 1995 national champion
- Bucky Bockhorn, basketball player and broadcaster
- Tom Bodett, ad spokesman for Motel 6
- Samuel Bodman, politician (Republican), U.S. Secretary of Energy 2005–09
- Tom Boerwinkle, center for Chicago Bulls 1968–78, broadcaster (born in Ohio)
- Budd Boetticher, film director, The Tall T, The Killer Is Loose, Seven Men from Now
- Clarence John Boettiger, journalist, son-in-law of FDR
- Tim Bogar, MLB infielder 1993–2001 (born in Indiana)
- Bill Bogash, pioneer of Roller Derby
- Suzy Bogguss, country singer
- David Boies, attorney
- Charles Bolles, aka Black Bart, stagecoach bandit
- Bob Boken, MLB infielder 1933–34
- John Boles, MLB manager and executive
- Eric Bolling, anchor at the Fox Business Network, co-host of The Five
- Don Bollweg, first baseman for 1953 World Series champion Yankees
- Shadrach Bond, first Governor of Illinois (born in Maryland)
- Beulah Bondi, Oscar-nominated actress, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, It's a Wonderful Life (born in Indiana)
- Winifred Bonfils, early 20th-century journalist (born in Wisconsin)
- Skeeter Bonn, country musician
- Bonnie Lou, singer
- Ron Bontemps, captain of 1952 Olympic gold-medal basketball team
- Ed Boon, creator of Mortal Kombat video game
- Levi Boone, former Mayor of Chicago of Know-Nothing Party (born in Kentucky)
- William Borah, 33-year U.S. Senator of Idaho
- George Bork, Northern Illinois quarterback, Hall of Fame
- Bruce Borland, golf course designer
- Alex Borstein, actress, Family Guy
- Tom Bosley, actor, Happy Days, Father Dowling Mysteries, Murder, She Wrote
- Cathy Boswell, basketball player
- Jim Bottomley, Hall of Fame first baseman for St. Louis Cardinals
- Lou Boudreau, Hall of Fame shortstop, manager, broadcaster
- Peter Bourjos, MLB outfielder
- Mel Bourne, Oscar-nominated art designer
- Dick Boushka, 1956 Olympic basketball gold medalist
- Henry S. Boutell, U.S. Representative 1897–1911 (born in Massachusetts)
- Charles Bowden, non-fiction author, journalist, essayist
- Michael Bowden, pitcher for Boston Red Sox 2008–12
- Louise DeKoven Bowen, suffragist, philanthropist
- Matt Bowen, safety for four NFL teams
- Roger Bowen, actor, M*A*S*H, charter member of Second City
- Jon Bowermaster, adventurer, National Geographic oceans expert
- Ken Bowman, center for Super Bowl I and II champion Green Bay Packers
- Charles Box, first African-American mayor of Rockford
- Bruce Boxleitner, actor, science fiction novelist, Babylon 5, Scarecrow and Mrs. King, the Tron films
- Charles Boyce, syndicated cartoonist (born in Mississippi)
- William D. Boyce, founder of Boy Scouts of America (born in Pennsylvania)
- Guy Boyd, actor, Streamers, Body Double
- William W. Boyington, architect of Chicago Water Tower, mayor of Highland Park (born in Massachusetts)
- Ronnie Boykins, jazz musician
- Lara Flynn Boyle, actress, The Practice, Twin Peaks, The Temp, Men in Black II
- Walter J. Boyne, Air Force pilot, author, historian, director of National Air and Space Museum
- Megan Bozek, hockey player, 2014 Winter Olympics silver medalist
Br–Bt
- Emil J. Brach, candy mogul
- Helen Brach, candy heiress, presumed murder victim (born in Ohio)
- Ray Bradbury, science-fiction author, Fahrenheit 451, The Illustrated Man, Something Wicked This Way Comes
- Harold Bradley Jr., football player and actor
- Lydia Moss Bradley, philanthropist, founder of Bradley University (born in Indiana)
- Phil Bradley, college football and pro baseball player (born in Indiana)
- Morris Bradshaw, wide receiver for Oakland Raiders 1974–81
- Sufe Bradshaw, actress, Veep
- James B. Bradwell, judge (born in England)
- Myra Bradwell, state's first female lawyer (born in Vermont)
- Ed Brady, linebacker for three NFL teams
- James Brady, advisor and White House press secretary to Ronald Reagan
- Neville Brand, actor, D.O.A., Love Me Tender, The Untouchables, Birdman of Alcatraz
- Mark Staff Brandl, art critic, reviewer for Art in America
- Marlon Brando, Oscar-winning actor, The Godfather, Last Tango in Paris, Apocalypse Now (born in Nebraska)
- Mac Brandt, actor, Prison Break
- Erik Brann, guitarist with Iron Butterfly
- Oscar Brashear, jazz musician
- Cameron Brate, tight end for Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Zeke Bratkowski, NFL quarterback and coach
- Andre Braugher, actor, Homicide: Life on the Street, Hack, Men of a Certain Age, Brooklyn Nine-Nine
- Ben Braun, basketball coach, Rice, Cal, Eastern Michigan
- Carol Moseley Braun, first African-American female U.S. Senator
- Tamara Braun, soap opera actress
- Anthony Braxton, jazz musician
- Henry Skillman Breckinridge, attorney in Charles Lindbergh kidnap case, Olympic fencer
- Brent Brede, MLB outfielder 1996–98
- Richard L. Breen, Oscar-winning screenwriter
- Sidney Breese, judge, U.S. Senator, advocate of Illinois Central railroad
- Buddy Bregman, music arranger
- Edward A. Brennan, president and CEO of Sears, Roebuck & Co. 1980–95
- Kathleen Brennan, songwriter, producer, wife of Tom Waits
- Josh Brent, nose tackle for Dallas Cowboys
- Jerry Bresler, songwriter, "Five Guys Named Moe"
- Carl Brettschneider, NFL linebacker 1956–63
- Jim Brewer, basketball player, 1972 Olympics and Cleveland Cavaliers
- Ralph Breyer, swimmer, 1924 Olympic gold medalist
- Jack Brickhouse, Hall of Fame baseball broadcaster
- Paul Brickman, writer-director, Risky Business, Men Don't Leave
- Donald Briggs, actor
- Nancy Brinker, ambassador, winner of Presidential Medal of Freedom
- John Briscoe, pitcher for Oakland A's 1991–96
- Nicole Briscoe, sportscaster, Miss Teen Illinois 1998 (born in Wisconsin)
- Frank Brisko, auto racer, 12 times in Indianapolis 500
- Paul Brittain, actor, comedian, cast member on Saturday Night Live
- Frederick A. Britten, 22-year U.S. Representative
- David Broder, journalist, author, 1973 Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post columnist
- Charles W. Brooks, World War I veteran, U.S. Senator of Illinois 1940–49
- Gwendolyn Brooks, poet (born in Kansas)
- Phil Brooks, professional wrestler and WWE Champion under ring name "CM Punk"
- Bill Brown, fullback for Minnesota Vikings, four-time Pro Bowl selection
- Bobbi Brown, CEO of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics
- Buck Brown, cartoonist
- Chelsea Brown, actress, Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In
- Chris Brown, NFL running back 2003–09
- Corwin Brown, defensive back, coach for New England Patriots
- Dee Brown, guard for Illinois 2005 NCAA basketball tournament runners-up
- Emil Brown, MLB outfielder 1997–2009
- Jason Brown, figure skater, 2015 U.S. champion
- Jesse Brown, U.S. Secretary of Veterans' Affairs 1993–97 (born in Michigan)
- Mike Brown, wing for San Jose Sharks
- Nancy Elizabeth Brown, highly decorated U.S. Navy Vice Admiral
- Oscar Brown, songwriter
- Patrick Brown, offensive tackle for Carolina Panthers
- Peter Brown, songwriter, "Material Girl"
- Roy Brown, children's entertainer, The Bozo Show, Garfield Goose and Friends (born in Arizona)
- Sergio Brown, safety for Indianapolis Colts
- Shannon Brown, guard for eight NBA teams
- Theotis Brown, NFL running back 1979–83
- Tony Brown, NBA player and coach
- Warren Brown, early 20th-century sportswriter
- Orville Hickman Browning, completed U.S. Senate term of Stephen A. Douglas, U.S. Secretary of Interior (born in Kentucky)
- David Bruce, actor, The Mad Ghoul, Lady on a Train
- Hank Bruder, NFL guard 1931–39, Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame
- Don Brumm, NFL defensive tackle 1963–72
- Avery Brundage, athlete, decathlon and pentathlon, President of International Olympic Committee 1952–72
- Liz Brunner, television journalist, 1979 Miss Illinois
- Doug Bruno, women's basketball coach, DePaul University, 2012 U.S. Olympic team
- Hal Bruno, political journalist
- Jalen Brunson, basketball player
- Milton Brunson, gospel musician
- Charles W. Bryan, mayor of Lincoln, Nebraska 1915–17 and 2-term Governor of Nebraska
- Johnny Bryan, pro football player and team owner
- William Jennings Bryan, politician (Democrat), U.S. Secretary of State 1913–15, presidential candidate 1896, 1900, 1908
- Corbin Bryant, NFL player for Buffalo Bills
- Em Bryant, guard for 1969 NBA champion Boston Celtics
- Kelci Bryant, diver, silver medalist at 2012 London Olympics
- Rosalyn Bryant, sprinter, silver medalist at 1976 Summer Olympics
- Bob Bryar, musician, My Chemical Romance drummer
Bu–Bz
- Ray Buchanan, NFL defensive back 1993–2004
- Frank Buck, hunter, zookeeper, actor (born in Texas)
- Bob Buckhorn, mayor of Tampa, Florida
- The Buckinghams, pop group, "Kind of a Drag"
- Tom Buckingham, film director
- Quinn Buckner, basketball player, winner of high school, NCAA, Olympic and NBA championships
- John Carl Buechler, horror movie writer/director, special effects artist
- Doug Buffone, linebacker for Chicago Bears, sportscaster (born in Pennsylvania)
- John Buford, Civil War general (born in Kentucky)
- Napoleon Bonaparte Buford, Civil War general (born in Kentucky)
- Bryan Bulaga, offensive tackle for Green Bay Packers
- Richard Bull, actor, Little House on the Prairie, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea
- Storm Bull, musician
- John Whitfield Bunn, financier, treasurer of Abe Lincoln campaign (born in New Jersey)
- Elbridge Ayer Burbank, artist
- Horatio C. Burchard, director of U.S. Mint 1879–85, U.S. Representative 1869–79 (born in New York)
- Jacob Burck, cartoonist for Chicago Sun-Times 1938–1982 (born in Poland)
- Hannibal Buress, stand-up comedian, actor, The Eric Andre Show, Broad City
- Anne M. Burke, Illinois Supreme Court justice, co-founder of Special Olympics
- Bobby Burke, MLB pitcher 1927–37
- Edward M. Burke, politician (Democrat), Chicago alderman
- Johnny Burke, lyricist in Songwriters Hall of Fame (born in California)
- Kathleen Burke, actress, Island of Lost Souls, The Lives of a Bengal Lancer
- Leo Burnett, advertising executive
- W. R. Burnett, novelist, screenwriter, Little Caesar, Nobody Lives Forever, High Sierra (born in Ohio)
- Smiley Burnette, country singer and musician, Western actor
- Daniel H. Burnham, architect, Chicago city planner (born in New York)
- Heather Burns, actress, Bored to Death, Miss Congeniality and its sequel
- Ronnie Burns, actor, Burns and Allen
- Pete Burnside, pitcher for six MLB teams
- Hedy Burress, actress
- Edgar Rice Burroughs, author, creator of Tarzan
- Cheryl Burton, television journalist
- Ed Busch, MLB infielder 1943–45
- Samuel T. Busey, Civil War general, politician (born in Indiana)
- Homer Bush, MLB infielder
- Fred A. Busse, postmaster, Mayor of Chicago 1907–11
- Cheri Bustos, U.S. Representative
- Fanny Butcher, influential critic and editor
- Mike Butcher, pitching coach for Arizona Diamondbacks
- Drew Butera, catcher for 2015 World Series champion Kansas City Royals
- Dick Butkus, Hall of Fame football player for Illinois and Chicago Bears, actor
- Brett Butler, MLB outfielder 1981–97 (born in California)
- Daws Butler, voice of Yogi Bear, other cartoon characters (born in Ohio)
- Jerry Butler, singer, member of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- Michael Butler, theatrical producer
- Paul Butler, polo champion, founder of Oak Brook and Butler National Golf Club
- Robert L. Butler, 50-year mayor of Marion, Illinois
- Paul Butterfield, musician in Blues Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- Dave Butz, defensive lineman for Washington Redskins, St. Louis Cardinals, 2-time Super Bowl champion
- Ernie Byfield, hotelier, founder of The Pump Room
- Will Bynum, NBA point guard 2006–15
- John Byrum, screenwriter and director, Heart Beat, Duets, The Razor's Edge
- Tim Byrdak, pitcher for five MLB teams
- Jane Byrne, first female Mayor of Chicago
- Jeff Bzdelik, associate head coach, Houston Rockets, Air Force, Colorado, Wake Forest
C
Ca–Cd
- Frances Xavier Cabrini, nun, missionary, canonized saint (born in Austria)
- Leon Cadore, MLB player 1915–24, pitched a record 26 innings in one game
- Jack Cafferty, political commentator for CNN 2005–12
- Beth Cahill, comedian
- Leo Cahill, CFL coach and executive
- Frank Calabrese Sr., organized crime figure
- Nicholas Calabrese, organized crime figure
- Ben F. Caldwell, banker, U.S. Representative 1899–1905
- L. Scott Caldwell, actress, Lost, Queens Supreme
- Corky Calhoun, NBA forward 1972–80
- Frank Caliendo, comedian
- Earnest Elmo Calkins, advertising executive
- Bill Callahan, head coach of Oakland Raiders 2002–03 and University of Nebraska 2004–07
- Frances Callier, actress, comedian, I'm a Celebrity…Get Me out of Here!
- Sarah Wayne Callies, actress, The Walking Dead
- Ann Hampton Callaway, singer and actress
- John Callaway, public television journalist
- Liz Callaway, singer and actress
- Chris Calloway, NFL wide receiver 1990–2000
- George H. Cameron, World War I general
- Julia Cameron, writer, second wife of Martin Scorsese
- Bruce Campbell, MLB outfielder 1930–42
- Danielle Campbell, actress, The Originals
- Heather Anne Campbell, comedian
- Louise Campbell, actress, The Star Maker, Night Club Scandal
- Tom Campbell, U.S. Representative in California 1989–2001
- Marvin Camras, inventor
- Larry Canada, NFL running back 1978–81
- Tony Canadeo, halfback for Green Bay Packers 1941–52, Pro Football Hall of Fame
- Vincent Canby, film critic
- Glenn Canfield Jr., metallurgist and businessman
- Joe Cannon, politician (Republican), Speaker of the House 1903–11 (born in North Carolina)
- Kay Cannon, screenwriter
- Jim Cantalupo, CEO of McDonald's Corporation 1991–2004
- Shorty Cantlon, runner-up in 1930 Indianapolis 500, killed in 1947 race
- Homaro Cantu, restaurateur (born in Washington)
- Dominique Canty, pro basketball player
- Al Capone, gangster, bootlegger, boss of Chicago Outfit, subject of Capone, The Untouchables (born in New York)
- Frank Capone, organized crime figure, brother of Al (born in New York)
- John Caponera, comedian, actor, The Good Life
- Antonio "Tony Bananas" Caponigro, consigliere of Angelo Bruno in Philadelphia crime family
- Buzz Capra, MLB pitcher 1971–77
- The Caravans, gospel singers
- Harry Caray, Hall of Fame broadcaster for Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs (born in Missouri)
- Brian Cardinal, forward for six NBA teams
- Steve Carell, actor and comedian, Second City alumnus (born in Massachusetts)
- Gabe Carimi (born 1988), All-American and NFL football player
- Thomas Carlin, Governor of Illinois 1838–42; Carlinville named for him (born in Kentucky)
- Amy Carlson, actress, Third Watch, Blue Bloods
- Hal Carlson, MLB pitcher 1917–30
- Mark Carlson, MLB umpire
- John P. Carmichael, sportswriter
- Chuck Carney, football and basketball All-American
- Sue Carol, talent agent, wife of Alan Ladd
- J. C. Caroline, halfback for Illinois, defensive back for Chicago Bears
- Ed Carpenter, auto racer, fifth place 2008 Indianapolis 500, pole sitter 2013, 2014
- John Alden Carpenter, composer
- Philo Carpenter, pharmacist
- John Carpino, president of MLB's Los Angeles Angels
- Allan Carr, producer, Grease, Saturday Night Fever
- Charmian Carr, actress, The Sound of Music
- Darleen Carr, actress, The Smith Family, The Beguiled
- Chico Carrasquel, shortstop for White Sox, first Latin starter in All-Star Game (born in Venezuela)
- Mark Carreon, MLB player 1987–96
- Janet Carroll, actress, Risky Business, Family Business
- Lucille Carroll, Hollywood studio executive
- Jenny Lou Carson, sharpshooter, country music singer, in Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame
- Terrence C. Carson, actor, voice actor, Living Single, Star Wars: Clone Wars
- Johnny Carter, singer, The Flamingos
- Myra Carter, stage actress
- Maurice Carthon, NFL running back and coach
- James Cartwright, USMC general, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
- Peter Cartwright, revivalist (born in Virginia)
- William Frank Carver, Wild West sharpshooter and showman
- Marty Casey, musician
- Robert J. Casey, decorated soldier and correspondent
- Zadok Casey, founder of Mount Vernon, Illinois, lieutenant governor, U.S. Representative (born in Georgia)
- Vera Caspary, author, Laura
- Bill Cassidy, U.S. Senator of Louisiana
- Claudia Cassidy, music and drama critic
- Dan Castellaneta, actor, The Simpsons, The Pursuit of Happyness, Happy Feet
- John Castino, MLB infielder 1979–84, 1979 A.L. Rookie of the Year
- Anthony Castonzo, offensive lineman for Indianapolis Colts
- Frank Catalano, saxophonist
- Wayne Catalano, horse racing trainer
- George Catavolos, football coach
- Tamika Catchings, basketball player, winner of NCAA, WNBA and Olympic championships
- Mark Catlin Sr., football coach for Iowa 1906–08
- Phil Cavarretta, player and manager for Chicago Cubs, 1945 National League MVP
Ce–Ch
- Anton Cermak, politician (Democrat), assassinated Mayor of Chicago 1931–33 (born in Eastern Europe)
- Eugene Cernan, astronaut, commander of Apollo 17
- Jackie Cerone, mobster
- Peter Cetera, singer and songwriter, "Glory of Love"
- Tom T. Chamales, novelist
- Wes Chamberlain, MLB outfielder 1990–95
- John Chambers, Oscar-winning makeup artist
- Gower Champion, multiple Tony Award-winning dancer, choreographer and actor, Show Boat, Carnival, Hello, Dolly!
- Chance the Rapper, hip-hop artist
- Frank Chance, Hall of Fame first baseman for Cubs (born in California)
- John Chancellor, television journalist, NBC news anchor
- Bill Chandler, basketball coach for Marquette 1930–51
- Gene Chandler, singer, "The Duke of Earl"
- George Chandler, actor
- Kyle Chandler, Emmy-winning actor, Friday Night Lights, Argo, Carol, The Wolf of Wall Street
- Raymond Chandler, author and screenwriter, The Big Sleep, Double Indemnity, The Long Goodbye, Farewell, My Lovely
- Melanie Chandra, actress, Code Black
- Jay Chandrasekhar, actor, comedian, film director
- Octave Chanute, aviation pioneer
- John Putnam Chapin, Mayor of Chicago 1846–47 (born in Vermont)
- Brenda Chapman, animator and film director, The Prince of Egypt, Brave
- Charles Chapman, mayor of Fullerton, California, founder of Chapman College
- Pleasant T. Chapman, educator, lawyer, U.S. Representative
- Ray Chapman, infielder for Cleveland Indians 1912–20 (born in Kentucky)
- Joe Charboneau, outfielder with Cleveland Indians 1980–82
- Ezzard Charles, boxing champion (born in Georgia)
- Nick Charles, broadcaster for CNN
- Hobart Chatfield-Taylor, author
- Wayne Chatfield-Taylor, commerce and treasury secretary to FDR
- Cheap Trick, rock band
- Maurice Cheeks, NBA point guard, assistant coach for the Oklahoma City Thunder
- Chris Chelios, Hall of Fame hockey player for Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks
- Steve Chen, co-creator of YouTube (born in Taiwan)
- Virginia Cherrill, actress, City Lights, wife of Cary Grant
- Leonard Chess, music executive, founder of Chess Records (born in Poland)
- Lisa Chesson, Olympic hockey player
- Augustus Louis Chetlain, Civil War general (born in Missouri)
- Elizabeth Pickett Chevalier, tobacco heiress, silent-film director and writer
- Chicago, musical group, 23 gold albums
- Judy Chicago, feminist artist and author
- Gery Chico, lawyer, politician, chairman of Illinois State Board of Education
- Brad Childress, head coach of Minnesota Vikings 2006–10
- The Chi-Lites, R & B group
- Carl R. Chindblom, Cook County attorney, U.S. Representative 1919–33
- Bob Chinn, restaurateur (born in Minnesota)
- Burnett M. Chiperfield, veteran of Spanish–American War, U.S. Representative
- Robert B. Chiperfield, veteran of World War I, U.S. Representative
- Harry Chiti, catcher for four MLB teams
- Kim Chizevsky-Nicholls, IFBB pro bodybuilder
- Anna Chlumsky, actress, My Girl, Veep
- Clyde L. Choate, politician, World War II Medal of Honor recipient
- Greta Christina, atheist blogger, speaker, and author
- William Christopher, actor, M*A*S*H
- June Christy, big-band singer
- Amy Chua, professor at Yale Law School, author of World on Fire
- Kenneth Choi, actor, Sons of Anarchy, The Wolf of Wall Street
- Marguerite S. Church, psychologist, 6-term U.S. Representative, widow of Ralph Church
- Ralph E. Church, lawyer, U.S. Representative 1935–49
Ci–Cn
- Tony Cingrani, pitcher for Cincinnati Reds
- Gertrude Claire, silent-film actress
- Bud Clancy, MLB first baseman 1924–34
- Jim Clancy, pitcher for Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros
- Bridgetta Clark, silent-film actress
- Colbert Clark, screenwriter and director
- Danny Clark, linebacker for five NFL teams
- Dee Clark, singer, "Raindrops"
- George Clark, football coach, Kansas State, Nebraska
- Mark Clark, pitcher for five MLB teams
- Mark W. Clark, World War II general (born in South Carolina)
- Randy Clark, NFL lineman 1980–87
- Wesley Clark, retired U.S. Army general, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, 2004 presidential candidate
- Wilbur Clark, original owner of Desert Inn hotel in Las Vegas
- Otis Clay, musician in Blues Hall of Fame
- Ethel Clayton, early 20th-century actress
- James Cleveland, Grammy-winning gospel singer
- Nathaniel Clifton, player for New York Knicks, Harlem Globetrotters
- Hillary Clinton, attorney and politician, former First Lady (1993–2000), U.S. Senator of New York (2000–2009) and U.S. Secretary of State; 2016 Democratic presidential nominee
- William H. Clothier, Oscar-nominated cinematographer
Coa–Com
- Ed Coady, quarterback of first Notre Dame victory, 1888
- Pat Coady, Notre Dame quarterback, 1892
- Henry Ives Cobb Jr., artist and architect
- Junie Cobb, musician and bandleader (born in Arkansas)
- Silas B. Cobb, industrialist (born in Vermont)
- Ali Cobrin, actress, American Reunion, Lap Dance
- Diablo Cody, Oscar-winning screenwriter, Juno
- Eleanor Coen, artist
- Ryan Cohan, jazz pianist
- Paul Cohen, music producer
- Sonny Cohn, trumpeter
- Mark Cohon, commissioner of Canadian Football League
- Bryan Colangelo, NBA executive
- Jerry Colangelo, chairman of USA Basketball, owned Arizona Diamondbacks and Phoenix Suns
- Stephen Colbert, comedian, alumnus of Northwestern and Second City (born in Washington, D.C.)
- Freddy Cole, jazz musician, brother of Nat King Cole
- Gary Cole, actor, The Brady Bunch Movie, Office Space, Midnight Caller, Fatal Vision, Family Guy
- Ike Cole, jazz musician, brother of Nat King Cole
- James M. Cole, U.S. Deputy Attorney General under President Barack Obama
- Nat King Cole, singer, musician and actor, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (born in Alabama)
- Robert MacFarlan Cole III, chemical engineer, inventor, and author
- Bessie Coleman, aviator
- Gary Coleman, actor, Arnold Jackson on Diff'rent Strokes
- John Coleman, TV weather forecaster (born in Texas)
- Tevin Coleman, running back for Atlanta Falcons
- Edward Coles, secretary to James Madison, second Governor of Illinois (born in Virginia)
- Michael Colgrass, winner of 1978 Pulitzer Prize for music
- Ned Colletti, general manager for Los Angeles Dodgers 2006–14
- Harold R. Collier, mayor of Berwyn, 18-year U.S. Representative
- Lou Collier, MLB player 1997–2004
- Bob Collins, radio personality (born in Florida)
- Cardiss Collins, politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative 1973–97 (born in Missouri)
- Chris Collins, basketball head coach for Northwestern
- Doug Collins, NBA and Olympic basketball player, head coach of Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards and Chicago Bulls, TV commentator
- Eddie Collins, Hall of Fame infielder, manager for White Sox (born in New York)
- George W. Collins, U.S. Representative 1970–72
- Julia Collins, 20-time winner on TV's Jeopardy!
- Kreigh Collins, tennis player, 1899 US Open semi-finalist
- Marva Collins, educator (born in Alabama)
- Phil Collins, pitcher for three MLB teams
- Sherron Collins, NBA point guard
- James Colosimo, organized crime figure
- George Radcliffe Colton, U.S. Representative from Nebraska, governor of Puerto Rico
- Harvey Doolittle Colvin, city treasurer, Mayor of Chicago 1873–75 (born in New York)
- Ruth Johnson Colvin, literacy activist, Presidential Medal of Freedom
- Shawn Colvin, singer and songwriter
- Harry Combes, 20-year head basketball coach at Illinois
- Charles Comiskey, founding owner of Chicago White Sox, member of baseball Hall of Fame
- Chuck Comiskey, owner of White Sox 1956–61
- Grace Comiskey, owner of White Sox 1939–56
- J. Louis Comiskey, owner of White Sox 1931–39
- Common, rap musician, songwriter, producer, actor
- Ann Compton, television journalist
Con–Coz
- Douglas Conant, CEO of the Campbell Soup Company
- Edwin H. Conger, ambassador, congressman, Civil War officer
- Jocko Conlan, Hall of Fame baseball umpire
- Darlene Conley, actress, The Bold and the Beautiful
- Mike Conley Sr., athlete, gold medalist, triple jump, 1992 Barcelona Olympics
- Bart Conner, gymnast, gold medalist, parallel bars, 1984 Los Angeles Olympics
- Mike Connolly, gossip columnist
- George Connor, Hall of Fame offensive tackle and linebacker for Chicago Bears
- Jimmy Connors, tennis player, 5-time US Open champion, twice Wimbledon champion, ranked No. 1 in world
- Robert Conrad, actor, Hawaiian Eye, The Wild Wild West, Baa Baa Black Sheep, Palm Springs Weekend
- Bill Conroy, MLB catcher 1935–44
- Sean Considine, safety for five NFL teams
- Hollis Conway, high jumper, two-time Olympic medalist
- Brian Cook, forward for Illinois and five NBA teams
- Daniel Pope Cook, lawyer, publisher, state's first attorney general; Cook County named for him (born in Kentucky)
- Elisha Cook Jr., character actor, The Maltese Falcon, Shane, The Killing, The Big Sleep, House on Haunted Hill
- John Pope Cook, Civil War general, mayor of Springfield
- Toi Cook, defensive back for San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints
- Sam Cooke, singer, "You Send Me", "Chain Gang", recipient of Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (born in Mississippi)
- William F. Coolbaugh, 19th-century banker (born in Pennsylvania)
- Ron Coomer, infielder for Minnesota Twins, sportscaster
- Cynthia Cooper, basketball player and coach, 4-time WNBA champion
- Jerome Cooper, drummer
- Job Adams Cooper, Governor of Colorado 1889–91
- Martin Cooper, inventor of modern cell phone
- Maxine Cooper, actress, Kiss Me Deadly
- Wyllis Cooper, radio writer, screenwriter
- Ira C. Copley, publisher, U.S. Representative 1911–23
- Ben Corbett, film actor
- George Corbett, running back for Chicago Bears 1932–38
- Virginia Lee Corbin, actress (born in Arizona)
- Tom Corcoran, politician (Republican), 4-term U.S. Representative
- Kevin Cordes, NCAA champion swimmer
- Billy Corgan, musician for alternative rock band Smashing Pumpkins
- Bartlett Cormack, playwright and screenwriter
- Jim Cornelison, tenor, anthem singer
- Don Cornelius, television host, producer, creator of Soul Train
- Lillian Cornell, singer and actress
- Frank Cornish, NFL lineman 1990–95
- Frank J. Corr, alderman, acting Mayor of Chicago 1933
- Charles Correll, co-creator and star of Amos 'n' Andy
- Eldzier Cortor, artist (born in Virginia)
- Joe Corvo, hockey player
- Dave Corzine, center for DePaul and Chicago Bulls
- Jon Corzine, CEO of Goldman Sachs, U.S. Senator of New Jersey 2001–06, Governor 2006–10
- Pete Cosey, guitarist for Miles Davis
- Jerry F. Costello, politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative 1988–2013
- Neal Cotts, pitcher for 2005 World Series champion White Sox
- John Coughlin, politician (Democrat), Chicago alderman 1893–1938
- Johnny Coulon, boxer, bantamweight champion 1910–14 (born in Canada)
- Jim Courtright, Wild West gunfighter, lawman
- Bryan Cox, linebacker for Miami Dolphins and Super Bowl XXXVI champion New England Patriots
- Jim Cox, MLB player 1973–76
- Sonny Cox, musician, coach (born in Ohio)
- Wally Cox, actor, Mister Peepers, Underdog (born in Michigan)
- Dale Coyne, auto racing driver and executive
- Kendall Coyne, hockey player, silver medalist at 2014 Winter Olympics
- James Gould Cozzens, novelist, By Love Possessed
Cr–Cz
- Wallace Craig, experimental psychologist, behavior scientist (born in Canada)
- Yvonne Craig, actress, Batman, Kissin' Cousins
- Dan Crane, dentist, politician (Republican), U.S. Representative
- Phil Crane, politician (Republican), U.S. Representative 1969–2005
- Cindy Crawford, supermodel, cosmetics entrepreneur, actress and TV personality, House of Style
- Danny Crawford, NBA referee
- Ellen Crawford, actress, ER
- Jim Crawford, MLB pitcher 1973–78
- Oliver Crawford, blacklisted screenwriter
- Dewitt Clinton Cregier, engineer, mason, Mayor of Chicago 1889–91 (born in New York)
- John Crerar, industrialist, railroad director (born in New York)
- Jim Crews, basketball head coach for St. Louis University
- Michael Crichton, author, screenwriter, director, Jurassic Park, ER, Westworld, Rising Sun, Coma, Disclosure
- Fritz Crisler, football head coach for Michigan, Minnesota, Princeton
- John P. Cromwell, submarine commander
- James Cronin, physicist, 1980 Nobel Prize recipient
- Kevin Cronin, lead vocalist for REO Speedwagon
- Shawn Cronin, NHL defenseman 1988–95
- Casey Crosby, pitcher for Detroit Tigers 2012
- Jim Crowley, NFL player, coach, College Football Hall of Fame
- Henry Crown, businessman, philanthropist
- Lester Crown, businessman, philanthropist
- Arthur Crudup, musician, "That's All Right" (born in Mississippi)
- Dave Cruikshank, speed skater, four-time Olympian
- The Cryan' Shames, rock band
- Bob Cryder, NFL guard 1978–86
- Walt Cudzik, NFL center 1954–64
- Melinda Culea, actress, Brotherly Love, Knots Landing, The A-Team
- John Cullerton, politician
- William J. Cullerton, decorated World War II pilot
- Shelby Moore Cullom, lawyer, Governor of Illinois 1877–1883, U.S. Senator 1883–1913 (born in Kentucky)
- Edith Cummings, golfer, 1923 U.S. Women's Amateur champion
- Terry Cummings, player for DePaul and seven NBA teams
- Lester Cuneo, silent-film actor
- Barbara Flynn Currie, politician (Democrat), state representative since 1979
- Betty Currie, personal secretary to President Bill Clinton
- Adrianne Curry, model and America's Next Top Model winner
- Eddy Curry, center for four NBA teams
- Alan Curtis, actor, High Sierra, Buck Privates
- Charlotte Curtis, journalist, New York Times
- James Curtiss, Mayor of Chicago 1847–51 (born in Connecticut)
- Mary Curzon, baroness
- Ann Cusack, actress, The Jeff Foxworthy Show, Maggie
- Joan Cusack, actress, Working Girl, In & Out, Broadcast News, School of Rock, Toy Story 2, Shameless
- John Cusack, actor, Eight Men Out, Con Air, High Fidelity, The Grifters, Grosse Pointe Blank, 1408, 2012
- Matt Cushing, NFL tight end 1999–2004
- Clive Cussler, novelist of multiple best-sellers, Raise the Titanic!, Sahara, creator of Dirk Pitt
- Ethan Cutkosky, actor, Shameless
- Slade Cutter, decorated World War II submarine officer
- Mike Cvengros, MLB pitcher 1922–29
- Ziggy Czarobski, Hall of Fame tackle for Notre Dame
D
Da–Dd
- Bob Dahl, NFL lineman 1991–97
- Bill Daily, actor, I Dream of Jeannie, The Bob Newhart Show (born in Iowa)
- John Francis Daley, actor, Bones, Freaks and Geeks
- Richard J. Daley, politician (Democrat), member of the Illinois State Assembly, Mayor of Chicago 1955–1976
- Richard M. Daley, politician (Democrat), attorney, Illinois state senator, Mayor of Chicago 1989–2011, son of Richard J. Daley
- William M. Daley, U.S. Secretary of Commerce and White House Chief of Staff
- Rick Dalpos, pro golfer
- Dorothy Dalton, silent-film actress
- Joel Daly, television journalist
- Lar Daly, perennial politician
- Mark Damon, actor
- Anthony D'Andrea, organized crime figure (born in Sicily)
- Ben Daniels, lawman, one of Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders
- Bert Daniels, MLB outfielder 1910–14
- Owen Daniels, NFL tight end
- Randy Daniels, politician (Republican), Secretary of State of New York, Deputy Mayor of New York City
- Shirley Danz, pro baseball player
- Eleanor Dapkus, pro baseball player
- Scott Darling, NHL goaltender
- Erik Darnell, NASCAR driver for Roush Fenway Racing
- Lisa Darr, actress, Popular, Life As We Know It, Flesh 'n' Blood
- Frankie Darro, actor
- Clarence Darrow, renowned Chicago-based attorney, Leopold and Loeb case, Scopes Trial (born in Ohio)
- Justin Whitlock Dart, executive of Walgreens, Rexall
- Tom Dart, sheriff of Cook County
- Kristin Dattilo, actress, The Chris Isaak Show, Hitz
- Brian Daubach, MLB outfielder, minor-league manager
- Doris Davenport, actress, The Westerner
- George Davenport, frontiersman, Rock Island settler, Davenport, Iowa named for him (born in England)
- Bob Davidson, baseball umpire
- Andrew Davis, film director, The Fugitive, Under Siege, A Perfect Murder, The Guardian
- Anthony Davis, basketball player for New Orleans Pelicans
- Carl Davis, boxing cruiserweight champion, 2010
- Carl Davis, music producer
- Clifton Davis, actor and songwriter, "Never Can Say Goodbye"
- Danny K. Davis, politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative
- David Davis, campaign manager of Abe Lincoln, U.S. Senator, Supreme Court justice (born in Maryland)
- Dorothy Salisbury Davis, crime novelist
- Edith Luckett Davis, mother of Nancy Reagan (born in Virginia)
- Floyd Davis, co-winner of 1941 Indianapolis 500
- George Davis, magazine editor
- George R. Davis, Civil War captain, U.S. Representative (born in Massachusetts)
- Jessie Bartlett Davis, opera contralto
- Miles Davis, jazz musician, bandleader and composer, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Orbert Davis, trumpeter
- Rece Davis, television sportscaster
- Richard Davis, jazz musician
- Scott Davis, defensive end for Los Angeles Raiders 1988–94
- Shani Davis, two-time Olympic and world champion speed skater
- Zachary Taylor Davis, architect, Comiskey Park, Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary
- Clinton Davisson, Nobel Prize-winning physicist who discovered electron diffraction
- Charles G. Dawes, Vice President of United States 1925–29, winner of Nobel Peace Prize (born in Ohio)
- Jimmy Dawkins, blues musician (born in Mississippi)
- Johnny Dawson, golfer, course designer
- William L. Dawson, politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative 1943–70 (born in Georgia)
- J. Edward Day, lawyer and United States Postmaster General 1961–63
- Todd Day, basketball player, all-time scoring leader for Arkansas
De–Dh
- Margia Dean, actress and Miss America 1939 runner-up
- William F. Dean, World War II and Korean War general
- Jeffery Deaver, mystery novelist
- Billy DeBeck, cartoonist, creator of Barney Google
- Eugene V. Debs, socialist, IWW union leader, presidential candidate (born in Indiana)
- H. Joel Deckard, U.S. Representative for Indiana 1979–83
- Steve Decker, MLB catcher 1990–99
- Bill DeCorrevont, Northwestern and pro football player
- Karen DeCrow, president of National Organization for Women
- Frances Dee, actress, Wells Fargo, Four Faces West (born in California)
- Lola Dee, singer
- Merri Dee, television personality
- John Deere, founder of Deere & Company (born in Vermont)
- Archie Dees, two-time Big Ten basketball MVP (born in Mississippi)
- Dudley DeGroot, coach of Washington Redskins and college teams
- Jack DeJohnette, jazz drummer
- Paul DeJong, MLB player
- Lois Delander, first Miss America from Illinois (1927)
- Frederic Delano, railroad president, uncle of FDR (born in New York)
- Lea DeLaria, actress
- Vaughn De Leath, singer
- Floyd Dell, novelist and playwright
- The Dells, singing group, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- Al Demaree, MLB pitcher 1912–19
- AnnMaria De Mars, technology executive, author, world champion judoka; mother of Ronda Rousey
- Bruce DeMars, four-star U.S. Navy admiral
- William Dembski, mathematician, philosopher and theologian
- Ray Demmitt, MLB outfielder 1909–19
- Charles S. Deneen, two-term Governor of Illinois
- Edward E. Denison, politician, U.S. Representative 1915–31
- Elias Smith Dennis, politician, Civil War general (born in New York)
- Richard Dent, Hall of Fame defensive lineman for Chicago Bears, MVP of Super Bowl XX (born in Georgia)
- Thomas Dent, 19th-century attorney
- Oscar Stanton De Priest, U.S. Representative, civil rights advocate, first African American elected to Congress in 20th century (born in Alabama)
- Bruce Dern, Oscar-nominated actor, Black Sunday, The Great Gatsby, Silent Running, Family Plot, Coming Home, Nebraska
- Ed Derwinski, politician, U.S. Representative 1959–83 and U.S. Secretary of Veteran Affairs 1989–92
- Tony DeSantis, theatre owner, Drury Lane
- Jackie DeShannon, singer, "What the World Needs Now Is Love"
- Paul Des Jardien, University of Chicago center, College Football Hall of Fame, MLB pitcher (born in Kansas)
- Sam DeStefano, mobster
- Armand Deutsch, film producer
- William Emmett Dever, Mayor of Chicago 1923–27 (born in Massachusetts)
- Karla DeVito, singer and actress
- Laura Devon, actress, Red Line 7000, Goodbye Charlie
- Peter De Vries, author, Pete 'n' Tillie, Reuben, Reuben
- James Dewar, baker, creator of Hostess Twinkie
- John Dewey, philosopher (born in Vermont)
- Lee DeWyze, singer, American Idol Season 9 winner
- Susan Dey, actress, The Partridge Family, L.A. Law
- Dennis DeYoung, musician for rock band Styx
Di–Dn
- David Díaz, lightweight boxing champion 2007–08
- Victor Diaz, baseball player (born in Dominican Republic)
- Andy Dick, comedian, NewsRadio (born in South Carolina)
- Philip K. Dick, science-fiction author, stories became films Blade Runner, Minority Report, Total Recall
- Augustus Dickens, brother of Charles Dickens (born in England)
- Basil Dickey, screenwriter
- Johnny Dickshot, MLB outfielder 1936–45
- Bo Diddley, rock and blues musician, composer, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (born in Mississippi)
- Nelson Diebel, swimmer, 1992 Olympic gold medalist
- David Diehl, offensive tackle, two-time Super Bowl champion with New York Giants 2003–13
- Pony Diehl, Wild West outlaw
- Doug Dieken, offensive lineman for Cleveland Browns 1971–84
- Ryan Diem, offensive tackle for Super Bowl XLI champion Indianapolis Colts 2001–11
- Scott Dierking, running back for New York Jets 1977–83
- William H. Dieterich, U.S. Senator of Illinois 1933–39
- Charles Henry Dietrich, U.S. Senator and Governor of Nebraska
- Vince DiFrancesca, football coach, Western Illinois, Iowa State
- Tracy Dildy, basketball coach for Chicago State
- John Dillinger, notorious bank robber, lived and died in Chicago, subject of films Dillinger, Public Enemies (born in Indiana)
- Frank Dillon, baseball player
- Melinda Dillon, Oscar-nominated actress, A Christmas Story, Absence of Malice, Close Encounters of the Third Kind
- Paul Dinello, actor, comedian, The Colbert Report
- Gerald Di Pego, screenwriter
- Everett Dirksen, politician (Republican), United States Senator 1951–69, Senate Minority Leader
- Louis Disbrow, auto racer, drove in first four Indianapolis 500s
- Roy O. Disney, co-founder of Walt Disney Productions
- Walt Disney, iconic film and TV director, producer and animator, Disney studio founder and creator of Disneyland
- Mike Ditka, Hall of Fame pro football player and coach, TV commentator, restaurateur (born in Pennsylvania)
- Michael Diversey, brewer, 19th-century alderman (born in Germany)
- Alan J. Dixon, state treasurer, U.S. Senator 1981–93
- Jessy Dixon, gospel singer
- Leo Dixon, MLB catcher 1925–29
- Sherwood Dixon, lieutenant governor under Adlai Stevenson II
- Willie Dixon, blues musician (born in Mississippi)
Do–Dt
- Conrad Dobler, NFL offensive lineman 1972–81
- Larry Doby, baseball pioneer, outfielder, manager for Chicago White Sox (born in South Carolina)
- Townsend F. Dodd, World War I pilot, Distinguished Service Medal
- Katherine Sturges Dodge, illustrator
- Dorothy L. Dodson, U.S. champion in javelin and shot put
- Eddie Doherty, journalist, Oscar-nominated screenwriter
- Edward A. Doisy, biochemist, 1943 Nobel Prize
- Dave Dombrowski, President of Baseball Operations of Boston Red Sox
- Jim Donahue, 19th-century baseball player
- John Donahoe, CEO of eBay, chairman of PayPal
- Mark Donahue, lineman for Michigan and Cincinnati Bengals
- Dorothy Donegan, jazz pianist
- Mike Donlin, baseball player and actor
- George Donner, organizer of Donner Party (born in North Carolina)
- Ral Donner, singer
- Professor Mike Donovan, middleweight boxer of bare-knuckle era
- Jimmy Dore, stand-up comedian, political commentator
- Tom Dore, basketball player and broadcaster
- Dolores Dorn, actress, The Bounty Hunter, Underworld U.S.A.
- Thomas A. Dorsey, gospel musician
- John Dos Passos, novelist
- Emily Taft Douglas, politician, U.S. Representative, first female Democrat from state elected to Congress
- Mike Douglas, singer and television talk-show host
- Paul Douglas, professor, politician (Democrat), 18-year U.S. Senator of Illinois (born in Massachusetts)
- Stephen A. Douglas, politician (Democrat), U.S. Senator 1847–61, presidential candidate vs. Abe Lincoln (born in Vermont)
- John A. Dowie, faith healer, Zion, Illinois founder (born in Scotland)
- Dave Downey, basketball player, holder of University of Illinois single-game scoring record
- Mike Downey, Los Angeles and Chicago newspaper columnist
- Susan Downey, film producer, Sherlock Holmes, Iron Man 2, The Judge, wife of Robert Downey Jr.
- Wayne A. Downing, four-star U.S. Army general
- Larry Doyle, infielder, New York Giants, 1912 National League MVP
- Larry Doyle, writer, I Love You, Beth Cooper, The Simpsons
- Betsy Drake, actress, wife of Cary Grant (born in France)
- Francis M. Drake, Civil War general, Governor of Iowa
- Frank Drake, astronomer, astrophysicist
- John Drake, co-founder of the Drake Hotel
- Johnny Drake, NFL running back 1937–41
- Tracy Drake, co-founder of the Drake Hotel
- Yochi Dreazen, journalist
- Jack Drees, television sportscaster
- Lance Dreher, 1986 Mr. Universe
- Theodore Dreiser, author, social activist (born in Indiana)
- Chuck Dressen, football quarterback, baseball manager for Brooklyn Dodgers and four more MLB teams
- Paddy Driscoll, Hall of Fame quarterback and head coach for the Chicago Cardinals and Chicago Bears
- Robert Drivas, actor, The Illustrated Man, Cool Hand Luke
- Vincent Drucci, mobster
- John Drury, television journalist
- Charles Dryden, early 20th-century sportswriter
Du–Dz
- Fred Dubois, 2-term U.S. Senator from Idaho
- Richard L. Duchossois, horse racing executive
- Kevin Duckworth, center for five NBA teams
- Tammy Duckworth, veteran of Iraq War, U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator (born in Thailand)
- Art Dufelmeier, played for 1947 Rose Bowl champion Illinois, coached Western Illinois 1960–68
- John Duff, counterfeiter, Revolutionary War scout
- Dennis Dugan, director, actor, Big Daddy, Beverly Hills Ninja, Happy Gilmore, Jack and Jill, Grown Ups
- Tom Duggan, television commentator
- Tony Dumas, NBA player 1994–98
- Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education 2009–15
- Joseph Duncan, Governor of Illinois 1834–38, 4-term U.S. Representative (born in Kentucky)
- Michael Clarke Duncan, actor, The Green Mile, Kung Fu Panda, Armageddon, Planet of the Apes
- Thomas Duncan, Civil War general
- Katherine Dunham, dancer and choreographer
- Russell E. Dunham, decorated World War II soldier
- Robert Hugo Dunlap, officer at Iwo Jima, winner of Medal of Honor
- Kevin Dunn, actor, Transformers, Nixon, Unstoppable, Veep
- Nora Dunn, actress, comedian, Saturday Night Live, Sisters, Bruce Almighty, Three Kings
- Edward Joseph Dunne, bishop of Dallas 1894–1910 (born in Ireland)
- Finley Peter Dunne, author and journalist
- Edward Fitzsimmons Dunne, Mayor of Chicago 1905–07 and Governor of Illinois 1913–17 (born in Connecticut)
- George Dunne, president of Cook County Commissioners 1969–91
- Murphy Dunne, actor, keyboard player for Blues Brothers
- Santiago Durango, musician, attorney (born in Colombia)
- Chad Durbin, pitcher for eight MLB teams
- Dick Durbin, politician (Democrat), senior U.S. Senator of Illinois, Majority Whip, U.S. Representative
- Jim Durkin, politician (Republican), state representative
- Lindsey Durlacher, college wrestler
- Charles Duryea, automotive pioneer
- Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, settler, founder of Chicago
- Erv Dusak, player for 1946 World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals
- Charles Dvorak, pole vaulter, 1904 Olympic gold medalist
- Jim Dwyer, outfielder for seven MLB teams
- Conor Dwyer, swimmer, gold medalist at 2012 London Olympics
- Thomas Dyer, president of Chicago Board of Trade, Mayor of Chicago 1856–57 (born in Connecticut)
- Walter Dyett, musician and educator
- Jimmy Dykes, player and manager for White Sox (born in Pennsylvania)
E
Ea–Em
- Amelia Earhart, pioneer aviator, Chicago Hyde Park High graduate (born in Kansas)
- Jug Earp, pro football player
- Wyatt Earp, iconic American West lawman, subject of Tombstone, My Darling Clementine, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral
- Earth, Wind & Fire, band in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- John Porter East, U.S. Senator for North Carolina 1981–86
- Martin Eberhard, co-founder of Tesla Motors
- Christine Ebersole, 2-time Tony Award-winning actress and singer, Saturday Night Live, Ryan's Hope, 42nd Street
- Roger Ebert, film critic, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, author, television personality, co-host of Siskel & Ebert
- Buddy Ebsen, actor, The Beverly Hillbillies, Barnaby Jones, Captain January, Davy Crockett, Breakfast at Tiffany's
- Vilma Ebsen, dancer and actress, Broadway Melody of 1936
- Earl Eby, athlete, silver medalist in 1920 Summer Olympics
- Garrett Eckbo, landscape architect
- Walter Eckersall, fullback for Chicago 1905 national champions, Hall of Fame, sportswriter, referee
- William Eckert, Major League Baseball commissioner 1965–68
- James Eckhouse, actor, Beverly Hills, 90210
- Nora Eddington, actress, wife of Errol Flynn
- Dwight Eddleman, three-sport Illinois athlete, NBA All-Star
- J. W. Eddy, politician, lawyer, Angels Flight designer (born in New York)
- John R. Eden, 19th-century U.S. Representative (born in Kentucky)
- Jim Edgar, secretary of state and 1991–99 Governor of Illinois
- John Edgar, naval commander, land baron, politician (born in Ireland)
- Robert W. Edgren, cartoonist, 1904 Olympic athlete
- Benjamin S. Edwards, 19th-century lawyer and politician
- Bruce Edwards, MLB catcher 1946–56
- India Edwards, vice-chair of Democratic National Committee 1950–56
- Jon Edwards, pitcher for San Diego Padres
- Ninian Edwards, politician (Democratic-Republican), U.S. Senator 1818–26 and Governor of Illinois 1826–30 (born in Maryland)
- Ninian Wirt Edwards, educator, married to sister of Mary Todd Lincoln
- Steve Edwards, pro football lineman
- Chandler Egan, NCAA, U.S. Amateur golf champion, course designer
- Edward Egan, cardinal, archbishop of New York 2000–2009
- John Joseph Egan, monsignor, civil rights activist
- Walter Egan, golfer, 1904 Olympic gold medalist
- Dave Eggers, writer, editor, and publisher, author of A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius
- Rube Ehrhardt, MLB pitcher 1924–29
- David Eigenberg, actor, Steve Brady on Sex and the City
- Deborah Eisenberg, short story writer, actress
- Brett Eldredge, country singer
- Charlie Elgar, bandleader (born in Louisiana)
- Karl Eller, owner of the Phoenix Suns
- Kurt Elling, jazz singer
- Bump Elliott, halfback for Michigan and Purdue, coach at Michigan, athletic director at Iowa, College Football Hall of Fame
- Pete Elliott, football head coach for Nebraska, Illinois, Cal and Miami, College Football Hall of Fame
- Bo Ellis, basketball player for 1977 NCAA champion Marquette and Denver Nuggets
- Fred Ellis, cartoonist
- LaPhonso Ellis, center for four NBA teams
- Nelsan Ellis, actor, True Blood, Get On Up
- Larry Ellison, co-founder and CEO of Oracle Corporation
- Elmer E. Ellsworth, first Civil War casualty (born in New York)
- Bob Elson, Hall of Fame baseball broadcaster
- John Ely, pitcher for Los Angeles Dodgers 2010–12
- Melvin Ely, center-forward for five NBA teams
- Ari Emanuel, Hollywood superagent, co-CEO of William Morris Endeavor
- Rahm Emanuel, Mayor of Chicago, U.S. Representative 2003–09, senior advisor to Bill Clinton 1993–98, Chief of Staff to Barack Obama 2009–10
- Louis Lincoln Emmerson, merchant, secretary of state and Governor of Illinois 1929–33
En–Ez
- Eric Engberg, television journalist
- Larry English, linebacker for Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Jason Enloe, pro golfer
- Rex Enright, football coach, South Carolina 1938–56
- William Enyart, politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative 2013–15
- Paul Erickson, pitcher for Cubs 1941–48
- Roger Erickson, MLB pitcher 1978–83
- John Erlander, furniture manufacturer (born in Sweden)
- John N. Erlenborn, politician (Republican), U.S. Representative 1965–85
- Cameron Esposito, comedian
- Joe Esposito, road manager of Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson
- Joe Esposito, organized crime figure (born in Italy)
- Sammy Esposito, infielder for White Sox 1952–63
- Tony Esposito, 15-year goaltender for Chicago Blackhawks, member of Hockey Hall of Fame (born in Canada)
- Bill Essick, MLB pitcher and scout
- Richard Estes, photorealistic painter
- Nick Etten, MLB first baseman 1938–47
- Ruth Etting, singer, subject of Love Me or Leave Me (born in Nebraska)
- Aja Evans, bobsledder, bronze medalist at 2014 Winter Olympics
- Andrea Evans, actress, One Life to Live
- Bergen Evans, television personality, professor (born in Ohio)
- Bill Evans, jazz musician
- Billy Evans, MLB umpire
- Chick Evans, golfer, won U.S. Open as amateur, member of World Golf Hall of Fame
- Dan Evans, baseball executive
- Fred Evans, NFL defensive tackle 2006–13
- John Evans, physician, governor of Colorado territory, co-founder of Northwestern University (born in Ohio)
- Lane Evans, politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative 1983–2007
- Marsha J. Evans, admiral, CEO of American Red Cross
- Betty Everett, singer (born in Mississippi)
- Phil Everly, singer with Everly Brothers, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- Hoot Evers, MLB outfielder 1941–56 (born in Missouri)
- Johnny Evers, Hall of Fame second baseman, managed Cubs and White Sox (born in New York)
- Cory Everson, 6-time Ms. Olympia (born in Wisconsin)
- Jimmy Evert, tennis player and coach, father of Chris Evert
- Fred Ewing, surgeon, Oklahoma football coach
- Thomas W. Ewing, politician (Republican), U.S. Representative 1991–2001
- William Lee D. Ewing, governor (14 days) and U.S. Senator 1835–37 (born in Kentucky)
F
Fa–Fh
- Red Faber, Hall of Fame pitcher for White Sox; three wins in 1917 World Series (born in Iowa)
- Janet Fairbank, opera singer
- N.K. Fairbank, soap manufacturer, philanthropist
- Don Fairfield, pro golfer (born in Kansas)
- Ben Falcone, actor, director, Tammy, Bridesmaids
- Cy Falkenberg, MLB pitcher 1903–17
- Richard Fancy, actor, General Hospital, The District, Seinfeld
- Jim Fanning, MLB player, manager and general manager
- Kay Fanning, newspaper editor and publisher
- Dennis Farina, actor, Chicago police officer, Law & Order, Crime Story, Get Shorty, Manhunter, Saving Private Ryan
- Chris Farley, comedian and actor, Second City and Saturday Night Live (born in Wisconsin)
- Dot Farley, silent-film actress
- Ed Farmer, pitcher for eight MLB teams, sportscaster
- Mimsy Farmer, actress, Spencer's Mountain, Hot Rods to Hell
- Henry Farnam, surveyor, builder and president of Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad (born in New York)
- Elon J. Farnsworth, Union general in Civil War, killed at Gettysburg
- John F. Farnsworth, Union general in Civil War, 7-term U.S. Representative (born in Canada)
- Louis Farrakhan, Nation of Islam leader
- James T. Farrell, author, Studs Lonigan
- Charles B. Farwell, philanthropist, U.S. Senator (born in New York)
- John V. Farwell, department store founder (born in New York)
- Sal Fasano, MLB catcher 1996–2008
- Jeff Fassero, pitcher for nine MLB teams
- Nancy Faust, musician, stadium organist
- Harris W. Fawell, politician (Republican), U.S. Representative 1985–99
- Meagen Fay, actress, Second City, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Malcolm in the Middle
- Kenneth Fearing, poet and novelist
- Carol Feeney, rower, Olympic silver medalist
- Jesse W. Fell, land baron, helped establish Illinois State University (born in Pennsylvania)
- Alfred T. Fellheimer, architect
- John Felske, MLB player and manager
- Gary Fencik, defensive back for Super Bowl XX champion Chicago Bears
- Jean Fenn, opera singer
- Irene Fenwick, silent-film actress, wife of Lionel Barrymore
- Tom Fergus, NHL center 1981–93
- Helen Ferguson, film publicist and actress
- Enrico Fermi, nuclear physicist, University of Chicago professor, 1936 Nobel Prize in Physics winner (born in Italy)
- Joseph Ferriola, mobster
- George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., inventor of Ferris wheel
- Elisha P. Ferry, first Governor of Washington (born in Michigan)
- Edwin Feulner, president of The Heritage Foundation 1977–2013
- Tina Fey, actress and comedian, writer-performer for Second City (born in Pennsylvania)
Fi–Fn
- Lupe Fiasco, rapper, musician
- Carl Fick, filmmaker, novelist
- Orlando B. Ficklin, U.S. Representative 1843–49 (born in Kentucky)
- Eugene Field, journalist and author
- Marshall Field, businessman, department store founder and philanthropist (born in Massachusetts)
- Marshall Field III, banker, publisher and philanthropist
- Marshall Field IV, owner of Chicago Sun-Times 1956–65
- Ted Field, entrepreneur, auto racing, film producer, Cocktail, Runaway Bride, Mr. Holland's Opus, Riddick
- Jackie Fields, boxer, Olympic and pro welterweight champ
- Joseph W. Fifer, Civil War officer, city attorney of Bloomington, Governor of Illinois (born in Virginia)
- Tim Finchem, commissioner of golf's PGA Tour
- Paul Findley, politician (Republican), U.S. Representative 1961–83
- Vivian Fine, composer
- Jim Finigan, MLB infielder 1954–59
- Tom Fink, mayor of Anchorage, Alaska 1987–94
- Charles O. Finley, owner of Oakland A's 1960–81 (born in Alabama)
- John Huston Finley, educator, New York Times editor
- Michael Finley, pro basketball player, film producer
- Katie Finneran, actress
- Allison Finney, golfer
- Mauro Fiore, Oscar-winning cinematographer (born in Italy)
- Harvey S. Firestone Jr., chairman of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company
- Bill Fischer, lineman for NFL's Chicago Cardinals, member of College Football Hall of Fame
- Bobby Fischer, world chess champion
- Leo Fischer, sports journalist, basketball executive
- John Fischetti, 1969 Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist (born in New York)
- Bud Fisher, cartoonist, Mutt and Jeff
- Eileen Fisher, fashion designer (born in New York)
- George M.C. Fisher, CEO of Eastman Kodak and Motorola
- Steve Fisher, basketball coach for San Diego State, coached 1989 NCAA champion Michigan
- Carlton Fisk, Hall of Fame catcher for Red Sox and White Sox (born in Vermont)
- Jack Fisk, film director, Oscar-nominated art and production designer, husband of Sissy Spacek
- Horatio Fitch, silver medalist in 400 meters at 1924 Summer Olympics
- John Fitzgerald, two-time Olympian in pentathlon
- Pat Fitzgerald, football coach for Northwestern
- Patrick Fitzgerald, U.S. Attorney, 2001–12 (born in New York)
- Peter Fitzgerald, politician (Republican), U.S. Senator 1999–2005
- John Fitzpatrick, catcher, 1,787 hits in minor leagues
- Bob Fitzsimmons, boxing heavyweight champion (born in England)
- Five Stairsteps, singing group, "O-o-h Child"
- Max Flack, outfielder, played in 1918 World Series
- The Flamingos, singing group, "I Only Have Eyes for You"
- Crista Flanagan, comedic actress, MADtv
- Walter Flanigan, co-founder of National Football League
- Michael Flatley, dancer and choreographer, Lord of the Dance
- P. J. Fleck, football head coach, Western Michigan
- Coby Fleener, tight end for Indianapolis Colts
- Darius Fleming, linebacker for Notre Dame and New England Patriots
- Bill Flemming, sportscaster
- Art Fletcher, MLB player, coach and manager
- Darrin Fletcher, MLB catcher 1989–2002
- Calista Flockhart, actress, Ally McBeal, wife of Harrison Ford
- Milton S. Florsheim, founder of Florsheim shoe company
- Paul Flory, Nobel Prize-winning chemist
- Cliff Floyd, outfielder for seven Major League teams
- Fahey Flynn, Chicago radio-TV journalist (born in Michigan)
- John Flynn, director, screenwriter, Rolling Thunder, The Outfit, Out for Justice, Lock Up
- Neil Flynn, actor, Scrubs, The Middle
Fo–Fp
- Dan Fogelberg, folk/rock musician and composer
- Lee Fogolin, NHL player 1974–87
- Pat Foley, hockey broadcaster
- Thomas C. Foley, U.S. Ambassador to Ireland 2006–09
- Tim Foley, 10-year defensive back for Miami Dolphins
- Mike Foltynewicz, MLB pitcher
- Art Folz, banned NFL player
- Ralph Foody, actor, Home Alone, Code of Silence
- Tom Foran, U.S. Attorney, chief prosecutor of Chicago Seven trial
- Betty Ford, 1974–1977 First Lady of the United States, founder of Betty Ford Center
- Dorothy Ayer Gardner Ford, mother of President Gerald Ford
- Harrison Ford, Oscar-nominated actor, Indiana Jones films, original Star Wars trilogy, Blade Runner, Patriot Games, Air Force One, The Fugitive, 42
- Judith Ford, 1969 Miss America
- Percy Ford, auto racer, third in 1921 Indy 500
- Ruth VanSickle Ford, painter, director of Chicago Academy of Fine Arts
- Thomas Ford, 8th Governor of Illinois (born in Pennsylvania)
- Carl Foreman, Oscar-winning screenwriter, High Noon, The Bridge on the River Kwai, The Guns of Navarone
- James Forman, Civil Rights leader
- Harry Forrester, basketball coach
- Josephine Forsberg, improv coach, Second City, Players Workshop
- Aldo Forte, NFL player and coach
- Frank Foss, pole vaulter, 1920 Summer Olympics gold medalist
- George Edmund Foss, U.S. Representative 1895–1913
- Bob Fosse, Oscar and Tony-winning choreographer, director, Cabaret, Sweet Charity, Lenny, Chicago, All That Jazz
- Ray Fosse, catcher for five Major League teams
- Steve Fossett, commodities trader, aviator, adventurer (born in Tennessee)
- Bill Foster, politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative
- Gloria Foster, actress, The Matrix
- Greg Foster, hurdler, 10-time national champion, three-time world champion, 1984 Olympic silver medalist
- Kevin Foster, MLB pitcher 1993–2001
- Martin D. Foster, surgeon, mayor of Olney, U.S. Representative
- Rube Foster, manager of Chicago American Giants, member of Baseball Hall of Fame (born in Texas)
- Scott Michael Foster, actor, Greek, Chasing Life, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
- Susanna Foster, actress, Phantom of the Opera
- David Foulis, Chicago golf pro and innovator (born in Scotland)
- James Foulis, 1896 U.S. Open golf champion (born in Scotland)
- Albert Fowler, mayor of Rockford 1864–68 (born in Massachusetts)
- Richard Fowler, radio show host, media personality, political activist, Fox News contributor
- Carol Fox, opera impresario
- Nellie Fox, Hall of Fame infielder for White Sox (born in Pennsylvania)
- Terry Fox, MLB pitcher
- Virgil Fox, organist
- Redd Foxx, comedian and actor, Sanford and Son, Cotton Comes to Harlem, Harlem Nights
- Bryan Foy, film producer
Fr–Fz
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- Clint Frank, football player for Yale, winner of 1937 Heisman Trophy
- Melvin Frank, director and screenwriter, White Christmas, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
- Pat Frank, journalist and author
- Art Frantz, umpire, crew chief of 1975 World Series
- Frank Frantz, final Governor of Oklahoma Territory
- Dennis Franz, actor, NYPD Blue, Hill Street Blues, Dressed to Kill, American Buffalo, Psycho II, Die Hard 2
- John E. Franz, organic chemist, discovered glyphosate
- Jonathan Franzen, author
- Chick Fraser, pitcher for 1907, 1908 champion Chicago Cubs
- Laura Gardin Fraser, sculptor, coin designer
- Bobby Frasor, basketball player, 2009 NCAA champion North Carolina
- Jason Frasor, relief pitcher for Kansas City Royals
- Harry Frazee, owned Boston Red Sox, traded Babe Ruth
- Walt Frazier, Hall of Fame guard for Southern Illinois and New York Knicks (born in Georgia)
- Andy Frederick, offensive lineman for two Super Bowl champions
- John T. Frederick, literary scholar, professor (born in Iowa)
- Bud Freeman, big-band saxophonist
- Cassidy Freeman, actress, musician, Smallville, Longmire
- Donnie Freeman, pro basketball player
- Kathleen Freeman, actress, The Blues Brothers, The Nutty Professor, North to Alaska, Blues Brothers 2000
- Marvin Freeman, MLB pitcher 1986–96
- Russ Freeman, jazz pianist
- Von Freeman, saxophonist
- Paul Frees, voice actor
- Augustus C. French, lawyer, Governor of Illinois 1846–53 (born in New Hampshire)
- Arny Freytag, photographer
- Betty Friedan, writer, activist, feminist, author of The Feminine Mystique
- William Friedkin, Oscar-winning director, The Exorcist, The French Connection, Sorcerer, To Live and Die in L.A.
- Leo Friedman, songwriter, "Let Me Call You Sweetheart"
- Milton Friedman, Nobel Prize-winning economist
- Friend & Lover, singing duo, "Reach out of the Darkness"
- Owen Friend, MLB infielder 1949–56
- Johnny Frigo, violinist, bassist and songwriter
- Art Fromme, MLB pitcher 1906–15
- Charles Sumner Frost, architect of Navy Pier Auditorium, LaSalle Street Station (born in Maine)
- Jim Fuchs, two-time Olympic medalist, 1951 Pan Am Games shot put and discus champion
- Francis Fukuyama, philosopher, political economist, author
- Charles Eugene Fuller, U.S. Representative 1903–13, 1915–26
- Jack Fuller, editor and publisher of Chicago Tribune
- Loie Fuller, pioneer of modern dance
- Melville Fuller, lawyer, editor, politician, Chief Justice of United States 1888–1910 (born in Maine)
- R. Buckminster Fuller, scientist, architect, inventor, author
- Hugh Fullerton, early 20th-century sportswriter, exposed Black Sox scandal
- Xavier Fulton, tackle in Canadian Football League
- Zach Fulton, offensive lineman for Kansas City Chiefs
- Ivan Fuqua, relay gold medalist, 1932 Summer Olympics
- George Furth, playwright, actor, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Shampoo, Cannonball Run
- Jules Furthman, Oscar-nominated screenwriter, Mutiny on the Bounty, To Have and Have Not, Rio Bravo
Fr–Fz
- Clint Frank, football player for Yale, winner of 1937 Heisman Trophy
- Melvin Frank, director and screenwriter, White Christmas, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
- Pat Frank, journalist and author
- Art Frantz, umpire, crew chief of 1975 World Series
- Frank Frantz, final Governor of Oklahoma Territory
- Dennis Franz, actor, NYPD Blue, Hill Street Blues, Dressed to Kill, American Buffalo, Psycho II, Die Hard 2
- Jonathan Franzen, author
- Chick Fraser, pitcher for 1907, 1908 champion Chicago Cubs
- Laura Gardin Fraser, sculptor, coin designer
- Bobby Frasor, basketball player, 2009 NCAA champion North Carolina
- Jason Frasor, relief pitcher for Kansas City Royals
- Harry Frazee, owned Boston Red Sox, traded Babe Ruth
- Walt Frazier, Hall of Fame guard for Southern Illinois and New York Knicks (born in Georgia)
- Andy Frederick, offensive lineman for two Super Bowl champions
- John T. Frederick, literary scholar, professor (born in Iowa)
- Bud Freeman, big-band saxophonist
- Cassidy Freeman, actress, musician, Smallville, Longmire
- Donnie Freeman, pro basketball player
- Kathleen Freeman, actress, The Blues Brothers, The Nutty Professor, North to Alaska, Blues Brothers 2000
- Marvin Freeman, MLB pitcher 1986–96
- Russ Freeman, jazz pianist
- Von Freeman, saxophonist
- Paul Frees, voice actor
- Augustus C. French, lawyer, Governor of Illinois 1846–53 (born in New Hampshire)
- Arny Freytag, photographer
- Betty Friedan, writer, activist, feminist, author of The Feminine Mystique
- William Friedkin, Oscar-winning director, The Exorcist, The French Connection, Sorcerer, To Live and Die in L.A.
- Leo Friedman, songwriter, "Let Me Call You Sweetheart"
- Milton Friedman, Nobel Prize-winning economist
- Friend & Lover, singing duo, "Reach out of the Darkness"
- Owen Friend, MLB infielder 1949–56
- Johnny Frigo, violinist, bassist and songwriter
- Art Fromme, MLB pitcher 1906–15
- Charles Sumner Frost, architect of Navy Pier Auditorium, LaSalle Street Station (born in Maine)
- Jim Fuchs, two-time Olympic medalist, 1951 Pan Am Games shot put and discus champion
- Francis Fukuyama, philosopher, political economist, author
- Charles Eugene Fuller, U.S. Representative 1903–13, 1915–26
- Jack Fuller, editor and publisher of Chicago Tribune
- Loie Fuller, pioneer of modern dance
- Melville Fuller, lawyer, editor, politician, Chief Justice of United States 1888–1910 (born in Maine)
- R. Buckminster Fuller, scientist, architect, inventor, author
- Hugh Fullerton, early 20th-century sportswriter, exposed Black Sox scandal
- Xavier Fulton, tackle in Canadian Football League
- Zach Fulton, offensive lineman for Kansas City Chiefs
- Ivan Fuqua, relay gold medalist, 1932 Summer Olympics
- George Furth, playwright, actor, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Shampoo, Cannonball Run
- Jules Furthman, Oscar-nominated screenwriter, Mutiny on the Bounty, To Have and Have Not, Rio Bravo
G
Ga–Gd
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- Marianne Gaba, actress, Miss Illinois USA 1957, Playboy Playmate
- Andrew Gabel, speed skater, 1994 Olympic silver medalist
- John Wayne Gacy, serial killer
- Gadabout Gaddis, fly-fishing expert
- Eddie Gaedel, baseball pinch-hitter
- Belva Gaertner, inspiration for "Velma Kelly" in play and film Chicago
- Gary Gaetti, third baseman, primarily for Minnesota Twins
- Ben Gage, announcer, husband of Esther Williams
- Lyman J. Gage, politician (Republican), banker and US Secretary of The Treasury (born in New York)
- Frank Galati, screenwriter and playwright
- Milt Galatzer, MLB outfielder 1933–39
- George Washington Gale, namesake of Galesburg, founder of Knox College (born in New York)
- Gladys Gale, singer and actress
- Johnny Galecki, actor, Roseanne, The Big Bang Theory
- Harry Gallatin, forward for New York Knicks, player and coach for Southern Illinois, basketball Hall of Fame
- Tom Gallery, actor, married to ZaSu Pitts
- Ralph Galloway, pro football player
- Paul Galvin, founder of Motorola
- Harry Gamage, football coach, South Dakota, Kentucky
- Lu Gambino, football player, MVP of 1948 Gator Bowl
- Kevin Gamble, player for four NBA teams
- Mason Gamble, actor, Dennis the Menace, Spy Hard, Rushmore
- James Gammon, actor, Nash Bridges, Revenge, Major League
- Gale Gand, chef, television personality
- Mike Gandy, NFL lineman 2001–09
- Jeanne Gang, architect
- Terry Gannon, sportscaster for Golf Channel
- Rudolph Ganz, pianist, music educator (born in Switzerland)
- Aimee Garcia, actress, Dexter, Greetings from Tucson, George Lopez
- Dave Garcia, MLB manager
- Barry Gardner, NFL player 1999–2006
- Earle Gardner, MLB player 1908–1912
- Robert Gardner, golfer, 2-time U.S. Amateur champion
- Wix Garner, football coach, Western Illinois 1942–47
- Jeff Garlin, actor, comedian, director, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Daddy Day Care, The Goldbergs
- Lee Garmes, Oscar-winning cinematographer
- Kevin Garnett, center for Minnesota Timberwolves, 2004 MVP of NBA (born in South Carolina)
- Jimmy Garoppolo, quarterback, Eastern Illinois and New England Patriots
- Scott Garrelts, baseball pitcher for San Francisco Giants
- Darell Garretson, NBA referee
- Augustus Garrett, land speculator, Mayor of Chicago 1843–46 (born in New York)
- Dick Garrett, guard for four NBA teams
- Dave Garroway, Chicago radio-TV personality, first host of NBC's Today show (born in New York)
- Jennie Garth, actress, Beverly Hills, 90210
- Elbert Henry Gary, lawyer, county judge, corporate officer, a U.S. Steel founder; Gary, Indiana named for him
- John Warne Gates, barbed wire mogul, founder of company that became Texaco
- William Gates, subject of documentary Hoop Dreams
- Bryan Gaul, pro soccer player
- Janina Gavankar, actress, True Blood, The Mysteries of Laura
- Hobart R. Gay, World War II general
- Mitzi Gaynor, entertainer and actress, South Pacific, There's No Business Like Show Business, The Joker Is Wild, Les Girls
Ge–Gm
- Jason Gedrick, actor, Iron Eagle, Boomtown, Murder One, Luck
- Eric Gehrig, pro soccer player
- Gary Geiger, outfielder for four MLB teams
- Bill Geist, author, TV correspondent, CBS Sunday Morning
- Willie Geist, co-host of MSNBC's Morning Joe and NBC's Today show
- Larry Gelbart, Emmy-winning television and Oscar-nominated film writer, Tony-winning playwright
- Michael Gelman, television producer
- Angelo Genna, organized crime figure (born in Sicily)
- Bill George, 13-year linebacker for Chicago Bears, member of Pro Football Hall of Fame (born in Pennsylvania)
- Francis George, Roman Catholic cardinal, Archbishop of Chicago
- Kenny George, among tallest basketball players in history
- Phil Georgeff, horse-racing caller of more than 95,000 races
- Sid Gepford, NFL player
- Henry Gerber, gay rights activist (born in Germany)
- Neva Gerber, early 20th-century actress
- Jami Gertz, actress, Still Standing, Sibs, Twister, Less Than Zero
- Jody Gerut, MLB outfielder 2003–10
- Charlie Getzein, 19th-century MLB pitcher
- Tavi Gevinson, blogger and feminist
- Georgie Anne Geyer, journalist and author
- Carl Giammarese, lead vocalist of The Buckinghams
- Sam Giancana, organized crime figure
- John Giannini, basketball coach for La Salle University
- Jim Gibbons, tight end for Detroit Lions 1958–68
- Marla Gibbs, actress, The Jeffersons, 227, The Hughleys
- Charles Gibson, television journalist and personality, ABC News and Good Morning, America
- Diana Gibson, actress, Adventure's End, Behind the Headlines
- Norwood Gibson, MLB pitcher 1903–06
- Oliver Gibson, NFL defensive tackle
- Emily Giffin, novelist
- Barry Gifford, novelist, Wild at Heart
- Florence Gilbert, silent-film actress
- Warren Giles, National League president 1957–69, Hall of Fame
- Zach Gilford, actor, Friday Night Lights
- Kendall Gill, pro basketball player, commentator
- Earl Gillespie, sportscaster
- King C. Gillette, inventor of safety razor (born in Wisconsin)
- Fred Gillies, tackle for Chicago Cardinals
- Douglas H. Ginsburg, judge
- Joe Girardi, manager of New York Yankees
- Adele Givens, actress, The Hughleys, Queens of Comedy
- Henry P. Glass, architect, Art Institute professor
- Stephen Glass, journalist for The New Republic fired for fraud
- Roy Gleason, outfielder, 1-for-1 in only MLB at-bat
- Otis F. Glenn, lawyer, U.S. Senator 1928–33
- Caroline Glick, journalist, deputy managing editor of Jerusalem Post
- Joseph Glidden, patented barbed wire (born in New York)
- Gina Glocksen, 2-time American Idol contestant
- Al Glossop, MLB infielder 1939–46
- Bruce Glover, actor, Diamonds Are Forever, Chinatown
Go–Gq
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- Bob Goalby, professional golfer, winner of 1968 Masters Tournament
- George Gobel, comedian, musician and Emmy Award-winning actor
- Godfrey, comedian, actor
- Timothy Goebel, figure skater, 2002 Olympics bronze medalist
- John D. Goeken, founder of MCI Inc and Airfone
- Harold Goettler, World War I aviator
- Mike Goff, NFL guard 1998–2009
- Gracie Gold, US champion figure skater (born in Massachusetts)
- Albert Goldbarth, poet
- Arthur Goldberg, U.S. Secretary of Labor 1961–62, Ambassador to U.N. 1965–68
- Barry Goldberg, keyboardist, record producer
- Bertrand Goldberg, architect, designer of Marina City
- Sarah Goldberg, actress, 7th Heaven
- Grant Golden, tennis player
- Jack Golden, NFL linebacker 2000–03
- James Goldman, playwright and screenwriter, The Lion in Winter, Nicholas and Alexandra, Robin and Marian
- Ronald Goldman, murder victim in O.J. Simpson trial
- William Goldman, author, Oscar-winning screenwriter, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, All the President's Men, The Princess Bride
- Arlene Golonka, actress, Mayberry R.F.D., Hang 'Em High, The Busy Body
- Andrew Golota, heavyweight contender, 1988 Summer Olympics medalist
- Jaslene Gonzalez, winner of America's Next Top Model Season 8
- Benny Goodman, musician and bandleader, recipient of Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Steve Goodman, singer-songwriter, "City of New Orleans"
- William O. Goodman, lumber tycoon, founder of Goodman Theater (born in Pennsylvania)
- Charles Goodnight, cattle baron and trailblazer
- Andrew Goodpaster, U.S. Army general, NATO Supreme Commander, superintendent of West Point
- Ron Gora, swimmer, NCAA and Pan-Am Games champion
- Alicia Goranson, actress, Roseanne, Boys Don't Cry
- Seth Gordon, director, Horrible Bosses, Identity Thief
- Stuart Gordon, director, writer, producer, Re-Animator
- Edward Gorey, artist and writer
- Ken Gorgal, defensive back, 1950, 1954 NFL champion
- Mark Gorski, cyclist, gold medalist in 1984 Summer Olympics
- Tom Gorzelanny, pitcher for 5 MLB teams
- Freeman Gosden, co-creator and star of Amos 'n' Andy
- Tuffy Gosewisch, catcher for Arizona Diamondbacks
- Jeff Gossett, NFL punter 1981–96
- Sue Gossick, diver, gold medalist in 1968 Summer Olympics
- Robert Gottschalk, cameraman, founder of Panavision
- Chester Gould, creator of Dick Tracy (born in Oklahoma)
Gra–Grd
- Harry Grabiner, longtime White Sox executive
- Jim Grabowski, MVP of 1964 Rose Bowl, running back for Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, broadcaster
- Joe Grace, MLB outfielder 1938–47
- Thomas Joseph Grady, archbishop of Orlando, Florida
- Joseph V. Graff, lawyer, U.S. Representative 1895–1911 (born in Indiana)
- Billy Graham, evangelist (born in North Carolina)
- Bruce Graham, architect of Sears Tower and John Hancock Center (born in Colombia)
- Kent Graham, NFL quarterback 1992–2002
- Otto Graham, Hall of Fame quarterback for Cleveland Browns, head coach for Washington Redskins
- Nancy Lee Grahn, actress, General Hospital, Santa Barbara
- Peaches Graham, early 20th-century ballplayer
- Stedman Graham, businessman, partner of Oprah Winfrey
- Judy Grahn, poet
- Billy Grammer, musician, "Detroit City"
- Curtis Granderson, outfielder for New York Mets
- Red Grange, college and pro Hall of Fame football player (born in Pennsylvania)
- Bill Granger, novelist and journalist (born in Wisconsin)
- Bob Grant, radio personality
- Frederick Dent Grant, soldier, diplomat, son of President Ulysses S. Grant
- James Grant, first president of Chicago and Rock Island Railroad
- James Edward Grant, screenwriter, The Alamo, Hondo, McLintock!
- Mark Grant, MLB pitcher 1984–93, broadcaster
- Michael Grant, boxer
- Ulysses S. Grant, commander of Illinois regiment, Civil War general and 18th President of the United States (1869–1877) (born in Ohio)
- Ulysses S. Grant III, soldier, city planner, grandson of U.S. Grant
- Cammi Granato, captain of 1998 Winter Olympics gold-medal U.S. women's hockey team, Hockey Hall of Fame
- Tony Granato, player for three NHL teams, head coach of Colorado Avalanche 2002–04
- Bonita Granville, film actress and TV producer, Nancy Drew franchise, The Glass Key, Now, Voyager
- Laura Granville, professional tennis player
- Nick Gravenites, blues musician
- Catt Gravitt, songwriter
- Beatrice Gray, actress
- Charles McNeill Gray, candle maker, Mayor of Chicago 1853–54 (born in New York)
- Clifford Gray, two-time gold medalist in 1932 Winter Olympics bobsled
- Dolores Gray, actress, Designing Woman, It's Always Fair Weather, Kismet, The Opposite Sex
- Glen Gray, bandleader and musician
- Harold Gray, creator of Little Orphan Annie
- Kenneth J. Gray, Air Force combat pilot, U.S. Representative 1955–89
- William S. Gray, co-created Dick and Jane stories
- Eli Grba, MLB pitcher 1959–63
Gre–Grz
- Luke Gregerson, baseball pitcher for Houston Astros
- Virginia Gregg, actress
- John Milton Gregory, first president of University of Illinois
- Wilton Daniel Gregory, archbishop of Atlanta
- Andrew Greeley, Roman Catholic priest, sociologist, columnist and author
- Chad Green, pitcher for the New York Yankees (born in South Carolina)
- Dwight H. Green, 1941–49 Governor of Illinois, prosecutor of Al Capone (born in Indiana)
- Rickey Green, guard for eight NBA teams
- Shawn Green, MLB 2x All Star outfielder 1993–2007, had 4-homer game
- Seymour Greenberg, 4-time US Open tennis quarterfinalist
- Robert Greenblatt, chairman of NBC television entertainment
- Dan Greenburg, author, husband of Nora Ephron
- Gene Greene, ragtime musician
- Kevin Greene, linebacker for five NFL teams
- Shecky Greene, comedian and actor, Tony Rome, History of the World, Part I, Splash
- Ralph Greenleaf, pocket billiards Hall of Fame
- Sam Greenlee, novelist, government agent
- Luke Gregerson, relief pitcher for Houston Astros
- Rose Gregorio, Tony Award-nominated actress
- Brian Gregory, head basketball coach at Georgia Tech
- John Milton Gregory, first president of University of Illinois
- Matt Grevers, 2-time relay gold medalist in 2008 Olympic Games, backstroke gold in 2012 Olympics
- Elmer Grey, architect of The Beverly Hills Hotel
- Tom Gries, director, Will Penny, 100 Rifles, Breakheart Pass
- Kenneth C. Griffin, financier, philanthropist (born in Florida)
- Johnny Griffin, bop sax musician
- Kathy Griffin, actress, Emmy-winning comedian, My Life on the D-List, Fashion Police
- Marion Mahony Griffin, pioneering architect
- Montell Griffin, boxer, WBC light-heavyweight champ
- Walter Burley Griffin, architect, associated with Frank Lloyd Wright
- Charles B. Griffith, screenwriter, Little Shop of Horrors, Death Race 2000, Eat My Dust!
- Howard Griffith, NFL running back 1991–2001, 8-TD game for Illinois
- John L. Griffith, first commissioner of Big Ten Conference
- Rashard Griffith, pro basketball player
- Yolanda Griffith, 2000 and 2004 Olympic basketball gold medalist, 8-time WNBA All-Star, 1999 league MVP
- Boomer Grigsby, NFL fullback 2005–09
- Dennis Grimaldi, Broadway choreographer, producer
- Charlie Grimm, player and manager for Cubs (born in Missouri)
- Gary Groh, golfer
- Bob Groom, MLB pitcher 1909–18
- Mary Gross, actress, Saturday Night Live, Feds, The Couch Trip, Troop Beverly Hills
- Michael Gross, actor, Family Ties, Big Business, The Young and the Restless, Tremors
- Johnny Groth, MLB outfielder 1946–60
- Orval Grove, pitcher for White Sox 1940–49 (born in Kansas)
- Johnny Gruelle, cartoonist, creator of Raggedy Ann
- Dov Grumet-Morris (born 1982), professional ice hockey player
- Tim Grunhard, NFL center 1990–2000
- John M. Grunsfeld, astronaut and physicist
- Glen Grunwald, general manager of New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors
Gs–Gz
- Lisa Guerrero, model and television personality
- Ozzie Guillén, infielder, manager for White Sox (born in Venezuela)
- Charles J. Guiteau, assassin of President James A. Garfield
- Bill Gullickson, MLB pitcher 1979–94 (born in Minnesota)
- Bryant Gumbel, television journalist (born in Louisiana)
- Greg Gumbel, television sportscaster (born in Louisiana)
- Frank W. Gunsaulus, educator, orator and minister (born in Ohio)
- Charles F. Gunther, confectioner, introduced CrackerJack (born in Germany)
- John Gunther, foreign correspondent and author
- Larry Gura, pitcher for Kansas City Royals and Chicago Cubs
- Walter S. Gurnee, tannery owner, Mayor of Chicago 1851–53; Gurnee named for him (born in New York)
- Andy Gustafson, football coach, Virginia Tech, Miami
- Frankie Gustine, MLB infielder 1939–50
- Luke Guthrie, golfer
- Luis Gutiérrez, politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative
- Buddy Guy, blues guitarist, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- A.J. Guyton, basketball player
- Boone Guyton, test pilot, aviation pioneer
- Brad Guzan, professional soccer goalkeeper
H
Haa–Ham
- Bert Haas, MLB first baseman 1937–51
- Carl Haas, auto racing executive
- Jay Haas, pro golfer, 9-time PGA Tour winner (born in Missouri)
- Jerry Haas, pro golfer, college coach
- Stan Hack, player and manager for Chicago Cubs (born in California)
- Warren Hacker, MLB pitcher 1948–61
- Gene Hackman, Oscar-winning actor, The French Connection, Superman, Hoosiers, Unforgiven (born in California)
- H. G. Hadden, 1895 football player-coach for Notre Dame
- Jerry Hadley, operatic tenor
- Mickey Haefner, MLB pitcher 1943–50
- Jean Hagen, Oscar-nominated actress, Singin' in the Rain, Adam's Rib, The Asphalt Jungle, Make Room for Daddy
- Kevin Hagen, actor, Little House on the Prairie
- Hager Twins, country music duo
- Michael G. Hagerty, actor, Lucky Louie, Friends
- Tyjuan Hagler, NFL player
- Kathryn Hahn, actress, Crossing Jordan, Step Brothers, We're the Millers
- John Charles Haines, water commissioner, Mayor of Chicago 1858–60 (born in New York)
- Jerry Hairston Jr., baseball player for nine MLB teams
- George Halas, co-founder of National Football League, coach-owner of Chicago Bears, member of Pro Football Hall of Fame
- George Halas Jr., president of Chicago Bears 1963–79
- Walter Halas, basketball coach, Notre Dame, Drexel
- Barbara Hale, Emmy-winning actress, Della Street on Perry Mason
- DeMarlo Hale, bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays
- George E. Hale, astronomer
- Arthur R. Hall, football player and coach for Illinois
- Bryan Hall, defensive end for Baltimore Ravens
- Buddy Hall, pocket billiards Hall of Fame
- Edward K. Hall, football and baseball coach for Illinois
- Glenn Hall, 10-year Hall of Fame goalie for Blackhawks (born in Canada)
- Lani Hall, singer, wife of Herb Alpert
- Gary Hallberg, pro golfer, sixth in 1985 Masters
- Bill Haller, Major League Baseball umpire
- Tom Haller, MLB catcher, coach, executive
- Brett Halliday, mystery writer
- Lin Halliday, saxophonist (born in Arkansas)
- Robert Halperin, Olympic yachting medalist, football player, decorated World War II hero, chairman of Commercial Light Co.
- Victor Halperin, film director, White Zombie
- Halston, fashion designer (born in Iowa)
- Roy Hamey, general manager of New York Yankees 1960–63
- Dorothy Hamill, figure skater, gold medalist in 1976 Winter Olympics and 1976 world champion
- Earl Hamilton, MLB pitcher 1911–24
- Frank Hamilton, singer with The Weavers
- John B. Hamilton, U.S. Surgeon General 1879–91
- John Marshall Hamilton, Governor of Illinois 1883–85 (born in Ohio)
- Todd Hamilton, professional golfer, winner of 2004 British Open
- Penny Hammel, professional golfer
- Richard Hamming, prominent mathematician, inventor of the Hamming code and Hamming window
- John Hammond, general manager of Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks
- Laurens Hammond, inventor of Hammond organ
- Dan Hampton, Hall of Fame defensive end for Chicago Bears (born in Arkansas)
Han–Har
- Herbie Hancock, jazz musician, Grammy and Oscar winner
- Elliot Handler, co-founder of Mattel toy company
- Phil Handler (1908–1968), NFL football player and coach
- Jam Handy, Olympic swimmer (born in Pennsylvania)
- Daryl Hannah, actress, Splash, Blade Runner, Wall Street, Steel Magnolias, Kill Bill
- Lorraine Hansberry, playwright, A Raisin in the Sun
- Henry C. Hansbrough, U.S. Senator of North Dakota 1891–1909
- Brian Hansen, speed skater, 2010 Winter Olympics silver medalist
- Chris Hansen, television journalist
- Joseph T. Hansen, labor leader
- Myrna Hansen, 1953 Miss USA, actress
- Mark Victor Hansen, co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul
- Snipe Hansen, MLB pitcher 1930–35
- Ray Hanson, football coach, Western Illinois 1926–41 (born in Minnesota)
- Robert Hanssen, FBI agent convicted of espionage
- Norman Hapgood, editor, ambassador to Denmark 1919
- J. A. Happ, pitcher for five MLB teams
- Luke Harangody, professional basketball power forward
- Clay Harbor, professional football tight end
- James Harbord, World War I general, chairman of RCA
- Tim Hardaway, NBA player 1989–2003 and 2000 Sydney Olympics
- Abner C. Harding, Civil War officer, U.S. Representative (born in Connecticut)
- Cory Hardrict, actor, American Sniper
- Alan Hargesheimer, MLB pitcher 1980–86
- Cory Harkey, professional football tight end and fullback
- James Harlan, Iowa senator, U.S. Secretary of the Interior, son-in-law of Abraham Lincoln
- John Marshall Harlan II, justice of U.S. Supreme Court 1955–71
- Chic Harley, running back, College Football Hall of Fame
- Jean Harlow, actress, Lake Forest student (born in Missouri)
- Deborah Harmon, actress, Just the Ten of Us, Used Cars
- Merle Harmon, sports broadcaster
- Reginald C. Harmon, Air Force general
- Ann Harnett, pro baseball player
- Elise Harney, pro baseball player
- Sheldon Harnick, lyricist, Fiddler on the Roof
- Erika Harold, model, 2003 Miss America, conservative activist, attorney
- Dawn Harper, hurdler, gold medalist in 2008 Beijing Olympics
- Jesse Harper, football coach for Notre Dame 1913–17
- Jessica Harper, actress, My Favorite Year, Stardust Memories, Pennies from Heaven, Suspiria
- Michael Harper, basketball player, North Park and Portland Trail Blazers
- William Rainey Harper, first president of University of Chicago and Bradley (born in Ohio)
- Ken Harrelson, baseball player, executive, broadcaster (born in South Carolina)
- Will Harridge, president of baseball's American League 1931–59
- Arne Harris, television sports producer
- Barbara Harris, Oscar-nominated actress, Nashville, Plaza Suite, Family Plot, Freaky Friday
- E.B. Harris, 25-year president of Chicago Mercantile Exchange
- Eddie Harris, saxophonist
- Emily Harris, kidnapper of Patty Hearst
- Harry Harris, boxer
- Janet Harris, member of Women's Basketball Hall of Fame
- Moira Harris, actress, One More Saturday Night, Breakdown, wife of Gary Sinise
- Napoleon Harris, linebacker in NFL, member of Illinois Senate
- Patricia Roberts Harris, Cabinet member of President Jimmy Carter
- Paul P. Harris, founder of Rotary International (born in Wisconsin)
- Robin Harris, comedian and actor, House Party, Do the Right Thing
- Steve Harris, actor, The Practice
- Sydney J. Harris, syndicated columnist (born in England)
- Wood Harris, actor, The Wire
- Carter Harrison Sr., politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative, Mayor of Chicago 1879–1887, 1893 (born in Kentucky)
- Carter Harrison Jr., politician (Democrat), Mayor of Chicago 1897–1905, 1911–15
- Nolan Harrison, NFL defensive end 1991–2000
- Rodney Harrison, NFL defensive back, won two Super Bowls with New England Patriots
- Dolores Hart, actress, Loving You, Lonelyhearts, Sail a Crooked Ship, Where the Boys Are
- Jim Hart, quarterback for NFL's St. Louis Cardinals 1966–83
- Pearl M. Hart, attorney and activist
- Justin Hartley, actor, Passions, The Young and the Restless, Smallville
- Mary Hartline, television personality, Super Circus
- Johnny Hartman, jazz singer
- Gabby Hartnett, Hall of Fame catcher for Chicago Cubs (born in Rhode Island)
- Lynne Cooper Harvey, radio producer (born in Missouri)
- Paul Harvey, radio personality, Chicago-based for more than 60 years (born in Oklahoma)
Has–Haz
- Karen Hasara, politician (Republican), first female mayor of Springfield
- Dennis Hastert, teacher, politician (Republican), U.S. Representative, Speaker of the House 1998–2006
- Wilbur Hatch, bandleader, I Love Lucy
- Donny Hathaway, singer, "Where Is the Love"
- Helge Alexander Haugan, businessman, banker (born in Norway)
- H. (Hauman) G. Haugan, railroad executive, brother of Helge A. Haugan (born in Norway)
- Reidar Rye Haugan, newspaper publisher (born in Norway)
- Enid A. Haupt, magazine publisher, philanthropist
- Herbert Hans Haupt, executed spy (born in Germany)
- June Haver, actress, The Daughter of Rosie O'Grady, The Dolly Sisters, Look for the Silver Lining, wife of Fred MacMurray
- Brent Hawkins, pro football player 2006–13
- Coleman Hawkins, saxophonist
- Fred Hawkins, golfer, co-runnerup in 1958 Masters Tournament
- Hersey Hawkins, guard for five NBA teams
- LaRoyce Hawkins, actor, Chicago P.D.
- Tom Hawkins, basketball player, baseball executive
- John Hay, secretary to Abe Lincoln, U.S. Secretary of State under William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt (born in Indiana)
- Kelvin Hayden, NFL cornerback 2005–14, won Super Bowl XLI
- Julie Haydon, actress, The Scoundrel, The Conquerors
- Bernadene Hayes, actress, Idiot's Delight, Dick Tracy's Dilemma
- Bill Hayes, actor, Days of Our Lives
- Billie Hayes, actress, Li'l Abner
- Charles Hayes, union official, U.S. Representative 1983–93
- Reggie Hayes, actor, Girlfriends
- Sean Hayes, Emmy-winning actor, Will & Grace, The Bucket List, Martin and Lewis, The Three Stooges
- Kathryn Hays, actress, As the World Turns
- Reggie Hayward, defensive end for Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars
- Hurley Haywood, auto racer in Motorsports Hall of Fame of America
He–Hh
- Luther Head, basketball player, 2005 Illinois national runners-up
- Nathan Heald, commandant of Fort Dearborn 1810-12 (born in New Hampshire)
- Egyptian Healy, 19th-century pitcher
- George Peter Alexander Healy, painter (born in Massachusetts)
- Pat Healy, actor
- Jane Heap, writer and publisher (born in Kansas)
- Chick Hearn, Hall of Fame basketball broadcaster for Los Angeles Lakers
- Monroe Heath, politician (Republican), Mayor of Chicago 1876–79 (born in New Hampshire)
- Erin Heatherton, fashion model
- Harry Hebner, three-time Olympian, 1912 backstroke gold medalist
- Ben Hecht, reporter, war correspondent, author, activist, playwright, director, Academy Award-winning screenwriter
- Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, pro wrestler, manager, TV commentator
- Kyle T. Heffner, actor, Flashdance, When Harry Met Sally..., Runaway Train
- Richard T. Heffron, director, I, the Jury, Futureworld, Outlaw Blues
- Christie Hefner, former Playboy company CEO
- Hugh Hefner, magazine publisher, founder of Playboy
- James V. Heidinger, U.S. Representative 1941–45
- Mike Heimerdinger, assistant coach for Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans
- Don Heinrich, NFL quarterback 1953–62 and coach, College Football Hall of Fame
- Marg Helgenberger, actress, Northwestern alumna, CSI (born in Nebraska)
- William Heirens, convicted murderer, served 65 years in prison
- James Meredith Helm, admiral, Spanish–American War
- Ernest Hemingway, iconic author, Pulitzer and Nobel Prize-winning journalist and novelist
- Terri Hemmert, Chicago radio personality (born in Ohio)
- Bill Henderson, jazz singer, actor
- Rickey Henderson, Hall of Fame outfielder, holds MLB record for career stolen bases
- Thomas J. Henderson, Civil War general, U.S. Representative (born in Tennessee)
- Jack Hendricks, manager of Cincinnati Reds 1924–29
- Sue Hendrickson, paleontologist, discoverer of Sue the dinosaur
- Tim Hendryx, MLB outfielder 1911–21
- Max Henius, biochemist, co-founder of American Academy of Brewing
- Marilu Henner, actress, author, Taxi, Noises Off, Johnny Dangerously, L.A. Story
- Anne Henning, speed skater, 1992 Olympic gold medalist (born in North Carolina)
- John W. Henry, businessman and investor, owner of the Boston Red Sox and The Boston Globe
- Ken Henry, speed skater, gold medalist in 1952 Winter Olympics
- Roy Henshaw, MLB pitcher 1933–44
- Kelley Menighan Hensley, actress, As the World Turns
- Lou Henson, 21-year head coach of Illinois basketball (born in Oklahoma)
- Craig Hentrich, NFL punter 1993–2009
- Herblock (Herbert Block), cartoonist, winner of three Pulitzer Prizes
- William Herndon, law partner and biographer of Abe Lincoln, mayor of Springfield
- James B. Herrick, physician who discovered sickle-cell disease
- Clarence Herschberger, All-American athlete for University of Chicago 1894–98
- Seymour Hersh, Pulitzer-winning investigative journalist
- John D. Hertz, founder of Yellow Cab Company and The Hertz Corporation (born in Hungary)
- Whitey Herzog, outfielder, Hall of Fame baseball manager, primarily with St. Louis Cardinals
- Charlton Heston, Oscar-winning actor, political activist, The Ten Commandments, Ben-Hur, El Cid, The Greatest Show on Earth, The Agony and the Ecstasy, Touch of Evil, Planet of the Apes
- Willie Heston, halfback, College Football Hall of Fame
Hi–Hn
- John Grier Hibben, president of Princeton University 1912–32
- Jesse Hibbs, football player for USC, film and TV director
- Jim Hickey, pitching coach for Tampa Bay Rays
- Kevin Hickey, pitcher for White Sox and Baltimore Orioles
- Fred Hickman, sportscaster
- Wild Bill Hickok, Wild West gunfighter and lawman
- Hal Higdon, runner and writer
- Joan Higginbotham, astronaut
- Jack Higgins, cartoonist, 1989 Pulitzer Prize winner
- Joel Higgins, actor, Silver Spoons
- Rod Higgins, forward for seven NBA tams, executive for Charlotte Hornets
- Andy High, MLB third baseman 1922–34
- Nat Hiken, creator, Car 54, Where Are You?, The Phil Silvers Show
- Ernest Hilgard, psychologist
- Homer Hillebrand, MLB player 1905–08
- Chuck Hiller, MLB player, hit grand slam home run in 1962 World Series
- Charles T. Hinde, founder of Hotel del Coronado (born in Ohio)
- Harry Hinde, Missouri politician, aircraft designer
- Thomas S. Hinde, founder of Mount Carmel, friend of Mark Twain
- Earl Hines, jazz musician (born in Pennsylvania)
- Garrett Hines, bobsled silver medalist at 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics
- Tony Hinkle, basketball coach (born in Indiana)
- Chris Hinton, tackle for Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons
- Milt Hinton, jazz musician (born in Mississippi)
- Edward Hirsch, poet and critic
- Lew Hitch, won two NBA championships with Minneapolis Lakers
- Michael Hitchcock, actor, MADtv, Wild Hogs, Glee
- Les Hite, bandleader
- Robert R. Hitt, U.S. Representative 1882–1906 (born in Ohio)
Ho–Ht
- Edward Francis Hoban, archbishop of Cleveland, Ohio 1945–66
- Glen Hobbie, pitcher for Chicago Cubs 1957–64
- Mellody Hobson, executive, chairperson of DreamWorks Animation, married to George Lucas
- Nathan Hodel, NFL center 2001–09
- Art Hodes, jazz pianist
- John R. Hodge, commanding general of U.S. Third Army
- Craig Hodges, NBA guard, primarily with Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls
- Reggie Hodges, NFL punter 2005–12
- Tom Hoff, volleyball player, gold medalist in 2008 Beijing Olympics
- Guy Hoffman, pitcher in MLB and Japan
- Julius Hoffman, judge in trial of Chicago Seven
- Isabella Hofmann, actress, Dear John, Homicide: Life on the Street, JAG
- Paul G. Hoffman, auto executive and statesman
- James F. Hoge Jr., editor and publisher of Chicago Sun-Times, New York Daily News
- Helen E. Hokinson, cartoonist for The New Yorker
- William Holabird, architect (born in New York)
- Stu Holcomb, GM of White Sox and Chicago Mustangs soccer, Northwestern athletic director
- Jennifer Holden, actress, Buchanan Rides Alone, Jailhouse Rock
- William Holden, Oscar-winning actor, Stalag 17, Sunset Boulevard, Born Yesterday, The Bridge on the River Kwai, Picnic, The Wild Bunch, Network
- Tony Holguin, golfer
- Nicole Hollander, creator of comic strip Sylvia
- Mabel Holle, baseball player
- Robert W. Holley, biochemist, 1968 Nobel Prize
- Loleatta Holloway, singer
- Red Holloway, jazz musician
- Celeste Holm, Academy Award-winning actress, Gentleman's Agreement, All About Eve (born in New York)
- Andre Holmes, wide receiver for Oakland Raiders
- H. H. Holmes, serial killer (born in New Hampshire)
- Phyllis Holmes, basketball coach, Women's Basketball Hall of Fame
- Nick Holonyak, engineer and educator
- Lester Holt, Chicago newscaster 1986–2000 (born in California)
- Jerome Holtzman, baseball writer and historian
- Ken Holtzman, pitcher for University of Illinois, Cubs, Oakland A's, three-time World Series winner
- Joseph R. Holzapple, U.S. Air Force four-star general
- Dianne Holum, speed skater, Olympic gold medalist
- Skip Homeier, actor, The Gunfighter, The Tall T, Comanche Station
- Hector Honore, auto racer
- Henry Honore, 19th-century real estate baron (born in Kentucky)
- Ida Marie Honore, socialite, daughter-in-law of Ulysses S. Grant (born in Kentucky)
- Raymond Hood, architect of Tribune Tower and Rockefeller Center (born in Rhode Island)
- Jay Hook, MLB pitcher 1957–64
- Michael Hoomanawanui, tight end for New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots
- Albert J. Hopkins, U.S. Representative 1885–1903, U.S. Senator 1903–09
- Fred Hopkins, jazz musician
- John Patrick Hopkins, politician (Democrat), Mayor of Chicago 1893–95
- Michael S. Hopkins, astronaut, Illinois football player
- Jeff Hornacek, NBA player 1986–2000, head coach of New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns
- Henry Horner, politician (Democrat), Governor of Illinois 1933–40
- Rogers Hornsby, Hall of Fame infielder, manager for Chicago Cubs (born in Texas)
- Big Walter Horton, harmonica player in Blues Hall of Fame
- Kathleen Horvath, pro tennis player
- Arnold Horween, All-American for Harvard, NFL player
- Ralph Horween, All-American for Harvard, NFL player
- Frances Horwich, television personality, Miss Frances, host of Ding Dong School
- Stanley Hough, horse racing trainer
- Lin Houston, guard for 1950 NFL champion Cleveland Browns
- Charles Edward Hovey, Civil War general, Peoria school superintendent, first president of Illinois State (born in Vermont)
- Richard Hovey, poet
- Juwan Howard, forward for Michigan and eight NBA teams; two championships with Miami Heat
- Margo Howard, writer, daughter of Ann Landers
- Miki Howard, singer
- Terrence Howard, actor, Iron Man, Big Momma's House, Lee Daniels' 'The Butler', Empire
- Tom Howard, photographer
- Dick Howell, swimmer, 1924 Summer Olympics relay gold
- George Evan Howell, judge, U.S. Representative 1941–47
- Yvonne Howell, actress, wife of director George Stevens
- Howlin' Wolf, blues musician (born in Mississippi)
Hu–Hz
_-_Kim_Hughes_(cropped).jpg)
- Elbert Hubbard, writer, died on RMS Lusitania
- Trenidad Hubbard, MLB outfielder 1994–2003
- Edwin Hubble, astronomer
- Janet Hubert, singer, actress, Fresh Prince of Bel Air
- Reginald Hudlin, film director, producer, The Great White Hype, Django Unchained
- Warrington Hudlin, film director, producer, House Party, Boomerang
- Jennifer Hudson, R&B singer, Oscar-winning actress, Dreamgirls
- Otis Hudson, NFL lineman 2010–14
- Rock Hudson, actor, Giant, Magnificent Obsession, Pillow Talk, A Farewell to Arms, Ice Station Zebra, McMillan and Wife
- Troy Hudson, NBA guard 1998–2008
- George Huff, 19th-century football and baseball coach for Illinois, athletic director 1901–35
- Brandon Hughes, NFL cornerback 2009–14
- Carol Hughes, actress, Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe
- Jim Hughes, MLB pitcher 1952–57
- John Hughes, director, producer, screenwriter, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Breakfast Club, Home Alone (born in Michigan)
- John R. Hughes, cowboy, trail driver, Texas Ranger
- Kim Hughes, pro basketball center and coach
- Mary Beth Hughes, actress, The Ox-Bow Incident, Dressed to Kill, Caged Fury, Loophole, The Lady Confesses
- Matt Hughes, mixed martial artist, UFC Hall of Fame
- Tom Hughes, MLB pitcher 1900–13
- Wayne Huizenga, founder of Blockbuster video, former owner of Miami Dolphins, Florida Marlins
- William Hulbert, baseball pioneer, president of Chicago White Stockings, who became the Cubs (born in New York)
- Tim Hulett, MLB player and coach
- Bobby Hull, Hall of Fame wing for Chicago Blackhawks (born in Canada)
- Morton D. Hull, lawyer, U.S. Representative 1923–33
- William E. Hull, postmaster of Peoria, U.S. Representative 1923–33
- Randy Hultgren, U.S. Representative
- Edward Hume, TV writer, The Day After
- Paul Hume, music critic
- Rick Hummel, baseball writer
- Todd Hundley, catcher for several MLB teams (born in Virginia)
- Murray Humphreys, organized crime figure
- William L. Hungate, U.S. Representative of Missouri 1964–77
- Chuck Hunsinger, pro football player
- Bonnie Hunt, actress, director, talk-show host, Beethoven, Jerry Maguire, Cheaper by the Dozen, Return to Me
- Jarvis Hunt, architect
- Lester C. Hunt, U.S. Senator and Governor of Wyoming
- Marsha Hunt, actress, Raw Deal, Panama Hattie, Johnny Got His Gun, Carnegie Hall
- H. L. Hunt, oil tycoon
- Myron Hunt, architect of Rose Bowl stadium (born in Massachusetts)
- Stephen Hunter, novelist, Pulitzer Prize-winning critic (born in Missouri)
- Steven Hunter, center for four NBA teams
- Stephen A. Hurlbut, lawyer, Civil War general, ambassador (born in South Carolina)
- John Huston, pro golfer
- Ken Huszagh, swimmer, 1912 Olympic Games gold medalist
- Robert Maynard Hutchins, lawyer, educator, president of University of Chicago (born in New York)
- Ina Ray Hutton, entertainer and bandleader
- June Hutton, singer and actress
- J.B. Hutto, blues musician (born in South Carolina)
- Dick Hyde, MLB pitcher 1955–61
- Henry J. Hyde, politician (Republican), U.S. Representative 1975–2007, chaired House Judiciary Committee
- Ida Henrietta Hyde, physiologist and professor (born in Iowa)
- J. Allen Hynek, astronomer, UFO authority
I
- Harold L. Ickes, U.S. Secretary of the Interior under FDR and Truman (born in Pennsylvania)
- Harold Iddings, college football, basketball coach
- Andre Iguodala, player for Golden State Warriors, 2015 NBA Finals MVP
- Tunch Ilkin, lineman, broadcaster for Pittsburgh Steelers
- Margaret Illington, silent-film actress
- Roger Imhof, actor
- The Impressions, R&B group, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- Ebon C. Ingersoll, U.S. Representative 1864–70 (born in New York)
- Robert G. Ingersoll, Illinois Attorney General, reformer (born in New York)
- Lloyd Ingraham, actor and director
- Mark Ingram Sr., NFL wide receiver 1987–96, father of Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram Jr.
- Rex Ingram, actor, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Sahara, Cabin in the Sky, Your Cheatin' Heart
- Jeff Innis, pitcher for New York Mets 1987–93
- Samuel Insull, industrialist, builder of Chicago Opera House (born in England)
- George Ireland, coach of Loyola team that won 1963 NCAA basketball championship (born in Wisconsin)
- Jim Irsay, owner of NFL's Indianapolis Colts
- Robert Irsay, owned Baltimore and Indianapolis Colts 1972–97
- Dick Irvin, coach and first captain of Chicago Blackhawks (born in Canada)
- Wilson Irvine, impressionist painter
- Charlie Irwin, MLB infielder 1893–1902
- Ivan Irwin, NHL player, New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens
- Tom Irwin, actor, Saving Grace, My So-Called Life, Related
- Jason Isringhausen, relief pitcher for six MLB teams
- Dan Issel, Hall of Fame basketball player, University of Kentucky, Denver Nuggets, NBA coach and GM
- Burl Ives, Oscar-winning actor, The Big Country, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof; folk musician ("A Holly Jolly Christmas")
- Judith Ivey, Tony Award-winning actress, Sister, Sister, Brighton Beach Memoirs, The Woman in Red (born in Texas)
- Eugene Izzi, novelist working in hardboiled crime fiction
J
Ja–Jn
- Ray Jablonski, MLB infielder 1953–59
- Adoree Jackson, USC and NFL wide receiver
- Frisman Jackson, NFL wide receiver 2002–07
- Jesse Jackson, political activist and candidate, Baptist minister, TV commentator (born in South Carolina)
- Jesse Jackson Jr., U.S. Representative, tendered resignation 2012
- Leroy Jackson, 3-time state 100-yard dash champion, NFL running back
- Mahalia Jackson, gospel singer, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (born in Louisiana)
- Mannie Jackson, owner of Harlem Globetrotters
- Mark Jackson, wide receiver, played in three Super Bowl games
- Michael Jackson, iconic pop singer (born in Indiana)
- Phil Jackson, Hall of Fame coach of six-time NBA champion Chicago Bulls (born in Montana)
- Shoeless Joe Jackson, outfielder for Black Sox banned from baseball (born in South Carolina)
- Wilfred Jackson, animator, director of Disney's Fantasia, Dumbo, Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
- Harry Jacobs, pro linebacker 1960–72, two AFL championships
- Jim Jacobs, composer, Grease
- Colombe Jacobsen, chef and actress
- Baby Doll Jacobson, MLB outfielder 1915–27
- Peter Jacobson, actor, House, Transformers, Ray Donovan
- Walter Jacobson, television news journalist
- Scott Jacoby, actor
- Andrea Jaeger, tennis player, Wimbledon and French Open finalist
- Evan Jager, distance runner, U.S. record holder in 3000m steeplechase
- Tom Jager, swimmer, five-time Olympic champion, 11-time U.S. champion
- Helmut Jahn, architect (born in Germany)
- John Jakes, author, The Kent Family Chronicles, North and South
- Ahmad Jamal, jazz pianist
- Brian James, basketball coach
- Edmund J. James, president of University of Illinois 1904–20
- Joni James, singer, "Why Don't You Believe Me?"
- Louis N. James, golfer, 1902 U.S. Amateur champion
- Peter Francis James, actor, voice-over artist
- William James, NFL defensive back 2001–10
- Joyce Jameson, actress
- Bob Jamieson, television journalist
- Dick Jamieson, football coach 1972–97
- Jim Jamieson, pro golfer (born in Michigan)
- Bob Janecyk, NHL goalie 1983–89
- Bill Janklow, 16-year Governor of South Dakota
- Natalie Jaresko, minister of finance, Ukraine
- Joseph Jarman, jazz musician and Buddhist priest (born in Arkansas)
- Valerie Jarrett, senior advisor to President Barack Obama
- Pat Jarvis, pitcher for Montreal Expos and Atlanta Braves
- Ray Jauch, football player and coach
- Dick Jauron, NFL defensive back, head coach of Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions
- Dave Jauss, baseball coach and scout
- William Jayne, first governor of Dakota Territory 1861–63
- Betty Jaynes, singer and actress (born in Tennessee)
- Robert Jeangerard, Olympic basketball gold medalist
- Denise Jefferson, director Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater 1984–2010
- Thomas B. Jeffery, 19th-century auto and bicycle pioneer (born in England)
- Mae Jemison, physician and astronaut (born in Alabama)
- Joe Jemsek, golfer and owner of Cog Hill golf course
- Edward H. Jenison, publisher, Naval commander, U.S. Representative (born in Wisconsin)
- Ella Jenkins, educator, Grammy-winning singer
- Ferguson Jenkins, Hall of Fame pitcher for Chicago Cubs (born in Canada)
- LaTasha Jenkins, sprinter
- Leroy Jenkins, violinist
- Richard Jenkins, Oscar-nominated, Emmy-winning actor, The Visitor, Six Feet Under, Step Brothers, Olive Kitteridge
- James M. Jenness, CEO of Kellogg's 2004–06
- William Le Baron Jenney, architect, originator of metal-frame skyscraper
- William Sherman Jennings, 18th Governor of Florida
- Derrick Jensen, tight end for Oakland Raiders 1979–86
- Jens Jensen, landscape architect (born in Denmark)
- Jeremih, R&B singer
- Garry Jestadt, MLB infielder 1969–72
- Rob Jeter, basketball coach (born in Pennsylvania)
- Sam Jethroe, outfielder, 1950 National League Rookie of the Year
- Martin C. Jischke, president of Iowa State and Purdue
Jo–Jz
- Anton J. Johnson, dairy executive, mayor of Macomb, U.S. Representative
- Armon Johnson, point guard for Portland Trail Blazers 2010–12
- Arnold Johnson, owner of MLB's Philadelphia and Kansas City Athletics
- Arte Johnson, actor, Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In
- Bob Johnson, pitcher for five Major League teams
- Bobby Johnson, wide receiver for New York Giants 1984–86
- Charles R. Johnson, scholar, novelist, author of Middle Passage
- Chic Johnson, comedian, Olsen and Johnson
- Curley Johnson, player for Harlem Globetrotters
- Diane Johnson, author and screenwriter, Le Divorce, The Shining
- Don Johnson, MLB player, last Cub to bat in World Series before 2016
- Eddie Johnson, player for six NBA teams
- Ernie Johnson, MLB shortstop 1912–25
- George E. Johnson Sr., cosmetics executive (born in Mississippi)
- Howard Wesley Johnson, president of MIT, chairman of board of trustees
- Jake Johnson, actor, New Girl
- Jan Johnson, 3-time NCAA pole vault champion, 1972 Olympic medalist
- Jim Johnson, defensive coordinator for Notre Dame, NFL teams
- John H. Johnson, publisher of Ebony, Jet (born in Arkansas)
- Lynn-Holly Johnson, professional ice skater and actress
- Mickey Johnson, NBA forward 1974–86
- Nancy Johnson, U.S. Representative for Connecticut 1983–2007
- Phillip E. Johnson, professor, father of intelligent design movement
- Raylee Johnson, NFL defensive end 1993–2003
- Richard Johnson, defensive back for Houston Oilers
- Robert L. Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television, owned Charlotte Bobcats (born in Mississippi)
- Sheila Johnson, philanthropist, owner of Washington Mystics
- Syleena Johnson, singer and TV personality
- Timothy V. Johnson, politician (Republican), U.S. Representative 2001–13
- Luke Johnsos, player and coach for Chicago Bears
- Bruce Johnston, singer for Beach Boys, composer of "I Write the Songs"
- J. J. Johnston, actor, boxing historian
- Louis Jolliet, explorer, early Illinois territory settler (born in Canada)
- Adam Jones, Grammy-winning guitarist
- Amanda Jones, 1973 Miss USA, first runner-up Miss Universe
- Austin Jones, former YouTuber, musician, and a capella artist
- Barbara Jones, sprinter, 1952 and 1960 Olympic relay golds
- Charles "Buffalo" Jones, frontiersman
- Darryl Jones, guitarist for The Rolling Stones
- David Jones, physician, second owner of NFL's Chicago Cardinals
- Earl Jones, athlete, 800 meters bronze in 1984 Summer Olympics
- Esther Jones, sprinter, 1992 Summer Olympics relay gold
- Garrett Jones, first baseman and outfielder for the New York Yankees
- Hoppy Jones, original member of singing group The Ink Spots
- James Jones, author, From Here to Eternity, Some Came Running, The Thin Red Line
- Jo Jones, drummer for Count Basie
- Mary Harris Jones, labor organizer (born in Ireland)
- Melvin Jones, founder of Lions Club International (born in Arizona)
- Ralph Jones, coach of Chicago Bears, basketball coach at Purdue, Illinois and Butler (born in Indiana)
- Quincy Jones, musician, conductor, producer, arranger, composer, film composer, Grammy Legend Award
- Rickie Lee Jones, Grammy-winning singer and songwriter
- Sam J. Jones, actor, Flash Gordon, 10, Ted
- Wesley Livsey Jones, U.S. Senator of Washington 1909–32
- Bob Jordan, television journalist (born in Georgia)
- Clifford Jordan, jazz musician
- Jim Jordan, actor, radio's Fibber McGee and Molly
- John Jordan, basketball coach for Loyola and Notre Dame
- Marian Driscoll Jordan, actress, Fibber McGee and Molly
- Michael Jordan, basketball player, NCAA champion, two-time Olympic champion, six-time NBA champion for Chicago Bulls, owner of Charlotte Hornets (born in North Carolina)
- Reggie Jordan, NBA guard 1994–2000
- Art Jorgens, MLB catcher 1929–39 (born in Norway)
- Orville Jorgens, MLB pitcher 1935–37
- Ron and Vivian Joseph, Olympic pairs skaters
- Al Joyner, athlete, gold medalist in triple jump at 1984 Summer Olympics
- Jackie Joyner-Kersee, athlete, UCLA basketball and track, four-time Olympian, three golds, six medals
- Tom Joyner, radio personality
- Norman B. Judd, U.S. Representative 1867–71 (born in New York)
- Howie Judson, pitcher for Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds
- Sylvia Shaw Judson, sculptor
- Whitcomb L. Judson, inventor of the zipper
- John Jurkovic, football player, radio personality
- Herb Juul, MLB pitcher, Illinois basketball player, coach
K
Ka–Kg
- Ted Kaczynski, notorious Unabomber criminal
- Mike Kafka, NFL and Northwestern quarterback
- Gus Kahn, songwriter, "I'll See You in My Dreams" (born in Germany)
- James Kahn, writer of Star Wars novels, television producer
- Harry Kalas, Hall of Fame sportscaster for Philadelphia Phillies
- Floyd Kalber, longtime Chicago television journalist (born in Nebraska)
- Frank Kaminsky, center for NBA's Charlotte Hornets
- Stuart M. Kaminsky, mystery novelist
- Elias Kane, judge, first Illinois Secretary of State, U.S. Senator 1825–35 (born in New York)
- Marjorie Kane, actress, The Dentist, The Loud Mouth
- Patrick Kane, three-time Stanley Cup champion with Chicago Blackhawks (born in New York)
- Maria Kanellis, WWE wrestler
- Kraig Kann, Golf Channel personality, LPGA official
- Henry Kaplan, pioneer in radiation therapy and radiobiology
- Irving Kaplansky, mathematician at University of Chicago
- Jack Kapp, founder of Decca Records
- Chris Kappler, Olympic equestrian gold medalist
- Frederick J. Karch, World War II and Vietnam general
- Fred Karger, political consultant
- Fred Karlin, songwriter, "For All We Know"
- Phil Karlson, film director, Kid Galahad, Kansas City Confidential, The Silencers, Walking Tall
- Johnny Karras, halfback for Illinois 1952 Rose Bowl champions
- Kevin Kasper, wide receiver for eight NFL teams
- Leon Kass, physician, scientist, educator, public intellectual
- Chuck Kassel, NFL player 1927–33
- Terry Kath, musician with band Chicago
- Stana Katic, actress, Castle
- Philip Kaufman, film director, The Right Stuff, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, Rising Sun
- Tony Kaufmann, MLB pitcher 1921–35
- Herminie Templeton Kavanagh, writer, Darby O'Gill and the Little People (born in England)
- Kenneth Kays, decorated soldier
- Marilyn Kaytor, food writer
- Tim Kazurinsky, actor, comedian, Saturday Night Live, Police Academy
- Bill Keating, lineman, 1965 Rose Bowl champion Michigan
- Tom Keating, NFL defensive tackle 1964–75
- Julie Kedzie, mixed martial artist
- Howard Keel, actor, singer, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Kiss Me Kate, Kismet, Calamity Jane, Dallas
- James Keeley, newspaper publisher (born in England)
- Leslie Keeley, physician, founder of Keeley Institute for addiction treatment
- Cody Keenan, speechwriter for President Barack Obama
- Rosalind Keith, actress, Criminals of the Air, Trouble in Sundown
- Kent E. Keller, U.S. Representative 1931–41
- Sheldon Keller, comedy writer
- Barry Kelley, actor
- Florence Kelley, social reformer, founder of National Consumers' League (born in Pennsylvania)
- Mike Kelley, creator of TV series Revenge
- Dennis Kelly, offensive tackle for Philadelphia Eagles
- Edward Joseph Kelly, 14-year Mayor of Chicago
- Harry Kelly, decorated World War I soldier, Governor of Michigan
- James Kelly, founder of Chicago Tribune
- Megyn Kelly, NBC journalist, host of Megyn Kelly Today
- R. Kelly, singer and songwriter
- Robin Kelly, politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative
- Caren Kemner, volleyball player, bronze medal in 1992 Summer Olympics
- Mike Kenn, tackle for Atlanta Falcons, starter in 251 NFL games
- Michael Kenna, saloonkeeper, Chicago alderman
- Bob Kennedy, manager of Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics
- Christopher G. Kennedy, president of Merchandise Mart, university trustee, nephew of John F. Kennedy (born in Massachusetts)
- D. James Kennedy, pastor, Christian broadcaster
- Ethel Kennedy, widow of U.S. senator and attorney general Robert F. Kennedy, awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
- John Kennedy, MLB infielder 1962–74
- Madge Kennedy, actress, The Marrying Kind, Lust for Life
- Merna Kennedy, actress, wife of Busby Berkeley
- Martin H. Kennelly, Mayor of Chicago 1948–55
- Ernie Kent, basketball head coach for Washington State and Oregon
- Mel Kenyon, auto racer, five top-5 finishes in Indy 500
- Robert Keohane, co-founder of the neoliberalism school of thought
- Hugh Keough, horse racing official and sportswriter
- Joe E. Kernan, Governor of Indiana 2003–05
- Otto Kerner Jr., Governor of Illinois 1961–68
- Johnny Kerr, NBA player, coach, broadcaster for Chicago Bulls, member of basketball Hall of Fame
- Walter Kerr, Broadway drama critic
- Jack Kerris, Loyola and pro basketball player
- Donald Kerst, physicist, worked on Manhattan Project
- Brian Kerwin, actor, Murphy's Romance, Love Field, Torch Song Trilogy, 27 Dresses, Beggars and Choosers
- Joseph Kerwin, astronaut and physician
- T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh, actress, That's So Raven, Cosby, In Living Color
- Madison Keys, tennis player, 2017 U.S. Open runner-up
Kh–Kn
- Chaka Khan, singer, multiple Grammy Award winner
- Fazlur Khan, designer of John Hancock Center, Willis Tower (born in India)
- Shahid Khan, owner, Jacksonville Jaguars (born in Pakistan)
- Gerald Frederick Kicanas, archbishop of Tucson, Arizona
- John Kidd, NFL punter 1984–98
- Adolph Kiefer, swimmer, backstroke gold medalist in 1936 Olympics
- Richard Kiley, actor, Blackboard Jungle, A Year in the Life, Man of La Mancha, The Phenix City Story, Looking for Mr. Goodbar
- Dorothy Kilgallen, columnist, game show panelist
- Philip G. Killey, director of Air National Guard
- James M. Kilts, CEO of Gillette
- William Wallace Kimball, piano manufacturer (born in Maine)
- Elbert Kimbrough, defensive back for San Francisco 49ers 1962–66
- Kyle Kinane, stand-up comedian
- Bill King, radio voice, Oakland A's, Raiders, Golden State Warriors
- Bradley King, early Hollywood screenwriter
- Edward John King, 7-term U.S. Representative (born in Massachusetts)
- Frank King, cartoonist, creator of Gasoline Alley (born in Wisconsin)
- Freddie King, musician in Blues Hall of Fame (born in Texas)
- Ginevra King, socialite
- Ray King, MLB pitcher 1999–2008
- Wayne King, bandleader
- Dave Kingman, 15-year MLB outfielder (born in Oregon)
- Sam Kinison, stand-up comedian, actor (born in Washington)
- Terry Kinney, actor, Oz, The Unusuals, Sleepers, The Firm, co-founder of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company
- William Kinney, lieutenant governor 1826–30 (born in Kentucky)
- John Kinsella, swimmer, gold medalist at 1972 Summer Olympics
- Juliet Magill Kinzie, historian (born in Connecticut)
- John Kinzie, early Chicago settler (born in Ireland)
- John H. Kinzie, trader, Chicago politician (born in Canada)
- Adam Kinzinger, Air Force pilot, politician (Republican), U.S. Representative
- Jason Kipnis, second baseman for Cleveland Indians
- Bob Kipper, MLB pitcher 1985–92
- George Kirby, comedian
- Rollin Kirby, cartoonist
- Mark Kirk, politician (Republican), U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator of Illinois
- Jimmy Kite, auto racer
- Kurt Kittner, football quarterback
- Tom Kivisto, basketball player, businessman
- Nick Kladis, basketball player, businessman, part-owner of Chicago White Sox, St. Louis Cardinals
- Billy Klaus, MLB player
- Bobby Klaus, MLB player
- Gary Kleck, criminologist, Florida State University Professor Emeritus
- Chris Klein, actor, American Pie film series, Rollerball
- Dick Klein, first owner, general manager of Chicago Bulls (born in Iowa)
- Dick Klein, tackle for Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys
- Josh Kline, offensive guard for the New England Patriots
- William G. Kline, basketball and baseball coach, Nebraska and Florida
- Frank Klopas, soccer player, coach of Chicago Fire
- Karlie Kloss, fashion model
- John C. Kluczynski, politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative 1951–75
- Ted Kluszewski, first baseman for Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox, hit 3 home runs in 1959 World Series
- Philip Klutznick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce 1980–81, Chicago Bulls president 1973 (born in Missouri)
- Anthony L. Knapp, U.S. Representative 1861–65 (born in New York)
- Robert M. Knapp, U.S. Representative 1873–79 (born in New York)
- Willie Knapp, jockey in Hall of Fame, winner of 1918 Kentucky Derby
- Chad Knaus, NASCAR crew chief
- Alexa Scimeca Knierim, figure skater, 2015 national pairs champion
- Joe Knollenberg, U.S. Representative of Michigan 1993–2009
- Oscar Knop, NFL halfback 1920–27
- Frank Knox, newspaper publisher/owner and Secretary of the Navy (born in Massachusetts)
Ko–Kz
- Tom Koch, writer for Mad magazine
- Leo Kocialkowski, tax appraiser, U.S. Representative 1933–43
- Dave Kocourek, tight end in 7 AFL title games
- Dave Koechner, actor, Second City, Anchorman (born in Missouri)
- Walter Koenig, actor, Star Trek
- Gustav Koerner, lieutenant governor, Abe Lincoln aide (born in Germany)
- Bob Koester, founder of Delmark Records (born in Kansas)
- Seana Kofoed, actress, Men in Trees
- Herman Kogan, journalist
- Rick Kogan, journalist
- H. H. Kohlsaat, newspaper publisher
- Dick Kokos, MLB outfielder 1948–54
- Dan Kolb, MLB pitcher 1999–2007
- Gary Kolb, MLB outfielder 1960–69
- Darlene Koldenhoven, Grammy Award-winning singer
- Henry Kolker, actor, Holiday, Union Pacific
- Fred Koller, songwriter
- Don Kolloway, MLB infielder 1940–53
- Bonnie Koloc, folk singer (born in Iowa)
- Lou Kolls, football player, MLB umpire
- Mort Kondracke, political commentator, columnist for Roll Call
- Paul Konerko, 15-year first baseman for White Sox (born in Rhode Island)
- Lee Konitz, saxophonist
- George Kontos, relief pitcher for San Francisco Giants
- David Kopay, pro running back, author, gay rights activist
- Harvey Korman, actor and comedian, The Carol Burnett Show, Blazing Saddles, History of the World, Part I, High Anxiety
- Sidney Korshak, labor lawyer
- Eddie Kotal, pro football player
- Glenn Kotche, drummer
- Arlene Kotil, pro baseball player
- Irene Kotowicz, pro baseball player
- George Kotsiopoulos, TV personality, Fashion Police
- Rich Koz, television personality Svengoolie
- Joe Krakoski, NFL defensive back 1961–66
- Irene Kral, singer
- Roy Kral, jazz musician
- Olof Krans, Swedish-American folk art painter and artist
- Nelson G. Kraschel, Governor of Iowa 1937–39
- Jerry Krause, general manager of six-time NBA champion Chicago Bulls
- Moose Krause, four-sport athlete, coach, athletic director for Notre Dame
- Alison Krauss, bluegrass musician and composer
- Mike Kreevich, MLB outfielder 1931–45
- Frederick Kreismann, mayor of St. Louis 1909–13
- Rich Kreitling, NFL wide receiver 1959–64
- Gary Kremen, founder of Match.com
- John Kriza, ballet dancer
- Ray Kroc, CEO of McDonald's, owned San Diego Padres
- Egil Krogh, lawyer, aide to President Richard Nixon, Watergate figure
- Ian Krol, MLB pitcher
- Candace Kroslak, actress, Ocean Ave.
- Bill Krueger, pitcher for eight MLB teams
- Ernie Krueger, MLB catcher 1913–25
- Gene Krupa, drummer, subject of film The Gene Krupa Story
- Todd Krygier, hockey player for Washington Capitals and Anaheim Ducks
- Mike Krzyzewski, basketball coach for Duke University, five NCAA championships, 2008 and 2012 Olympic gold medals, Hall of Fame
- Steve Kuberski, forward for Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks
- Daniel Kucera, Catholic bishop, Illinois Benedictine president
- Jonathan Kuck, speed skater, 2010 Winter Olympics silver medalist
- John Kuenster, editor of Baseball Digest, author
- Mickey Kuhn, actor
- George Kunz, lineman for Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Colts
- Stanley H. Kunz, thoroughbred breeder, U.S. Representative 1921–33 (born in Pennsylvania)
- Irv Kupcinet, newspaper columnist, broadcaster
- Karyn Kupcinet, actress, murder victim
- C.J. Kupec, center for Michigan and the Los Angeles Lakers
- Bill Kurtis, television news journalist (born in Florida)
- Emil Kush, pitcher for Chicago Cubs 1941–49
- Sarah Kustok, sportscaster
- Zak Kustok, Northwestern quarterback
- Ken Kwapis, TV and film director, The Office, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, He's Just Not That Into You
L
La–Ld
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- Walter LaBerge, Under Secretary of Army, Air Force, NATO
- Harry Lachman, film director, Dante's Inferno, Our Relations
- Bob Lackey, basketball player for Marquette and ABA's New York Nets
- Ethel Lackie, swimmer, two gold medals in 1924 Summer Olympics
- Tyler Ladendorf, second baseman for the Oakland Athletics
- Carl Laemmle, motion picture mogul (born in Germany)
- Carl Laemmle Jr., head of Universal Pictures
- Carla Laemmle, silent-film actress
- A.G. Lafley, CEO of Procter & Gamble (born in New Hampshire)
- Jewel Lafontant, attorney, figure in George H.W. Bush administration
- Kyung Lah, Tokyo-based international correspondent for CNN
- Ray LaHood, politician (Republican), state and U.S. Representative, U.S. Secretary of Transportation 2009–13
- Bill Laimbeer, basketball player and coach (born in Massachusetts)
- Frankie Laine, singer and actor, known for themes to 3:10 to Yuma, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, Rawhide, Blazing Saddles
- Jean La Lime, early Chicago settler (born in Canada)
- Ricardo Lamas, mixed martial-arts fighter
- Derek Lamely, golfer
- Robert Lamm, musician, songwriter for band Chicago
- Gene Lamont, MLB catcher, coach and manager
- Robert P. Lamont, U.S. Secretary of Commerce 1927–32 (born in Michigan)
- Amy Landecker, actress, A Serious Man, Louie, Transparent
- Ann Landers (Ruth Crowley, Eppie Lederer), advice columnist
- James Landis, noted power engineer
- Jessie Royce Landis, actress, North by Northwest, To Catch a Thief
- John Landis, film director, National Lampoon's Animal House, The Blues Brothers, Trading Places, Michael Jackson's Thriller
- Kenesaw Mountain Landis, judge, baseball commissioner, banned eight Black Sox (born in Ohio)
- Reed G. Landis, combat pilot, son of Judge Landis
- Margaret Landon, author, Anna and the King of Siam (born in Wisconsin)
- Truman H. Landon, Air Force general (born in Missouri)
- Hobie Landrith, catcher for seven MLB teams
- Mabel Landry, 4-time U.S. champion in long jump
- Eric Lane, actor
- Matteo Lane, comedian
- Nora Lane, actress, The Man Hunter, The Cisco Kid
- Tami Lane, Oscar-winning makeup artist
- Will Lang Jr., war correspondent, bureau chief for Life magazine
- Harris Laning, admiral
- Sherry Lansing, actress and CEO of Paramount Pictures
- Lauren Lapkus, actress, Orange Is the New Black, Are You There, Chelsea?, Clipped, Jurassic World
- Alison LaPlaca, actress, Open House, Madhouse
- Angelo J. LaPietra, mobster with Chicago Outfit
- John Lardner, war correspondent, New York sportswriter
- Ring Lardner, early 20th-century sportswriter, author, composer, lyricist (born in Michigan)
- Ring Lardner Jr., Oscar-winning screenwriter, Woman of the Year, The Cincinnati Kid, M*A*S*H
- Rod La Rocque, actor, The Locked Door, Forbidden Paradise
- Norm Larsen, industrial chemist, inventor of WD-40
- René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, explorer
- Kirke La Shelle, reporter, editor, playwright, producer
- Albert Lasker, advertising executive, co-owned Chicago Cubs 1916–25 (born in Germany)
- Jonathan Latimer, author and screenwriter
- Johnny Lattner, football player, Heisman Trophy winner for Notre Dame
- Arnold Laven, director and producer, The Rifleman, The Big Valley, Rough Night in Jericho, Sam Whiskey
- Hazel Lavery, artist and model
- Jackie LaVine, swimmer, 1952 Olympic bronze medalist
- Ralph Lawler, radio-TV broadcaster of Los Angeles Clippers
- Carol Lawrence, singer and actress
- George R. Lawrence, photographer and aviator
- Robert Henry Lawrence Jr., jet pilot and astronaut
- Victor F. Lawson, publisher of Chicago Daily News 1876–1925
- Don Laz, pole vaulter, silver medalist in 1952 Summer Olympics
Le–Lh
- Cloris Leachman, Oscar-winning, 8-time Emmy-winning actress, The Last Picture Show, Mary Tyler Moore, 1946 Miss Illinois (born in Iowa)
- Brett Lebda, NHL defenseman 2005–11
- Pepi Lederer, silent-film actress
- Ang Lee, Oscar-winning director, Illinois alumnus
- Doug Lee, NBA player 1991–95
- Mary Lee, actress, Cowboy and the Senorita, South of the Border
- Russell Lee, photographer
- Dan LeFevour, pro football quarterback
- Joan Lefkow, judge (born in Kansas)
- Lance LeGault, actor, The A-Team
- Ernest de Koven Leffingwell, explorer
- Natasha Leggero, comedian, judge on Last Comic Standing
- Charlie Leibrandt, MLB pitcher 1979–93
- Lefty Leifield, MLB pitcher 1905–20
- Levi Leiter, co-founder of Marshall Field & Co., president of Art Institute of Chicago
- Mark Leiter, pitcher for eight MLB teams
- Charles LeMaire, Oscar-winning costume designer
- John LeMay, actor, Friday the 13th: The Series (born in Minnesota)
- Don Lenhardt, player for four MLB teams
- Harry Lennix, actor, Dollhouse, The Blacklist, Matrix films
- Thomas Lennon, actor, comedian, Reno 911!, The State, Viva Variety
- Rick Lenz, actor, Hec Ramsey, Cactus Flower, The Shootist
- Dutch Leonard, pitcher for four MLB teams
- Jack E. Leonard, comedian
- Meyers Leonard, center for Portland Trail Blazers (born in Virginia)
- Robert Z. Leonard, Oscar-nominated film director, The Great Ziegfeld, Pride and Prejudice, The Bribe
- Leopold and Loeb, notorious murderers of 1924
- Lawrence Leritz, dancer, actor
- Leo Lerner, newspaper publisher
- Jim Les, guard for four NBA teams, head coach of UC Davis
- Mikel Leshoure, running back for Detroit Lions 2011–14
- Amy Leslie, opera singer, journalist (born in Iowa)
- Donald Leslie, inventor of the Leslie speaker
- Buddy Lester, comedian and actor, Ocean's 11, The Nutty Professor
- Jerry Lester, comedian, television personality
- Ronnie Lester, guard for Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers
- Tim Lester, quarterback and head coach, Western Michigan
- Tracy Letts, Tony-winning actor, playwright, screenwriter, August: Osage County (born in Oklahoma)
- Brian Levant, film director, The Flintstones, Beethoven, Snow Dogs, Are We There Yet?
- Max Levchin, co-founder of PayPal and Yelp (born in Ukraine)
- Mel Leven, songwriter
- Edward H. Levi, U.S. Attorney General 1975–77
- Charles Levin, actor, Alice, Capital News
- Al Levine, pitcher for seven MLB teams
- Samm Levine, actor
- Ted Levine, actor, The Silence of the Lambs, Monk (born in Ohio)
- King Levinsky, boxer, heavyweight contender
- Steven Levitan, TV director, screenwriter and producer; creator of Just Shoot Me! and Modern Family* Steven Levitt, economist, author of Freakonomics
- Marv Levy, coach and general manager for Buffalo Bills, member of Pro Football Hall of Fame
- Greg Lewis, NFL wide receiver 2003–10
- J. Hamilton Lewis, congressman for two states, U.S. Senator of Illinois (born in Virginia)
- Lena Morrow Lewis, suffragist, Socialist
- Meade Lux Lewis, jazz musician
- Monica Lewis, singer and actress, The Strip, The D.I., Excuse My Dust, Affair with a Stranger
- Ramsey Lewis, radio personality and Grammy Award-winning jazz musician, "The 'In' Crowd"
- J.C. Leyendecker, illustrator (born in Germany)
Li–Ln
- Anna Li, gymnast, NCAA champion for UCLA
- Marcus Liberty, pro basketball player
- George Lichty, cartoonist, Grin and Bear It
- Dennis Lick, offensive tackle for Chicago Bears 1976–81
- Don Liddle, pitcher for 1954 World Series champion New York Giants
- Jeffrey Lieber, TV writer and producer, Lost
- Jennifer Lien, actress, Star Trek: Voyager
- DeAndre Liggins, pro basketball player
- David E. Lilienthal, chairman, Atomic Energy Commission 1946–50
- Arlene Limas, world and Olympic champion in taekwondo
- Abbey Lincoln, singer and actress
- Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States, Illinois lawyer and legislator, writer of Gettysburg Address, issuer of Emancipation Proclamation (born in Kentucky)
- Abraham Lincoln II, grandson of Abraham Lincoln
- Jessie Harlan Lincoln, granddaughter of Abraham Lincoln
- Mamie Lincoln, granddaughter of Abraham Lincoln
- Mary Todd Lincoln, Abe Lincoln's wife (born in Kentucky, died in Illinois)
- Robert Todd Lincoln, attorney, U.S. Ambassador to United Kingdom, Secretary of War, President of Pullman Company, Abe Lincoln's son
- Tad Lincoln, youngest son of Abe Lincoln, died at 18
- Thomas Lincoln, father of Abe Lincoln, lived in Illinois 1831–51 (born in Virginia)
- Edward Lindberg, athlete, relay gold medalist in 1912 Summer Olympics
- Jim Lindeman, MLB outfielder 1986–94
- Charles Magnus Lindgren, shipping executive (born in Sweden)
- John R. Lindgren, banking executive, son of Charles M. Lindgren
- Justa Lindgren, football player for Illinois 1898–1901, coach of 1904 Big Ten champions
- Benjamin F. Lindheimer, horse racing, owner of Washington Park Race Track and Arlington Park
- Vachel Lindsay, poet
- Chuck Lindstrom, catcher, tripled in only MLB at-bat
- Freddie Lindstrom, Hall of Fame third baseman
- Ed Linke, MLB pitcher 1933–38
- Art Linson, producer, The Untouchables, Heat, The Edge, Into the Wild
- Dan Lipinski, politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative
- William O. Lipinski, politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative 1993–2005
- Clara Lipman, 19th-century stage actress
- Johnny Lira, boxer, USBA lightweight champ
- Peter Lisagor, journalist
- Rusty Lisch, quarterback for Notre Dame and St. Louis Cardinals
- Jerome Edward Listecki, archbishop of Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Little Walter, blues musician (born in Louisiana)
- J. J. Liu, professional poker player (born in California)
- Robert Livingston, actor, The Three Mesquiteers
- Shaun Livingston, forward for 2015 NBA champion Golden State Warriors
- Danny Lloyd, actor, The Shining
- Scott Lloyd, basketball player
- Vince Lloyd, baseball broadcaster
Lo–Lp
- Dick Locher, Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist, writer-artist of Dick Tracy
- Allan Loeb, screenwriter, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, The Switch
- Marshall Loeb, magazine editor
- Frank J. Loesch, chief of Chicago Crime Commission (born in New York)
- Nils Lofgren, musician, member of Bruce Springsteen E Street Band
- Johnny Loftus, Hall of Fame jockey, 2-time Kentucky Derby winner, 1919 Triple Crown
- David Logan, 19th-century mayor of Portland, Oregon
- Janice Logan, actress, Opened by Mistake, Dr. Cyclops
- John A. Logan, politician (Democrat and Republican), Civil War general, U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator
- John Alexander Logan Jr., soldier, Medal of Honor winner, killed in combat
- John Logan, screenwriter, Any Given Sunday, Gladiator, The Aviator, Hugo, Skyfall (born in California)
- Stephen T. Logan, law partner of Abe Lincoln
- Gary Loizzo, musician with The American Breed
- Joseph Lombardo, organized crime figure
- Dutch Lonborg, basketball coach, Northwestern all-time leader in victories
- Chuck Long, quarterback and coach, College Football Hall of Fame
- Fred T. Long, baseball player, football coach
- Herman Long, MLB infielder 1889–1904
- Richard Long, actor, The Big Valley, Nanny and the Professor, Bourbon Street Beat, House on Haunted Hill
- Shelley Long, actress, Second City, Northwestern, Cheers, Troop Beverly Hills, The Brady Bunch Movie (born in Indiana)
- Frank Loomis, hurdler, gold medalist in 1920 Summer Olympics
- Horatio G. Loomis, a founder of Chicago Board of Trade (born in Vermont)
- John Patrick Looney, gangster from Rock Island, inspired character in Road to Perdition
- Ramón E. López, space physicist
- Robert Lord, Oscar-winning screenwriter
- Robert Lorenz, film producer, American Sniper, Mystic River
- Fred Lorenzen, auto racer, winner of 1965 Daytona 500
- William Lorimer, banker and politician
- George Lott, 5-time U.S. doubles champion, 1931 US Open finalist
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus, actress, Second City, The Practical Theatre Company, Northwestern, Seinfeld (born in New York)
- Lee Loughnane, musician with band Chicago
- Tony Lovato, musician, member of band Mest
- Bob Love, 3-time All-Star forward for Chicago Bulls (born in Louisiana)
- John Arthur Love, Governor of Colorado 1963–73
- Elijah Lovejoy, abolitionist, editor (born in Maine)
- Owen Lovejoy, minister, abolitionist, U.S. Representative (born in Maine)
- Frank Orren Lowden, politician (Republican), U.S. Representative, Governor of Illinois 1917–21 (born in Minnesota)
- Grover Lowdermilk, MLB pitcher 1909–20 (born in Indiana)
- Fred Lowenthal, college football coach
- Lynn Lowry, actress
- Alexander Loyd, Mayor of Chicago 1840–41 (born in New York)
- Jewell Loyd, basketball player, top pick of 2015 WNBA Draft
Lq–Lz
- Scott W. Lucas, lawyer, U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator
- Sid Luckman, quarterbacked Chicago Bears to four NFL championships (born in New York)
- Ludacris (Christopher Bridges), Grammy Award-winning rapper and actor, The Fast and the Furious
- William H. Luers, ambassador to Czechoslovakia, Venezuela
- Larry Lujack, radio personality (born in Iowa)
- Ned Luke, actor, Grand Theft Auto V
- Deanna Lund, actress, Land of the Giants
- Helen Lundeberg, painter
- Carl Lundgren, MLB pitcher 1902–09
- Hamilton Luske, Oscar-winning animator, Mary Poppins
- Greg Luzinski, outfielder for Chicago White Sox and 1980 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies
- Abe Lyman, bandleader
- Jane Lynch, actress and comedian, Glee, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Julie & Julia, A Mighty Wind, Hollywood Game Night
- John Lynch, defensive back for Denver Broncos and Super Bowl XXXVII champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Jordan Lynch, quarterback for Northern Illinois and Edmonton Eskimos
- Bird Lynn, catcher for 1917 World Series champion White Sox
- Fred Lynn, outfielder for Boston Red Sox, California Angels, 1975 American League MVP
- Ginger Lynn, adult-film actress
- Janet Lynn, five-time U.S. champion figure skater
- Marjorie Lynn, singer, National Barn Dance (born in Wisconsin)
- Ted Lyons, 21-year pitcher for Chicago White Sox, member of Hall of Fame (born in Louisiana)
- Evan Lysacek, figure skater, 2010 Winter Olympics gold medalist and 2009 world champion, Sullivan Award winner
M
Maa–Mag
- Bernie Mac, actor, comedian, The Bernie Mac Show, Mr. 3000, Bad Santa, Ocean's Eleven and its sequels
- Charles MacArthur, Oscar-winning screenwriter, Chicago journalist, playwright (born in Pennsylvania)
- Hayes MacArthur, stand-up comedian, actor, writer, Angie Tribeca, Perfect Couples, The Game Plan
- Franklyn MacCormack, radio personality
- Charles B. Macdonald, won first U.S. Amateur tournament, built Chicago Golf Club (born in Canada)
- Hazel MacDonald, film critic and war correspondent
- Elaine "Spanky" MacFarlane, singer with Spanky and Our Gang
- Justina Machado, actress, Six Feet Under, Missing, Three Rivers
- Christy Mack, model, stripper, porn actress
- Helen Mack, actress, His Girl Friday, The Son of Kong, She
- Peter F. Mack Jr., pilot, 7-term U.S. Representative
- Sam Mack, guard for five NBA teams
- Pete Mackanin, manager for Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies
- Felix Mackiewicz, MLB outfielder 1941–47
- Rob Mackowiak, outfielder for Pittsburgh Pirates and White Sox
- Archibald MacLeish, poet and writer, three-time Pulitzer Prize winner
- Fred MacMurray, actor, My Three Sons, Double Indemnity, The Caine Mutiny, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Apartment
- Tress MacNeille, voice actress, The Simpsons, Futurama, Animaniacs
- Bart Macomber, halfback for Illinois 1914–15 national champions
- Earle S. MacPherson, automotive engineer, developed MacPherson strut
- Franklin MacVeagh, banker, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury 1909–13 (born in Pennsylvania)
- John Macy, civil service chief for Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy
- Martin B. Madden, U.S. Representative 1905–28 (born in England)
- David M. Maddox, retired U.S. Army four-star general
- Amy Madigan, Oscar-nominated actress, Carnivàle, Field of Dreams, Uncle Buck, Pollock, Gone Baby Gone
- Edward Rell Madigan, U.S. Representative 1973–91, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture 1991–93
- Lisa Madigan, Attorney General of Illinois
- Michael Madigan, Speaker of House, state Democratic Party chairman
- Slip Madigan, college football player, three-sport coach
- Cleo Madison, silent-film actress
- Sarah Danielle Madison, actress
- Bill Madlock, third baseman, four-time MLB batting champion
- Michael Madsen, actor, Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill, The Natural, Thelma & Louise, Donnie Brasco, The Hateful Eight
- Virginia Madsen, Oscar-nominated actress, Sideways, Candyman, Dune, The Number 23, The Rainmaker, Joy
- Mike Magac, NFL lineman 1960–66
- Mike Magee, soccer player for Chicago Fire
- Corey Maggette, forward for six NBA teams
- Magic Sam, blues musician (born in Mississippi)
- Elizabeth Magie, inventor of game that became Monopoly
- Sandra Magnus, astronaut, aboard final Space Shuttle
- Christine Magnuson, swimmer, two-time Olympic medalist
Mah–Maq
- Ron Mahay, relief pitcher for eight MLB teams
- Maureen Maher, host of CBS series 48 Hours Mystery (born in Michigan)
- John Lee Mahin, screenwriter, Treasure Island, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Show Boat
- Jock Mahoney, actor, Tarzan films, Yancy Derringer
- John Mahoney, actor, Marty Crane on Frasier, Moonstruck, Barton Fink, Primal Fear, Eight Men Out (born in England)
- Vivian Maier, photographer, Finding Vivian Maier (born in New York)
- Gil Mains, defensive tackle for Detroit Lions 1953–61
- J. Earl Major, judge, U.S. Representative
- Karl Malden, Oscar-winning actor, On the Waterfront, A Streetcar Named Desire, Gypsy, The Cincinnati Kid, Patton, The Streets of San Francisco
- Terrence Malick, Oscar-nominated filmmaker, Days of Heaven, The Thin Red Line, Tree of Life
- John Malkovich, Oscar-nominated actor, Con Air, In the Line of Fire, Rounders, Secretariat, RED, Being John Malkovich
- Sax Mallard, jazz musician
- Dorothy Malone, Oscar-winning actress, The Big Sleep, Written on the Wind, Man of a Thousand Faces, Peyton Place
- Frank Maloney, college football coach
- Jasper A. Maltby, Civil War general, gunsmith (born in Ohio)
- David Mamet, Oscar-nominated screenwriter, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, director, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Verdict, Wag the Dog, Hoffa, The Untouchables
- Gail Mancuso, TV director, Roseanne, Modern Family, Friends
- Sammy Mandell, lightweight boxing champion 1926–30
- Larry Manetti, actor, Magnum, P.I.
- Harry Manfredini, film composer
- Camryn Manheim, actress, The Practice, Ghost Whisperer
- Lewis Manilow, real estate developer, co-founder of Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago
- Sebastian Maniscalco, stand-up comedian
- Carol Mann, golfer, won 38 LPGA tournaments (born in New York)
- James Robert Mann, politician (Republican), attorney, Chicago alderman, U.S. Representative 1897–1922
- Michael Mann, television and Oscar-nominated film director, Miami Vice, Heat, The Insider, Manhunter, Collateral, Ali
- Joe Mantegna, actor, voice actor, Criminal Minds, The Godfather Part III, House of Games, Joan of Arcadia, The Rat Pack, The Simpsons
- Joe Mantello, actor and Broadway director
- Jay Manuel, make-up artist, America's Next Top Model
- Ray Manzarek, co-founder and keyboardist for The Doors
Mar–Mas
- Paul Marcinkus, archbishop and president of Vatican Bank
- Carol Marin, television and newspaper journalist
- Edna Marion, actress
- Shawn Marion, forward for Dallas Mavericks and U.S. Olympic team
- Mary Beth Marley, figure skater
- Jerry Markbreit, professional football referee
- Gene Markey, screenwriter, decorated naval officer, Chicago Academy of Fine Arts alumnus, husband of Hedy Lamarr and Myrna Loy
- Morris Markin, founder of Checker Motors Company, owner of Yellow Cab (born in Russia)
- Harry Markowitz, Nobel Prize-winning economist
- Clayton Marks, educator, soldier, banker and historian
- Brit Marling, writer, actress, Another Earth, Arbitrage, Babylon
- Jess Marlow, television journalist
- Jacques Marquette, 17th-century explorer (born in France)
- Frank Clarence Mars, candy maker (born in Minnesota)
- Kenneth Mars, actor, Young Frankenstein, The Producers, What's Up, Doc?, The Little Mermaid
- Benjamin F. Marsh, railroad czar, Civil War soldier, U.S. Representative
- Frank Lewis Marsh, Seventh-day Adventist biologist, educator and young Earth creationist
- Fred Marsh, MLB infielder 1949–56
- George Marsh, decorated Civil War soldier
- Benjamin H. Marshall, architect of Chicago hotels
- Francis Marshall, brigadier general, World War I
- George Marshall, film director, You Can't Cheat an Honest Man, Destry Rides Again, Houdini, How the West Was Won
- Joan Marshall, actress
- Jim Marshall, MLB first baseman 1958–62
- Mike Marshall, outfielder for four MLB teams
- Samuel S. Marshall, lawyer, 19th-century politician
- William Marshall, singer, bandleader, husband of Ginger Rogers
- June Martel, actress, Santa Fe Stampede, Forlorn River
- Andra Martin, actress, The Thing That Couldn't Die, Up Periscope
- Billy Martin, tennis player and coach
- Cecil Martin, NFL fullback 1999–2003
- Chuck Martin, football head coach, Miami of Ohio
- Cuonzo Martin, basketball head coach, University of California
- James Stewart Martin, Civil War general, U.S. Representative
- LaRue Martin, center for Loyola and Portland Trail Blazers, top pick of 1972 NBA draft
- Lynn Morley Martin, U.S. Representative 1981–91, U.S. Secretary of Labor 1991–93
- Marcella Martin, actress, Gone With the Wind, West of Tombstone
- Nan Martin, actress, Goodbye, Columbus, The Other Side of the Mountain, The Drew Carey Show
- Todd Martin, pro tennis player, U.S. Open and Australian Open finalist
- Richard Martini, writer and director, Cannes Man
- Dick Marx, jazz musician, ad jingle writer
- Richard Marx, singer and songwriter
- Russell Maryland, NFL defensive tackle, College Football Hall of Fame
- Ron Masak, actor, Murder, She Wrote
- Phil Masi, MLB catcher 1939–52
- Bobby Joe Mason, basketball player for Bradley and Harlem Globetrotters
- Noah M. Mason, politician (Republican), U.S. Representative 1937–63 (born in Wales)
- Roswell B. Mason, mayor during Great Chicago Fire (born in New York)
- William E. Mason, U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator (born in New York)
- Michael Masser, songwriter, "Greatest Love of All"
- Edgar Lee Masters, author and poet (born in Kansas)
- Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Oscar-nominated actress, Scarface, The Color of Money, The Abyss, The Perfect Storm, Limitless
Mat–Maz
- Mary Matalin, presidential advisor, television commentator, editor, author
- Carole Mathews, actress and radio personality
- Milton W. Mathews, 19th-century publisher and politician
- T.J. Mathews, MLB pitcher 1995–2002
- Jake Matijevic, NASA engineer, developed Mars rovers
- Marlee Matlin, Oscar-winning actress, Children of a Lesser God
- Thad Matta, head basketball coach for Ohio State
- Joel Aldrich Matteson, railroad executive, Governor of Illinois 1853–57 (born in New York)
- Clyde Matthews, college football coach
- Wid Matthews, baseball executive
- Carl Mauck, center for four NFL teams, coach
- John Mauer, college basketball coach
- Bill Mauldin, Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist, Willie and Joe (born in New Mexico)
- Jeff Mauro, television personality, Food Network
- Jason Maxiell, NBA forward 2005–15
- Dal Maxvill, MLB infielder, played in five World Series
- Lucien Maxwell, hunter, owned ranch where Billy the Kid was killed
- Philip Maxwell, 19th-century doctor, namesake of Chicago's Maxwell Street (born in Vermont)
- William Keepers Maxwell, fiction editor of New Yorker 1936–75
- Tiny Maxwell, football player, sportswriter, namesake of Maxwell Award
- Donald May, actor, The Roaring 20s
- Elaine May, actress, director, Oscar-nominated screenwriter, alumna of University of Chicago and Second City (born in Pennsylvania)
- George S. May, businessman, golf promoter
- John L. May, archbishop of St. Louis, Missouri 1980–92
- William L. May, politician, first mayor of Springfield, Illinois
- Marilyn Maye, singer (born in Kansas)
- Oscar F. Mayer, founder of Oscar Mayer meat company (born in Germany)
- Oscar G. Mayer Sr., chairman of Oscar Mayer 1955–65
- Oscar G. Mayer Jr., chairman of Oscar Mayer 1966–2009
- Benjamin Mayfield, cowboy, outlaw
- Curtis Mayfield, soul, R&B and funk singer, songwriter, record producer
- William Mayfield, cattleman, militia leader (born in Tennessee)
- Jackie Mayo, outfielder for Philadelphia Phillies 1948–53
- Margaret Mayo, playwright
- Stanley Mazor, co-inventor of first microprocessor
- Rob Mazurek, musician
- Marin Mazzie, Tony Award-nominated actress
Mca–Mcd
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- Zach McAllister, pitcher for Cleveland Indians
- James McAndrews, building commissioner, 9-term U.S. Representative (born in Rhode Island)
- Brian McBride, soccer player, U.S. national team, MSL and English Premier League
- Chi McBride, actor, Hawaii Five-0, I, Robot, The John Larroquette Show, Boston Public, Human Target
- Steve McCall, drummer
- Oliver McCall, boxer, WBC heavyweight champ 1994–95
- Mercedes McCambridge, Oscar-winning actress, All the King's Men, Giant, Johnny Guitar, The Exorcist
- Terrence McCann, wrestling gold medalist at 1960 Summer Olympics
- Mel McCants, NBA player for Los Angeles Lakers 1989–90
- Justin McCareins, NFL wide receiver 2001–08
- Larry McCarren, center for Green Bay Packers 1973–84, commentator, Packers Hall of Fame
- Alex McCarthy, MLB infielder 1910–17
- Jenny McCarthy, model, actress, author, activist, Scream 3, Dirty Love, Witless Protection, The View
- Johnny McCarthy, MLB first baseman 1934–48
- Melissa McCarthy, Emmy-winning, Oscar-nominated actress, Mike & Molly, Bridesmaids, Identity Thief, Tammy
- Peggy McCarthy, rowing bronze medalist, 1976 Olympics
- Tim McCarthy, wounded Secret Service agent for Ronald Reagan
- Constance McCashin, actress, Knots Landing
- Ed McCaskey, chairman of Chicago Bears 1983–1999
- George McCaskey, chairman of Chicago Bears
- Michael McCaskey, chairman of Chicago Bears 1999–2011
- Virginia Halas McCaskey, owner of Chicago Bears
- Hazel A. McCaskrin, politician
- Harry M. McCaskrin, politician
- Sergio McClain, basketball player for Illinois
- Gerald McClellan, middleweight boxing champion 1991–95
- Kathleen McClellan, actress, 1988 Miss Illinois Teen USA
- John Alexander McClernand, Civil War general, advisor to Presidents Lincoln and Grant, U.S. Representative
- Robert McClory, U.S. Representative 1963–83
- Brooks McCormick, CEO of International Harvester
- Mike McCormack, Hall of Fame NFL player, coach and executive
- Cyrus Hall McCormick, businessman, inventor of McCormick Reaper (born in Virginia)
- Edith Rockefeller McCormick, socialite, patron of opera and Brookfield Zoo
- Harold Fowler McCormick, chairman of International Harvester Co., husband of Edith Rockefeller
- Katharine McCormick, biologist, suffragist, and philanthropist (born in Michigan)
- Robert R. McCormick, newspaper publisher and philanthropist
- Ruth Hanna McCormick, suffragist, U.S. Representative 1929–31
- Walter McCornack, first football coach for Northwestern
- Joseph McCoy, cattle baron
- LisaRaye McCoy, actress, All of Us, Single Ladies
- Johnston McCulley, author, creator of Zorro
- John T. McCutcheon, cartoonist
- Jim McDermott, U.S. Representative of Washington
- Glenn McDonald, member of 1976 NBA champion Boston Celtics
- Robert A. McDonald, retired chairman and CEO of Procter & Gamble, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs
- John McDonough, president and CEO of Chicago Blackhawks
- Frances McDormand, Oscar and Emmy-winning actress, Fargo, Blood Simple, Almost Famous, Moonrise Kingdom, Olive Kitteridge
Mce–Mcz
- Ray McElroy, NFL defensive back 1995–2001
- Frank McErlane, organized crime figure
- Tatyana McFadden, wheelchair athlete, Paralympian, winner of Boston and Chicago marathons (born in Russia)
- Chappie McFarland, MLB pitcher 1902–06
- Packey McFarland, lightweight boxer
- T. J. McFarland, relief pitcher for Arizona Diamondbacks
- Bill McGee, MLB pitcher 1935–42
- JaVale McGee, basketball player
- Carla McGhee, basketball player, two NCAA championships, 1996 Olympic gold medalist
- Tyler McGill, swimmer, gold medalist at 2012 London Olympics
- Joe McGinnity, MLB player in Hall of Fame
- William P. McGivern, novelist, books became films The Big Heat, Odds Against Tomorrow
- Elizabeth McGovern, Oscar-nominated actress, Ragtime, Ordinary People, Once Upon a Time in America, Downton Abbey
- Roxana McGowan, silent-film actress
- Bob McGrath, television personality, Sesame Street
- Lamar McGriggs, pro football player
- Aaron McGruder, cartoonist, The Boondocks
- Roger McGuinn, musician, The Byrds
- Don McGuire, actor, Oscar-nominated screenwriter
- Kathryn McGuire, silent-film actress, Sherlock Jr.
- Jack McGurn, gangster with Chicago Outfit (born in Italy)
- Donald McHenry, Ambassador to United Nations (born in Missouri)
- William McHenry, 19th-century soldier and politician
- Collin McHugh, pitcher for Houston Astros
- Tim McIlrath, musician, Rise Against
- Adam McKay, performer for Second City, screenwriter of Anchorman, director of The Big Short (born in Pennsylvania)
- Lafe McKee, actor[4]
- William Parker McKee, president of Shimer College[5]
- Kevin McKenna, basketball player and coach
- Raymond S. McKeough, U.S. Representative 1935–45[6]
- William B. McKinley, U.S. Representative 1905–21, Senator 1921–26[7]
- Denny McLain, pitcher, 31-game winner for 1968 World Series champion Detroit Tigers
- John McLean, 19th-century U.S. Senator (born in North Carolina)
- Frederic McLaughlin, first owner of Chicago Blackhawks
- Claude McLin, saxophonist
- Greg McMahon, college and NFL assistant coach
- Jim McMahon, quarterback of Super Bowl XX champion Chicago Bears (born in New Jersey)
- Sherrick McManis, NFL cornerback
- James McManus, professional poker player, author
- Marty McManus, MLB infielder 1920–34
- Tom McManus, linebacker, Jacksonville Jaguars 1995–99
- William Edward McManus, Roman Catholic bishop
- Sherman McMaster, Wild West outlaw and lawman
- Neysa McMein, illustrator and painter
- Ernie McMillan, offensive tackle for St. Louis Cardinals 1961–74
- Bob McMillen, player and coach, Arena Football League
- Jim McMillen, guard for 1923 Illinois national champions, Chicago Bears
- Rolla C. McMillen, lawyer, U.S. Representative 1944–51
- Donovan McNabb, 6-time Pro Bowl quarterback for Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, TV commentator
- Jerel McNeal, all-time leading scorer for Marquette basketball
- Barbara McNair, singer, television personality and actress, Change of Habit, They Call Me Mister Tibbs!
- Andrew McNally, founder of Rand McNally company in 1868 (born in Northern Ireland)
- John McNaughton, film and TV director, Wild Things, Mad Dog and Glory, Homicide: Life on the Street
- Don McNeill, radio personality
- Marcus McNeill, offensive tackle for San Diego Chargers 2006–11
- James McNerney, CEO of Boeing, 3M
- John McNulta, Civil War general, U.S. Representative
- William Slavens McNutt, screenwriter, Huckleberry Finn
- James McParland, Chicago-based Pinkerton's detective, infiltrated Molly Maguires (born in Ireland)
- Jimmy McPartland, big-band cornet player
- Ryan McPartlin, actor, Chuck, Living With Fran
- Samuel McRoberts, U.S. Attorney under Andrew Jackson, U.S. Senator
- Margaret McWade, actress, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town
- Doug McWeeny, MLB pitcher 1921–30
Md–Mh
- George J. Mecherle, founder of State Farm Insurance
- David Meckler (born 1987), ice hockey player
- Joseph Medill, publisher, Mayor of Chicago 1871–73 (born in Canada)
- Chris Medina, singer-songwriter, American Idol constestant
- Mark Medoff, playwright, screenwriter, Children of a Lesser God
- Patrick Meek, speed skater
- Bill Mehlhorn, golfer, 1924 Western Open champion, 3rd in U.S. Open
- Garry Meier, radio personality
- Merrill C. Meigs, pilot, newspaper executive, Meigs Field named for him
- Leo Melamed, CEO of Chicago Mercantile Exchange
- Gene Melchiorre, basketball player, 1951 top NBA draft pick, banned for point-shaving scandal
- Ski Melillo, MLB infielder 1926–37
- Chuck Mellor, winner of 1925 Boston Marathon
- Rich Melman, restaurateur
- Lester Melrose, music producer
- Walter Melrose, music producer
- Bill Melton, MLB third baseman, sportscaster (born in Mississippi)
- Rachel Melvin, actress, Dumb and Dumber To
- Rashaan Melvin, NFL cornerback
- John Willis Menard, first African-American elected to U.S. Congress, 1858
- Pierre Menard, fur trader, Illinois' first lieutenant governor (born in Canada)
- Carol Mendelsohn, TV executive, CSI and CSI:NY
- Rashard Mendenhall, running back for Illinois and Super Bowl XLIII champion Pittsburgh Steelers
- Alex Meneses, actress, model, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, Everybody Loves Raymond
- Sid Mercer, sportswriter
- Joanna Merlin, casting director, actress
- Charles Edward Merriam, political scientist, professor (born in Iowa)
- Doris Merrick, actress, The Big Noise, The Counterfeiters
- Ahmad Merritt, NFL wide receiver 2000–08
- Aries Merritt, hurdler, 2012 London Olympics gold medalist
- Bus Mertes, football coach, Kansas State, Drake
- Robert Meschbach, soccer player
- Laurie Metcalf, Emmy-winning actress, Roseanne, JFK, Internal Affairs, Toy Story, Getting On
- Ralph Metcalfe, sprinter, 100-meter silver medalist at 1936 Summer Olympics; politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative
- Bert Metzger, football player
- Dick Meyer, journalist, CBS News, BBC America and NPR
- Fred Meyer, chairman of Republican Party of Texas 1988–94
- Joey Meyer, head basketball coach at DePaul 1984–97
- John Meyer, pro football player and coach
- Ray Meyer, Basketball Hall of Fame coach for DePaul
- Russ Meyer, MLB pitcher 1946–59
- Seth Meyers, comedian, actor, and television personality
- Mezz Mezzrow, jazz musician
Mi–Mn
- Patrick Michaels, climatologist, senior fellow at Cato Institute
- M. Alfred Michaelson, banker, U.S. Representative (born in Norway)
- Robert H. Michel, politician (Republican), U.S. Representative for 38 years, House Minority Leader 1981–95
- Lucia Mida, golfer
- Ray Middleton, actor, Hurricane Smith, Lady for a Night, 1776
- Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, modernist architect (born in Prussia)
- Richard W. Mies, admiral, head of U.S. Strategic Command 1998–2001
- George Mikan, Hall of Fame basketball center, DePaul and 5-time NBA champion Minneapolis Lakers
- Stan Mikita, 22-year player for Chicago Blackhawks, member of Hockey Hall of Fame (born in Canada)
- Abner Mikva, judge, politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative, White House Counsel to President Bill Clinton
- Darius Miles, forward for four NBA teams
- Penelope Milford, Oscar-nominated actress, Coming Home
- Bob Miller, pitched in MLB at 17
- Bob Miller, broadcaster in Hockey Hall of Fame
- Jack Miller, 12-year U.S. Senator of Iowa
- Jesse Miller, musician
- Otis L. Miller, MLB infielder 1927–32
- Red Miller, head coach of Denver Broncos 1977–80
- Ron Miller, songwriter, "For Once in My Life"
- Steve Miller, track coach, athletic director, Nike executive, PBA director
- Terry Miller, NFL linebacker 1970–74
- Ward Miller, MLB outfielder 1909–17
- James Millhollin, character actor
- Wally Millies, MLB catcher 1934–41
- Robert Andrews Millikan, experimental physicist and Nobel laureate
- Isaac Lawrence Milliken, blacksmith, alderman, Mayor of Chicago 1854–55 (born in Maine)
- Donna Mills, actress, Knots Landing, Play Misty for Me
- Douglas R. Mills, basketball player, coach and athletic director for University of Illinois
- Phoebe Mills, gymnast, 1988 Olympic bronze medalist
- Sherrill Milnes, opera singer
- Bob Miner, co-founder of Oracle Corporation
- Vincente Minnelli, Oscar-winning film director, An American in Paris, Gigi, The Band Wagon, Lust for Life, The Bad and the Beautiful, Father of the Bride, Some Came Running
- Minnie Miñoso, batted for White Sox in 1950s–1980s (born in Cuba)
- Martha Minow, dean of Harvard Law School
- Bob Mionske, attorney, Olympic and professional bicycle racer
- Pat Misch, MLB pitcher 2006–11
- Jacquelyn Mitchard, author, The Deep End of the Ocean
- Joan Mitchell, artist
- John Mitchell, labor leader
- John Francis Mitchell, President & COO of Motorola 1980–1995
- Johnny Mitchell, NFL tight end 1992–96
- Kel Mitchell, comedian and actor
- Nicole Mitchell, flautist (born in New York)
- Roscoe Mitchell, jazz saxophonist
- Matt Mitrione, mixed martial artist
Mo–Mt
.jpg)
- Tony Moeaki, NFL tight end
- Joe Moeller, MLB pitcher and scout
- Doug Moench, comic book writer, Batman
- D. W. Moffett, actor, Switched at Birth, For Your Love, Friday Night Lights
- Nazr Mohammed, center for eight NBA teams
- Kid Mohler, baseball player, Pacific Coast League Hall of Fame
- John Moisant, early 20th-century aviator
- Bo Molenda, NFL player and coach
- Jim Molinari, basketball head coach at Western Illinois, Bradley, Northern Illinois and Minnesota
- David Molk, center for Philadelphia Eagles
- Jeff Monken, football coach, Army
- Harriet Monroe, poet
- Meredith Monroe, actress, Dawson's Creek, Criminal Minds
- Zach Monroe, pitcher for 1958 World Series champion Yankees
- Eric Monte, creator of TV series Good Times
- Karen Montgomery, actress, producer
- Dwight L. Moody, evangelical minister, publisher, established Moody Bible Institute (born in Massachusetts)
- William Vaughn Moody, dramatist and poet (born in Indiana)
- Thomas Mooney, imprisoned labor leader
- Allen F. Moore, U.S. Representative 1921–25
- Annabelle Moore, dancer, silent film actress
- Charles R. Moore, actor
- Christina Moore, actress, Hawthorne, Hyperion Bay, Hot Properties
- Clayton Moore, actor, The Lone Ranger
- Dayton Moore, baseball executive (born in Kansas)
- D. J. Moore, NFL defensive back 2009–14
- Dolores Moore, pro baseball player
- Eleanor Moore, pro baseball player
- Graham Moore, Oscar-winning screenwriter, The Imitation Game
- Irving J. Moore, television director
- Jesse Hale Moore, Civil War general, U.S. Representative
- John Moore, NHL defenseman
- John Moore, lieutenant governor 1842–46, Mexican–American War officer (born in England)
- Margo Moore, actress, fashion model
- Richard Moore, cinematographer, co-creator of Panavision
- Stephen Moore, economic writer, policy analyst
- Tim Moore, actor and comedian, Amos 'n' Andy
- Emery Moorehead, tight end for Super Bowl XX champion Chicago Bears
- Dick Moores, cartoonist
- Pablo Morales, swimmer, 1984 and 1992 Olympic golds, Nebraska coach
- Bugs Moran, gangster, rival of Al Capone
- Jackie Moran, actor, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Buck Rogers
- Jim Moran, automobile mogul, philanthropist
- Lee Moran, actor, film director, screenwriter
- Polly Moran, actress, Caught Short, Alice in Wonderland
- Terry Moran, correspondent for ABC News
- Tom Morello, guitarist for Rage Against the Machine
- Anna Morgan, drama teacher (born in New York)
- Cindy Morgan, actress, Caddyshack, Tron
- Ed Morgan, infielder for Cleveland Indians 1928–33
- Helen Morgan, singer, portrayed in biopic The Helen Morgan Story
- Read Morgan, actor, The Deputy
- Trevor Morgan, actor, The Sixth Sense, Jurassic Park III, The Patriot
- Big Bill Morganfield, blues singer and guitarist
- George Moriarty, MLB player, manager and umpire
- Buckner Stith Morris, Mayor of Chicago 1838–39 (born in Kentucky)
- Johnny Morris, receiver for Chicago Bears, sportscaster (born in California)
- Lamorne Morris, actor, New Girl
- Max Morris, basketball and football All-American for Northwestern
- Allie Morrison, wrestler, 1928 Olympic gold medalist (born in Iowa)
- David Morrison, astrophysicist
- James L. D. Morrison, Mexican War officer, U.S. Representative 1856–57
- Jennifer Morrison, actress, model, House, How I Met Your Mother, Star Trek, Once Upon a Time
- Karen Morrison-Comstock, 1974 Miss USA
- William Ralls Morrison, Civil War officer, U.S. Representative
- Byron Morrow, actor, Executive Suite
- Karen Morrow, singer
- William Morrow, screenwriter
- Lee Mortimer, journalist and author
- Amy Morton, actress, Up in the Air, Chicago P.D.
- Charles Morton, actor
- Jelly Roll Morton, jazz pianist (born in Louisiana)
- Joy Morton, founder of Morton Salt Company and Morton Arboretum
- Lorraine H. Morton, first African-American mayor of Evanston
- John Mosca, restaurateur in Louisiana
- Porter Moser, basketball coach, Illinois State, Loyola
- Mark Moses, actor, Desperate Housewives, Grand, Mad Men
- Senta Moses, actress, General Hospital, Running the Halls, Home Alone
- Peter Moskos, assistant professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- Stewart Moss, actor, writer, and director
- Burton C. Mossman, cattleman and lawman
- Johnny Mostil, outfielder for White Sox, 2-time AL stolen-base leader
- Willard Motley, columnist and author
- Ben Roy Mottelson, physicist, 1975 Nobel Prize
- Markos Moulitsas, founder of liberal blog Daily Kos, columnist
- Samuel W. Moulton, lawyer, U.S. Representative (born in Massachusetts)
- Anson Mount, actor, Hell on Wheels, Non-Stop
- Edgar Ansel Mowrer, foreign correspondent and author
- Paul Scott Mowrer, war correspondent and editor
- John Moyer, lineman for arena football's Chicago Rush
- Mr. T, actor, Rocky III, The A-Team
Mu–Mz
- Jerry Muckensturm, linebacker for Chicago Bears 1976–83
- Jessie Mueller, singer and actress, Tony Award winner
- Earl Muetterties, inorganic chemist
- Jabir Herbert Muhammad, Nation of Islam official, manager of Muhammad Ali
- Gavin Muir, actor
- John Mulaney, stand-up comedian
- Mark Mulder, pitcher for Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals
- Clarence E. Mulford, creator of Hopalong Cassidy
- David Mulford, U.S. Ambassador to India 2004–09
- Martin Mull, actor, Fernwood 2 Night, Mr. Mom, Clue, Serial, Roseanne, Dads
- Vern Mullen, NFL halfback 1923–27
- Bill Mulliken, swimming gold medalist, 1960 Olympics
- George Mundelein, cardinal and Archbishop of Chicago (born in New York)
- Madman Muntz, car-stereo pioneer
- Edgar Munzel, baseball writer
- Ira Murchison, sprinter, 1956 Summer Olympics relay gold
- Ben Murphy, actor, Alias Smith and Jones, Winds of War (born in Arkansas)
- Charles Murphy, owner of Chicago Cubs 1906–13
- David Lee Murphy, country music artist
- Dick Murphy, mayor of San Diego 2000–05
- John Murphy, swimmer, gold medalist at 1972 Summer Olympics
- John Benjamin Murphy, surgeon and innovator (born in Wisconsin)
- Kelly Murphy, volleyball player
- Thomas Joseph Murphy, archbishop of Seattle, Washington 1990–97
- Bill Murray, comedian and Oscar-nominated actor, Saturday Night Live, the Ghostbusters movies, Stripes, Tootsie, Caddyshack, Groundhog Day, Scrooged, Lost in Translation, St. Vincent
- Brian Doyle-Murray, actor, voice artist, Saturday Night Live, Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack, The Razor's Edge, Wayne's World, Cabin Boy, The Middle
- Elizabeth Murray, artist
- Joel Murray, actor, Dharma & Greg, Love & War, Grand, Mad Men
- John Murray, music teacher, founder of Naperville, Illinois
- Brent Musburger, sportscaster, 1960s Chicago sportswriter (born in Oregon)
- John Musker, animation director, Aladdin, Hercules, The Princess and the Frog
- George Musso, Hall of Fame lineman for Chicago Bears
- Max Mutchnick, TV producer, creator of Will & Grace
- Riccardo Muti, symphony conductor (born in Italy)
- Mike Myers, MLB pitcher 1995–2007
- Don Myrick, saxophonist for Earth, Wind & Fire, Phil Collins
N
Na–Nn
- John Naber, swimmer, winner of five Olympic medals
- Bill Nack, author and journalist
- Steven R. Nagel, astronaut
- Jack Nagle, basketball coach for Marquette 1953–58
- Ajay Naidu, actor, Office Space, LateLine
- Suzy Nakamura, actress, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Dr. Ken
- Duke Nalon, auto racer in Motorsports Hall of Fame of America
- Bryan Namoff, pro soccer player
- Albinus Nance, Governor of Nebraska 1879–1883
- Ray Nance, trumpeter
- Joseph Naper, shipbuilder, first village president of Naperville
- Robert Nardelli, CEO, Chrysler, Home Depot (born in Pennsylvania)
- Charles Williams Nash, co-founder of Buick, created Nash Motors
- Heather Nauert, news anchor for Fox News Channel
- Tom Neal, actor, Detour, Crime, Inc.
- Long John Nebel, radio personality
- Oscar Neebe, convicted Haymarket affair anarchist (born in New York)
- Carrie Neely, four-time U.S. Open tennis doubles champion
- Cal Neeman, MLB catcher 1957–63
- John G. Neihardt, author and historian
- A.L. Neiman, co-founder of Neiman Marcus
- Bernie Neis, MLB player 1920–27
- Baby Face Nelson, bank robber and murderer in the 1930s
- Battling Nelson, boxer, lightweight champion 1905–06 (born in Denmark)
- John Nelson, swimmer, 1964 and 1968 Olympic medalist
- Karl Nelson, lineman for Super Bowl XXI champion New York Giants
- Michael J. Nelson, comedian and writer, Mystery Science Theater 3000
- Wayne Nelson, musician from classic rock's Little River Band
- Eliot Ness, treasury agent, chief investigator of Prohibition Bureau, subject of film and TV series The Untouchables
- Dawn Clark Netsch, state senator, comptroller, gubernatorial candidate
- Lois Nettleton, 1948 Miss Illinois, Emmy-winning actress, The Twilight Zone, Come Fly with Me, Period of Adjustment, Butterfly
- Jerry Neudecker, baseball umpire
- Harry Neumann, cinematographer
- Allan Nevins, historian and 1933 Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer
- Arthur S. Nevins, U.S. Army general, friend of Dwight Eisenhower
- Walter C. Newberry, Civil War officer, Chicago postmaster, U.S. Representative (born in New York)
- New Colony Six, rock band from Chicago
- Francis K. Newcomer, general, Panama Canal Zone governor 1948–52
- Bob Newhart, Emmy and Grammy-winning comedian, actor, The Bob Newhart Show, Newhart, Catch-22, In & Out, The Librarian, Elf
- Joe Newton, cross country coach, 28 state championships
- Alberta Nichols, songwriter
- Marisol Nichols, actress, Riverdale, Resurrection Blvd., 24, Blind Justice
- Mike Nichols, Oscar and Tony-winning film and stage director, alumnus of University of Chicago and Second City (born in Russia)
- Nichelle Nichols, actress, Star Trek
- Danell Nicholson, heavyweight boxer
- Seth Barnes Nicholson, astronomer
- Carl Nicks, NBA player 1980–83
- John George Nicolay, secretary to Abe Lincoln (born in Germany)
- Arthur Nielsen, founder of Nielsen Company, television ratings
- Rick Nielsen, musician, Cheap Trick
- Audrey Niffenegger, author, The Time Traveler's Wife
- Alexa Nikolas, actress, Zoey 101, Hidden Hills
- Rob Ninkovich, linebacker and defensive end for New England Patriots
- Ray Nitschke, Hall of Fame linebacker for Green Bay Packers, five-time NFL champion
- Frank Nitti, gangster, associate of Al Capone (born in Italy)
- Jack Nitzsche, Oscar-winning songwriter, "Up Where We Belong"
- Agnes Nixon, creator of All My Children
- Ogonna Nnamani, volleyball player, two-time Olympian
No–Nz
.jpg)
- Natalia Nogulich, actress, Star Trek: The Next Generation
- Christopher Nolan, director, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight (born in England)
- Jonathan Nolan, screenwriter, The Dark Knight Rises, Interstellar (born in England)
- George Nolfi, screenwriter, The Bourne Ultimatum, Ocean's Twelve
- Ken Nordine, voice-over artist (born in Iowa)
- Nelson Norgren, four-sport athlete, 34-year University of Chicago coach
- Ken Norman, player for three NBA teams
- Bruce Norris, owner of NHL's Detroit Red Wings 1952–82
- James D. Norris, chairman of Chicago Blackhawks, member of Hockey Hall of Fame
- James E. Norris, miller, part-owner of Chicago Stadium and NHL teams (born in Canada)
- Frank Norris, novelist
- Lou North, MLB pitcher 1913–24
- Cliff Norton, actor
- Ken Norton, heavyweight boxer and actor, Mandingo
- Ken Norton Jr., NFL linebacker and coach
- Red Norvo, xylophone and vibraphone musician
- Kim Novak, Golden Globe-winning actress, Vertigo, Picnic, Pal Joey, Bell, Book and Candle, Kiss Me, Stupid
- Larry Novak, musical director at Mister Kelly's
- Robert Novak, syndicated columnist, TV personality, author, conservative political commentator
- Steve Novak, forward for Oklahoma City Thunder
- Jay Novello, actor
- Brent Novoselsky, tight end for Minnesota Vikings 1988–94
- Christopher Nowinski, author, former WWE wrestler
- Ted Nugent, rock musician
- Mike Nussbaum, actor, Men in Black, Things Change
- Russell Nype, Broadway actor and Tony Award winner
- David Nyvall, theologian, first president of North Park University (born in Sweden)
O
Oa–Ok
.jpg)
- Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States; former US Senator from Illinois (2004–2008) (born in Hawaii)
- Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States, wife of Barack Obama
- Dean O'Banion, organized crime figure
- Ken Oberkfell, MLB infielder 1977–92
- Arch Oboler, playwright, radio personality, film director
- Ed O'Bradovich, defensive end for 1963 NFL champion Chicago Bears
- Hugh O'Brian, actor, The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, Ten Little Indians, Come Fly With Me, The Shootist
- Chris O'Brien, pro football pioneer, owner of Chicago Cardinals
- George M. O'Brien, U.S. Representative 1973–86
- Thomas J. O'Brien, 24-year U.S. Representative
- Jack O'Callahan, hockey player for Chicago Blackhawks and in 1980 "Miracle on Ice" game
- Bob Ociepka, basketball coach
- Mike O'Connell, NHL player and executive
- Tommy O'Connell, quarterback, Cleveland Browns, 1957 NFL title game
- Colleen O'Connor, ice dancer, 3-time U.S. champion, Olympic bronze
- Donald O'Connor, dancer, singer, actor, Singin' in the Rain, There's No Business Like Show Business, Francis, Ragtime
- Kevin J. O'Connor, actor, Color of Night, The Mummy, There Will Be Blood
- Leslie O'Connor, baseball executive
- Tim O'Connor, actor, Peyton Place, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century
- Tommy O'Connor, gangster (born in Ireland)
- Anita O'Day, singer
- Hank O'Day, Baseball Hall of Fame umpire
- Rasmea Odeh, convicted of immigration fraud, for concealing her arrest, conviction, and imprisonment for fatal terrorist bombing
- Bill Odenkirk, comedy writer, actor, producer, Mr. Show, The Simpsons
- Bob Odenkirk, actor, comedian, writer, director, Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad, Nebraska, Mr. Show, Fargo
- Chris O'Donnell, actor, NCIS: Los Angeles, Scent of a Woman, Batman Forever, Batman & Robin
- Jake Odorizzi, pitcher for Kansas City Royals and Tampa Bay Rays
- Matt O'Dwyer, NFL offensive lineman 1995–2004
- Joe Oeschger, MLB pitcher 1915–24
- Bob O'Farrell, catcher for three MLB teams, 1926 MVP and World Series champion, manager
- Nick Offerman, actor, comedian, Parks and Recreation, The Lego Movie, We're the Millers, Fargo
- William Butler Ogden, politician (Democrat), businessman, first Mayor of Chicago (born in New York)
- Joseph Ogle, Revolutionary War soldier, established state's first Methodist church (born in Maryland)
- Richard James Oglesby, politician (Republican), Civil War officer, U.S. Senator, 3-time Governor of Illinois (born in Kentucky)
- Richard B. Ogilvie, Governor of Illinois 1969–73
- Gail O'Grady, actress, American Dreams, NYPD Blue, Hellcats
- David Ogrin, pro golfer
- Barratt O'Hara, lieutenant governor, U.S. Representative 1949–69
- Janice O'Hara, pro baseball player
- Edward J. O'Hare, lawyer, associate of Al Capone, father of war hero Butch O'Hare (for whom O'Hare Airport was named)
- Don Ohl, 5-time All-Star for three NBA teams
- Don Ohlmeyer, Emmy and Peabody Award-winning television producer, Monday Night Football, Saturday Night Live
- Jahlil Okafor, basketball player for Duke and Philadelphia 76ers, third pick of 2015 NBA draft
- Georgia O'Keeffe, artist, Art Institute of Chicago student (born in Wisconsin)
Ol–Oz
- Douglas R. Oberhelman, CEO of Caterpillar Inc.
- Ed Olczyk, player for six NHL teams, coach, TV commentator
- Claes Oldenburg, sculptor
- Brian Oldfield, shot putter
- Jawann Oldham, center for eight NBA teams
- Catherine O'Leary, said to be indirectly responsible for Great Chicago Fire
- Charley O'Leary, oldest MLB player (58) ever to bat
- Matt O'Leary, actor
- John M. Olin, owner of 1974 Kentucky Derby winner Cannonade
- Ken Olin, actor, director, producer, Thirtysomething, Brothers & Sisters
- Gene Oliver, catcher for five MLB teams
- Guy Oliver, silent-film actor
- King Oliver, jazz musician (born in Louisiana)
- Gertrude Olmstead, silent-film actress
- James Olson, actor, The Andromeda Strain, Rachel, Rachel, Ragtime
- Francis O'Neill, Chicago chief of police 1901–05 (born in Ireland)
- Kyle Onstott, author, Mandingo
- Jerry Orbach, film, TV and Tony-winning stage actor, Law & Order, Prince of the City, Dirty Dancing, Beauty and the Beast
- Dick Orkin, radio personality
- Suze Orman, author, financial advisor, television commentator
- Red Ormsby, Major League Baseball umpire 1923–41
- Carey Orr, cartoonist
- David Orr, alderman, Cook County clerk, briefly Mayor of Chicago
- Johnny Orr, basketball coach, University of Michigan and Iowa State
- Warren H. Orr, judge (born in Missouri)
- Zak Orth, actor, Revolution
- Kid Ory, musician and bandleader (born in Louisiana)
- Harold Osborn, athlete, gold medalist in decathlon and high jump at 1924 Summer Olympics
- Dan Osinski, MLB pitcher 1962–70
- Wally Osterkorn, pro basketball player
- Fritz Ostermueller, MLB pitcher 1934–48
- Johnny Ostrowski, MLB player for Cubs and White Sox
- Jim O'Toole, MLB pitcher 1958–67
- Dave Otto, MLB player, sportscaster
- Diana Oughton, student activist, member of The Weathermen
- Antoine Ouilmette, early settler, Wilmette named for him (born in Canada)
- Michael Ovitz, co-founder of Creative Artists Agency, president of Walt Disney Company 1995–97
- Ruth Bryan Owen, first female in Florida elected to U.S. Congress; ambassador to Denmark and Iceland
- Brick Owens, MLB umpire 1908–37 (born in Wisconsin)
- Joseph W. Ozbourn, decorated World War II soldier
- Marite Ozers, 1963 Miss USA (born in Latvia)
P
Pa–Pd
- Geraldine Page, Oscar-winning actress, The Trip to Bountiful, Hondo, Sweet Bird of Youth (born in Missouri)
- Harlan Page, two-sport star for University of Chicago, head coach of Butler basketball, Indiana football
- Kimberly Page, professional wrestling personality
- Jean Paige, silent-film actress
- Eleazar A. Paine, lawyer, controversial Civil War officer (born in Ohio)
- Norman C. Paine, football coach, Baylor, Arkansas and Iowa State
- Curtis Painter, NFL quarterback 2009–14
- Ho-Sung Pak, actor, martial artist, action choreographer
- Max Palevsky, philanthropist, computer technology pioneer
- William S. Paley, broadcasting pioneer, chief executive of CBS
- Donn Pall, MLB pitcher 1988–98
- Ashley Palmer, actress, singer, Paranormal Activity
- Bee Palmer, singer, "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone"
- Bertha Palmer, philanthropist (born in Kentucky)
- Betsy Palmer, actress and TV personality, Mister Roberts, The Tin Star, I've Got a Secret, Friday the 13th (born in Indiana)
- John M. Palmer, politician (Democrat, Republican, Free Soil), Civil War general, U.S. Senator 1891–97, Governor of Illinois 1869–73 (born in Kentucky)
- John McAuley Palmer, World War II general
- Keke Palmer, actress, singer, Madea's Family Reunion, Joyful Noise
- Peter Palmer, singer, athlete, actor, Li'l Abner (born in Wisconsin)
- Phoebe Palmer, evangelist and author (born in New York)
- Potter Palmer, land developer, Palmer House founder (born in New York)
- Shirley Palmer, actress
- Danielle Panabaker, actress, Shark, Empire Falls, Friday the 13th, The Flash (born in Georgia)
- Kay Panabaker, actress, Summerland, Phil of the Future (born in Texas)
- Norman Panama, screenwriter, director, White Christmas, Road to Utopia, Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House
- Ken Panfil, NFL lineman 1956–62
- James Pankow, musician, a founding member of rock band Chicago
- John Pankow, actor, To Live and Die in L.A., A Stranger Among Us, Morning Glory, Episodes
- Chuck Panozzo, bass player for rock band Styx
- John Panozzo, drummer for rock band Styx
- Al Papai, MLB pitcher 1948–55
- Billy Papke, middleweight boxing champion, Hall of Fame
- Erik Pappas, MLB catcher
- Walter Parazaider, musician with band Chicago
- Jimmy Pardo, stand-up comedian, actor
- Sara Paretsky, crime novelist
- Jannero Pargo, guard for six NBA teams
- Tiny Parham, pianist and bandleader (born in Canada)
- Jane Park, LPGA golfer
- Anthony Parker, guard for four NBA teams
- Candace Parker, two-time NCAA champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist, forward for Los Angeles Sparks
- Eric Parker, wide receiver for San Diego Chargers 2002–07
- Francis W. Parker, education reformer (born in New Hampshire)
- Jabari Parker, forward for Milwaukee Bucks, second player selected in the 2014 NBA draft
- Salty Parker, MLB player, coach, manager
- Sonny Parker, guard for Golden State Warriors 1976–82
- Wes Parker, first baseman for Los Angeles Dodgers 1964–72
- Larry Parks, Oscar-nominated actor, The Jolson Story, Down to Earth, Jolson Sings Again, The Swordsman
- Ben Parr, journalist, author, venture capitalist
- Vernon Parrington, historian, 1928 Pulitzer Prize
- Albert Parsons, editor, anarchist executed after Haymarket affair (born in Alabama)
- Claude V. Parsons, educator, U.S. Representative 1930–41
- Louella Parsons, syndicated newspaper columnist
- Lucy Parsons, anarchist and labor organizer (born in Texas)
- Cecil A. Partee, president of state senate (born in Arkansas)
- Ed Paschke, artist
- Tony Pashos, NFL offensive tackle 2003–13
- Ravi Patel, actor, Grandfathered
- Mandy Patinkin, actor and singer, The Princess Bride, Dick Tracy, Ragtime, Yentl, Chicago Hope, Homeland
- Sheldon Patinkin, theater director for Columbia College, Second City
- Danica Patrick, auto racing driver, best finish of any woman in history of Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500 (born in Wisconsin)
- David Patrick, Olympic hurdler
- Deval Patrick, governor of Massachusetts 2007–15
- Laurdine Patrick, saxophonist
- Leonard Patrick, organized crime figure (born in England)
- Stan Patrick, pro basketball player
- Alexandra Patsavas, TV/film music supervisor, Grey's Anatomy, Supernatural, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
- Alicia Patterson, editor and publisher, founder of Newsday
- Cissy Patterson, editor and publisher, countess
- Don Patterson, producer, animator, director, The Smurfs, Dumbo, Pinocchio, Fantasia
- Joseph Medill Patterson, editor, publisher, New York Daily News founder
- Pat Patterson, MLB player, New York Giants 1921
- Marty Pattin, pitcher for five MLB teams
- Spencer Patton, relief pitcher for Cubs
- Art Paul, graphic artist for Playboy 1953–83; designer of bunny logo
- Josh Paul, catcher for four MLB teams
- Gene Paulette, MLB infielder 1914–20
- Henry Paulson, financier, 2006–09 U.S. Secretary of the Treasury
- Pawnee Bill, Wild West showman
- John Paxson, three-time NBA champion, team executive for Chicago Bulls (born in Ohio)
- Melanie Paxson, actress
- Tom Paxton, folk musician and singer-songwriter
- Ethel L. Payne, journalist, activist
- John B. Payne, Secretary of Interior 1920–21 (born in West Virginia)
- Sally Payne, actress
- William Morton Payne, educator, writer (born in Massachusetts)
- Christian Payton, actor, The Temptations
- Sean Payton, head coach for New Orleans Saints (born in California)
- Jarrett Payton, pro football player, radio personality
- Walter Payton, Hall of Fame running back for Super Bowl XX champion Chicago Bears (born in Mississippi)
Pe–Pg
- Walter C. Peacock, jeweler, Lincoln Park Gun Club founder
- Barry Pearson, NFL wide receiver 1972–76
- Drew Pearson, syndicated newspaper columnist
- Paul Martin Pearson, professor, governor of Virgin Islands
- Preston Pearson, running back for three NFL teams
- Todd Peat, NFL offensive lineman 1987–93
- Donald C. Peattie, author and botanist
- Elia W. Peattie, journalist and naturalist (born in Michigan)
- John Mason Peck, Baptist minister and author (born in Connecticut)
- Ferdinand Peck, philanthropist, financier of Auditorium Building, Chicago
- George Peek, economist
- Westbrook Pegler, journalist, 1941 Pulitzer Prize (born in Minnesota)
- Chris Pelekoudas, MLB umpire
- Rob Pelinka, general manager of Los Angeles Lakers, player for three Final Four basketball teams
- Clara Peller, commercial actress
- Michael Peña, actor, World Trade Center, Crash, Shooter, End of Watch, American Hustle, The Martian
- Jack Perconte, infielder for four MLB teams
- Chuck Percy, president of Bell & Howell Corporation, U.S. Senator (Republican) of Illinois for 20 years (born in Florida)
- George Periolat, silent-film actor
- Marlin Perkins, host of television's Wild Kingdom, 18-year director of Lincoln Park Zoo (born in Missouri)
- Walter Perkins, drummer
- Edythe Perlick, pro baseball player
- Bill Perry, cartoonist
- Felton Perry, actor, Magnum Force, RoboCop
- Jeff Perry, actor, Nash Bridges, Grey's Anatomy, Scandal
- Rudy Perz, advertising executive, creator of Pillsbury Doughboy
- Jim Peterik, singer-songwriter with bands The Ides of March and Survivor, co-wrote "Eye of the Tiger"
- Elizabeth Peters, mystery novelist
- Joan Peters, journalist and author
- Ted Petersen, offensive lineman for two-time Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers
- William Petersen, actor, Gil Grissom on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Manhunter, To Live and Die in L.A., The Rat Pack
- Dan Peterson, pro basketball coach
- Drew Peterson, police officer, convicted murderer
- Fritz Peterson, pitcher for New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians
- Pehr August Peterson, Rockford, Illinois industrialist and philanthropist
- Peter George Peterson, CEO of Lehman Bros., Bell & Howell, 1972–73 U.S. Secretary of Commerce (born in Nebraska)
- Bernice Petkere, songwriter
- Robert Petkoff, stage actor (born in California)
- Lloyd Pettit, hockey sportscaster
- George Petty, pinup artist (born in Louisiana)
- Dave Peyton, songwriter and musician
- Jeff Pfeffer, MLB pitcher 1911–24
- Wally Pfister, Oscar-winning cinematographer
- Father Michael Pfleger, controversial Roman Catholic priest
- Lee Pfund, pitcher for Brooklyn Dodgers
- Randy Pfund, head coach for Los Angeles Lakers 1992–94, general manager for Miami Heat
Ph–Pn
- Liz Phair, singer and songwriter (born in Connecticut)
- Roger Phegley, guard for five NBA teams
- Art Phelan, MLB player for Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs
- Mary Philbin, silent-film actress, Phantom of the Opera
- Andy Phillip, Hall of Fame basketball player for Illinois
- Busy Philipps, actress, Dawson's Creek, Freaks and Geeks, ER
- Emo Philips, entertainer and comedian
- Irna Phillips, creator of Guiding Light and As the World Turns
- John Calhoun Phillips, Governor of Arizona 1929–31
- Kyra Phillips, television journalist
- Wally Phillips, radio personality (born in Ohio)
- William Phipps, actor, Cinderella (born in Indiana)
- Brian Piccolo, running back for Chicago Bears, subject of Brian's Song (born in Massachusetts)
- Bob Pickens, Olympic wrestler and Bears offensive lineman
- Ollie Pickering, first batter in MLB American League history
- William Pickering, 19th-century governor of Washington (born in England)
- Pat Pieper, public-address announcer at Wrigley Field for 59 years
- Billy Pierce, pitcher, scout, broadcaster for Chicago White Sox, 7-time All-Star (born in Michigan)
- George Pierce, MLB player 1912–17
- Walter M. Pierce, 17th Governor of Oregon
- Jimmy Piersall, baseball player and Chicago sportscaster, subject of Fear Strikes Out (born in Connecticut)
- Geoff Pierson, actor, Unhappily Ever After, 24, Dexter
- Pete Pihos, decorated soldier, 6-time Pro Bowl player for NFL's Philadelphia Eagles 1947–55 (born in Florida)
- Janet Pilgrim, model, three-time Playboy centerfold
- Andy Pilney, football coach, Tulane 1954–61
- Steve Pink, writer, director, Accepted, Hot Tub Time Machine
- Allan Pinkerton, detective, founder of Pinkerton's agency
- Tonya Pinkins, Tony Award-winning actress, Jelly's Last Jam, Fading Gigolo, All My Children
- Maria Pinto, fashion designer
- Wally Pipp, first baseman for Detroit Tigers and 1923 World Series champion New York Yankees
- Scottie Pippen, forward for Chicago Bulls six-time champions, member of Hall of Fame (born in Arkansas)
- Louis Piquett, lawyer of John Dillinger
- Pauline Pirok, pro baseball player
- Skip Pitlock, MLB pitcher 1970–75
- Arthur Pitney, inventor of the postage meter, co-founder of Pitney Bowes
- Jeremy Piven, Emmy-winning actor, Entourage, Mr. Selfridge, Very Bad Things, Two for the Money, Old School
- Plain White T's, rock band from Chicago
- Polly Platt, film producer, screenwriter
- James E. Plew, aviation pioneer
- Pete Ploszek, actor, Teen Wolf, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles films
- Ed Plumb, composer for Disney films, Fantasia, Bambi
Po–Pz
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- John Podesta, White House Chief of Staff under Bill Clinton
- Amy Poehler, comedian, actress, Second City, Saturday Night Live, Parks and Recreation (born in Massachusetts)
- Angelo Poffo, professional wrestler
- D. A. Points, professional golfer
- Ben Pollack, big-band era bandleader
- Fritz Pollard, first African-American head coach in NFL and Pro Football Hall of Famer
- Dan Ponce, radio-TV journalist, singer with Straight No Chaser
- Phil Ponce, Chicago television personality
- Irving Kane Pond, architect (born in Michigan)
- Cappie Pondexter, pro basketball player, 2007 MVP of WNBA Finals (born in California)
- Ernest Poole, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist
- William Frederick Poole, first Chicago Public Library librarian, designed Newberry Library (born in Massachusetts)
- Carmelita Pope, actress
- Nathaniel Pope, politician and advocate of statehood (born in Kentucky)
- John Porter, U.S. Representative 1980–2001
- H.V. Porter, coach, coined term "March Madness"
- Kevin Porter, guard for three NBA teams, 4-time league assist leader
- Glenn Poshard, U.S. Representative, Southern Illinois University president
- Michael Posner, attorney, human rights advocate, Assistant Secretary of State under Barack Obama
- C. W. Post, breakfast cereal mogul
- Marjorie Merriweather Post, founder of General Foods
- Philip S. Post, Civil War general, U.S. Representative (born in New York)
- Lou Pote, MLB pitcher 1999–2004
- Nels Potter, pitcher for six MLB teams
- Leah Poulos-Mueller, speed skater, 1976 and 1980 Olympic medalist
- Jack Powell, MLB pitcher, won 245 games
- John Wesley Powell, explorer, Civil War officer, Illinois Wesleyan professor (born in New York)
- Maud Powell, violinist
- Paul Powell, controversial politician
- Jenny Powers, actress and 2000 Miss Illinois
- John A. "Shorty" Powers, NASA official, voice of Mercury Control
- A. George Pradel, mayor of Naperville 1995–2015
- Deborah Pratt, actress, writer
- Toni Preckwinkle, teacher, president of Cook County Board
- Tom Preissing, NHL defenseman
- Mike Prendergast, MLB pitcher 1914–19
- Patrick Prendergast, assassin of Chicago mayor, 1893 (born in Ireland)
- Keith Preston, writer
- Louis Price, singer with Temptations, Drifters
- Melvin Price, 33-year U.S. Representative
- Julian Priester, trombonist
- George W. Prince, 8-term U.S. Representative
- Tom Prince, MLB catcher 1987–2003
- Joe Principe, musician, member of band Rise Against
- John Prine, singer-songwriter
- Bret Prinz, MLB pitcher 2001–07
- Mike Prior, defensive back for Super Bowl XXXI champion Green Bay Packers
- A.N. Pritzker, lawyer and philanthropist (born in Russia)
- Donald Pritzker, co-founder and president of Hyatt hotels
- Jay Pritzker, co-founder, Hyatt Hotel chain
- J.B. Pritzker, principal owner of Hyatt, philanthropist, politician
- Penny Pritzker, U.S. Secretary of Commerce
- Robert Pritzker, president of Marmon Group
- Cory Provus, baseball broadcaster
- William Proxmire, 42-year U.S. Senator of Wisconsin
- Richard Pryor, Emmy and Grammy Award-winning comedian and actor, The Mack, Silver Streak, Stir Crazy, The Toy, Superman III
- Roman Pucinski, politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative 1959–73
- Kirby Puckett, Hall of Fame center fielder for two-time World Series champion Minnesota Twins
- Tom Pukstys, six-time U.S. javelin champion
- George M. Pullman, industrialist, designer of Pullman sleeping car (born in New York)
- Edward Mills Purcell, winner of Nobel Prize in Physics
- David Purcey, MLB pitcher 2008–13
- Todd Purdum, national editor and political correspondent for Vanity Fair
- Ken Purdy, automotive writer
- Tim Purpura, baseball executive
- C. C. Pyle, sports promoter
- Mike Pyle, center for Chicago Bears 1961–69 (born in Iowa)
Q
- Mike Quade, coach and manager for Chicago Cubs
- John Qualen, actor, Casablanca, The Grapes of Wrath, The Searchers
- William Quarter, first Bishop of Chicago (born in Ireland)
- Joel Quenneville, coach of 3-time NHL champion Chicago Blackhawks (born in Canada)
- Jeff Query, wide receiver for Green Bay Packers and Cincinnati Bengals
- Smiley Quick, pro golfer
- Allie Quigley, pro basketball player
- Mike Quigley, politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative
- Elaine Quijano, television journalist
- Frank Quilici, player, coach and manager for Minnesota Twins
- Peter Quillin, middleweight boxer
- Jack Quinlan, sportscaster
- Maeve Quinlan, tennis player and actress, The Bold and the Beautiful, South of Nowhere
- Michael R. Quinlan, chairman of Loyola and McDonald's
- Aidan Quinn, actor, Legends of the Fall, Benny and Joon, Michael Collins, Avalon, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Elementary
- Declan Quinn, cinematographer
- Jeff Quinn, football coach
- Louis Quinn, actor, 77 Sunset Strip
- Pat Quinn, politician (Democrat), attorney, state treasurer, Governor of Illinois 2009–14
- Adolfo "Shabba Doo" Quiñones, actor, dancer, choreographer
R
Ra–Rd
- Charles Radbourn, Hall of Fame baseball pitcher (born in New York)
- Doug Rader, infielder, manager of Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox, California Angels
- Phil Radford, environmental leader, Greenpeace executive director
- Bill Radovich, football player and actor
- Sondra Radvanovsky, opera soprano
- Zoe Rae, silent-film actress
- Robert O. Ragland, film score composer
- Tom Railsback, politician (Republican), 8-term U.S. Representative
- Henry Thomas Rainey, politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative 1903–34, Speaker of the House under FDR
- John W. Rainey, U.S. Representative 1918–23
- Mamie Rallins, hurdler, coach, 2-time Olympian
- Buck Ram, songwriter, "Only You", "The Great Pretender"
- Sendhil Ramamurthy, actor, Heroes, Beauty & the Beast, Covert Affairs
- Harold Ramis, actor, director, writer SCTV, Ghostbusters, Caddyshack, Stripes, Groundhog Day, National Lampoon's Vacation
- Charles H. Ramsey, police commissioner of Philadelphia, 1998–2007 police chief of Washington, D.C.
- Edwin Ramsey, U.S. Army officer, guerrilla leader during the World War II Japanese occupation of the Philippines
- Lorene Ramsey, softball, basketball Hall of Famer (born in Missouri)
- Ray Ramsey, defensive back for Chicago Cardinals
- Bill Rancic, television personality, The Apprentice, Giuliana and Bill
- William Rand, founder of Skokie-based Rand McNally (born in Massachusetts)
- Martha Randall, swimmer, bronze medalist in 1964 Summer Olympics
- Rebel Randall, actress, radio personality
- Tony Randazzo, MLB umpire
- Betsy Randle, actress, Boy Meets World
- Antwaan Randle El, wide receiver for Super Bowl XL champion Pittsburgh Steelers
- Kerri Randles, actress
- Isabel Randolph, actress
- Thomas E. G. Ransom, Civil War general, Ransom, Illinois named for him (born in Vermont)
- Frederic Raphael, Oscar-winning screenwriter, Darling, Two for the Road
- Adam Rapp, novelist, playwright, screenwriter, musician, film director
- Anthony Rapp, actor, singer, A Beautiful Mind, Rent, Dazed and Confused, Road Trip
- Wayne Rasmussen, defensive back for Detroit Lions 1964–72
- John Ratcliffe, Republican Congressman from Texas
- George Ratkovicz, pro basketball player
- Heather Rattray, actress, As the World Turns, Guiding Light
- Green Berry Raum, brigadier general, chief of Internal Revenue Service 1876–83
- Bruce Rauner, Governor of Illinois
- John Aaron Rawlins, Civil War officer, U.S. Secretary of War
- Lou Rawls, soul, jazz and blues singer and actor, winner of three Grammy Awards
- Charles Ray, actor, producer, director
- Hugh Ray, football official, Pro Football Hall of Fame
- James Earl Ray, assassin of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- Joie Ray, 3-time Olympian, runner in Track Hall of Fame
- Lyman Beecher Ray, lieutenant governor 1889–93 (born in Vermont)
- Gene Rayburn, television personality, Match Game
- Benjamin Wright Raymond, third Mayor of Chicago (born in New York)
- Bugs Raymond, MLB pitcher 1904–11
- Robin Raymond, actress, There's No Business Like Show Business
- Ray Rayner, Chicago television personality (born in New York)
Re–Rh
- Jack Reagan, father of President Ronald Reagan
- Nancy Reagan, actress, 1981–89 First Lady of the United States (born in New York)
- Neil Reagan, radio-TV executive, older brother of Ronald Reagan
- Nelle Wilson Reagan, mother of Ronald Reagan
- Ronald Reagan, actor, politician (Republican), Governor of California and 40th President of the United States
- Billy Reay, won 516 games as Chicago Blackhawks coach (born in Canada)
- Eugene Record, singer, The Chi-Lites
- Jheri Redding, hair care entrepreneur
- Quinn Redeker, actor, screenwriter, The Young and the Restless, Days of Our Lives, Dan Raven, The Deer Hunter
- Courtney Reed, actress
- Dizzy Reed, musician, Guns N' Roses
- James F. Reed, organizer of Donner Party (born in Ireland)
- Jeff Reed, MLB catcher 1984–2000
- Jimmy Reed, guitarist in Blues Hall of Fame (born in Mississippi)
- John Shedd Reed, president of Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
- Robert Reed, actor, Mike Brady on The Brady Bunch
- Rondi Reed, stage actress, singer and performer
- Tommy Rees, quarterback for Notre Dame 2010–13
- George Reeves, actor, Superman (born in Iowa)
- Tim Regan, pro soccer player
- Henry Regnery, publisher, founder of Regnery Publishing
- Wally Rehg, MLB player 1912–19
- Kathy Reichs, crime writer, forensic anthropologist, academic
- Charlotte Thompson Reid, singer, politician (Republican), U.S. Representative 1963–71
- Frank R. Reid, attorney in court-martial of General Billy Mitchell, U.S. Representative 1923–35
- Joe Reiff, basketball All-American for Northwestern
- John Reilly, actor, Passions, Sunset Beach, Iron Man
- John C. Reilly, actor, Talladega Nights, Step Brothers, Chicago, Gangs of New York, The Perfect Storm, Wreck-It Ralph
- Ed Reimers, television announcer
- Johan Reinhard, explorer
- Haley Reinhart, singer, American Idol
- Jerry Reinsdorf, owner of Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls (born in New York)
- Todd Reirden, NHL player and coach
- Bryan Rekar, pitcher for three MLB teams
- Pat Renella, actor, Bullitt
- Marcus Reno, Civil War officer, served with Gen. Custer in Battle of the Little Bighorn
- Nancy Reno, beach volleyball player
- Pug Rentner, College Football Hall of Fame player for Northwestern
- REO Speedwagon, rock band from Champaign
- Ken Retzer, MLB catcher 1961–64
- Paul Reuschel, pitcher for Chicago Cubs 1975–79
- Rick Reuschel, pitcher for five Major League teams, 3-time All-Star
- Katherine Reutter, speed skater, 2011 world champion, medalist in 2010 Vancouver Olympics
- Frank Reynolds, Chicago and ABC newscaster (born in Indiana)
- John Reynolds, judge, U.S. Representative, Governor of Illinois 1830–34 (born in Pennsylvania)
- Marcellas Reynolds, actor, fashion stylist, entertainment reporter, TV host
- Virginia Richmond Reynolds, artist
- Wellington J. Reynolds, artist
- La Julia Rhea, opera singer
- John Rheinecker, pitcher for Texas Rangers 2006–07
- Shonda Rhimes, television producer, creator, Scandal, Grey's Anatomy
- Betty Jane Rhodes, singer, actress, Sweater Girl, The Fleet's In
- Jennifer Rhodes, actress, Charmed, Heathers
Ri–Rn
- Paul Ricca, mobster with Chicago Outfit
- John Blake Rice, actor, producer, Mayor of Chicago 1865–69 (born in Maryland)
- Craig Rice, mystery novelist and screenwriter
- Simeon Rice, defensive lineman for Super Bowl XXXVII champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Wallace Rice, poet, writer, designer of Flag of Chicago (born in Canada)
- Bob Richards, pole vaulter, gold medalist 1952 Helsinki Olympics and 1956 Melbourne Olympics
- Carol Richards, singer, radio and television performer
- Denise Richards, actress, The World Is Not Enough, Denise Richards: It's Complicated
- Lee Richardson, actor, Prizzi's Honor, Prince of the City
- Quentin Richardson, player for five NBA teams
- Salli Richardson, actress, Eureka, Gargoyles, Family Law
- Sy Richardson, actor, Pushing Daisies
- William Alexander Richardson, governor of Nebraska territory, U.S. Senator of Illinois (born in Kentucky)
- Lionel Richie, multiple Grammy Award-winning singer (born in Alabama)
- Julius B. Richmond, U.S. Surgeon General 1977–81
- Steve Richmond, defenseman for four NHL teams
- Andy Richter, actor, comedian, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Madagascar films & cartoons
- Joyce Ricketts, pro baseball player
- Laura Ricketts, lawyer, co-owner of Chicago Cubs (born in Nebraska)
- Tom Ricketts, banker, owner and chairman of Cubs (born in Nebraska)
- Todd Ricketts, businessman, co-owner of Cubs (born in Nebraska)
- Hyman G. Rickover, admiral, attended Marshall High School in Chicago (born in Poland)
- Lucille Ricksen, silent film actress
- John Ridgely, actor, The Big Sleep, Destination Tokyo
- John Riegger, golfer
- Marty Riessen, tennis player, US Open, French Open, Wimbledon doubles and mixed doubles champion
- Dorothy Comiskey Rigney, owner of Chicago White Sox 1956–58
- Johnny Rigney, White Sox pitcher and general manager
- Boots Riley, rapper, producer
- Ida Morey Riley, founder of Columbia College Chicago
- Jack Riley, Northwestern player in College Football Hall of Fame, silver medalist 1932 Olympic wrestling
- Patrick William Riordan, archbishop of San Francisco 1884–1914 (born in Canada)
- Minnie Riperton, singer, "Lovin' You", mother of Maya Rudolph
- Wally Ris, swimmer, two-time NCAA champion, two 1948 Olympic golds
- Rise Against, rock band from Chicago
- Bill Risley, pitcher for three MLB teams
- Doc Rivers, NBA point guard, head coach of Los Angeles Clippers
- Mike Rizzo, general manager of Washington Nationals
- Rick Rizzs, baseball broadcaster
Ro–Rt
- Tanner Roark, pitcher for Washington Nationals
- Jason Robards, Oscar-winning actor, A Thousand Clowns, All the President's Men, Julia, Once Upon a Time in the West, Parenthood
- Jason Robards Sr., actor (born in Michigan)
- Kevin Roberson, MLB outfielder 1993–96
- Gale Robbins, singer, model and actress, Calamity Jane, The Barkleys of Broadway, Three Little Words
- Leona Roberts, actress, Gone With the Wind
- Robin Roberts, Hall of Fame starting pitcher primarily for Philadelphia Phillies, won 286 games
- Sue Roberts, golfer
- Nan C. Robertson, journalist, 1983 Pulitzer Prize
- Angela Robinson, director, screenwriter, producer, True Blood, The L Word, Hung
- Arthur B. Robinson, biochemist, politician
- Betty Robinson, sprinter, gold medalist at 1928 and 1936 Olympics
- Craig Robinson, actor, stand-up comedian, The Office, Last Comic Standing, Hot Tub Time Machine, This Is the End
- Craig Robinson, basketball coach, brother of Michelle Obama
- Flynn Robinson, guard for four NBA teams
- Frank M. Robinson, author
- John McCracken Robinson, lawyer, U.S. Senator of Illinois 1830–41 (born in Kentucky)
- Kelsey Robinson, indoor volleyball player
- Marian Shields Robinson, mother-in-law of President Barack Obama
- Will Robinson, basketball coach for Illinois State, first African-American head coach at Division I school (born in North Carolina)
- Bill Robinzine, DePaul and pro basketball player
- Mason Rocca, Princeton and pro basketball player
- James Roche, CEO and chairman of General Motors 1965–71
- John A. Roche, president of elevated railway, Mayor of Chicago 1887–89 (born in New York)
- Sharon Percy Rockefeller, former first lady of West Virginia, Washington, D.C. television executive
- Knute Rockne, College Football Hall of Fame head coach for Notre Dame Fighting Irish (born in Norway)
- George Lincoln Rockwell, founder of American Nazi Party
- Robert Rockwell, actor, Our Miss Brooks, The Man from Blackhawk, Lassie, The Red Menace
- Leo Rodak, boxer
- Steve Rodby, musician
- William A. Rodenberg, 10-term U.S. Representative
- Mark Rodenhauser, NFL center 1987–99
- Jimmy Rodgers, coach, Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics
- Dorothy Howell Rodham, mother of Hillary Clinton
- Hugh Rodham, lawyer, brother of Hillary Clinton
- Freddy Rodríguez, actor, Six Feet Under, Ugly Betty, Planet Terror
- Francisco Rodriguez, boxer (born in Mexico)
- Gina Rodriguez, actress, Jane the Virgin, The Bold and the Beautiful
- Richard Roeper, columnist, film critic, co-host of At the Movies
- Billy Rogell, MLB infielder 1925–40
- Annette Rogers, sprinter, relay gold medalist, 1932 and 1936 Olympics
- Carl Rogers, prominent psychologist
- Desiree Rogers, CEO of Johnson Publishing (born in Louisiana)
- Jimmy Rogers, blues musician (born in Mississippi)
- John W. Rogers Jr., founder of Ariel Capital, head of Barack Obama inauguration committee
- Michael S. Rogers, admiral, director of National Security Agency
- Len Rohde, lineman for San Francisco 49ers 1960–74
- Mark Romanek, Grammy-winning music video and film director, One Hour Photo, Never Let Me Go
- Christina Romer, chair of the Council of Economic Advisers under President Barack Obama
- Miles Park Romney, builder, Mormon leader, great-grandfather of Mitt Romney
- Tony Romo, quarterback, Eastern Illinois and Dallas Cowboys (born in California)
- Michael Rooker, actor, Cliffhanger, Days of Thunder, Guardians of the Galaxy (born in Alabama)
- John E. Rooney, CEO of U.S. Cellular
- Sean Rooney, volleyball player, NCAA champion at Pepperdine, gold medalist at 2008 Beijing Olympics
- John Root, architect
- Nick Rosa, CEO of NutraSweet
- Adam Rosales, MLB infielder
- Derrick Rose, guard for New York Knicks, first player selected in 2008 NBA draft, 2008–09 NBA Rookie of the Year
- Fred Rose, songwriter, Country Music Hall of Fame (born in Indiana)
- Helen Rose, Oscar-winning costume designer
- Roger Rose, actor, voice actor, former VH1 VJ, Monsters and Mysteries in America, The Tick, Quack Pack, Happy Feet
- Timothy M. Rose, actor, puppeteer, Return of the Jedi, The Dark Crystal
- Wesley Rose, music producer
- Johnny Roselli, organized crime figure (born in Italy)
- Milt Rosenberg, professor, radio host
- Tom Rosenberg, film producer, Million Dollar Baby, The Hurricane, Runaway Bride, Underworld series
- Frank Rosenthal, organized crime figure
- Julius Rosenwald, philanthropist, president of Sears, Roebuck & Company, founder of Museum of Science and Industry
- Lessing J. Rosenwald, president of Sears
- Peter Roskam, politician (Republican), U.S. Representative
- Arthur Ross, Oscar-nominated screenwriter, Brubaker, The Great Race
- Barney Ross, boxing champion (born in New York)
- Charlotte Ross, actress, NYPD Blue, Beggars and Choosers
- Leonard Fulton Ross, Civil War general
- Lewis W. Ross, lawyer, Mexican–American War officer, U.S. Representative (born in New York)
- Ossian M. Ross, farmer, War of 1812 officer, founder of Lewistown and Havana (born in New York)
- Ricco Ross, actor, Westbeach
- Dan Rostenkowski, politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative 1959–95, chairman of House Ways and Means Committee
- Marv Rotblatt, pitcher for Chicago White Sox 1949–52
- Matt Roth, NFL defensive end 2005–11
- Veronica Roth, author of Divergent series (born in New York)
- Claude Rothgeb, football coach for Colorado State, Rice
- Larry Rothschild, pitching coach for New York Yankees
- John L. Rotz, Hall of Fame jockey
- Tom Rouen, punter for six NFL teams
- Pleasant Rowland, founder of American Girl
- Cynthia Rowley, fashion designer
- Rosey Rowswell, baseball broadcaster
- Bill Roy, U.S. Representative in Kansas 1971–75
- Willy Roy, player and coach, Soccer Hall of Fame (born in Germany)
- Stan Royer, infielder for St. Louis Cardinals 1961–64
- Mike Royko, Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper columnist
- Andrew Rozdilsky Jr., ballpark mascot Andy the Clown
Ru–Rz
- Aaron Ruben, television producer and director, The Andy Griffith Show
- Jack Ruby, killer of Lee Harvey Oswald
- J. Craig Ruby, basketball coach, Illinois 1922–36 (born in Iowa)
- Dave Rudabaugh, Wild West outlaw
- Ken Rudolph, catcher for four MLB teams
- Kirk Rueter, pitcher for San Francisco Giants 1996–2005
- Rudy Ruettiger, motivational speaker, Notre Dame football player, Rudy
- Red Ruffing, Hall of Fame pitcher for New York Yankees
- Sarah Ruhl, playwright
- Irene Ruhnke, pro baseball player
- Joe Ruklick, Northwestern and NBA player
- Julian Sidney Rumsey, shipping mogul, Mayor of Chicago 1861–62 (born in New York)
- Donald Rumsfeld, politician (Republican), Secretary of Defense, White House Chief of Staff, U.S. Representative
- Bobby Rush, politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative
- Otis Rush, blues musician
- William A. Rusher, lawyer, columnist, publisher of National Review from 1957–1988
- Marion Rushing, 4-sport athlete for Southern Illinois, NFL linebacker
- Cazzie Russell, member of College Basketball Hall of Fame, player for 1970 NBA champion New York Knicks
- Chuck Russell, director, The Mask, Eraser
- Gail Russell, actress, The Uninvited, Angel and the Badman, Wake of the Red Witch
- Lewis Russell, actor, The Lost Weekend
- Lillian Russell, early 20th-century singer and actress (born in Iowa)
- Mary Doria Russell, novelist
- Pee Wee Russell, jazz clarinetist
- Marty Russo, U.S. Representative 1975–93
- William Russo, jazz musician and composer
- Edward B. Rust Jr., CEO of State Farm insurance
- Joe Rutgens, defensive tackle for Washington Redskins 1961–69
- Ann Rutledge, friend of Abraham Lincoln (born in Kentucky)
- Dan Ryan Jr., businessman, president of Cook County Board of Commissioners
- George Ryan, Governor of Illinois 1999–2003
- Jack Ryan, banker, teacher, Senate candidate vs. Barack Obama
- Jeri Ryan, actress, Star Trek: Voyager, Boston Public, 1989 Miss Illinois
- Rex Ryan, head coach for NFL's New York Jets, Buffalo Bills
- Rob Ryan, defensive coordinator for four NFL tams
- Robert Ryan, actor, The Wild Bunch, The Dirty Dozen, The Set-Up, Crossfire, Bad Day at Black Rock, The Longest Day
- Shawn Ryan, television producer and writer, The Shield, The Unit, Angel
- Gary Rydstrom, film sound designer, seven-time Academy Award winner
- Frank Rydzewski, pro and Notre Dame lineman
- Michael Rye, radio and voice actor
- Jules Rykovich, co-MVP of 1947 Rose Bowl for Illinois (born in Croatia)
- Bob Ryland, tennis player and coach
- Herbert Ryman, animator, helped design Disneyland
- Lou Rymkus, NFL tackle, coach for Houston Oilers
- Miro Rys, professional soccer player (born in Czechoslovakia)
- Marc Rzepczynski, MLB relief pitcher
S
Sa–Sb
- Lou Saban, head coach of NFL's Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos and New England Patriots
- Adolph J. Sabath, politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative 1907–52 (born in Czechoslovakia)
- Bret Saberhagen, pitcher for Kansas City Royals, 1985 Cy Young Award winner and World Series MVP
- Lenny Sachs, head coach of Loyola basketball 1923–42
- Jonathan Sadowski, actor, Live Free or Die Hard, Young & Hungry
- Craig Sager, sportscaster
- Bernard Sahlins, founder of Second City comedy club
- Susan Saint James, Emmy-winning actress, McMillan & Wife, Kate & Allie, Outlaw Blues, Love at First Bite (born in California)
- Pat Sajak, television personality, host of Wheel of Fortune
- Sol Saks, screenwriter, creator of Bewitched (botn in New York)
- Sheri Salata, president of Oprah Winfrey Network (born in Georgia)
- Chic Sale, actor
- Virginia Sale, actress
- Edward S. Salomon, Civil War general, Chicago alderman, Governor of Washington 1870–72 (born in Denmark)
- Jerome Sally, NFL tackle 1982–88
- Waldo Salt, Oscar-winning screenwriter, Midnight Cowboy, Serpico
- Carmen Salvino, bowler, charter member PBA Hall of Fame
- Bill Sampen, MLB pitcher 1990–94
- Don Samuelson, Governor of Idaho 1967–71
- Ulises Armand Sanabria, television pioneer
- Kiele Sanchez, actress, Married to the Kellys, Related, Lost
- Ryne Sandberg, Hall of Fame infielder for Chicago Cubs, manager of Philadelphia Phillies 2013–15 (born in Washington)
- Carl Sandburg, iconic Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and journalist
- Hugh Sanders, actor
- Scott Sanderson, MLB pitcher 1978–96 (born in Michigan)
- Tommy Sands, singer, actor, first husband of Nancy Sinatra
- Jenny Sanford, banker, first lady of South Carolina 2003–10
- George E. Sangmeister, U.S. Representative, Will County district attorney
- Evelyn Sanguinetti, lieutenant governor (born in Florida)
- David Santee, figure skater, two-time Olympian
- Rick Santelli, editor for the CNBC Business News network
- Ron Santo, Hall of Fame third baseman for Cubs and White Sox, radio sportscaster (born in Washington)
- Horatio Sanz, comedian, Saturday Night Live
- Abe Saperstein, owner-coach, Harlem Globetrotters (born in England)
- Lewis Hastings Sarett, chemist and inventor
- Peter Sarsgaard, actor, An Education, Boys Don't Cry, Shattered Glass, Kinsey, Orphan, Blue Jasmine
- Louis Satterfield, musician with Earth, Wind & Fire
- Doris E. Saunders, librarian and professor
- Red Saunders, drummer (born in Tennessee)
- Warner Saunders, Chicago television newscaster
- Dan Savage, writer, creator of Savage Love
- Fred Savage, actor, director, The Wonder Years, The Princess Bride, Austin Powers in Goldmember
- Randy Savage, pro wrestler
- Ted Savage, outfielder for eight MLB teams
- Matt Savoie, Olympic figure skater
- Eugene Sawyer, Mayor of Chicago 1987–89 (born in Alabama)
- Ken Saydak, blues musician
- Gale Sayers, Hall of Fame running back for Chicago Bears, athletic director at Southern Illinois in 1970s (born in Kansas)
- Morgan Saylor, actress, Homeland
- George D. Sax, innovative banker
Sc–Sg
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- Joseph Scalise, organized crime figure
- J. Young Scammon, early Chicago settler, banker (born in Maine)
- Richard Schaal, actor, first husband of Valerie Harper
- Wendy Schaal, actress, American Dad!, It's a Living, Fantasy Island
- George Schaefer, TV and stage director
- Germany Schaefer, MLB infielder 1901–18
- Johnny Schaive, infielder for Washington Senators 1958–63
- Jan Schakowsky, politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative since 1999
- Ray Schalk, Hall of Fame catcher for Chicago White Sox
- Dan Schatzeder, pitcher for nine MLB teams
- Molly Schaus, 2-time Olympic hockey silver medalist (born in New Jersey)
- Paul Scheuring, writer-director, Prison Break
- Sharm Scheuerman, basketball player and head coach, Iowa
- Jon Scheyer, basketball player and assistant coach, Duke
- Claire Schillace, pro baseball player
- Phyllis Schlafly, conservative activist, author
- Fred Schmidt, 1964 Olympic swimming gold medalist
- Harv Schmidt, basketball player and coach at Illinois
- Karl Patterson Schmidt, herpetologist, zoology curator at Chicago Natural History Museum
- Lanny D. Schmidt, chemist, inventor, author, professor
- Aaron Schock, U.S. Representative, resigned from office 2015 (born in Minnesota)
- Red Schoendienst, Hall of Fame second baseman for St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Braves
- Russ Schoene, pro basketball player
- Dana Schoenfield, swimmer, 1972 Olympic silver medalist
- Dick Schofield, infielder for California Angels and Toronto Blue Jays
- Ducky Schofield, infielder for several Major League teams
- Michael Schofield, lineman for Denver Broncos
- O'Brien Schofield, NFL linebacker (born in South Carolina)
- John Schommer, basketball Hall of Famer, University of Chicago
- Jessy Schram, actress, Falling Skies, Last Resort
- Avery Schreiber, actor and comedian
- Dorothy Schroeder, pro baseball player
- Leonard W. Schuetz, U.S. Representative 1931–44 (born in Germany)
- Fred Schulte, MLB outfielder 1927–37
- Bill Schulz, panelist, producer, Fox's Red Eye w/ Greg Gutfeld
- Don Schulze, MLB pitcher 1983–89
- Joe Schultz, MLB player and manager
- William Schutz, psychologist
- Fred Schmidt, swimmer, gold and bronze medalist in 1964 Summer Olympics, Navy SEAL
- Tony Schumacher, drag racer, 7-time NHRA champ
- Joseph Schwantner, composer
- Jim Schwantz, NFL linebacker 1992–98
- Ed Schwartz, radio personality
- Frederick Schwatka, U.S. Army lieutenant, noted explorer of northern Canada and Alaska
- Gloria Schweigerdt, professional baseball player
- Rusty Schwimmer, actress, Twister, The Perfect Storm
- Ignaz Schwinn, founder of bicycle company (born in Germany)
- Thomas N. Scortia, novel adapted as The Towering Inferno
- Bud Scott, jazz musician (born in Louisiana)
- Rick Scott, Governor of Florida
- Stefanie Scott, actress, singer, A.N.T. Farm, Wreck-It Ralph
- Stuart Scott, ESPN sportscaster
- Walter Dill Scott, psychologist, president of Northwestern 1920–39
- Gil Scott-Heron, jazz musician, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Nancy Scranton, golfer
- Edward Willis Scripps, newspaper publisher, founder of E.W. Scripps Company
- Ellen Browning Scripps, journalist and philanthropist (born in England)
- James E. Scripps, newspaper publisher (born in England)
- Al Sears, saxophonist
- Richard Warren Sears, businessman, co-founder of Sears, Roebuck and Company (born in Minnesota)
- Amy Sedaris, actress and comedian, Strangers with Candy
- E.C. Segar, creator of Popeye
- Harry Gordon Selfridge, department store pioneer, founder of Selfridges (born in Wisconsin)
- Rose Buckingham Selfridge, Chicago heiress
- Kevin Seitzer, All-Star third baseman, Atlanta Braves hitting coach
- William Nicholas Selig, motion picture pioneer
- David Seltzer, director and screenwriter, Punchline, Shining Through, Bird on a Wire, The Omen
- James Semple, U.S. Senator 1843–47 (born in Kentucky)
- Tony Semple, NFL lineman 1994–2002
- Bill Senn, NFL running back 1926–34
- Mary Servoss, actress, In This Our Life
Sh
- Shabbona, 19th-century Native American leader
- Shadows of Knight, rock band from Mt. Prospect
- Dirk Shafer, actor and Playgirl model
- Tom Shales, Pulitzer Prize-winning TV critic
- John Shalikashvili, U.S. Army general, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff
- Ashton C. Shallenberger, Governor of Nebraska 1909–11, six-term U.S. Representative
- Janet Shamlian, NBC news correspondent
- Mike Shanahan, head coach of NFL's Los Angeles Raiders, Denver Broncos, Washington Redskins
- Garry Shandling, comedian and actor, The Larry Sanders Show
- Howie Shanks, MLB outfielder 1912–25
- Michael Shannon, actor, Boardwalk Empire, Take Shelter, Revolutionary Road, Man of Steel (born in Kentucky)
- Samuel H. Shapiro, lieutenant governor and 1968–69 Governor of Illinois
- Shannon Sharpe, NFL tight end 1990–2003, three-time Super Bowl champion, Pro Football Hall of Fame, TV analyst
- Sterling Sharpe, wide receiver, College Football Hall of Fame, Green Bay Packers 1988–94, TV analyst
- Frank Shaughnessy, college football player and coach, pro baseball player and executive
- Bernard Shaw, television journalist for CNN
- Guy L. Shaw, U.S. Representative 1921–25
- Howard Van Doren Shaw, architect
- Stan Shaw, actor, The Boys in Company C, The Great Santini, Daylight, Snake Eyes, Harlem Nights
- William Shawn, editor of The New Yorker from 1952–87
- Larry Shay, songwriter, "When You're Smiling"
- John T. Shayne, milliner
- Aaron Shea, NFL tight end 2000–06
- John G. Shedd, president of Marshall Field & Company, philanthropist, founder of Shedd Aquarium (born in New Hampshire)
- Vincent Sheean, war correspondent and author
- Arthur Sheekman, screenwriter, Duck Soup, Some Came Running
- Earl Sheely, 1920s first baseman for White Sox
- Fulton J. Sheen, Roman Catholic Archbishop and television personality
- Bernard J. Sheil, Roman Catholic Archbishop, founder of CYO
- Edward Sheldon, playwright
- Sidney Sheldon, author, screenwriter, producer, I Dream of Jeannie, Hart to Hart, Annie Get Your Gun, The Other Side of Midnight
- Derek Shelton, hitting coach for Tampa Bay Rays
- Sam Shepard, actor, director, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, Fool for Love, The Right Stuff, The Pelican Brief, Baby Boom, The Notebook
- Jean Shepherd, radio personality, writer and narrator of A Christmas Story
- Sherri Shepherd, comedian, actress, co-host of The View
- Jack Sheridan, MLB umpire 1890–1914
- Philip Sheridan, Civil War general, led Great Chicago Fire reconstruction, ran Washington Park Race Track (born in New York)
- Allan Sherman, comedy writer, song parodist
- Alson Sherman, fire chief, Mayor of Chicago 1844–45 (born in Vermont)
- Francis Cornwall Sherman, 3-term Mayor of Chicago (born in Connecticut)
- Francis Trowbridge Sherman, Civil War general (born in Connecticut)
- Gene Sherman, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist
- Lawrence Yates Sherman, lieutenant governor, U.S. Senator (born in Ohio)
- Brian Sherwin, art critic, curator, writer
- Brad Sherwood, comedian, Whose Line Is It Anyway?
- James Shields, Irish-born senator of Illinois, Minnesota and Missouri
- Ren Shields, songwriter, "In the Good Old Summer Time"
- John Shimkus, politician (Republican), U.S. Representative since 1997
- Katherine Shindle, actress and 1998 Miss America
- Kiernan Shipka, actress, Sally Draper on Mad Men
- George E. Shipley, U.S. Representative 1959–79
- William L. Shirer, war correspondent, historian
- Bernie Shively, All-American guard for Illinois, coach and athletic director at Kentucky
- Twila Shively, pro baseball player
- William Shockley (1910–1989), Nobel Prize-winning physicist, co-inventor of the transistor
- Vaughn Shoemaker, cartoonist
- Lee Sholem, film director, The Redhead from Wyoming, Tarzan and the Slave Girl, Superman and the Mole Men
- Bobby Short, cabaret singer, pianist and recording artist
- Ed Short, executive with Chicago White Sox 1950–70
- Luke Short, novelist
- Rick Short, MLB player and scout
- Brian Shouse, MLB pitcher 1993–2009
- Bobby Shriver, activist, writer and California politician
- Maria Shriver, television journalist, author, 2003–11 first lady of California
- David Shulkin, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs
- Richard B. Shull, actor, The Fortune, Unfaithfully Yours
- George P. Shultz, U.S. Secretary of Labor 1969–70, Treasury 1972–74, Secretary of State 1982–89, Chicago professor (born in New York)
- Iman Shumpert, guard for Cleveland Cavaliers
- John Shurna, Northwestern basketball all-time leading scorer
Si–Sk
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- Billy Sianis, founder of Billy Goat Tavern (born in Greece)
- Drew Sidora, actress, That's So Raven
- Thomas Siebel, technology executive, philanthropist
- Don Siegel, film director, Dirty Harry, Charley Varrick, The Shootist, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Coogan's Bluff
- Jeremy Siegel, professor of Finance at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
- Sheldon Siegel, novelist
- Casey Siemaszko, actor, Breaking In, Of Mice and Men, NYPD Blue, Back to the Future parts 1 and 2
- Nina Siemaszko, actress, The West Wing, The American President, License to Drive, Sinatra, Mystery Woman
- Eric Sievers, tight end for San Diego Chargers 1981–90
- Jack Sikma, 7-time NBA All-Star center for Seattle SuperSonics
- Paul Sills, original director of The Second City
- Joe Silver, actor, You Light Up My Life, Deathtrap
- Nate Silver, quarterback of first Notre Dame undefeated team, 1903
- Shel Silverstein, cartoonist, screenwriter, author of children's books
- Ken Silvestri, MLB catcher and coach
- Bobby Simmons, guard for five NBA teams
- Jade Simmons, concert pianist, 2000 Miss America runner-up
- Liesel Pritzker Simmons, actress, heiress
- Marty Simmons, basketball coach, Evansville University
- Tony Simmons, NFL wide receiver 1998–2002
- Paul Simon, politician (Democrat), U.S. Senator 1985–97, presidential candidate (born in Oregon)
- Roger Simon, journalist, columnist for Politico
- Scott Simon, program host for National Public Radio
- Sheila Simon, law professor, Illinois lieutenant governor
- S. Sylvan Simon, film director and producer, I Love Trouble, The Fuller Brush Man, Born Yesterday
- Carole Simpson, radio and TV journalist
- Diane Simpson-Bundy, two-time Olympian in rhythmic gymnastics
- Edna Oakes Simpson, U.S. Representative 1959–61, widow of Sid Simpson
- Sid Simpson, transportation executive, U.S. Representative 1943–58
- Will Simpson, Olympic gold medalist in equestrian
- Mike Singletary, Hall of Fame linebacker for Chicago Bears (born in Texas)
- James Singleton, power forward for the Guangdong Southern Tigers
- Gary Sinise, Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor, director, musician, CSI: NY, Forrest Gump, Apollo 13
- Charlie Siringo, Chicago-based Pinkerton's detective (born in Texas)
- Bob Sirott, radio and TV personality
- Joseph J. Sisco, CIA officer and diplomat
- Gene Siskel, film critic, co-host of Siskel & Ebert
- George Skakel, industrialist, husband of Ethel Kennedy
- William V. Skall, Oscar-winning cinematographer
- Bob Skelton, swimmer, 1924 Olympic gold medalist
- Roe Skidmore, 1-for-1 for Cubs in lone MLB at-bat
- Jeffrey Skilling, former president of Enron, convicted of multiple federal felony charges
- Tom Skilling, meteorologist for WGN News
- Cornelia Otis Skinner, actress and author
- Frank Skinner, Oscar-nominated composer
- Jane Skinner, TV journalist, wife of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
- Samuel K. Skinner, U.S. Secretary of Transportation and White House Chief of Staff for President George H. W. Bush
- Lou Skizas, MLB outfielder 1956–59
- Tony Skoronski, jockey
- Bill "Moose" Skowron, MLB first baseman, five World Series championships with New York Yankees
- Victor Skrebneski, photographer
Sl–Sn
- Jack Slade, gunfighter, Pony Express rider
- Duke Slater, NFL tackle and College Football Hall of Famer
- John Slater, physicist
- James M. Slattery, U.S. Senate appointee
- Martha Sleeper, actress
- Grace Slick, lead singer of Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, composer of "White Rabbit"
- Blake Sloan, NHL winger 1999–2004
- Jerry Sloan, NBA All-Star player and coach for Chicago Bulls, coach of Utah Jazz, member of Hall of Fame
- Jeff Sluman, pro golfer (born in New York)
- Albion W. Small, sociologist and university professor (born in Maine)
- Len Small, state treasurer and 1921–29 Governor of Illinois
- Mike Small, pro golfer and coach
- The Smashing Pumpkins, rock band from Chicago
- Anne Smedinghoff, diplomat killed in Afghanistan
- Ralph C. Smedley, founder of Toastmasters International
- Adrian Smith, architect of Chicago's Trump Tower and Dubai's Burj Khalifa (world's tallest building)
- Al Smith, basketball player in ABA 1971–75
- Al Smith, MLB pitcher 1934–45
- Art Smith, actor, In a Lonely Place, Ride the Pink Horse, Body and Soul
- Frank L. Smith, U.S. Representative 1919–21
- Giles Alexander Smith, Civil War general, politician (born in New York)
- H. Allen Smith, journalist and humorist, Rhubarb
- Hal Smith, catcher for 1960 World Series champion Pittsburgh Pirates
- Hamilton O. Smith, microbiologist, 1978 Nobel Prize (born in New York)
- Harry Smith, television news journalist
- Henry Justin Smith, editor of Chicago Daily News
- Jack Smith, MLB outfielder 1915–29
- Jim Smith, wide receiver, won two Super Bowls with Pittsburgh Steelers
- John C. Smith, Civil War general, politician (born in Pennsylvania)
- John E. Smith, Civil War general, jeweler (born in Switzerland)
- Joseph Smith, founder of Latter Day Saint movement (born in Vermont)
- Kellita Smith, actress and model, The Bernie Mac Show
- Lonnie Smith, MLB outfielder, three-time World Series champion
- Lyall Smith, sports editor and executive
- Patti Smith, singer, songwriter and poet, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- Pinetop Smith, jazz pianist (born in Alabama)
- Ralph Tyler Smith, completed U.S. Senate term of Everett Dirksen
- Ron Smith, defensive back for five NFL teams
- Sally Smith, mayor of Juneau, Alaska 2000–03
- Sandra Smith, reporter for Fox Business Network
- Sidney Smith, cartoonist
- Tangela Smith, player for WNBA's San Antonio Silver Stars
- Theophilus W. Smith, law partner of Aaron Burr, impeached Illinois Supreme Court justice (born in New York)
- Wendell Smith, sportswriter (born in Michigan)
- Jake Smolinski, outfielder for Oakland A's
- Henry Snapp, U.S. Representative 1871–73 (born in New York)
- Howard M. Snapp, U.S. Representative 1903–11 (born in New York)
- Phoebe Snetsinger, bird watcher
- Brian Snitker, manager for the Atlanta Braves
- Carrie Snodgress, Oscar-nominated actress, Diary of a Mad Housewife, The Fury, Murphy's Law, Pale Rider
- Esther Snyder, co-founder of In-N-Out Burger
- Jimmy Snyder, auto racer, runner-up in 1939 Indianapolis 500
- Martin Snyder, gangster, husband of Ruth Etting
- Ted Snyder, songwriter, "Who's Sorry Now?"
So–Ss
- Carol Sobieski, screenwriter, Annie, Fried Green Tomatoes, Casey's Shadow, Sarah, Plain and Tall
- Ron Sobie, basketball player for DePaul, New York Knicks
- Susan Solomon, chemist, MIT professor, Nobel Prize winner
- Jill Soloway, TV and film writer, director
- Georg Solti, conductor of Chicago Symphony Orchestra 1969–91 (born in Hungary)
- Rafael Sorkin, physicist
- Sammy Sosa, outfielder for White Sox and Cubs from 1989–2004 (born in Dominican Republic)
- David Soul, actor, Starsky and Hutch, Here Come the Brides, The Yellow Rose; singer, "Don't Give Up on Us"
- Olan Soule, actor
- Soulja Boy, rapper
- Eddie South, jazz violinist (born in Missouri)
- Pete Souza, official White House photographer for Presidents Reagan and Obama (born in Massachusetts)
- Judy Sowinski, skater in Roller Derby
- Brock Spack, football coach, Illinois State
- Vince Spadea, tennis player
- Horatio Spafford, lawyer, hymn composer (born in New York)
- Albert Spalding, athlete, co-founder of Spalding sporting goods
- John Spalding, Roman Catholic Bishop and co-founder of The Catholic University of America
- William A.J. Sparks, U.S. Representative 1875–83 (born in Indiana)
- Graham Spanier, president of Penn State University (born in South Africa)
- Muggsy Spanier, jazz musician
- Otis Spann, pianist in Blues Hall of Fame (born in Mississippi)
- Jeff Speakman, martial artist, actor, The Perfect Weapon
- Richard Speck, mass murderer
- Dave Spector, Japan television personality
- Jonathan Spector, soccer player for Birmingham City F.C.
- Mac Speedie, wide receiver for Cleveland Browns 1946–52, head coach for Denver Broncos 1964–66
- Douglas Spencer, actor, The Thing from Another World, This Island Earth
- Donald Spero, physicist, Olympic rower
- Lawrence Sperry, aviation pioneer
- August Spies, convicted anarchist of Haymarket affair (born in Germany)
- Ed Spiezio, infielder for St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres
- Scott Spiezio, infielder for four Major League teams; 2002, 2006 World Series champion
- Anthony Spilotro, mobster and enforcer for Chicago Outfit
- Alfred Henry Spink, founder of The Sporting News (born in Canada)
- Scipio Spinks, MLB pitcher 1969–73
- Jim Spivey, middle distance runner, three-time Olympian
- Paul Splittorff, pitcher for Kansas City Royals 1970–84 (born in Indiana)
- Erik Spoelstra, head coach for two-time NBA champion Miami Heat
- Viola Spolin, drama and improv teacher
- George Kirke Spoor, film industry pioneer
- Jerry Springer, Chicago-based TV personality (born in England)
- William L. Springer, U.S. Representative 1951–73
- William M. Springer, U.S. Representative 1875–95 (born in Indiana)
- June Squibb, Oscar-nominated actress, Nebraska, About Schmidt
Sta–Std
- Dewayne Staats, sportscaster (born in Missouri)
- Brian Stack, comedy writer
- Eddie Stack, MLB pitcher 1910–14
- Marv Staehle, infielder for Chicago White Sox 1964–67
- Jimmy Stafford, lead guitarist for Train
- Michelle Stafford, actress, The Young and the Restless
- Amos Alonzo Stagg, College Hall of Fame football coach and athlete, creator of the lateral pass and helmet
- Amos Alonzo Stagg Jr., college football player and coach
- Paul Stagg, college football player and coach
- Jake Stahl, MLB player and manager, 1912 World Series
- Larry Stahl, outfielder for four MLB teams
- Michael Stahl-David, actor, The Black Donnellys, Cloverfield
- A.E. Staley, food mogul, founder of football's Decatur Staleys (who became Chicago Bears)
- Harry Staley, MLB pitcher 1888–95
- Kevin Stallings, basketball head coach for Vanderbilt
- Dino Stamatopoulos, comedy writer, actor, producer
- Lee Stange, pitcher for four MLB teams
- Don Stanhouse, pitcher for four MLB teams
- Pete Stanicek, MLB player
- Steve Stanicek, MLB player
- Aileen Stanley, early 20th-century singer
- Dolph Stanley, basketball coach
- Florence Stanley, actress, Fiddler on the Roof, Fish
- Louise Stanley, actress, Sky Bandits, Yukon Flight
- Walter Stanley, NFL wide receiver
- The Staple Singers, gospel group, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Mavis Staples, gospel singer
- Tim Stapleton, NHL center 2008–12
- Ellen Gates Starr, social reformer and co-founder of Hull House
- Vincent Starrett, early 20th-century journalist
- Todd Stashwick, actor, The Riches
- Harry Statham, college basketball coach
- Jigger Statz, MLB outfielder 1919–28
Ste–Stn
- Jack Steadman, president, general manager of NFL's Kansas City Chiefs
- Steamboat Willie, Dixieland jazz musician
- Myrtle Stedman, singer and actress
- Claude Steele, provost at Columbia, University of California
- Dan Steele, two-time Olympian in bobsled, NCAA champion hurdler
- Shelby Steele, columnist, documentary filmmaker, author of White Guilt
- Miriam Steever, pro tennis player
- Walter Steffen, All-American quarterback, University of Chicago
- Cindy Stein, women's basketball coach, Missouri and Southern Illinois
- James R. Stein, TV writer and producer, America 2-Night, Fernwood 2 Night, Son of the Beach
- Jill Stein, physician, activist, Green Party politician
- Eric Steinbach, NFL offensive lineman 2003–12
- Jack Steinberger, physicist, Nobel Prize winner
- Ruth Ann Steinhagen, shot ballplayer Eddie Waitkus, inspired The Natural
- John Henry Stelle, lieutenant governor 1937–40, briefly Governor of Illinois
- Rick Stelmaszek, catcher and bullpen coach for Minnesota Twins
- Dutch Sternaman, football player, co-owner of Decatur Staleys (who became Chicago Bears)
- Joey Sternaman, 1920s pro football quarterback
- Marilee Stepan, swimmer, 1952 Olympic bronze medalist
- Donald Stephens, 13-term mayor of Rosemont, Illinois
- Michael Stephens, pro soccer player
- Benjamin Stephenson, militia commander, politician, writer of state constitution (born in Pennsylvania)
- John Allen Sterling, U.S. Representative 1903–18
- Thomas Sterling, Springfield attorney, U.S. Senator of South Dakota 1913–25 (born in Ohio)
- Lee Stern, six-decade member of Chicago Board of Trade, founder-president of Chicago Sting pro soccer
- Dodie Stevens, singer, "Pink Shoe Laces"
- Fisher Stevens, actor, producer, director, Early Edition, Key West, Short Circuit, Stand Up Guys
- John Paul Stevens, attorney, Supreme Court Justice 1975–2010, third-longest tenure in court's history
- Adlai Stevenson I, Illinois congressman, U.S. postmaster general, 23rd Vice President of the United States 1893–97 (born in Kentucky)
- Adlai Stevenson II, attorney, politician (Democrat) Governor of Illinois, Ambassador to the United Nations, presidential candidate in 1952 and 1956 (born in California)
- Adlai Stevenson III, politician (Democrat), congressman and U.S. Senator from Illinois 1970–81
- Lewis Stevenson, Illinois secretary of state 1914–17, father of Adlai Stevenson II
- McLean Stevenson, actor, M*A*S*H, Hello, Larry, The Doris Day Show
- William Stevenson, Olympic gold medalist, college president, ambassador
- Helen J. Stewart, pioneer, postmaster of Las Vegas
- James B. Stewart, journalist, 1988 Pulitzer Prize
- Levi Stewart, Mormon pioneer, associate of Brigham Young
- Lynn D. Stewart, lineman for Illinois in 1964 Rose Bowl, co-founder of Hooters restaurants
- David Ogden Stiers, actor, orchestral conductor; M*A*S*H, The Dead Zone, Doc Hollywood, Better Off Dead
- Isaiah Stillman, militia commander, Black Hawk War (born in Massachusetts)
- Darryl Stingley, NFL receiver, left quadriplegic by injury
- Howard St. John, actor, Born Yesterday, Li'l Abner, One, Two, Three
Sto–Stz
- Barbara Stock, actress, Spenser: For Hire
- Frederick Stock, 37-year director of Chicago Symphony Orchestra (born in Germany)
- Milt Stock, MLB third baseman 1913–26
- James Stockdale, one of U.S. Navy's most highly decorated officers, 1992 vice-presidential candidate
- Dejan Stojanović, poet, writer, essayist (born in Serbia)
- Johnny Stompanato, gangster, killed by daughter of Lana Turner
- Cynthia Stone, actress, wife of Jack Lemmon
- Dean Stone, pitcher for six MLB teams
- Melville E. Stone, publisher, founder of Chicago Daily News, manager of Associated Press
- Steve Stone, pitcher and broadcaster, Cubs and White Sox (born in Ohio)
- W. Clement Stone, philanthropist, self-help author
- Steve Stonebreaker, NFL linebacker 1962–68
- Bill Stoneman, pitcher for Montreal Expos, general manager of Los Angeles Angels
- Wilbur F. Storey, journalist (born in Vermont)
- Hannah Storm, ESPN sportscaster
- Lauren Storm, actress, Flight 29 Down
- John Stossel, consumer reporter, investigative journalist, author
- Jean Stothert, mayor of Omaha, Nebraska
- Shirley Stovroff, pro baseball player
- Otto Stowe, NFL wide receiver 1971–74
- Michael Stoyanov, actor, TV comedy writer, Blossom
- Win Stracke, folk musician
- Hank Stram, Pro Football Hall of Fame coach of Kansas City Chiefs
- William Stratton, Governor of Illinois 1953–61
- Michael W. Straus, editor, director of U.S. reclamation under Harry Truman
- The Brothers Strause, directing duo, special effects artists
- Kevin Streelman, pro golfer
- Tai Streets, Michigan football and basketball player, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
- Steve Stricker, pro golfer, University of Illinois player (born in Wisconsin)
- Lee Strobel, Christian apologetic author
- John Stroger, president of Cook County Commissioners 1994–2006
- Cal Strong, Olympic water polo medalist
- Cecily Strong, comedian, Saturday Night Live
- Barbara Stuart, television actress
- John Stuart, CEO of Quaker Oats
- John T. Stuart, law partner of Abe Lincoln, U.S. Representative (born in Kentucky)
- R. Douglas Stuart, U.S. ambassador to Canada
- R. Douglas Stuart Jr., executive of Quaker Oats, ambassador to Norway
- Andy Studebaker, NFL linebacker
- Mary Lou Studnicka, player in All-American Girls Baseball League
- James J. Stukel, university president
- Patrick Stump, lead singer of band Fall Out Boy
- John Sturges, Oscar-nominated film director, The Magnificent Seven, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, The Great Escape
- Preston Sturges, director and Oscar-winning screenwriter, The Lady Eve, Sullivan's Travels, The Miracle of Morgan's Creek
Su–Sz
- Todd Sucherman, drummer for Styx
- Bill Sudakis, infielder for six Major League teams
- Harry Sukman, Oscar-winning composer
- Billy Sullivan Jr., MLB catcher 1931–47
- Gerry Sullivan, offensive lineman for Cleveland Browns 1974–81
- Joe Sullivan, MLB pitcher 1935–41
- Louis Sullivan, architect (born in Massachusetts)
- McKey Sullivan, fashion model
- Mike Sullivan, NFL lineman and coach
- Hope Summers, actress, The Andy Griffith Show
- Billy Sunday, ballplayer and evangelist (born in Iowa)
- Jim Sundberg, MLB catcher 1974–89, six Gold Glove Awards
- Don Sundquist, Governor of Tennessee 1995–2003
- Daniel Sunjata, actor, Rescue Me, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The Devil Wears Prada
- Tom Sunkel, MLB pitcher 1937–44
- Evar Swanson, MLB outfielder 1929–34
- Gloria Swanson, Oscar-nominated, Golden Globe-winning actress, Sunset Boulevard, The Trespasser, Airport 1975
- Gladys Swarthout, opera singer (born in Missouri)
- Aaron Swartz, computer programmer, writer
- Ed Sweeney, MLB catcher 1908–1919
- Blanche Sweet, actress, Anna Christie
- Lynn Sweet, Washington bureau chief, Chicago Sun-Times
- Nancy Swider-Peltz, speed skater, four-time Olympian
- George Bell Swift, two-term Mayor of Chicago (born in Ohio)
- Gustavus Franklin Swift, meat-packing entrepreneur, founder of Swift & Co. (born in Massachusetts)
- Emerson Swinford, musician
- Bob Swisher, running back for Chicago Bears 1938–41
- Ann Swisshelm, 2014 Olympian in curling
- Carl Switzer, actor, "Alfalfa" in Our Gang comedies
- Ken Swofford, actor, Ellery Queen, Murder, She Wrote
- Keith Szarabajka, actor, The Dark Knight, We Were Soldiers
- Stan Szukala, pro basketball player
T
Ta–Tg
- Lorado Taft, sculptor
- Joe Tait, sportscaster for Cleveland Cavaliers
- Carlos Talbott, U.S. Air Force general
- Maria Tallchief, ballerina, Chicago Lyric Opera director (born in Oklahoma)
- Jill Talley, actress, Little Miss Sunshine, The Boondocks, Mr. Show
- Shel Talmy, 1960s record producer, songwriter, arranger
- Tampa Red, musician in Blues Hall of Fame (born in Georgia)
- Daniel M. Tani, astronaut (born in Pennsylvania)
- Bazy Tankersley, horse breeder and publisher
- Antwon Tanner, actor, One Tree Hill
- John Riley Tanner, Governor of Illinois 1897–1901 (born in Indiana)
- Joseph R. Tanner, astronaut
- Dorothea Tanning, artist
- Lawrence Tanter, public address announcer, Los Angeles Lakers
- El Tappe, catcher and coach for Chicago Cubs
- Bill Tate, MVP of 1952 Rose Bowl, head coach at Wake Forest
- Larenz Tate, actor, Dead Presidents, Menace II Society, Why Do Fools Fall in Love, Ray, The Postman
- Mark Tatge, journalist
- Norman Taurog, director of Martin and Lewis, Elvis Presley films
- Bert Leston Taylor, librettist and columnist (born in Massachusetts)
- Billy Taylor, basketball coach, Lehigh and Ball State
- Eddie Taylor, guitarist in Blues Hall of Fame (born in Mississippi)
- Edmund Dick Taylor, coal miner, politician, "Father of the Greenback" (born in Virginia)
- George A. Taylor, World War II general, led Omaha Beach landing
- Hawk Taylor, catcher for four MLB teams
- Joan Taylor, actress, 20 Million Miles to Earth, War Paint, The Rifleman
- Josh Taylor, actor, Days of Our Lives
- June Taylor, choreographer, The Jackie Gleason Show
- Koko Taylor, singer (born in Tennessee)
- Lili Taylor, actress, Six Feet Under, I Shot Andy Warhol, Mystic Pizza, Ransom, The Conjuring
- Robert Lewis Taylor, author, 1959 Pulitzer Prize
- Samuel A. Taylor, screenwriter, Sabrina, Vertigo
- Margaret Taylor-Burroughs, artist, museum founder, parks commissioner (born in Louisiana)
- Edwin Way Teale, naturalist and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer
- Gus Tebell, football coach, NC State, Virginia
- Barbara Ann Teer, founder of National Black Theatre
- Len Teeuws, lineman for NFL's Rams and Cardinals
- Rick Telander, sportswriter for Sports Illustrated and Chicago Sun-Times
- Andy Tennant, actor, writer, film director, Hitch, Sweet Home Alabama, The Bounty Hunter
- Judy Tenuta, comedian
- Studs Terkel, historian, journalist, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and actor, Eight Men Out
- Ernie Terrell, heavyweight contender, Chicago boxing promoter (born in Mississippi)
- Felisha Terrell, actress, Days of Our Lives
- Jean Terrell, singer with The Supremes
- Frank Teschemacher, jazz musician (born in Missouri)
- Tim Tetrick, harness racing driver, won 2012 Hambletonian Stakes
Th–Tn
- John Thain, CEO of Merrill Lynch, New York Stock Exchange
- Tom Thayer, offensive lineman and radio commentator for Chicago Bears
- Lynne Thigpen, actress, Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?, All My Children, The Paper, The District
- Roy Thinnes, actor, The Invaders, The Long, Hot Summer, Airport 1975, The Hindenburg, Falcon Crest
- Napoleon B. Thistlewood, Cairo politician (born in Delaware)
- Josh Thole, catcher for Toronto Blue Jays
- Bill Thomas, costume designer, 10 Oscar nominations
- Deon Thomas, American-Israeli basketball player
- Frank Thomas, Hall of Fame first baseman, DH for Chicago White Sox (born in Georgia)
- Frazier Thomas, Chicago television personality (born in Indiana)
- Isiah Thomas, Hall of Fame basketball player, coach, executive; NCAA champion Indiana, NBA champion Detroit Pistons
- Jesse B. Thomas, one of state's first U.S. Senators (born in Virginia)
- Lee Thomas, MLB player and executive
- Pierre Thomas, running back for the Super Bowl XLIV champion New Orleans Saints
- Pinch Thomas, MLB catcher 1912–21
- Robert R. Thomas, justice on state Supreme Court since 2000, placekicker for Notre Dame and Chicago Bears (born in New York)
- Theodore Thomas, violinist, conductor and founder of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (born in Germany)
- Jim Thome, MLB first baseman, DH 1991–2012, five-time All-Star
- Don Thompson, president of McDonald's 2012–15
- Fountain L. Thompson, U.S. Senator of North Dakota
- James R. Thompson, politician (Republican), U.S. Attorney and four-term Governor of Illinois
- Jeri Kehn Thompson, political commentator, wife of Sen. Fred Thompson (born in Nebraska)
- Junior Thompson, MLB pitcher 1939–47
- Marshall Thompson, actor, Dial 1119, Crashout, My Six Convicts, To Hell and Back, It!, First Man into Space
- Patricia Thompson, television and documentary producer
- William Hale Thompson, politician (Republican), two-term Mayor of Chicago (born in Massachusetts)
- James Thomson, developmental biologist
- Brad Thor, thriller novelist
- Skip Thoren, basketball center for Illinois 1962–65
- Don Thorp, defensive lineman, 1983 Big Ten MVP
- Noble Threewitt, horse racing trainer
- Richard Threlkeld, television journalist (born in Iowa)
- Paul Tibbets, pilot of the Enola Gay, U.S. Air Force general
- Eunice Tietjens, foreign correspondent
- Pamela Tiffin, actress, One, Two, Three, The Pleasure Seekers, Harper, State Fair, Viva Max! (born in Oklahoma)
- Charles Tillman, cornerback for Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers
- Burr Tillstrom, puppeteer, creator of Kukla, Fran and Ollie
- Tom Timmermann, MLB pitcher 1969–74
- Joe Tinker, Hall of Fame shortstop for Chicago Cubs (born in Kansas)
To–Tq
- John Tobias, creator of Mortal Kombat video game
- James Tobin, economist, 1981 Nobel Prize
- Albert Tocco, organized crime figure
- Beverly Todd, actress, Lean on Me, The Bucket List
- Jonathan Toews, three-time Stanley Cup champion with Chicago Blackhawks (born in Canada)
- Gregg Toland, cinematographer, Citizen Kane
- Scott Tolzien, quarterback for Green Bay Packers
- David Tom, actor, The Young and the Restless, All My Children
- Lauren Tom, actress and voice artist, King of the Hill, The Joy Luck Club, Futurama, W.I.T.C.H.
- Nicholle Tom, actress, The Nanny, The Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman, Her Only Child
- Clyde Tombaugh, astronomer, discoverer of dwarf planet Pluto
- Mike Tomczak, quarterback for four NFL teams
- Darlene Tompkins, actress, Beyond the Time Barrier, Blue Hawaii
- Mario Tonelli, football player, survivor of Bataan Death March
- Judy Baar Topinka, politician (Republican), comptroller, state treasurer
- Mel Tormé, singer, composer, actor, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, co-wrote "The Christmas Song"
- Jorge Torres, NCAA cross-country champion
- Johnny Torrio, organized crime figure (born in Italy)
- Audrey Totter, actress, The Postman Always Rings Twice, The Set-Up, High Wall, Tension, Lady in the Lake
- Cy Touff, trumpeter
- Roger Touhy, organized crime figure
- Tom Towles, actor
- Andre Townsend, starter in two Super Bowls for Denver Broncos
- Robert Townsend, actor and director, The Parent 'Hood, The Five Heartbeats, Hollywood Shuffle
- Taylor Townsend, tennis player
- Giorgio Tozzi, opera singer
Tr–Tz
- Al Trace, songwriter and bandleader
- George Trafton, Hall of Fame center for Chicago Bears
- Jane Trahey, advertising executive
- Mary Ellen Trainor, actress, Roswell, Parker Lewis Can't Lose, the Lethal Weapon films
- Rick Tramonto, restaurateur
- June Travis, actress, Circus Girl, The Case of the Black Cat
- Sam Travis, MLB infielder
- Sam Treiman, theoretical physicist
- Les Tremayne, radio personality (born in England)
- Ken Trickey, college basketball coach (born in Missouri)
- Roswell Tripp, football player for Yale
- Dick Triptow, pro basketball player and coach
- Lennie Tristano, jazz pianist
- Walter Trohan, journalist
- Harry Trotsek, Hall of Fame thoroughbred trainer
- Bill Trotter, MLB pitcher 1937–44
- Charlie Trotter, restaurateur
- Bobbi Trout, aviatrix
- Jim True-Frost, actor, The Wire
- Walter E. Truemper, pilot, World War II Medal of Honor recipient
- Frankie Trumbauer, jazz saxophonist
- Lyman Trumbull, politician (Democrat, Republican), Illinois Supreme Court Justice, U.S. Senator, author of Thirteenth Amendment (born in Connecticut)
- Bob Trumpy, tight end for Cincinnati Bengals, sportscaster
- Dennis Tufano, singer for The Buckinghams
- Robin Tunney, actress, The Mentalist, Prison Break, The Craft, Hollywoodland, Vertical Limit
- William Tuohy, Pulitzer-winning foreign correspondent
- Barbara Turf, CEO of Crate & Barrel
- Bob Turley, Cy Young-winning pitcher, primarily with New York Yankees
- Bulldog Turner, Hall of Fame player for Chicago Bears (born in Texas)
- Evan Turner, guard for Boston Celtics
- Ike and Tina Turner, musical duo, began in East St. Louis
- Jonathan Baldwin Turner, scholar, botanist, advocate of land grant universities (born in Massachusetts)
- Keena Turner, linebacker for San Francisco 49ers, four-time Super Bowl champion
- Michael Turner, NFL running back 2004–12
- Stansfield Turner, admiral and CIA director
- Scott Turow, author and lawyer, Presumed Innocent
- Bill Tuttle, MLB outfielder 1952–63
- Jeff Tweedy, musician with Wilco
- Twista, rapper
- R. Emmett Tyrrell Jr., founder, editor of The American Spectator
U
- Peter Ueberroth, president of U.S. Olympic Committee, commissioner of Major League Baseball
- Ted Uhlaender, outfielder for Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians
- Tyler Ulis, basketball player for Phoenix Suns (born in Michigan)
- Chuck Ulrich, lineman for Illinois 1952 Rose Bowl championship team and NFL's Chicago Cardinals
- Jim Umbricht, pitcher for Houston Colt .45s
- Kay Unger, fashion designer
- Tim Unroe, MLB first baseman 1995–2000
- Paul Unruh, 1950 All-America basketball player for Bradley
- Al Unser, MLB catcher 1942–45
- Del Unser, outfielder for six MLB teams
- Phil Upchurch, jazz and R&B guitarist and bassist
- Dawn Upshaw, Grammy-winning soprano
- Calla Urbanski, pairs skater, two-time U.S. champion
- Kraig Urbik, offensive lineman for Buffalo Bills
- Brian Urlacher, 13-year linebacker for Chicago Bears, 8-time Pro Bowl selection (born in Washington)
- Frank Urson, silent-film director, Chicago
- Garrick Utley, television journalist
V
- Richard B. Vail, World War I officer, U.S. Representative
- Jerry Vainisi, general manager of Chicago Bears 1983–86
- Jim Valek, football player, coach for Illinois
- Darnell Valentine, NBA guard 1981–91
- Elmer Valentine, founder of Whisky a Go Go and The Roxy Theatre
- Vincent Valentine, defensive tackle for New England Patriots
- Virginia Valli, silent movie actress
- Egbert Van Alstyne, songwriter, "In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree"
- John S. Van Bergen, architect
- Al Van Camp, MLB first baseman, outfielder 1928–32
- Danitra Vance, actress, Saturday Night Live cast member
- Gene Vance, basketball player, athletic director for Illinois
- Art Van Damme, accordionist (born in Michigan)
- Christian Vande Velde, professional cyclist
- James Oliver Van de Velde, second Bishop of Chicago (born in Belgium)
- Shaun Vandiver, basketball player and coach
- Carl Clinton Van Doren, author, 1939 Pulitzer Prize for biography
- Mark Van Doren, professor, 1940 Pulitzer Prize for poetry
- Wendelin Van Draanen, author of Sammy Keyes children's novels
- Dick Van Dyke, actor, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Diagnosis: Murder, Bye Bye Birdie, Mary Poppins (born in Missouri)
- Jerry Van Dyke, actor, comedian, Coach, The Courtship of Eddie's Father, My Mother the Car
- Brian Van Holt, actor, Cougar Town, John from Cincinnati
- Phillip Edward Van Lear, actor, Prison Break
- Norm Van Lier, player and broadcaster for Chicago Bulls (born in Ohio)
- Homer Van Meter, bank robber (born in Indiana)
- Sander Vanocur, television news journalist
- John M. Van Osdel, architect (born in Maryland)
- Melvin Van Peebles, director, screenwriter, actor, composer
- Jim Van Pelt, CFL quarterback
- Todd Van Poppel, MLB pitcher 1991–2004
- Samuel Van Sant, Governor of Minnesota 1901–05
- Virginia Van Upp, writer, producer, Cover Girl, Gilda
- Virginia Van Wie, golfer, 3-time U.S. Women's Amateur champion
- Bruce Vaughan, golfer, winner of British Senior Open
- Chico Vaughn, Southern Illinois and pro basketball player
- Clarence Vaughn, NFL defensive back 1987–92
- Govoner Vaughn, basketball player
- Hippo Vaughn, pitcher for Cubs 1913–21 (born in Texas)
- Vince Vaughn, actor, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Wedding Crashers, Fred Claus, Psycho, The Break-Up
- Eddie Vedder, lead vocalist for Pearl Jam
- Bill Veeck, owner of Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Browns, member of Hall of Fame
- William Veeck Sr., sportswriter, president of Chicago Cubs
- Nadine Velazquez, actress and model, My Name Is Earl, Flight
- Rachel Veltri, actress and model
- Robin Ventura, third baseman, manager for Chicago White Sox (born in California)
- Rick Venturi, head football coach for Northwestern, defensive coordinator for four NFL teams
- Mark Venturini, actor
- Emil Verban, infielder for Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals
- Jim Verraros, singer, Season 1 of American Idol
- Dick Versace, basketball coach, Bradley and Indiana Pacers (born in North Carolina)
- Izabela Vidovic, actress, singer, The Fosters, About a Boy
- Vince Vieluf, actor, Love, Inc., Rat Race
- Marjorie Vincent, news broadcaster and 1991 Miss America
- Jory Vinikour, harpsichordist and conductor
- Steve Vinovich, actor
- Craig Virgin, distance runner, 3-time Olympian, winner of 9 Big Ten track titles and NCAA cross country
- John Vivyan, actor, Mr. Lucky
- Virgil W. Vogel, film and TV director
- Rich Vogler, auto racer, five Indianapolis 500s
- Deborah Voigt, opera singer
- Mark Voigt, NASCAR driver
- Bob Voigts, Northwestern football player and coach
- Harry Volkman, 45-year Chicago television weather forecaster
- Pete Vonachen, Minor League Baseball executive
- Kevin Von Erich, professional wrestler
- Edward Vrdolyak, politician, Chicago alderman 1971–87, convicted of fraud
- George Vukovich, MLB outfielder 1980–85
- Charles W. Vursell, sheriff of Marion County, Illinois, U.S. Representative 1943–59
W
Waa–Wam
- The Wachowskis, filmmakers, the Matrix trilogy
- Charles H. Wacker, city planner, director of Chicago World's Fair
- Dwyane Wade, basketball player for Chicago Bulls, 3-time NBA champion with Miami Heat
- Robert Wadlow, tallest man in U.S.
- E. S. Wadsworth, merchant, railroad president (born in Connecticut)
- Arthur L. Wagner, U.S. Army general
- Audrey Wagner, pro baseball player
- Gary Wagner, pitcher for Philadelphia Phillies 1965–69
- Mike Wagner, defensive back for Pittsburgh Steelers, won 4 Super Bowls
- Susan Wagner, financial executive, co-founder of BlackRock
- Ken Wahl, actor, Wiseguy, The Wanderers, Fort Apache, the Bronx
- Becky Wahlstrom, actress, Joan of Arcadia
- Jerry Wainwright, basketball coach of DePaul 2005–10
- Frank Wainright, tight end for four NFL teams
- Dick Wakefield, MLB outfielder 1941–52
- Tim Walberg, U.S. Representative of Michigan
- Eliot Wald, TV and film comedy writer
- Frank Waldman, screenwriter, The Party, Return of the Pink Panther
- Tom Waldman, screenwriter, High Time, Inspector Clouseau
- Jim Walewander, MLB infielder 1987–93
- Charles Rudolph Walgreen, founder of Walgreens
- Albertina Walker, gospel singer
- Antoine Walker, forward for five NBA teams
- Bill Walker, MLB pitcher 1927–36
- Chet Walker, forward for Bradley and Chicago Bulls (born in Michigan)
- Clint Walker, actor, Cheyenne, The Dirty Dozen, Yellowstone Kelly, None but the Brave, The Night of the Grizzly
- Dan Walker, Governor of Illinois 1973–77 (born in D.C.)
- Darrell Walker, player for five NBA teams
- Derrick Walker, tight end for three NFL teams
- George W. Walker, auto designer, original Ford Thunderbird
- June Walker, actress
- Mysterious Walker, three-sport athlete, coach for University of Chicago (born in Nebraska)
- Nella Walker, actress
- Amy Wallace, author (born in California)
- Chris Wallace, television journalist, Fox News Channel
- David Foster Wallace, author (born in New York)
- Henry Cantwell Wallace, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture 1921–24
- Irving Wallace, author and screenwriter
- Jean Wallace, actress, Jigsaw, The Big Combo
- Martin R. M. Wallace, Union general in Civil War (born in Ohio)
- Mike Wallace, Chicago radio-TV personality and CBS News journalist (born in Massachusetts)
- Stan Wallace, defensive back for Chicago Bears 1954–59
- W.H.L. Wallace, Union general in Civil War (born in Ohio)
- Stephen Wallem, actor, Nurse Jackie
- Hal Wallis, film producer, Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, Blue Hawaii, True Grit
- Joe Wallis, MLB outfielder 1975–79
- Laurie Walquist, quarterback for Chicago Bears 1924–31
- Ed Walsh, pitcher and manager for Chicago White Sox, member of Hall of Fame (born in Pennsylvania)
- Frank Walsh, pro golfer, 1932 PGA Championship runner-up
- Matt Walsh, actor, Upright Citizens Brigade, Veep
- Kevin Walter, NFL wide receiver 2003–13
- Melora Walters, actress, Cold Mountain, Boogie Nights, Magnolia
- Lloyd Walton, guard for Milwaukee Bucks 1976–80
Wan–Waz
- Sam Wanamaker, film director and actor, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, Superman IV, Guilty by Suspicion
- Carl Wanderer, World War I hero, convicted murderer
- Rudolf Wanderone, billiards' "Minnesota Fats" (born in New York)
- Betty Wanless, baseball player
- Aaron Montgomery Ward, retail businessman, creator of mail order catalog (born in New Jersey)
- Arch Ward, journalist, creator of baseball All-Star Game and boxing's Golden Gloves
- Wilbur Ware, jazz bassist
- Marsha Warfield, actress, Night Court
- Cy Warmoth, MLB player 1916–23
- Mark Warner, politician (Democrat), governor and U.S. senator of Virginia (born in Indiana)
- Vespasian Warner, Civil War soldier, U.S. Representative
- Elihu B. Washburne, U.S. Secretary of State under Ulysses S. Grant (born in Maine)
- Hempstead Washburne, Mayor of Chicago 1891–93
- Dinah Washington, singer, 1993 inductee in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (born in Alabama)
- Harold Washington, first African-American Mayor of Chicago
- Mark Washington, NFL defensive back 1970–79
- Stan Wasiak, managed 4,844 minor-league baseball games
- Ted Wass, actor, Soap, Blossom, Oh, God! You Devil, Sheena, Curse of the Pink Panther
- Muddy Waters, blues musician and songwriter, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (born in Mississippi)
- Maurine Dallas Watkins, Chicago reporter who wrote stage play Chicago (born in Kentucky)
- Jody Watley, singer, songwriter, and record producer
- Betty Jane Watson, singer and actress
- Bobby Watson, actor
- Deek Watson, original member of singing group The Ink Spots
- Elmo Scott Watson, journalist and professor, authority on American West
- James Watson, molecular biologist, geneticist, zoologist, co-discoverer of structure of DNA, winner of the Nobel Prize
- Minor Watson, actor, Boys Town, The Jackie Robinson Story
- William Watson, actor, Lawman, Chato's Land
- May Theilgaard Watts, naturalist and writer
- Bobby Wawak, auto racer
- Ruby Wax, comedian, TV personality, Absolutely Fabulous, Girls on Top
- Carol Wayne, actress, television personality, Heartbreakers
- Nina Wayne, actress, Luv
Wb–Wg
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- Frank Wead, aviator and Oscar-nominated screenwriter
- Betty, Jean and Joanne Weaver, sisters in All-American Girls Professional Baseball League
- Buck Weaver, third baseman for 1917 World Series champion White Sox and 1919 "Black Sox" (born in Pennsylvania)
- Jason Weaver, actor, Smart Guy, Thea
- Bill Webb, coach, executive with White Sox
- Richard Webb, actor, Out of the Past, Distant Drums
- Wellington Webb, mayor of Denver, Colorado 1991–2003
- Jon Weber, jazz musician, NPR host
- Pete Weber, hockey broadcaster
- Mary Webster, actress
- Stokely Webster, impressionist painter
- Tracy Webster, basketball coach
- Reinhold Weege, comedy writer, creator of TV series Night Court
- Charles Weeghman, businessman, built Wrigley Field, owned Chicago Cubs (born in Indiana)
- D. A. Weibring, professional golfer
- Tim Weigel, Chicago television broadcaster
- Joseph "Yellow Kid" Weil, notorious con artist
- Bob Weiland, pitcher for five MLB teams
- Jane Weiller, golfer
- Alvin M. Weinberg, nuclear physicist
- Lawrence Weingarten, Oscar-winning film producer
- Robbie Weinhardt, pitcher for Detroit Tigers
- Phil Weintraub, MLB player, had 11-RBI game in 1944
- Hymie Weiss, mobster, rival of Al Capone (born in Poland)
- Lois Weisberg, created Chicago Blues Festival and Taste of Chicago
- Burton Weisbrod, economist who pioneered the theory of option value
- Mark Weisbrot, economist, columnist
- Mark Weiser, chief scientist at Xerox PARC
- Bob Weiskopf, TV writer, I Love Lucy
- Michael T. Weiss, actor, The Pretender, The Legend of Tarzan
- Robbie Weiss, 1988 NCAA tennis champion
- Johnny Weissmuller, athlete and actor, 5-time Olympic swim gold medalist, star of Tarzan films (born in Hungary)
- Raquel Welch, actress, One Million Years B.C., Fantastic Voyage, Bandolero!, The Last of Sheila, Myra Breckinridge
- Jerry Weller, U.S. Representative 1995–2009
- Judson Welliver, presidential speechwriter
- Jon Wellner, actor, Henry Andrews on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
- Junior Wells, blues musician (born in Tennessee)
- Randy Wells, pitcher for Chicago Cubs 2008–12
- Marty Wendell, football player for Notre Dame
- Joe Wendryhoski, NFL guard 1964–68
- George Wendt, actor, Norm Peterson on television series Cheers
- John Wentworth, politician (Democrat), U.S. Congressman, Mayor of Chicago and newspaper editor (born in New Hampshire)
- Pete Wentz, bass player of Fall Out Boy
- Dennis Werth, player for New York Yankees 1979–81
- Jayson Werth, outfielder for Washington Nationals
- Paul Wertico, drummer with Pat Metheny Group
- Dallas West, billiards player
- Kanye West, multiple Grammy Award-winning rap musician, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, fashion designer, and actor; husband of reality TV star Kim Kardashian
- Matthew West, Christian musician
- Roy Owen West, U.S. Secretary of the Interior 1928–29
- Helen Westerman, baseball player
- Thomas D. Westfall, mayor of El Paso, Texas 1978–82
- Edward Weston, photographer
- Haskell Wexler, Oscar-winning cinematographer, producer, director
- Jerrold Wexler, financier
Wh
- Loren E. Wheeler, mayor of Springfield, U.S. Representative
- John Whistler, first commandant of Fort Dearborn (born in Ireland)
- Betty White, Emmy-winning actress and comedian, The Golden Girls, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Proposal, Hot in Cleveland
- Deacon White, baseball Hall of Famer (born in New York)
- Frank White, 8th governor of North Dakota, 1921–28 U.S. Secretary of Treasury
- Isaac White, 19th-century militia officer (born in Virginia)
- Jesse White, politician, Illinois Secretary of State
- John H. White, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer
- Maurice White, musician, founder of Earth, Wind & Fire
- Michole Briana White, actress
- Stephanie White, basketball player and coach
- Verdine White, musician, original member of Earth, Wind & Fire
- Wendy White, opera singer
- Willye White, track-and-field athlete, five-time Olympian
- Jerome Whitehead, center-forward for Marquette, six NBA teams
- John C. Whitehead, banker, civil servant, chairman of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation
- Steven Whitehurst, author, poet, educator
- Larry Whiteside, sportswriter, 2008 Spink Award winner
- Samuel Whiteside, soldier and 19th-century member of U.S. General Assembly (born in North Carolina)
- Richard A. Whiting, composer, "On the Good Ship Lollipop", "Hooray for Hollywood"
Wi
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- Al Wickland, MLB outfielder 1913–19
- Richard Widmark, Oscar-nominated actor, Judgment at Nuremberg, The Alamo, Kiss of Death, Night and the City, How the West Was Won, Murder on the Orient Express
- Scott Wike, U.S. Representative, assistant treasury secretary to Grover Cleveland (born in Pennsylvania)
- Michael Wilbon, sports columnist, TV commentator, co-host of ESPN's Pardon the Interruption
- Wilco, rock band from Chicago
- Lee and Lyn Wilde, actresses, Twice Blessed, Campus Honeymoon
- Tim Wilkerson, drag racer
- Jeff Wilkins, center for Utah Jazz 1980–86
- Steve Wilkos, television personality, The Jerry Springer Show, The Steve Wilkos Show
- Bob Will, outfielder for Cubs 1957–63
- George Will, conservative Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist, journalist, ABC news analyst, author
- Frances E. Willard, suffragist, head of temperance union, Northwestern dean of women (born in New York)
- Frank Willard, cartoonist, creator of Moon Mullins
- Walt Willey, actor, All My Children
- Aaron Williams, forward for 10 NBA teams
- Billy Williams, 15-year outfielder for Cubs, member of Hall of Fame (born in Alabama)
- Brandon Williams, NFL tight end
- Cynda Williams, actress, Mo' Better Blues, One False Move
- Dick Anthony Williams, actor, Homefront, The Mack, Dog Day Afternoon
- Frank Williams, guard for New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls
- Jason Williams, linebacker for five NFL teams
- Jesse Williams, actor, Grey's Anatomy, Lee Daniels' The Butler
- Joe Williams, jazz and blues singer, Count Basie Orchestra (born in Georgia)
- Joe Williams, wrestler, 3-time NCAA champion
- Kenny Williams, outfielder, executive for Chicago White Sox (born in California)
- Kyle Williams, wide receiver for Denver Broncos
- Mayo Williams, football player and music producer
- Michelle Williams, R&B singer-songwriter, member of Destiny's Child, actress
- Robin Williams, comedian and Oscar-winning actor, Good Will Hunting, Good Morning, Vietnam, Mrs. Doubtfire, Dead Poets Society, Night at the Museum, Mork & Mindy, Aladdin
- Rip Williams, MLB player 1911–18
- Ron Williams, CEO and chairman of Aetna Inc. 2006–11
- Tex Williams, western swing musician
- William E. Williams, 3-term U.S. Representative
- Richard S. Williamson, diplomat in George W. Bush administration
- Sonny Boy Williamson, blues harmonica musician (born in Tennessee)
- Dave Willock, actor, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
- Dave Wills, baseball broadcaster for Tampa Bay Rays
- Art Wilson, MLB catcher 1908–21
- Ben Wilson, murdered high school basketball star
- Bobby Wilson, NFL tackle 1991–94
- Dan Wilson, MLB catcher 1992–2005, Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame
- Dooley Wilson, singer, "Sam" in Casablanca (born in Texas)
- Gahan Wilson, cartoonist
- George Wilson, NFL player and coach
- George Wilson, NBA center, played in two NCAA title games (born in Mississippi)
- Gretchen Wilson, country music singer
- Hack Wilson, Hall of Fame outfielder for Cubs, record-breaking 191-RBI season (born in Pennsylvania)
- James H. Wilson, Civil War general
- Kenneth L. Wilson, president of United States Olympic Committee 1953–65, Big Ten commissioner 1945–61
- Martez Wilson, linebacker for three NFL teams
- Parke Wilson, MLB catcher of 19th century
- Pete Wilson, politician, mayor of San Diego 1971–83, U.S. Senator 1983–91, Governor of California 1991–99
- Richard G. Wilson, soldier, Medal of Honor winner
- Thomas E. Wilson, founder of Wilson Sporting Goods (born in Canada)
- Whip Wilson, actor in western films
- William Warfield Wilson, 4-term U.S. Representative
- Frank Wilton, football coach, Miami University 1932–41
- Hal Wiltse, MLB pitcher 1926–31
- Dorothy Wind, baseball player
- William G. Windrich, Medal of Honor recipient from Korean War
- Henry Haven Windsor, editor, founder of Popular Mechanics
- Oprah Winfrey, iconic television host, actress, producer and media magnate (born in Mississippi)
- Tommy Wingels, wing for NHL's San Jose Sharks
- Clare Winger, science-fiction writer
- Daniel Winkler, relief pitcher for the Atlanta Braves
- Roy Winsor, soap opera creator, Search for Tomorrow
- Frank Winters, basketball coach
- Nobby Wirkowski, CFL quarterback
- Arthur Wirtz, owned Chicago Stadium, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls, Detroit Red Wings
- Bill Wirtz, 41-year president of Chicago Blackhawks
- Rocky Wirtz, owner of Chicago Blackhawks
- W. Willard Wirtz, U.S. Secretary of Labor under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson
- Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton, WNBA player 2009–12
- Al, Alvin and Whitey Wistert, members of College Football Hall of Fame
- John Wittenborn, NFL kicker 1958–68
- Tom Wittum, NFL punter 1973–77
- Samuel Witwer, actor, Davis Bloome on Smallville
Wj–Wz
- Rick Wohlhuter, runner, 1976 Olympic bronze medalist in 800 meters
- Gary K. Wolf, author of novel adapted into Who Framed Roger Rabbit
- Hillary Wolf, actress, judo player, Home Alone, Home Alone 2
- Raymond Wolf, football coach for North Carolina, Florida and Tulane
- Ross Wolf, MLB pitcher 2008–13
- Garrett Wolfe, running back for Northern Illinois and Chicago Bears
- Ian Wolfe, actor, Bedlam, Julius Caesar
- Roger Wolff, MLB pitcher 1941–46
- Violet Bidwill Wolfner, owner of NFL's Chicago and St. Louis Cardinals 1947–62
- Benson Wood, Civil War officer, U.S. Representative (born in Pennsylvania)
- Corinne Wood, first female lieutenant governor of Illinois
- Elizabeth Wood, director of Chicago Housing Authority 1937–54 (born in Japan)
- James N. Wood, director of Art Institute of Chicago 1979–2004
- John Wood, Governor of Illinois 1860–61, founder of Quincy, Illinois (born in New York)
- Kerry Wood, 10-year pitcher for Cubs (born in Texas)
- Mike Woodard, MLB infielder 1985–88
- Cliff Woodbury, auto racer, 3rd in 1926 Indy 500
- Jim Woods, MLB infielder 1957–61
- Ray Woods, first basketball All-American for Illinois 1915–17
- Abe Woodson, NFL cornerback 1958–66 (born in Mississippi)
- Bob Woodward, journalist for Washington Post, instrumental in Watergate scandal, co-author of All the President's Men
- Neil Woodward, Naval officer, NASA astronaut
- James Hutchinson Woodworth, U.S. Representative, Mayor of Chicago 1848–50 (born in New York)
- John Maynard Woodworth, first U.S. Surgeon General (born in New York)
- Collett E. Woolman, co-founder of Delta Air Lines
- Ralph Works, MLB pitcher 1909–13
- Stephen T. Worland, economist
- Robert Wrenn, tennis player, one of Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders
- Amy Wright, actress, The Accidental Tourist, The Scarlet Letter
- Eric C. Wright, defensive back, four-time Super Bowl champion with San Francisco 49ers
- Eugene Wright, bassist with Dave Brubeck Quartet
- Frank Lloyd Wright, iconic architect, designer, writer and educator (born in Wisconsin)
- Jeremiah Wright, retired pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ (born in Pennsylvania)
- Joseph C. Wright, Oscar-winning art director
- Julian Wright, pro basketball player
- Margie Wright, softball Hall of Famer
- Michael Wright, pro basketball player
- Randy Wright, quarterback for Green Bay Packers 1984–88
- Warren Wright Sr., owner of horse racing's Calumet Farm (born in Ohio)
- P.K. Wrigley, chewing gum mogul, Chicago Cubs owner 1932–77
- William Wrigley Jr., founder of Wrigley Company, majority owner of Cubs 1918–32 (born in Pennsylvania)
- William Wrigley III, CEO of Wrigley Co., sold Cubs to Tribune Company
- Jim Wulff, defensive back, 1956 Rose Bowl champion Michigan State
- Vic Wunderle, archer, 2000 Olympic silver medalist
- Alex Wurman, film and TV composer
- Addie L. Wyatt, civil rights activist (born in Mississippi)
- John Wyatt, pitcher for five MLB teams
- Brooke Wyckoff, player for three WNBA teams
- Victoria Wyndham, actress, Another World
- Renaldo Wynn, player for four NFL teams
- Marvell Wynne, MLB outfielder 1983–90
- Johnny Wyrostek, MLB outfielder 1942–54
Y
- Rick Yager, cartoonist
- Kevin Yagher, special effects technician
- Jimmy Yancey, jazz musician
- Ron Yary, Hall of Fame offensive tackle, primarily with Minnesota Vikings
- Richard Yates Sr., politician (Republican), U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator, Governor of Illinois 1861–65 (born in Kentucky)
- Richard Yates Jr., politician (Republican), attorney, U.S. Representative, Governor of Illinois 1901–05
- Sidney R. Yates, politician (Democrat), 49-year U.S. Representative
- Leland B. Yeager, economist, expert on monetary policy and international trade
- Charles Yerkes, financier, mass-transit developer (born in Pennsylvania)
- Mary Agnes Yerkes, painter
- Philip Yordan, Oscar-winning screenwriter, Detective Story, Johnny Guitar, The Harder They Fall
- John J. York, actor, General Hospital, Werewolf
- Bruce A. Young, actor, The Sentinel, Blink, The Color of Money
- Bryant Young, defensive lineman for Super Bowl XXIX champion San Francisco 49ers
- Buddy Young, NFL running back and College Football Hall of Famer
- Chic Young, creator of comic strip Blondie
- Clara Kimball Young, actress
- Donald Young, professional tennis player
- Ella Flagg Young, superintendent of Chicago schools 1909–1915 (born in New York)
- Ernie Young, outfielder for five MLB teams, minor-league manager, 2000 Olympic gold medalist
- Frank A. Young, sportswriter for Chicago Defender
- James Young, musician with Styx
- John Young, jazz pianist
- Larry Young, MLB umpire
- Richard M. Young, judge, U.S. Senator 1837–43
- Robert Young, actor, Father Knows Best, Marcus Welby, M.D., Crossfire, Northwest Passage, Western Union
- Roger Young, writer, director, Lassiter, The Squeeze
- Victor Young, Oscar-winning composer, arranger, violinist, conductor; wrote "When I Fall in Love", "Around the World"
- Zora Young, blues singer (born in Mississippi)
- Robin Yount, Hall of Fame player for Milwaukee Brewers
- Linda Yu, television newscaster (born in China)
- Jay Yuenger, musician with White Zombie
- Rich Yunkus, basketball player
- Timi Yuro, singer, "Hurt"
- Kateryna Yushchenko, former First Lady of Ukraine
Z
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- Florian ZaBach, musician and television personality
- Courtney Zablocki, luge, fourth place at 2006 Turin Olympics
- Jacob Zachar, actor, Greek
- James Zagel, judge, novelist
- Paula Zahn, journalist, TV personality, On the Case with Paula Zahn (born in Nebraska)
- Timothy Zahn, science-fiction author
- Naureen Zaim, model, actress, artist
- Katalin Zamiar, martial artist, sportswriter, actress
- Robin Zander, musician with Cheap Trick (born in Wisconsin)
- Billy Zane, producer, director and actor, Titanic, The Phantom, Dead Calm, Only You, Sniper, Tombstone
- Charles S. Zane, judge, associate of Abe Lincoln (born in New Jersey)
- Lisa Zane, actress, L.A. Law, Biker Mice from Mars, Roar
- John Zaremba, actor, I Led Three Lives, The Time Tunnel, Ben Casey
- Agnes Zawadzki, figure skater, 2010 U.S. junior champion
- Jed Zayner, professional soccer player
- Tom Zbikowski, defensive back for Notre Dame and Baltimore Ravens
- Larry Zbyszko, pro wrestler
- Robert Z'Dar, actor, producer
- Joe Zdeb, outfielder for Kansas City Royals 1977–79
- Kara Zediker, actress
- Stephen A. Zeff, accounting historian
- John D. Zeglis, president of AT&T
- Alfred Zeisler, film director
- Fannie Bloomfield Zeisler, pianist (born in Austria)
- Zeke Zekley, cartoonist
- Pam Zekman, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist
- Sarah Zelenka, world champion rower, 4th at 2012 Olympics
- Sam Zell, real estate entrepreneur, Tribune Company chairman
- Bob Zeman, pro football player and coach
- Robert Zemeckis, film director, Forrest Gump, Cast Away, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, the Back to the Future films
- Colleen Zenk, actress, As the World Turns
- Warren Zevon, rock musician, singer-songwriter, "Werewolves of London"
- Jeff Zgonina, defensive lineman for seven NFL teams
- Howard Zieff, film and TV commercial director, The Main Event, Private Benjamin, My Girl
- Florenz Ziegfeld, Broadway impresario, creator of Ziegfeld Follies
- Alma Ziegler, pro baseball player
- Brad Ziegler, pro baseball player (born in Kansas)
- Zach Ziemek, Olympic decathlete
- Benny Zientara, MLB infielder 1941–48
- Lester Ziffren, screenwriter
- Mike Zimmer, head coach of Minnesota Vikings
- Frederick Hinde Zimmerman, banker and land owner
- Jacob Zimmerman, editor, politician (born in Pennsylvania)
- Mary Zimmerman, Tony Award-winning director (born in Nebraska)
- Mary Beth Zimmerman, golfer, 4-time Women's U.S. Amateur champion
- Bob Zimny, lineman for 1947 NFL champion Chicago Cardinals
- Bud Zipfel, first baseman for Washington Senators
- Patricia Zipprodt, costume designer
- Adrian Zmed, actor, TV personality, T. J. Hooker, Grease 2
- Ben Zobrist, second baseman for the Chicago Cubs, 2-time World Series champion
- Robert Zoellick, president of World Bank 2007–12
- Rick Zombo, hockey player for Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues
- Chris Zorich, lineman for Notre Dame and Chicago Bears
- Louis Zorich, actor, musician, Mad About You, Brooklyn Bridge
- Anthony E. Zuiker, creator of CSI
- Jim Zulevic, actor, comedian, radio host, TV writer
- Robert Zuppke, football coach for University of Illinois 1913–41, College Football Hall of Fame (born in Germany)
- Jack Zuta, organized crime figure
- Edward Zwick, film director, Glory, The Last Samurai, Legends of the Fall, Love & Other Drugs, Defiance
- Tony Zych, Major League Baseball pitcher
See also
References
- ↑ A Woman of the Century 1893, p. 2,3.
- ↑ Holmes 2016.
- ↑ "Abbott-Sengstacke Family Papers". Chicago Public Library. BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE > Robert Sengstacke Abbott. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
- ↑ Katchmer 2009, p. 252.
- ↑ Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois 1913, p. 839.
- ↑ United States Congress. "Raymond S. McKeough (id: M000510)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
- ↑ United States Congress. "William B. McKinley (id: M000521)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
Sources
...dean and instructor in the Frances Shimer school of the University of Chicago, was born in Indianola, Ill., August 8, 1862....
- Holmes, Tao Tao (10 August 2016). "The First American Woman to Win an Olympic Championship Didn't Even Know It". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 29 July 2017.
...born in Morrison, Illinois, on January 23, 1872....
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