List of people from Illinois

A
Aa–Ag


 * Emma Abbott, opera soprano (born and raised in Illinois; funeral and cremation in Illinois)
 * Margaret Abbott, golf champion, 1900 Olympic Games
 * 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)
 * 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
 * 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
 * Riley A. Bender, politician
 * 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


 * 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
 * Ezekiel Elliott, running back for the Dallas Cowboys
 * 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


 * 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

G
Ga–Gd


 * 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 Getzien, 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
 * Paul Gilmartin, comedian, podcaster, TV personality, Dinner and a Movie
 * 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


 * 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 six 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
 * John Honnold (1915–2011), law professor at the University of Pennsylvania Law School
 * 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


 * 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
 * Michael Hudson, economist
 * 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


 * 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
 * Coleman Logan, creator of memes
 * 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
 * Rebecca Makkai, novelist and short-story writer
 * 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
 * Albert L. Marsh, metallurgist, co-inventor of nichrome
 * 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
 * Carl Shipp Marvel, organic chemist
 * 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


 * 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
 * William Parker McKee, president of Shimer College
 * Kevin McKenna, basketball player and coach
 * Raymond S. McKeough, U.S. Representative 1935–45
 * William B. McKinley, U.S. Representative 1905–21, Senator 1921–26
 * 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 contestant
 * 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


 * 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


 * 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


 * 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
 * D. A. Pennebaker, documentary filmmaker, Dont Look Back, The War Room, Unlocking the Cage
 * 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




 * 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


 * 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


 * 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
 * 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, father 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
 * 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
 * Fred VanVleet, NBA point guard
 * 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


 * 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


 * 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



 * 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