# List of people from Illinois

This is a list of notable individuals who come from the state of Illinois, a state within the larger United States of America.
* Top
* 0–9
* A
* B
* C
* D
* E
* F
* G
* H
* I
* J
* K
* L
* M
* N
* O
* P
* Q
* R
* S
* T
* U
* V
* W
* X
* Y
* Z
* See also
* References

## A

Aa–Ag
* Emma Abbott (1850–91), opera soprano. Born and raised in Illinois until age 16; funeral held in Illinois, but interred in Massachusetts.
* David Abidor (born 1992), soccer player
* Margaret Abbott (1878–1955), first modern-era Olympic United States female champion. Lived during her teens and learned her Olympic sport of golf in Illinois.
* Robert Sengstacke Abbott (1868–1940), African-American lawyer, newspaper publisher and editor. Studied law and had his newspaper career in Chicago.
* Jessica Abel (1969–living), comic book writer and artist. Born and educated in Illinois.
* Gertrude Abercrombie (1909–77), surrealist painter. Lived most of her life in Chicago and known for her association with the city.
* Max Abramovitz (1908–2004), architect. Born and college-educated in Illinois.
* Ben Abruzzo (1930–85), balloonist. Born and college-educated in Illinois.
* Tony Accardo (1906–1992), organized crime figure. Born and lived entire life in Chicago metropolitan area.
* Barbara Acklin (1943–98), singer. Came to Illinois aged five and resided until her death.
* Ron Acks (1944–living), NFL linebacker 1968–76. Acks was born, attended high school and college in Illinois.
* Valdas Adamkus (1926–living), president of Lithuania 1998–2009. Lived in Illinois for a number of years after emigrating to the United States from Lithuania, getting a college degree and entering Chicago politics.
* Mike Adamle, NFL and Northwestern running back, TV personality
* Berle Adams (1917–2009), founder of Mercury Records. Born and lived first thirty years in Illinois.
* Franklin P. Adams (1881–1960), writer, member of Algonquin Round Table. Described as "a native of Chicago", he found fame and lived most of his life in New York.
* John Hicks Adams (1820–78), gunslinger, Wild West lawman. Born and attended college in Illinois.
* Katrina Adams (1968–living), president of United States Tennis Association. Born and educated in Illinois.
* Robert McCormick Adams Jr., anthropologist, secretary of Smithsonian Institution
* 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)
* Lou Adler, music producer in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
* 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
* Ivan Albright, painter
* James L. Alcorn, governor and U.S. Senator of Mississippi
* Jody Alderson, swimmer, 1952 Olympic bronze medalist
* Dorothy Aldis, children's author
* J. Frank Aldrich, 19th Century U.S. Representative (born in Wisconsin)
* 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)
* Rita Ali, mayor of Peoria
* Saul Alinsky, founder of modern community organizing and writer
* Paul Alivisatos, president, University of Chicago
* Brian Allard, MLB pitcher 1979–81
* Jeff Allen, NFL offensive guard 2012-19
* 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, ninth 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, TV personality, actor, author, songwriter, first host of The Tonight Show (born in New York)
* Tony Allen, NBA forward 2004-18, member of 2008 champion Boston Celtics
* 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
* Alfred S. Alschuler, architect
* Mike Alstott, fullback for Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1996–2007, Super Bowl XXXVII champion
* Jonathan Alter, journalist and author
* 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 2008-16
* John Alvin, actor, The Beast with Five Fingers, Objective, Burma!
* Kiran Amegadjie, lineman for Yale, third-round pick in 2024 NFL draft
* A.A. Ames, four-term mayor of Minneapolis
* Edward Ames, founder, McKendree University (born in Ohio)
* Julia A. Ames, 19th Century journalist
* 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, NHL goaltender 2002-23
* 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 Anderson, actor, Ride the High Country, Psycho
* 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, NBA and Illinois guard, first Orlando Magic draft pick
* Peggy Anderson, author and journalist
* Philip Warren Anderson, Nobel Prize-winning physicist
* Ray Anderson, musician
* Robert Orville Anderson, founder of ARCO oil company
* Sherwood Anderson, novelist (born in Ohio)
* 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, Death Valley Days
* 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
* Cap Anson, Hall of Fame infielder for Chicago White Stockings (born in Iowa)
* Bessie Anthony, golfer, U.S. Women's Amateur champion
* 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
* Jim Ardis, mayor of Peoria 2005-21
* 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
* Alice Arlen, screenwriter, Silkwood, Alamo Bay
* 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
* Scot Armstrong, screenwriter, Old School, Starsky & Hutch
* 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, NFL offensive lineman 2010-15
* 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, Emmy-winning 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, NFL safety 1989-99, 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 basketball runners-up
* Jeff Austin, mandolinist, singer
* Lovie Austin, jazz musician (born in Tennessee)
* Jason Avant, NFL wide receiver
* Charles Avery, silent film actor, Keystone Cops
* 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 in College Football Hall of Fame
* Bill Bachrach, Olympic swim coach
* Henry Bacon, architect of the Lincoln Memorial
* Mary Bacon, jockey
* Benjamin F. Bailar, United States Postmaster General 1975–78
* Amari Bailey, NBA basketball player
* 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, Hall of Fame 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
* Two Ton Baker, entertainer, radio-TV personality
* 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
* Kate Baldwin, actress, singer
* 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
* Dan Balz, journalist for Washington Post
* 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
* Dave Barclay, golfer, winner of 1947 NCAA championship
* 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
* Josie Barnes, professional bowler
* 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
* Joan Barr, mayor of Evanston 1985-93
* 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
* Robert Barron, Catholic bishop
* 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
* Brea Beal, three-time Illinois Miss Basketball, 2022 NCAA champion with South Carolina
* Jennifer Beals, actress, Flashdance, The L Word, 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
* Arthur M. Beaupre, ambassador
* 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
* Aldo Beckman, journalist for Chicago Tribune
* 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)
* Chad Beguelin, Broadway lyricist, Aladdin, The Prom
* 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
* Mal Bellairs, television personality (born in Wyoming)
* 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 (born in Canada)
* 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
* Robert Belushi, actor
* Solon Spencer Beman, architect (born in New York)
* Albert Benbrook, guard for Michigan, member of College Football Hall of Fame (born in Texas)
* Bob Bender, basketball player, Indiana and Duke; head coach, Illinois State, Washington
* Riley A. Bender, politician
* Vincent Hugo Bendix, automotive and aviation pioneer
* Jason Benetti, sportscaster
* Cora Agnes Benneson, American attorney, lecturer, and writer
* 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
* Harve Bennett, producer, The Six Million Dollar Man, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
* John W. F. Bennett, athlete and engineer
* Paris Bennett, singer, American Idol
* Rhona Bennett, singer, En Vogue
* Jack Benny, iconic comedian, radio and TV personality and actor, The Jack Benny Program
* Al Benson, music promoter in Blues Hall of Fame (born in Mississippi)
* 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, Good Night, Oscar (born in England)
* Dave Bergman, MLB first baseman 1975-92, played 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 Archdiocese of Chicago 1982-96
* 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)
* Michael Beschloss, historian and author
* 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, seventh 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, NBA guard
* Kamal Bey, Greco-Roman wrestler, won Junior World Title
Bh–Bm
* Kapri Bibbs, NFL running back
* Bill Bidwill, owner of NFL's Arizona Cardinals 1962-2019
* Charles Bidwill, owner of Chicago Cardinals 1933–47
* Bret Bielema, football coach, Illinois, Arkansas, Wisconsin
* Judy Biggert, U.S. Representative 1999–2013
* Michael Bilandic, Mayor of Chicago 1976–79, chief justice of Illinois Supreme Court
* Tom Billeter, basketball coach
* George Binks, MLB outfielder 1944–48
* Claude Binyon, journalist, screenwriter and film director
* William Morris Bioff, organized crime figure
* Dick Biondi, radio personality (born in New York)
* Andrew Bird, musician
* Chris Bisaillon, college football player
* Frank Biscan, MLB pitcher 1942–48
* Jerry G. Bishop, radio and TV personality
* Joan Biskupic, journalist and author
* 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, politician (Democrat), 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 player and head coach for Oklahoma
* 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
* Tyler Blevins, better known as "Ninja", professional gamer, Twitch streamer and YouTuber
* Herbert Blitzstein, organized crime figure
* Robert Bloch, writer, author of Psycho
* John Rusling Block, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture 1981–86
* Mary A. Blood, co-founder, Columbia College (born in New York)
* 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
* Benedict Bogeaus, film producer, Captain Kidd, Dark Waters, The Macomber Affair
* 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
* Jared Boll, NHL wing 2007-18 (born in North Carolina)
* Eric Bolling, anchor at 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)
* Mildred A. Bonham, journalist
* 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, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
* Tom Bosley, actor, Happy Days, Father Dowling Mysteries, Murder, She Wrote
* Roger Bossard, groundskeeper
* Cathy Boswell, basketball player
* Jim Bottomley, Hall of Fame first baseman, 1928 MVP, two-time World Series champion
* Chesa Boudin, lawyer, District Attorney of San Francisco 2020-22 (born in New York)
* Lou Boudreau, Hall of Fame shortstop, manager, broadcaster, 1948 MVP and World Series champion
* Peter Bourjos, MLB outfielder 2010-19
* 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 (born in Rhode Island)
* 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)
* Miles Boykin, NFL wide receiver
* Ronnie Boykins, jazz musician
* Lara Flynn Boyle, actress, The Practice, Twin Peaks, The Temp, Men in Black II (born in Iowa)
* 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
* Daniel Brainard, surgeon
* Neville Brand, actor, D.O.A., Love Me Tender, The Untouchables, Birdman of Alcatraz
* Mark Staff Brandl, art critic, reviewer for Art in America
* Jonathon Brandmeier, radio personality (born in Wisconsin)
* 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
* Hugh Brannum, TV personality, Captain Kangaroo
* 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, Titanic, Niagara, PT 109
* 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
* Jayne Brook, actress, Chicago Hope, The District
* 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"
* Rachel Brosnahan, Emmy-winning actress, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (born in Wisconsin)
* Maya-Camille Broussard, chef and television personality
* 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 runners-up, Big Ten Player of the Year
* Dee Brown, author, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, librarian and alumnus of Illinois (born in Louisiana)
* 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)
* Lorenzo Brown, player in Israeli Basketball Premier League
* Mike Brown, NHL wing 2007-16
* Nancy Elizabeth Brown, highly decorated U.S. Navy Vice Admiral
* Oscar Brown, songwriter
* Patrick Brown, NFL offensive tackle 2009-13
* Peter Brown, songwriter, "Material Girl"
* Roy Brown, children's entertainer, The Bozo Show, Garfield Goose and Friends (born in Arizona)
* Sergio Brown, NFL safety 2010-16
* 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, NBA player, two-time NCAA champion with Villanova
* Milton Brunson, gospel musician
* Stephen L. Brusatte, paleontologist
* Charles W. Bryan, mayor of Lincoln, Nebraska 1915–17 and two-term Governor of Nebraska
* Johnny Bryan, pro football player and team owner
* Mary Baird Bryan, attorney and suffragist
* 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
* Marisa Buchheit, singer, 2014 Miss Illinois
* Ellsworth B. Buck, U.S. Representative 1944-49
* Frank Buck, hunter, zookeeper, actor (born in Texas)
* Bob Buckhorn, mayor of Tampa, Florida 2011-19
* 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)
* Kathleen Buhle, executive, ex-wife of Hunter Biden
* 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)
* Nick Burdi, MLB pitcher
* 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 1969-2023
* 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)
* Ben Burns, newspaper and magazine editor
* 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, Foxfire, Boston Common
* Roland Burris, U.S. Senate appointee to succeed Barack Obama 2009-10, Illinois Attorney General
* Edgar Rice Burroughs, author, creator of Tarzan
* Cheryl Burton, television journalist
* Ed Busch, MLB infielder 1943–45
* Misty Buscher, 57th mayor of Springfield
* Samuel T. Busey, Civil War general, politician (born in Indiana)
* Homer Bush, MLB infielder 1997-2004, member of 1998 World Series champion New York Yankees
* Fred A. Busse, postmaster, Mayor of Chicago 1907–11
* Cheri Bustos, U.S. Representative 2013-23
* Fanny Butcher, influential critic and editor
* Mike Butcher, MLB pitching coach
* Drew Butera, catcher for 2015 World Series champion Kansas City Royals
* Dick Butkus, Hall of Fame football player for Illinois and Chicago Bears, actor
* Luke Butkus, NFL assistant coach
* Brett Butler, MLB outfielder 1981–97 (born in California)
* Daws Butler, voice of Yogi Bear, other cartoon characters (born in Ohio)
* Jerry Butler, singer in 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, two-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, head coach, Denver Nuggets, 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
* Calvin Brainerd Cady, musician and professor
* Jack Cafferty, political commentator for CNN 2005–12
* Beth Cahill, comedian
* Leo Cahill, CFL coach and executive
* Jonathan Cain, musician with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Journey
* Frank Calabrese Sr., organized crime figure
* Nicholas Calabrese, organized crime figure
* Jessica Calalang, figure skater
* 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, Hannah Montana
* Sarah Wayne Callies, actress, The Walking Dead, Prison Break, Colony
* 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, Tell Me a Story
* 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, New York Times
* Glenn Canfield Jr., metallurgist and businessman
* Joe Cannon, politician (Republican), Speaker of the House 1903–11 (born in North Carolina)
* Kay Cannon, screenwriter and director, Pitch Perfect, Blockers, Cinderella
* 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
* Perry Caravello, comedian, skateboarder, star of Windy City Heat
* 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, 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, runner-up in 2018 Indianapolis 500, pole sitter 2013, 2014, 2018
* 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
* Marian Carr, actress, San Quentin, Ring of Fear
* Chico Carrasquel, shortstop for White Sox, first Latin starter in All-Star Game (born in Venezuela)
* Mark Carreon, MLB player 1987–96
* Connor Carrick, NHL defenseman
* 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
* Bryan Carter, musician, 2023 Tony Award winner for Some Like It Hot (born in Missouri)
* 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
* Latham Castle, judge, Illinois Attorney General 1952-59
* Leonard Caston Jr., musician and songwriter
* Anthony Castonzo, offensive lineman for Indianapolis Colts
* Frank Catalano, saxophonist
* Wayne Catalano, horse racing trainer (born in Louisiana)
* George Catavolos, football coach
* Tamika Catchings, basketball player, winner of NCAA, WNBA and Olympic championships (born in New Jersey)
* Mark Catlin Sr., football coach for Iowa 1906–08
* Helen Tunnicliff Catterall, lawyer, historian
* 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
* JoBe Cerny, actor, voice of Pillsbury Doughboy
* Jackie Cerone, mobster
* Exene Cervenka, singer with punk rock band X
* 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, Grammy-winning 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, band from Rockford in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
* Maurice Cheeks, basketball Hall of Famer and NBA coach
* Barry Cheesman, pro golfer
* Chris Chelios, Hall of Fame hockey player for Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks
* Erwin Chemerinsky, law professor
* Steve Chen, co-creator of YouTube (born in Taiwan)
* Virginia Cherrill, actress, City Lights, wife of Cary Grant
* Matthew A. Cherry, screenwriter and director
* Steve Cherundolo, head coach, Los Angeles FC soccer club
* 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)
* Kelly Cheung, actress, Miss World 2012 contestant (born in Hong Kong)
* Elizabeth Pickett Chevalier, tobacco heiress, silent-film director and writer
* Chicago, musical group, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
* 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, "Have You Seen Her"
* 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
* Whitney Chitwood, stand-up comedian
* Kim Chizevsky-Nicholls, IFBB pro bodybuilder
* Anna Chlumsky, actress, My Girl, Veep, Inventing Anna
* Clyde L. Choate, politician, World War II Medal of Honor recipient
* Richard Christiansen, Chicago theater critic
* 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, six-term U.S. Representative, widow of Ralph Church
* Ralph E. Church, lawyer, U.S. Representative 1935–49
Ci–Cn
* Tony Cingrani, MLB pitcher 2012-18
* Gertrude Claire, silent-film actress
* Bud Clancy, MLB first baseman 1924–34
* Jim Clancy, pitcher for Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros
* Richard Clarida, economist, Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve 2018-22
* 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
* Keon Clark, NBA player 1998-2004
* 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, U.S. Army general, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, 2004 presidential candidate
* Wilbur Clark, original owner of Desert Inn hotel in Las Vegas
* Alden W. Clausen, president of World Bank and Bank of America
* Otis Clay, musician in Blues Hall of Fame
* Ethel Clayton, early 20th Century actress
* David Clennon, actor, The Thing, Star 80, Being There
* James Cleveland, Grammy-winning gospel singer
* Nathaniel Clifton, player for New York Knicks, Harlem Globetrotters
* Hillary Clinton, attorney and politician, 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, The Baxters
* Annie Swan Coburn, art collector
* Catherine Amanda Coburn, journalist, editor
* Diablo Cody, Oscar-winning screenwriter, Juno
* Eleanor Coen, artist
* Ryan Cohan, jazz pianist
* Aaron Cohen, judoka
* Irwin Cohen, Olympic judoka
* Paul Cohen, music producer
* Selma Jeanne Cohen, dance teacher, historian
* Steve Cohen, Olympic judoka
* David Cohn, American-Israeli basketball player
* Sonny Cohn, trumpeter
* Mark Cohon, commissioner of Canadian Football League 2007-15
* 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, NCIS
* 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
* Ellis Coleman, Greco-Roman wrestler
* Gary Coleman, actor, Arnold Jackson on Diff'rent Strokes
* Gerald Coleman, ice hockey goalie
* John Coleman, TV weather forecaster (born in Texas)
* Tevin Coleman, running back for Atlanta Falcons (born in Georgia)
* 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
* Joe Collier, wide receiver for Northwestern and NFL coach
* 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 four NBA teams, TV commentator
* Eddie Collins, Hall of Fame infielder, manager for White Sox (born in New York)
* George W. Collins, U.S. Representative 1970–72
* Jimmy Collins, NBA player for Chicago Bulls, head coach at Chicago State 1996-2010 (born in New York)
* 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, Grammy-winning singer and songwriter (born in South Dakota)
* 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, Oscar, Emmy and Grammy-winning rap musician, songwriter, producer, actor
* J. T. Compher, NHL center, 2022 Stanley Cup champion with Colorado Avalanche
* Ann Compton, television journalist
Con–Coz
* Douglas Conant, CEO of the Campbell Soup Company
* Kate Condon, opera singer
* Zez Confrey, musician
* 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, five-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
* Donald Conroy, Marine colonel, father of Pat Conroy
* Sean Considine, safety for five NFL teams
* Hollis Conway, high jumper, two-time Olympic medalist
* Brian Cook, forward for Illinois and five NBA teams, 2003 Big Ten Player of the Year
* 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
* John Pope Cook, Civil War general, mayor of Springfield
* Toi Cook, NFL defensive back 1987-97, played for Super Bowl XXIX champion San Francisco 49ers
* Sam Cooke, singer, "You Send Me", recipient of Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (born in Mississippi)
* William F. Coolbaugh, 19th Century banker (born in Pennsylvania)
* Jack Cooley, pro and Notre Dame basketball player
* Ron Coomer, infielder for Minnesota Twins, sportscaster
* Sam Coonrod, MLB pitcher
* Cynthia Cooper, Hall of Fame basketball player and coach, four-time WNBA champion
* D. J. Cooper, player in Israeli Basketball Premier League
* 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
* Chet Coppock, sportscaster
* Ben Corbett, film actor
* George Corbett, running back for Chicago Bears 1932–38
* Virginia Lee Corbin, actress (born in Arizona)
* Tom Corcoran, politician (Republican), four-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
* Lee Corso, football coach, Indiana, Louisville, sportscaster for ESPN
* Eldzier Cortor, artist (born in Virginia)
* Joe Corvo, NHL player 2002-14
* 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
* John Coughlin, television meteorologist
* Johnny Coulon, boxer, bantamweight champion 1910–14 (born in Canada)
* Jim Courtright, Wild West gunfighter, lawman
* Kirk Cousins, quarterback for Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons
* Robert Covington, NBA forward
* Bryan Cox, linebacker for Miami Dolphins and Super Bowl XXXVI champion New England Patriots
* Jim Cox, MLB player 1973–76
* John H. Cox, businessman, politician
* 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
* Chief Keef (Keith Cozart), rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer
* 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 1979-85
* Phil Crane, politician (Republican), U.S. Representative 1969–2005
* Cindy Crawford, supermodel, cosmetics entrepreneur, actress and TV personality, House of Style
* Corey Crawford, goaltender for Chicago Blackhawks 2006-20, two-time Stanley Cup champion (born in Canada)
* Danny Crawford, NBA referee
* Drew Crawford, basketball player in the Israeli Basketball Premier League
* 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 player for 1976 NCAA champion Indiana, head coach for Evansville, Army, St. Louis
* Michael Crichton, author, screenwriter, director, Jurassic Park, ER, Westworld, Rising Sun, Coma, Disclosure
* Michele Crider, opera singer
* Fritz Crisler, football head coach for Michigan, Minnesota, Princeton
* John P. Cromwell, submarine commander
* James Cronin, physicist, 1980 Nobel Prize
* Kevin Cronin, lead vocalist for REO Speedwagon
* Shawn Cronin, NHL defenseman 1988–95
* Casey Crosby, pitcher for Detroit Tigers 2012
* Jim Crowley, halfback for Notre Dame, NFL player, Michigan State 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
* Philip Hart Cullom, admiral
* 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, 1983 NBA Rookie of the Year
* Lester Cuneo, silent-film actor
* Barbara Flynn Currie, politician (Democrat), state representative 1979-2019
* 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, fourth pick of 2001 NBA draft
* 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, Toys, 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, best-selling novelist, 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)
* Jon Daker, viral video star, known for a video of him singing in an unusual manner on public access tv in 1990.
* John Francis Daley, actor, Bones, Freaks and Geeks
* John P. Daley, Cook County commissioner
* Richard J. Daley, politician (Democrat), member of 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, 1997-2000 U.S. Secretary of Commerce and 2011-12 White House Chief of Staff
* Rick Dalpos, pro golfer
* Dorothy Dalton, silent-film actress
* Joel Daly, television journalist (born in Montana)
* Lar Daly, perennial politician
* Bill Damaschke, president of Warner Bros. animation
* Mark Damon, producer and 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, played for Super Bowl 50 champion Denver Broncos
* 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
* Severn Darden, actor, charter member of Second City (born in Louisiana)
* Scott Darling, NHL goaltender, played for 2015 Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks
* 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 Sr., 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, conductor, Lyric Opera of Chicago 2000-21 (born in England)
* Andrew Davis, film director, The Fugitive, Under Siege, A Perfect Murder, The Guardian
* Anthony Davis, 2012 NCAA basketball champion with Kentucky, first pick of 2012 NBA draft, 2020 NBA champion with Los Angeles Lakers
* Carl Davis, boxing cruiserweight champion, 2010
* Carl Davis, music producer
* Clifton Davis, actor and songwriter, "Never Can Say Goodbye"
* Corey Davis, NFL wide receiver
* 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, ambassador, Vice President of United States 1925–29, winner of Nobel Peace Prize (born in Ohio)
* Henry M. Dawes, oil executive, Illinois banker, U.S. comptroller (born in Ohio)
* Rufus C. Dawes, president of Commercial Club of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry (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 (born in Florida)
* Lois Delander, first Miss America from Illinois (1927)
* Frederic Delano, railroad president, uncle of FDR (born in New York)
* Lea DeLaria, actress, Orange Is the New Black
* 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
* Christopher Denham, actor, Argo, Sound of My Voice
* 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
* Justin Dentmon, pro basketball player, 2010 top scorer in Israel Premier League
* Grant DePorter, restaurateur
* 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, theater 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
* Reid Detmers, MLB pitcher, 2022 no-hitter for Los Angeles Angels
* Armand Deutsch, film producer
* William Emmett Dever, Mayor of Chicago 1923–27 (born in Massachusetts)
* Richard A. Devine, lawyer, Cook County State's Attorney 1996-2008
* 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, Golden Globe-winning actress, The Partridge Family, L.A. Law
* Dennis DeYoung, musician for rock band Styx
Di–Dn
* Douglas Diamond, economist, 2022 Nobel Prize winner
* 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)
* Annamary Dickey, opera singer
* Basil Dickey, screenwriter
* Frances Dickinson, physician, clubwoman, writer
* 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 2010-18
* John Dillinger, notorious bank robber, lived and died in Chicago, subject of films Dillinger, Public Enemies (born in Indiana)
* Frank Dillon, baseball player, Pacific Coast League Hall of Fame
* 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, Sharky's Machine, Message in a Bottle
* 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 (born in Pennsylvania)
* Michael Diversey, brewer, 19th Century alderman (born in Germany)
* Alan J. Dixon, politician (Democrat), state treasurer, U.S. Senator 1981–93
* Jessy Dixon, gospel singer
* Leo Dixon, MLB catcher 1925–29
* Malik Dixon, basketball player, top scorer in 2005 Israel Premier League
* 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
* John Doe, actor and musician with band X
* Eddie Doherty, journalist, Oscar-nominated screenwriter
* Edward A. Doisy, biochemist, 1943 Nobel Prize
* Caroline Dolehide, Wimbledon and U.S. Open doubles semi-finalist
* Courtney Dolehide, captain of UCLA's 2014 NCAA tennis champions
* Dave Dombrowski, MLB executive
* Jim Donahue, 19th Century baseball player
* John Donahoe, CEO of Nike, chairman of PayPal
* Mark Donahue, lineman for Michigan and Cincinnati Bengals
* Luke Donald, professional golfer, 1999 NCAA champion for Northwestern (born in England)
* 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, 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
* Ayo Dosunmu, basketball player for Illinois and Chicago Bulls
* 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
* Jim Downey, writer, Saturday Night Live
* 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
* Kathleen Doyle, pro basketball player, 2020 Big Ten Player of the Year
* Patti Solis Doyle, political consultant
* 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 Drake Hotel
* Johnny Drake, NFL running back 1937–41
* Tracy Drake, co-founder of Drake Hotel
* Yochi Dreazen, journalist
* Jack Drees, television sportscaster
* Tom Dreesen, comedian
* 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 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, two-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
* Terrence A. Duffy, CEO of Chicago Mercantile Exchange
* 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
* Sharon K.G. Dunbar, U.S. Air Force general
* Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education 2009–15
* Joseph Duncan, Governor of Illinois 1834–38, four-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, Greco-Roman wrestler, bronze medalist at World Championships
* 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
* Christian Dvorak, NHL forward
* Jim Dwyer, MLB outfielder, played for 1983 World Series champion Baltimore Orioles
* 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)
* Ryan Dzingel, pro hockey player

## E

Ea–Em
* Amelia Earhart, pioneer aviator, Chicago Hyde Park High graduate (born in Kansas)
* Glenn Earl, NFL safety 2004-09 (born in Michigan)
* Mary Tracy Earle, writer
* 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, two-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)
* Booker Edgerson, football cornerback (born in Arkansas)
* 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, MLB pitcher 2014-19
* 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
* Jennifer Egan, 2011 Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist
* John Egan, guard for Loyola basketball 1963 national champions
* 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
* Tim Ehrhardt, pole vaulter
* 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, original owner of Phoenix Suns, CEO of Circle K
* 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 Dallas Cowboys, 2015 Big Ten MVP, fourth pick of 2016 NFL draft
* Jake Elliott, kicker for Super Bowl LII champion Philadelphia Eagles
* 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, CEO of Oracle Corporation, philanthropist, owner of Indian Wells Tennis Garden (born in New York)
* Daniel Ellsberg, activist who released Pentagon Papers
* 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 2011-19, U.S. Representative 2003–09, senior advisor to Bill Clinton 1993–98, Chief of Staff to Barack Obama 2009–10, U.S. Ambassador to Japan
* Louis Lincoln Emmerson, merchant, secretary of state and Governor of Illinois 1929–33
* The Emotions, singing group, Best of My Love
En–Ez
* Eric Engberg, television journalist
* Larry English, NFL linebacker 2009-15, two-time MAC MVP for Northern Illinois
* Jason Enloe, pro golfer
* Rex Enright, football coach, South Carolina 1938–56
* William Enyart, politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative 2013–15
* A. J. Epenesa, defensive lineman for Iowa and Buffalo Bills
* Philip "Phil" Erenberg, gymnast, Olympic silver medalist
* Paul Erickson, pitcher for Cubs 1941–48
* Roger Erickson, MLB pitcher 1978–83
* John Erlander, furniture manufacturer (born in Sweden)
* John Erlenborn, politician (Republican), U.S. Representative 1965–85
* Kallen Esperian, opera singer
* 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)
* Elizabeth Hawley Everett, educator, writer
* 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)
* Lisa Evers, radio-TV personality, former VP of Guardian Angels
* Bryan Eversgerd, MLB pitcher and coach
* Cory Everson, six-time Ms. Olympia (born in Wisconsin)
* Jimmy Evert, tennis player and coach, father of Chris Evert
* Eve Ewing, sociologist and writer, professor at University of Chicago
* 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, The Boss
* Rich Falk, basketball player and coach, Northwestern
* 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, seven-term U.S. Representative (born in Canada)
* Louis Farrakhan, Nation of Islam leader (born in New York)
* 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
* Randy Fenoli, fashion designer, Say Yes to the Dress
* 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 1994-2016
* 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
* Jim Finks, pro football player and executive, Hall of Fame (born in Missouri)
* 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 1995-2010, Dallas Mavericks executive, film producer
* Katie Finneran, actress, two-time Tony Award winner
* 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
* Lester E. Fisher, director of Lincoln Park Zoo 1962-92
* Steve Fisher, basketball coach, San Diego State and 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 2006-23
* Patrick Fitzgerald, U.S. Attorney, 2001–12 (born in New York)
* Peter Fitzgerald, politician (Republican), U.S. Senator 1999–2005
* Thomas R. Fitzgerald, judge, Supreme Court of Illinois 2000-10
* 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, Minnesota
* Coby Fleener, NFL tight end 2012-17
* 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, Supergirl, Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, wife of Harrison Ford
* Milton S. Florsheim, founder of Florsheim shoe company
* Paul Flory, Nobel Prize-winning chemist
* Cliff Floyd, MLB outfielder for seven teams, 1997 World Series champion
* 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 2014-21
* 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, eighth 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)
* Bertha Fowler, educator, preacher, deaconess
* Richard Fowler, radio host, media personality, activist, Fox News contributor
* Carol Fox, opera impresario
* Nellie Fox, Hall of Fame infielder for White Sox (born in Pennsylvania)
* Terry Fox, MLB pitcher 1960-66
* Virgil Fox, organist
* Kim Foxx, politician, Cook County State's Attorney
* Redd Foxx, comedian and actor, Sanford and Son, Cotton Comes to Harlem, Harlem Nights (born in Missouri)
* 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, Emmy-winning actor, NYPD Blue, Hill Street Blues, Dressed to Kill, American Buffalo, Die Hard 2
* John E. Franz, organic chemist, discovered glyphosate
* Jonathan Franzen, author, 2001 National Book Award winner
* 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, MLB relief pitcher 2004-15
* 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
* Charles E. Freeman, judge, Supreme Court of Illinois 1990-2018 (born in Virginia)
* Donnie Freeman, pro basketball player 1967-76
* 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
* Ashley Freiberg, auto racer
* Augustus C. French, lawyer, Governor of Illinois 1846–53 (born in New Hampshire)
* William M. R. French, first director of Art Institute of Chicago (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.
* Kinky Friedman, musician, novelist, Texas politician
* 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
* Nicholas J. Fuentes, paleoconservative political commentator, podcaster, activist
* 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, NFL offensive lineman 2014-21 (born in Michigan)
* 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, MLB third baseman 1981-2000, won 1987 World Series with Minnesota Twins
* Jim Gaffigan, comedian and actor
* 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
* Mary Onahan Gallery, writer, editor
* 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 NBC, Golf Channel, basketball player for 1983 NCAA champion NC State
* Rudolph Ganz, pianist, music educator (born in Switzerland)
* Alan Garber, provost and president, Harvard University
* 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, two-time U.S. Amateur champion
* Wix Garner, football coach, Western Illinois 1942–47
* Merrick Garland, attorney, judge, United States Attorney General
* Jeff Garlin, actor, comedian, director, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Daddy Day Care, The Goldbergs
* Rita Garman, judge, Supreme Court of Illinois 2001-22
* Lee Garmes, Oscar-winning cinematographer
* Kevin Garnett, NBA center 1995-2016, 2000 Olympic gold medalist, 2004 MVP of NBA, Hall of Fame (born in South Carolina)
* Jimmy Garoppolo, quarterback for Eastern Illinois and four NFL teams
* Scott Garrelts, pitcher for San Francisco Giants 1982-91
* Darell Garretson, NBA referee in Hall of Fame
* Augustus Garrett, land speculator, Mayor of Chicago 1843–46 (born in New York)
* Dick Garrett, guard for four NBA teams
* Harriet E. Garrison, physician; medical writer
* 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, Golden Girl, 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
* 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
* Andrea M. Ghez, astrophysicist, 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics (born in New York)
* Ray Giacoletti, basketball coach for Utah, Eastern Washington, Drake
* Carl Giammarese, lead vocalist of The Buckinghams
* Sam Giancana, organized crime figure
* Mark Giangreco, Chicago sportscaster (born in New York)
* John Giannini, basketball coach for Maine, La Salle
* Alexi Giannoulias, state treasurer 2007-11, Illinois Secretary of State
* 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 1995-2003
* 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
* Edward B. Giller, Air Force major general
* 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, MLB catcher 1989-2003, manager, four World Series championships with New York Yankees
* Adele Givens, actress, The Hughleys, Queens of Comedy
* Graham Glasgow, NFL offensive lineman
* Ryan Glasgow, NFL defensive lineman 2017-20
* Henry P. Glass, architect, Art Institute professor
* Stephen Glass, journalist for The New Republic fired for fraud
* Kid Gleason, player, manager for Chicago White Sox 1912-23 (born in New Jersey)
* 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, two-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
* Billy Goelz, pro wrestler
* Harold Goettler, World War I aviator
* Mike Goff, NFL guard 1998–2009
* Gracie Gold, U.S. 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, Oscar-winning 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 boxer, 1988 Summer Olympics medalist (born in Poland)
* Jaslene Gonzalez, fashion model, winner of America's Next Top Model Cycle 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, The Conners
* Sarah Gorden, pro soccer player
* 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 five 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
* Mark Gottfried, basketball coach, Alabama, NC State, Cal State Northridge (born in Ohio)
* 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 1974-89
* 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, MLB outfielder 2004-19, three-time All-Star
* 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
* Don Granato, head coach of Buffalo Sabres 2020-24
* 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, two-time NCAA champion
* 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
* Andrew Greeley, Catholic priest, sociologist, columnist and author
* Chad Green, pitcher for 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 two-time All Star outfielder 1993–2007, had four-homer game
* Gus Greenbaum, Chicago gangster, ran Flamingo Las Vegas
* Seymour Greenberg, four-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, Hall of Fame 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, MLB pitcher 2009-19, member of 2017 World Series champion Houston Astros
* Virginia Gregg, actress
* Rose Gregorio, Tony Award-nominated actress
* Brian Gregory, basketball head coach, Georgia Tech, Dayton, South Florida
* John Milton Gregory, first president of University of Illinois (born in New York)
* Wilton Daniel Gregory, archbishop of Washington
* Lori Greiner, TV personality, Shark Tank
* Matt Grevers, two-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, The Little Shop of Horrors, Death Race 2000, Eat My Dust!
* Clark Griffith, baseball player, manager, owner in Hall of Fame (born in Missouri)
* Howard Griffith, NFL running back 1991–2001, eight-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, eight-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)
* Sophie Naylor Grubb, activist, writer, lecturer
* Johnny Gruelle, cartoonist, creator of Raggedy Ann
* Dov Grumet-Morris, professional ice hockey player
* Tim Grunhard, NFL center 1990–2000
* John M. Grunsfeld, astronaut and physicist
* Glen Grunwald, general manager of NBA's 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
* John Guleserian, cinematographer
* 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 1993-2019
* Buddy Guy, blues guitarist, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
* A.J. Guyton, basketball player
* Boone Guyton, test pilot, aviation pioneer
* Brad Guzan, pro soccer goalkeeper

## H

Haa–Ham
* Bert Haas, MLB first baseman 1937–51
* Carl Haas, auto racing executive (born in Germany)
* Jay Haas, pro golfer, nine-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, Glass Onion, WandaVision
* Rick Hahn, general manager of Chicago White Sox 2012-23
* 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, MLB bench coach
* George E. Hale, astronomer
* Arthur R. Hall, football player and coach for Illinois
* Bryan Hall, pro football player 2011-17
* 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, 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, attorney, Governor of Illinois 1883–85 (born in Ohio)
* Todd Hamilton, pro golfer, winner of 2004 British Open
* Penny Hammel, pro golfer, winner of 1983 NCAA championship
* Richard Hamming, prominent mathematician, inventor of 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, NFL player and coach
* Jam Handy, Olympic swimmer (born in Pennsylvania)
* Daryl Hannah, actress, Splash, Blade Runner, Wall Street, Steel Magnolias, Kill Bill
* Page Hannah, philanthropist and actress, Shag, Fame
* 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, MLB relief pitcher 2007-21
* Luke Harangody, pro basketball player, 2008 Big East Player of the Year
* Clay Harbor, NFL tight end 2010-17
* James Harbord, World War I general, chairman of RCA
* Tim Hardaway, NBA player 1989–2003 and 2000 Sydney Olympics gold medalist
* Abner C. Harding, Civil War officer, U.S. Representative (born in Connecticut)
* Cory Hardrict, actor, American Sniper, The Outpost
* Phil Hare, U.S. Representative 2007-11
* Alan Hargesheimer, MLB pitcher 1980–86
* Cory Harkey, NFL tight end 2012-16
* 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, diplomat, 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, Diary of a Mad Black Woman
* Sydney J. Harris, syndicated columnist (born in England)
* Wood Harris, actor, The Wire, Ant-Man, Creed films
* Carter Harrison III, politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative, mayor of Chicago 1879–1887, 1893 (born in Kentucky)
* Carter Harrison IV, 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 (born in Louisiana)
* 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, imprisoned 2016
* 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 (born in Missouri)
* Fred Hawkins, golfer, co-runner-up in 1958 Masters
* 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, NFL defensive end 2001-09
* 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, Station 19, Draft Day
* 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, activist, playwright, director, Oscar-winning screenwriter
* Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, professional 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
* Ryan Held, swimmer, 2016 Summer Olympics gold medalist
* 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
* Grace Hall Hemingway, opera singer, mother of Ernest Hemingway
* Terri Hemmert, Chicago radio personality (born in Ohio)
* Bill Henderson, jazz singer, actor, Clue, City Slickers
* 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, Evening Shade, 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 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, MLB pitching coach
* Kevin Hickey, pitcher for White Sox and Baltimore Orioles
* Fred Hickman, sportscaster
* Wild Bill Hickok, Wild West gunfighter and lawman, depicted in The Plainsman, Calamity Jane, Wild Bill
* Ronald Aldon Hicks, bishop of Joliet
* Hal Higdon, runner and writer
* Joan Higginbotham, astronaut
* Jarad Higgins, hip-hop musician and songwriter
* 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
* Nick Hill, football head coach, Southern Illinois
* Virginia Hill, moll to Chicago Outfit mob (born in Alabama)
* 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 (born in Ohio)
* 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 (born in Ukraine)
* 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
* Charles C. P. Holden, 19th Century politician (born in New Hampshire)
* 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
* John Holecek, NFL linebacker 1995-2002, coach at Loyola Academy
* 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, Oscar-winning actress, Gentleman's Agreement, All About Eve (born in New York)
* Andre Holmes, NFL wide receiver 2011-18
* H. H. Holmes, serial killer (born in New Hampshire)
* Mary Emma Holmes, reformer, suffragist, and educator
* Phyllis Holmes, basketball coach, Women's Basketball Hall of Fame
* Richaun Holmes, NBA forward
* Nick Holonyak, engineer and educator
* Lester Holt, Chicago newscaster 1986–2000, NBC News anchor (born in California)
* Redd Holt, jazz drummer
* Stefan Holt, Chicago newscaster, son of Lester Holt
* 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
* James Holzhauer, TV game show champion, Jeopardy!
* Skip Homeier, actor, The Gunfighter, The Tall T, Comanche Station
* Gene Honda, announcer
* John Honnold, professor at University of Pennsylvania Law School
* Hector Honore, auto racer (born in Kansas)
* 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, NFL tight end 2010-18, member of Super Bowl XLIX champion New England Patriots
* Albert J. Hopkins, U.S. Representative 1885–1903, U.S. Senator 1903–09
* Brad Hopkins, NFL offensive tackle 1993-2005 (born in South Carolina)
* Fred Hopkins, jazz musician
* John Patrick Hopkins, politician (Democrat), Mayor of Chicago 1893–95 (born in New York)
* Michael S. Hopkins, astronaut, Illinois football player (born in Missouri)
* 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
* Tanner Houck, MLB pitcher
* 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
* Del Howard, won 1907 and 1908 World Series with Chicago Cubs
* Juwan Howard, forward for Michigan and eight NBA teams; two championships with Miami Heat, head coach at Michigan
* Margaret Howard, countess
* Margo Howard, writer, daughter of Ann Landers (born in Iowa)
* Miki Howard, singer
* Terrence Howard, Oscar-nominated actor, Hustle & Flow, Iron Man, Crash, Big Momma's House, The Butler, Empire
* Tom Howard, photographer
* Dick Howell, swimmer, 1924 Summer Olympics relay gold medalist
* George Evan Howell, judge, U.S. Representative 1941–47
* Yvonne Howell, actress, wife of director George Stevens
* Howlin' Wolf, Chicago blues musician in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (born in Mississippi)
Hu–Hz
* Elbert Hubbard, writer, died on RMS Lusitania
* Trenidad Hubbard, MLB outfielder 1994–2003
* Edwin Hubble, astronomer (born in Missouri)
* Janet Hubert, singer, actress, Fresh Prince of Bel Air
* Kelli Hubly, pro soccer player
* Winnifred Mason Huck, first Illinois woman in Congress
* Reginald Hudlin, film director, producer, The Great White Hype, Django Unchained
* Warrington Hudlin, film director, producer, House Party, Boomerang
* Jennifer Hudson, TV personality, Grammy-winning R&B singer, Oscar-winning actress, Dreamgirls
* Michael Hudson, economist
* Otis Hudson, NFL lineman 2010–14
* Rock Hudson, Oscar-nominated 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
* Pat Hughes, baseball broadcaster (born in Arizona)
* Robert Hughes, NFL and Notre Dame fullback
* Tom Hughes, MLB pitcher 1900–13
* Wayne Huizenga, founder of Blockbuster video, owned 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
* Robert Leo Hulseman, president of Solo Cup Company
* Randy Hultgren, U.S. Representative 2011-19
* 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
* Brendan Hunt, co-creator and cast member of Ted Lasso
* H. L. Hunt, oil tycoon
* 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
* Myron Hunt, architect of Rose Bowl stadium (born in Massachusetts)
* Richard Hunt, sculptor
* 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, top-five in 1990 Masters, 2000 U.S. Open
* Ken Huszagh, swimmer, 1912 Olympic Games gold medalist
* Robert Maynard Hutchins, lawyer, 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, four-time NBA champion player for Golden State Warriors, 2015 NBA Finals MVP
* James Iha, musician with The Smashing Pumpkins
* 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, 19th Century 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 II
* 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)
* Richard Irvin, mayor of Aurora
* 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
* Jonathan Jackson, U.S. Representative
* Leroy Jackson, three-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, NFL wide receiver 1986-94, 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, Emmy-winning actor
* Andrea Jaeger, tennis player, Wimbledon and French Open finalist
* Thomas Jaeschke, volleyball player, 2016 Olympic medalist
* 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
* Danny Jansen, MLB catcher
* 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 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 (born in Massachusetts)
* 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, Milwaukee, Western Illinois (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
* Brandon Johnson, 57th Mayor of Chicago
* Carrie Ashton Johnson, newspaper editor, writer, suffragist
* 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, Let's Be Cops, The Mummy
* Jan Johnson, three-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, Ice Castles, For Your Eyes Only
* 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 (born in Pennsylvania)
* 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
* 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, MLB first baseman and outfielder 2007-15
* 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
* Arndt 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
* Jakob Junis, MLB pitcher
* 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, NBA center, 2015 Big Ten Player of the Year
* 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 professional wrestler
* Kraig Kann, Golf Channel personality, LPGA official
* Henry Kaplan, pioneer in radiation therapy and radiobiology
* Irving Kaplansky, mathematician at University of Chicago (born in Canada)
* 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
* Lloyd A. Karmeier, judge, Illinois Supreme Court 2000-20
* Roberta Karmel, Centennial Professor at Brooklyn Law School, first female Commissioner of U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
* Johnny Karras, halfback for Illinois 1952 Rose Bowl champions
* Ted Karras, NFL center, two-time Super Bowl champion with New England Patriots
* 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, Absentia (born in Canada)
* 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)
* Yosh Kawano, 65-year employee of Chicago Cubs (born in Washington)
* 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)
* John L. Keeley Jr., investment manager and philanthropist
* 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
* Clayton Keller, NHL player (born in Missouri)
* Kent E. Keller, U.S. Representative 1931–41
* Sheldon Keller, comedy writer
* Barry Kelley, actor, The Asphalt Jungle, Buchanan Rides Alone
* Florence Kelley, social reformer, founder of National Consumers' League (born in Pennsylvania)
* Mike Kelley, creator of TV series Revenge
* Hiram Huntington Kellogg Sr., minister, first Knox College president (born in New York)
* Carson Kelly, MLB catcher
* Dennis Kelly, NFL offensive tackle
* 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, journalist for Fox News and NBC News, host of Megyn Kelly Today
* R. Kelly, singer and songwriter
* Robin Kelly, politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative (born in New York)
* Tim Kelly, NFL offensive coordinator
* 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, MLB player 1939-57, manager of Chicago Cubs and Oakland A's
* 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 neoliberalism school of thought
* Hugh Keough, horse racing official and sportswriter
* Joe E. Kernan, decorated Vietnam War aviator, mayor of South Bend 1988-97, Governor of Indiana 2003–05
* Otto Kerner Jr., politician (Democrat), decorated World War II soldier, Governor of Illinois 1961–68, imprisoned 1974
* Otto Kerner Sr., judge, Attorney General of Illinois
* Johnny Kerr, NBA player, coach, broadcaster for Chicago Bulls, member of 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)
* Tony Khan, football and wrestling executive
* Gerald Frederick Kicanas, archbishop of Tucson, Arizona
* John Kidd, NFL punter 1984–98
* Adolph Kiefer, swimmer, backstroke gold medalist in 1936 Olympics
* Thomas L. Kilbride, judge, Supreme Court of Illinois 2000-20
* Richard Kiley, Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor, Blackboard Jungle, A Year in the Life, Man of La Mancha, The Phenix City Story
* 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
* Dave Kindred, sports journalist
* Bill King, radio voice of Oakland A's, Raiders, Golden State Warriors
* Bradley King, early Hollywood screenwriter
* Edward John King, seven-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
* Mary-Claire King, geneticist
* 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 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 2011-23
* Jason Kipnis, MLB second baseman 2011-20
* Bob Kipper, MLB pitcher 1985–92
* George Kirby, comedian
* Rollin Kirby, cartoonist
* Mark Kirk, politician (Republican), U.S. Representative 2001-10 and U.S. Senator 2010-17
* Jeane Kirkpatrick, U.S. Ambassador to United Nations 1981-85 (born in Oklahoma)
* Jess Kirkpatrick, actor and announcer
* Jimmy Kite, auto racer
* Kurt Kittner, quarterback for Illinois, champion and MVP of World Bowl XIII
* Tom Kivisto, basketball player, businessman
* Nick Kladis, basketball player, businessman, part-owner of Chicago White Sox, St. Louis Cardinals
* Billy Klaus, MLB player 1952-63
* Bobby Klaus, MLB player 1964-65
* 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
* Tom Kleinschmidt, basketball player for DePaul, coach of DePaul College Prep
* Josh Kline, NFL offensive guard 2013-19
* 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, three home runs in 1959 World Series
* Philip Klutznick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce 1980–81, Chicago Bulls president 1973 (born in Missouri)
* Cole Kmet, NFL tight end
* Anthony L. Knapp, U.S. Representative 1861–65 (born in New York)
* Lindsay Knapp, guard for Notre Dame and Super Bowl XXXI champion Green Bay Packers
* 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, 2022 world champion and 2022 Winter Olympics gold medalist
* 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 seven 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
* Herbert Kohler Jr., billionaire businessman, CEO of Kohler Co.
* Ruth DeYoung Kohler, 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 2012 World Series champion San Francisco Giants
* David Kopay, pro football 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 Krabbenhoft, basketball player, coach for Wisconsin
* Joe Krakoski, NFL defensive back 1961–66
* Irene Kral, singer
* Roy Kral, jazz musician
* Akiane Kramarik, poet and painter
* Olof Krans, Civil War soldier in Illinois regiment, Swedish-American 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, multiple Grammy Award-winning bluegrass musician and composer
* Mike Kreevich, MLB outfielder 1931–45
* Albert Henry Krehbiel, painter, Art Institute of Chicago professor (born in Iowa)
* Frederick Kreismann, mayor of St. Louis 1909–13
* Rich Kreitling, NFL wide receiver 1959–64
* Gary Kremen, founder of Match.com
* Raja Krishnamoorthi, lawyer, U.S. Representative (born in India)
* 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 2013-21
* Candace Kroslak, actress, Ocean Ave.
* Casey Krueger, pro soccer player, Chicago Red Stars
* 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
* Toni Kukoc, Hall of Fame player and executive for Chicago Bulls (born in Croatia)
* Jake Kumerow, NFL wide receiver
* George Kunz, NFL 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 Los Angeles Lakers
* Bill Kurtis, television news journalist (born in Florida)
* Emil Kush, pitcher for Chicago Cubs 1941–49
* Sarah Kustok, sportscaster
* Zak Kustok, quarterback for Northwestern
* Bob Kustra, president of Boise State 2003-18, Lieutenant Governor of Illinois 1991-98 (born in Missouri)
* Michael Kutza, founder of Chicago International Film Festival
* 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 B. LaBerge, Under Secretary of Army, Air Force, NATO
* Ben LaBolt, political advisor, White House Communications Director
* 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
* Matt LaCosse, NFL tight end 2015-21
* Tanner Laczynski, NHL center
* Tyler Ladendorf, MLB second baseman 2015-21
* 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
* Garth Lagerwey, goalkeeper, executive in Major League Soccer
* Kyung Lah, Tokyo-based international correspondent for CNN (born in South Korea)
* Ray LaHood, politician (Republican), state and U.S. Representative, U.S. Secretary of Transportation 2009–13
* Bill Laimbeer, NBA center 1979-93, two-time champion with Detroit Pistons, three-time WNBA champion 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, 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, four-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
* Jim Langfelder, mayor of Springfield 2015-23
* Mary Lewis Langworthy, president, Chicago Woman's Club
* Harris Laning, admiral
* John Lankston, opera singer
* Sherry Lansing, actress and CEO of Paramount Pictures
* Lauren Lapkus, actress, Orange Is the New Black, Are You There, Chelsea?, Clipped, Jurassic World
* Alison La Placa, actress, Duet, 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
* Gene La Rocque, U.S. Navy rear admiral
* 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 (born in France)
* 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
* William Lava, composer of animated film music, Looney Tunes
* 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, eight-time Emmy-winning actress, The Last Picture Show, Mary Tyler Moore, Young Frankenstein, 1946 Miss Illinois (born in Iowa)
* Brett Lebda, NHL defenseman 2005–11
* Mike Lebovitz, stand-up comedian
* Pepi Lederer, silent-film actress
* Ang Lee, Oscar-winning director, Illinois alumnus (born in Taiwan)
* Doug Lee, NBA player 1991–95
* Mary Lee, actress, Cowboy and the Senorita, South of the Border
* Mike Lee, boxer
* 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, 1985 World Series champion
* 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 D. LeMay, actor, Friday the 13th: The Series (born in Minnesota)
* Walt Lemon Jr., American player in Israel Basketball Premier League
* 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
* Lance Lenoir, pro football player
* Rick Lenz, actor, Hec Ramsey, Cactus Flower, The Shootist
* Dutch Leonard, pitcher for four MLB teams
* Jack E. Leonard, comedian
* Meyers Leonard, NBA and Illinois center (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 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 1985 NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers (born in Mississippi)
* 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, president of University of Chicago 1968-75, U.S. Attorney General 1975–77
* Charles Levin, actor, Alice, Capital News
* Gabe Levin, American-Israeli player in Israeli Basketball Premier League
* Al Levine, pitcher for seven MLB teams
* Samm Levine, actor, Freaks and Geeks
* 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)
* John L. Lewis, Illinois coal miner, president of United Mine Workers of America (born in Iowa)
* 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-winning jazz musician, "The 'In' Crowd"
* J.C. Leyendecker, illustrator (born in Germany)
Li–Ln
* Anna Li, gymnast, NCAA champion for UCLA (born in Nevada)
* Jimmy John Liautaud, founder of Jimmy John's sandwich chain
* Marcus Liberty, pro basketball player
* George Lichty, cartoonist, Grin and Bear It
* Dennis Lick, offensive tackle for Chicago Bears 1976–81
* E. J. Liddell, NBA forward, two-time Illinois Mr. Basketball
* 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
* Lori Lightfoot, 56th Mayor of Chicago (born in Ohio)
* Anita Lihme, princess of Bohemia
* 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, Abraham 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, Abraham Lincoln's son
* Tad Lincoln, youngest son of Abraham Lincoln, died at 18
* Thomas Lincoln, father of Abraham Lincoln, lived in Illinois 1831–51 (born in Virginia)
* Katie Lind, pro soccer player
* Mike Lind, NFL and Notre Dame fullback
* Edward Lindberg, athlete, relay gold medalist in 1912 Summer Olympics
* Jim Lindeman, MLB outfielder 1986–94
* Fannie B. Linderman, educator, entertainer, and writer
* 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, Fight Club, Into the Wild
* Dan Lipinski, politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative 2005-21
* 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, NBA forward 2004-19, three-time champion and executive with Golden State Warriors
* Danny Lloyd, actor, The Shining
* Scott Lloyd, NBA player 1976-82
* Vince Lloyd, baseball broadcaster
Lo–Lp
* Dick Locher, Pulitzer-winning cartoonist, writer-artist of Dick Tracy
* Allan Loeb, screenwriter, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, The Switch
* Marshall Loeb, magazine editor
* Kelly Loeffler, U.S. Senator of Georgia 2020-21
* Jo Sullivan Loesser, Tony Award-nominated actress
* 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, two-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, Civil War general, U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator
* John Alexander Logan Jr., Medal of Honor winner, killed in combat
* John Logan, screenwriter, Gladiator, The Aviator, Skyfall (born in California)
* Stephen T. Logan, law partner of Abraham Lincoln
* Gary Loizzo, musician with The American Breed
* Joseph Lombardo, organized crime figure
* Dutch Lonborg, basketball coach, Northwestern all-time leader in victories, Hall of Fame
* Chuck Long, quarterback and coach, Heisman Trophy runner-up, College Football Hall of Fame (born in Oklahoma)
* Fred T. Long, baseball player, football coach
* Herman Long, MLB infielder 1889–1904
* Richard Long, actor, The Big Valley, Nanny and the Professor, Bourbon Street Beat, House on Haunted Hill
* Shelley Long, actress, Second City, Northwestern, Cheers, Troop Beverly Hills, The Brady Bunch Movie (born in Indiana)
* Frank Loomis, hurdler, gold medalist in 1920 Summer Olympics
* Horatio G. Loomis, a founder of Chicago Board of Trade (born in Vermont)
* John Patrick Looney, gangster from Rock Island, inspired character in Road to Perdition
* Al Lopez, manager of White Sox 1950s, 1960s (born in Florida)
* 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
* Dave Losso, stand-up comedian
* George Lott, five-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, three-time All-Star for Chicago Bulls (born in Louisiana)
* John Arthur Love, Governor of Colorado 1963–73
* Elijah Lovejoy, abolitionist, editor (born in Maine)
* Owen Lovejoy, minister, 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
* Britt Lower, actress, Man Seeking Woman
* Charles Lowman, surgeon awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
* Lynn Lowry, actress
* Alexander Loyd, Mayor of Chicago 1840–41 (born in New York)
* Jewell Loyd, basketball player, top pick of 2015 WNBA draft, two-time WNBA champion, 2020 Olympic gold medalist
Lq–Lz
* Scott W. Lucas, lawyer, U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator 1939-51
* 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
* Paul Lusk, basketball coach
* 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, NFL defensive back 1993-2008, Super Bowl XXXVII champion, Hall of Fame, general manager of San Francisco 49ers
* Jordan Lynch, quarterback for Northern Illinois and 2015 CFL champion 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, comedian, actor, writer, Angie Tribeca, Perfect Couples, The Game Plan
* Franklyn MacCormack, radio personality (born in Iowa)
* 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, One Day at a Time
* Christy Mack, model, stripper, porn actress
* Helen Mack, actress, His Girl Friday, The Son of Kong, She
* Peter F. Mack Jr., pilot, seven-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 (born in California)
* 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 2003-19
* Michael Madigan, state representative 1971-2021, Speaker of House 1997-2021, state Democratic Party chairman
* Slip Madigan, college football player, three-sport coach
* Cleo Madison, silent-film actress
* Sarah Danielle Madison, actress
* Bill Madlock, MLB third baseman 1973-88, four-time 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
* Francis Joseph Magner, Catholic bishop
* 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 Malukas, auto racer
* David Mamet, Oscar-nominated screenwriter, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, director, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Verdict, Wag the Dog, Hoffa, The Untouchables
* Andy Manar, state senator, deputy governor
* 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, Law & Order
* Lewis Manilow, real estate developer, co-founder of Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago
* Sebastian Maniscalco, stand-up comedian and actor, Green Book, About My Father
* 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, NBA forward 1999-2015, four-time All-Star
* 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)
* Forrest Mars Jr., billionaire Mars family scion
* 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
* Noel Marshall, film producer
* 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, Cal, Tennessee, Missouri
* James Stewart Martin, Civil War general, U.S. Representative
* Kate Martin, guard for two-time NCAA runner-up Iowa, 18th pick of 2024 WNBA draft
* 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
* Ella Masar, pro soccer player
* 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, author
* Carole Mathews, actress and radio personality
* Milton W. Mathews, 19th Century publisher and politician
* T.J. Mathews, MLB pitcher 1995–2002
* Art Mathisen, basketball player for Illinois
* 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, Butler
* Joel Aldrich Matteson, railroad executive, Governor of Illinois 1853–57 (born in New York)
* Clyde Matthews, college football coach
* Denny Matthews, baseball broadcaster (born in Florida)
* Wid Matthews, baseball executive
* Ken Mattingly, astronaut and admiral
* 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
* Holle Thee Maxwell, singer and songwriter
* 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 1980–92
* William L. May, politician, first mayor of Springfield, Illinois
* Marilyn Maye, singer (born in Kansas)
* Jonathan Mayer, first US DOJ chief science and technology adviser and chief artificial intelligence officer
* 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, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Grammy Legend Award
* 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, nine-term U.S. representative (born in Rhode Island)
* Des McAnuff, theater director
* Arthur B. McBride, businessman who founded the Cleveland Browns football team
* 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, freestyle 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
* Joanne McCarthy, basketball player, UIC all-time scoring leader
* 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
* Todd McCarthy, film critic
* 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
* Alice Moore McComas, writer, editor, lecturer, social reformer
* 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, husband of Edith Rockefeller
* Katharine McCormick, biologist, suffragist, 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
* Keith McCready, professional pool player, actor in The Color of Money
* Johnston McCulley, author, creator of Zorro
* John T. McCutcheon, cartoonist
* Jim McDermott, U.S. Representative of Washington 1989-2017
* Darren W. McDew, U.S. Air Force general
* Glenn McDonald, member of 1976 NBA champion Boston Celtics
* Ariel McDonald, basketball player; 2000 Israeli Basketball Premier League MVP
* Robert A. McDonald, chairman and CEO of Procter & Gamble, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs 2014-17
* John McDonough, president and CEO of Chicago Blackhawks 2007-20
* Frances McDormand, Oscar and Emmy-winning actress, Fargo, Blood Simple, Almost Famous, Moonrise Kingdom, Olive Kitteridge, Nomadland
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, MLB relief pitcher
* Bill McGee, MLB pitcher 1935–42
* JaVale McGee, basketball player, three-time NBA champion, 2020 Olympics gold medalist
* Ralph McGehee, football player for Notre Dame, officer for CIA
* 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, The Handmaid's Tale, 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, MLB pitcher, member of 2017 World Series champion 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
* Billy McKinney, NBA and Northwestern player, mayor of Zion, Illinois
* 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
* Steve McMichael, pro football player and coach, wrestler, radio personality (born in Texas)
* 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
* Shellie McMillon, NBA and Bradley basketball player
* Mary Ann McMorrow, judge, Supreme Court of Illinois 1992-2006
* Donovan McNabb, six-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)
* Tom McNamara, 40th mayor of Rockford
* 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 (born in New York)
* 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
* Corey McPherrin, television journalist
* 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
* Paulette McWilliams, singer
Md–Mh
* George J. Mecherle, founder of State Farm Insurance
* David Meckler, 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
* Jayson Megna, NHL forward (born in Florida)
* Bill Mehlhorn, golfer, 1924 Western Open champion, third in U.S. Open
* Garry Meier, radio personality
* Katie Meier, basketball player for Duke, coach at Miami
* 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
* Al Melgard, organist at Chicago Stadium 1930-74
* 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)
* Daniel Meltzer, Harvard law professor, Barack Obama deputy counsel
* David O. Meltzer, professor of medicine
* 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
* Susana Mendoza, politician, Illinois Comptroller
* 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 and Tony Award-winning, Oscar-nominated actress, Roseanne, The Conners, JFK, Internal Affairs, Toy Story, Lady Bird
* Ralph Metcalfe, sprinter, 100-meter silver medalist at 1936 Summer Olympics; politician (Democrat), U.S. Representative
* Linda Metheny, gymnast
* Bert Metzger, football player
* Dick Meyer, journalist, CBS News, BBC America and NPR
* 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 from 1942–84
* Russ Meyer, MLB pitcher 1946–59
* Seth Meyers, television personality, Saturday Night Live, Late Night with Seth Meyers
* Mezz Mezzrow, jazz musician
Mi–Mn
* Patrick Michaels, climatologist, senior fellow at Cato Institute
* M. Alfred Michaelson, banker, U.S. Representative (born in Norway)
* Chris Michalak, MLB pitcher 1998-2006
* Laura Michalek, won 1979 Chicago Marathon at age 15
* 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
* Ed Mikan, pro and DePaul basketball player
* George Mikan, Hall of Fame basketball center, DePaul and five-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 Bill Clinton
* Darius Miles, forward for four NBA teams
* Gina Miles, singer, winner of The Voice season 23
* Penelope Milford, Oscar-nominated actress, Coming Home
* Adam Miller, basketball player
* Bob Miller, pitched in MLB at 17
* Bob Miller, broadcaster in Hockey Hall of Fame
* Bobby Miller, MLB pitcher
* Jack Miller, 12-year U.S. Senator of Iowa
* Jesse Miller, musician
* Mary Miller, U.S. Representative
* Otis L. Miller, MLB infielder 1927–32
* Patrick Miller, American player in Israeli Basketball Premier League
* 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
* Steve Miner, film and TV director, Friday the 13th Part 2, Lake Placid, Day of the Dead
* 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, Hall of Fame outfielder, 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
* Chad Mirkin, professor, Northwestern
* 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 and 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 2010-16
* Joe Moeller, MLB pitcher and scout
* Doug Moench, comic book writer, Batman
* Alex Moffat, comedian, Saturday Night Live
* 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
* Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, artist, founder of IIT Institute of Design (born in Hungary)
* 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, NFL center 2012-15
* Jeff Monken, football coach, Army
* Harriet Monroe, poet
* Meredith Monroe, actress, Dawson's Creek, Criminal Minds
* Zach Monroe, pitcher for 1958 World Series champion New York Yankees
* Eric Monte, creator of TV series Good Times
* Megan Montefusco, pro soccer player
* Kahmari Montgomery, sprinter
* 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
* Hank Moonjean, film producer, Sharky's Machine, Dangerous Liaisons
* Allen F. Moore, U.S. Representative 1921–25
* Annabelle Moore, dancer, silent film actress
* Ben Moore, player in Israeli Basketball Premier League
* 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, 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
* Audrey Morris, jazz singer
* Buckner Stith Morris, Mayor of Chicago 1838–39 (born in Kentucky)
* Jeannie Morris, sports journalist (born in California)
* Johnny Morris, receiver for Chicago Bears, sportscaster (born in California)
* Lamorne Morris, actor, New Girl
* Max Morris, basketball and football All-American for Northwestern
* Sandi Morris, pole vaulter, 2016 Olympics silver medalist
* Allie Morrison, freestyle 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
* Larry Morrissey, mayor of Rockford 2005-17
* 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
* Margaret Moser, music journalist
* Porter Moser, basketball coach, Illinois State, Loyola, Oklahoma
* Beth Moses, commercial astronaut
* 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, two-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, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
* 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 (born in Michigan)
* Gavin Muir, actor
* John Mulaney, stand-up comedian, Saturday Night Live writer, producer, host
* 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
* Bryan Mullins, basketball player and head coach for Southern Illinois
* 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 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
* Elizabeth Murray, artist
* Joel Murray, actor, Dharma & Greg, Love & War, Grand, Mad Men
* John Murray, music teacher, founder of Naperville, Illinois
* Brent Musburger, sportscaster, Northwestern alumnus, 1960s Chicago sportswriter (born in Oregon)
* Todd Musburger, talent agent
* 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, Chicago symphony conductor 2008-23 (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
* Abdel Nader, forward, Northern Illinois and NBA (born in Egypt)
* 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 (born in Nevada)
* Albinus Nance, Governor of Nebraska 1879–1883
* Ray Nance, trumpeter
* Joseph Naper, shipbuilder, first village president of Naperville
* Bob Nardella, hockey player, coach of Chicago Wolves
* Robert Nardelli, CEO, Chrysler, Home Depot (born in Pennsylvania)
* Charles W. Nash, automobile entrepreneur, created Nash Motors
* Heather Nauert, 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 1930s
* Battling Nelson, boxer, lightweight champion 1905–06 (born in Denmark)
* Don Nelson, NBA player and coach in Basketball Hall of Fame (born in Michigan)
* 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
* Jerry Neudecker, baseball umpire
* Harry Neumann, cinematographer
* P. Scott Neville Jr., judge, Supreme Court of Illinois
* 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)
* Walter Loomis Newberry, president of Chicago Board of Education, philanthropist, created Newberry Library
* 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, Elf
* Joe Newton, cross country coach, 28 state championships
* Kim Ng, MLB executive (born in Indiana)
* 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, Nyota Uhura on Star Trek
* Danell Nicholson, heavyweight boxer
* Seth Barnes Nicholson, astronomer
* Carl Nicks, NBA guard 1980–83, played for 1979 NCAA runner-up Indiana State
* John George Nicolay, secretary to Abe Lincoln (born in Germany)
* Arthur Nielsen, founder of Nielsen Company, television ratings
* Rick Nielsen, musician, Cheap Trick
* Ben Niemann, NFL linebacker, Super Bowl LIV champion Kansas City Chiefs (born in Iowa)
* Audrey Niffenegger, author, The Time Traveler's Wife
* Alexa Nikolas, actress, Zoey 101, Hidden Hills
* Rob Ninkovich, NFL linebacker 2006-16, two-time Super Bowl champion with 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, Oppenheimer (born in England)
* Jonathan Nolan, screenwriter, The Dark Knight Rises, Interstellar, Westworld (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, NBA forward 2006-17
* Jay Novello, actor
* Brent Novoselsky, tight end for Minnesota Vikings 1988–94
* Christopher Nowinski, author, former WWE professional wrestler
* Ted Nugent, rock musician (born in Michigan)
* Kendrick Nunn, NBA guard
* 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
* Berry Oakley, musician with The Allman Brothers Band
* Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States; former US Senator from Illinois (2004–2008) (born in Hawaii)
* Michelle Obama, attorney, author, First Lady of the United States 2009-17, wife of Barack Obama
* Dean O'Banion, organized crime figure
* Ken Oberkfell, MLB infielder 1977–92, played for 1982 World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals
* Jim Oberweis, dairy owner, politician
* 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
* Mary K. O'Brien, judge
* 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, three-time U.S. champion, Olympic bronze
* Donald O'Connor, actor, dancer, Singin' in the Rain, There's No Business Like Show Business, Francis
* 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, imprisoned for 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, MLB pitcher
* 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, Emmy-winning actor, comedian, Parks and Recreation, The Lego Movie, We're the Millers
* William Butler Ogden, politician (Democrat), 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, three-time Governor of Illinois (born in Kentucky)
* Richard B. Ogilvie, lawyer, Cook County Sheriff 1962-66, Governor of Illinois 1969–73 (born in Missouri)
* Gail O'Grady, actress, American Dreams, NYPD Blue, Hellcats
* David Ogrin, pro golfer
* Tom O'Halleran, U.S. Representative in Arizona 2017-23
* 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)
* Michael O'Hare, actor, Babylon 5
* Don Ohl, five-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.
* Porsha Olayiwola, Boston poet laureate
* Ed Olczyk, player for six NHL teams, coach, TV commentator
* Arne Oldberg, composer, Northwestern professor
* Claes Oldenburg, sculptor (born in Sweden)
* 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, Thirtysomething, Brothers & Sisters
* Gene Oliver, catcher for five MLB teams
* Guy Oliver, silent-film actor
* King Oliver, jazz musician (born in Louisiana)
* Martha Capps Oliver, poet, hymnwriter
* 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
* Jim O'Rourke, musician, Sonic Youth
* Carey Orr, cartoonist
* David Orr, alderman, Cook County clerk, briefly Mayor of Chicago
* Johnny Orr, basketball coach, 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, gold medalist in decathlon and high jump at 1924 Summer Olympics
* James O'Shaughnessy, NFL and Illinois State tight end
* 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 pitcher 1987-94, sportscaster
* Diana Oughton, student activist, member of The Weathermen
* Antoine Ouilmette, early settler, Wilmette namesake (born in Canada)
* Harold Ousley, jazz musician
* David K. Overstreet, judge
* 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)
* Mel Owens, NFL linebacker 1981-89 (born in Michigan)
* Joseph W. Ozbourn, decorated World War II soldier
* Marite Ozers, 1963 Miss USA (born in Latvia)
* Ray Ozzie, executive with Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard

## P

Pa–Pd
* Cliff Padgett, motorboat builder, hydroplane racer
* Walter Paepcke, philanthropist, founder of Aspen Institute
* Priscilla Paetsch, violinist
* 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
* Ruth Page, ballerina, Chicago patron of the arts (born in Indiana)
* 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, Emmy-winning actress, singer, Madea's Family Reunion, Joyful Noise, Hustlers, Nope
* 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 (born in Missouri)
* John Pankow, actor, To Live and Die in L.A., A Stranger Among Us, Episodes (born in Missouri)
* Chuck Panozzo, bass player for rock band Styx
* John Panozzo, drummer for rock band Styx
* George Papadopoulos, advisor to 2016 Donald Trump campaign
* Al Papai, MLB pitcher 1948–55
* Billy Papke, middleweight boxing champion, Hall of Fame
* Erik Pappas, MLB catcher
* Milt Pappas, MLB pitcher 1957-73, no-hitter for Chicago Cubs, managed Chicago Storm (born in Michigan)
* Thomas Paprocki, Catholic bishop of Springfield
* Walter Parazaider, musician with band Chicago
* Jimmy Pardo, comedian, actor
* Sara Paretsky, crime novelist (born in Iowa)
* 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, 2004 Israeli Basketball Premier League MVP, executive with Orlando Magic
* Candace Parker, two-time NCAA champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist, three-time WNBA champion and twice MVP
* Eric Parker, wide receiver for San Diego Chargers 2002–07
* Francis W. Parker, education reformer (born in New Hampshire)
* Jabari Parker, basketball forward, four-time state champion with Simeon, second pick of 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
* Steve Parris, MLB pitcher 1995-2003
* Terell Parks, player in Israeli Basketball Premier League
* 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
* Dave Pasquesi, actor
* Geeta Patel, director and screenwriter
* Ravi Patel, actor, Grandfathered
* Don Patinkin, Israeli-American economist, President of Hebrew University of Jerusalem
* Mandy Patinkin, Emmy-winning actor, The Princess Bride, Dick Tracy, Ragtime, Yentl, Chicago Hope, Homeland
* Sheldon Patinkin, theater director for Columbia College, Second City
* Danica Patrick, auto racer, best finish of any woman in Daytona 500, 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
* Lauren Patten, singer and actress, Tony Award winner
* Alicia Patterson, editor and publisher, founder of Newsday
* Cissy Patterson, editor and publisher, countess
* Don Patterson, producer, animator, director, The Smurfs, Dumbo, Pinocchio, Fantasia
* Francine Patterson, animal psychologist, taught language to Koko the gorilla
* 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, MLB relief pitcher
* 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 (born in Florida)
* Pawnee Bill, Wild West showman with Buffalo Bill
* John Paxson, three-time NBA champion, executive for Chicago Bulls (born in Ohio)
* Melanie Paxson, actress
* Tom Paxton, folk musician and singer-songwriter, 2009 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
* 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
* Gary Payton, astronaut
* Jarrett Payton, pro football player, radio personality
* Sean Payton, head coach of Denver Broncos and Super Bowl XLIV champion New Orleans Saints (born in California)
* 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
* Hal Pearl, organist
* Barry Pearson, NFL wide receiver 1972–76
* Drew Pearson, syndicated newspaper columnist
* Paul Martin Pearson, professor, governor of Virgin Islands
* Preston Pearson, basketball player for Illinois, NFL running back in five Super Bowls
* 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
* Richard Peck, author
* 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
* Paula Pell, Emmy-winning comedy writer, actress
* Clara Peller, commercial actress, "Where's the beef?"
* Anthony Pellicano, private investigator, imprisoned 2008-19
* 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)
* Sylvia Perez, Chicago television journalist (born in Oklahoma)
* George Periolat, silent-film actor
* Dewayne Perkins, comedian and screenwriter
* 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
* Pat Perry, MLB pitcher 1985-90
* Zoe Perry, actress, Young Sheldon
* 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"
* Devereaux Peters, third selection of 2012 WNBA draft, two-time champion with Minnesota Lynx
* 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, 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)
* Harry Mark Petrakis, author (born in Missouri)
* 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
* Julianne Phillips, model, actress, first wife of Bruce Springsteen
* 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
* Alec Pierce, NFL wide receiver
* Billy Pierce, pitcher, scout, broadcaster for Chicago White Sox, seven-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, six-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 (born in Kansas)
* 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
* Larsa Pippen, reality TV personality, The Real Housewives of Miami
* Scottie Pippen, Hall of Fame forward for Chicago Bulls six-time champions (born in Arkansas)
* Louis Piquett, lawyer of John Dillinger
* Pauline Pirok, pro baseball player
* Skip Pitlock, MLB pitcher 1970–75
* Arthur Pitney, inventor of postage meter, co-founder of Pitney Bowes
* Jeremy Piven, Emmy-winning actor, Entourage, Mr. Selfridge, Very Bad Things, Old School
* Plain White T's, rock band from Chicago
* Polly Platt, film producer, screenwriter
* Kevin Plawecki, MLB catcher, 2012 Big Ten Player of the Year
* James E. Plew, aviation pioneer
* Richard Plomin, psychologist
* Pete Ploszek, actor, Teen Wolf, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles films
* Brian Plotkin, pro soccer player, head coach for Army
* 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
* Tasha Pointer, basketball coach, UIC
* D. A. Points, professional golfer
* Matthew Polenzani, opera singer
* 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, four-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
* Jordyn Poulter, volleyball gold medalist, 2020 Summer Olympics
* Alma Webster Powell, opera singer
* Edward B. Powell, film composer
* 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
* Roger Powell, Illinois basketball player, Valparaiso head coach
* Jenny Powers, actress and 2000 Miss Illinois
* John A. "Shorty" Powers, NASA official, voice of Mercury Control (born in Ohio)
* Richard Powers, author, 2019 Pulitzer Prize
* John Powless, basketball head coach for Wisconsin 1968-76
* 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)
* Gary Pressy, organist at Wrigley Field 1987-2019
* Keith Preston, writer
* Louis Price, singer with Temptations, Drifters
* Melvin Price, 33-year U.S. Representative
* Julian Priester, trombonist
* Quinn Priester, MLB pitcher
* George W. Prince, eight-term U.S. Representative
* Tom Prince, MLB catcher 1987–2003
* Joe Principe, musician, member of band Rise Against
* John Prine, singer-songwriter, 2020 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
* 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, 43rd Governor of Illinois
* Penny Pritzker, U.S. Secretary of Commerce 2013-17
* 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 (born in Canada)
* William Quarter, first Bishop of Chicago (born in Ireland)
* James C. Quayle, newspaper publisher, father of Dan Quayle
* John Francis Queeny, founder of Monsanto
* Joel Quenneville, coach of three-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, basketball player for DePaul and 2021 WNBA champion Chicago Sky
* 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, Leaving Las Vegas, Vanity Fair, Hamilton
* 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
* Rachel Quon, pro soccer player (born in California)

## R

Ra–Rd
* Charles Radbourn, Hall of Fame baseball pitcher (born in New York)
* Ted Radcliffe, pro baseball player 1928-46 (born in Alabama)
* Doug Rader, MLB infielder 1967-77, 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), eight-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, two-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 2008-16, police chief of Washington, D.C. 1998-2007
* Edwin Ramsey, U.S. Army officer, guerrilla leader during 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)
* Clarence B. Randall, chairman of Inland Steel, presidential advisor (born in New York)
* Martha Randall, swimmer, bronze medalist in 1964 Summer Olympics
* Rebel Randall, actress, radio personality
* Tony Randazzo, MLB umpire
* Wayne Randazzo, MLB broadcaster for Los Angeles Angels
* Betsy Randle, actress, Boy Meets World
* Brian Randle, NBA coach and former Israeli Basketball Premier League player
* Chasson Randle, pro basketball player
* Antwaan Randle El, NFL wide receiver 2002-10, played 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)
* Kwame Raoul, 42nd Illinois Attorney General
* 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
* David Rasche, actor, Succession, United 93, Sledge Hammer!
* Wayne Rasmussen, defensive back for Detroit Lions 1964–72
* John Ratcliffe, Republican Congressman from Texas 2015-20
* 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, politician (Republican), Governor of Illinois 2015-19
* 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, carried out April 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
* Joie Ray, three-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 (born in Tampico, Illinois)
* Billy Reay, won 516 games as Chicago Blackhawks coach (born in Canada)
* Eugene Record, singer, The Chi-Lites
* William Reddick, businessman, philanthropist, politician
* 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
* Kennedy J. Reed, theoretical atomic physicist
* 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
* Bill Reinhardt, musician and bandleader
* 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, MLB pitcher
* Zach Reks, MLB outfielder
* 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, halfback, 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, three-time All-Star
* Katherine Reutter, speed skater, 2011 world champion, medalist in 2010 Vancouver Olympics
* Nellie Revell, journalist, publicist
* 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
* William C. Rhoden, sports journalist
* 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
* Dan and Ada Rice, philanthropists, owners of 1965 Kentucky Derby winner Lucky Debonair
* Fred Rice Jr., officer, superintendent, Chicago Police Department
* Simeon Rice, defensive lineman for Illinois and 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
* Trevor Richards, MLB pitcher
* Cathy Richardson, singer, Jefferson Starship
* 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 in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (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
* Laura J. Rittenhouse, activist, writer, poet, clubwoman
* Doc Rivers, NBA point guard 1983-96, head coach of five teams
* Mike Rizzo, general manager of Washington Nationals
* Rick Rizzs, baseball broadcaster
Ro–Rt
* Tanner Roark, MLB pitcher 2013-21
* Jason Robards, Oscar-winning actor, A Thousand Clowns, All the President's Men, Julia, Once Upon a Time in the West, Parenthood, Philadelphia
* 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
* Chuckie Robinson, MLB catcher
* Craig Robinson, actor, 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
* Robin Robinson, Chicago television journalist
* 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
* Lelia P. Roby, philanthropist; founder, Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic
* 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)
* Elizabeth Rochford, judge, Supreme Court of Illinois
* Sharon Percy Rockefeller, first lady of West Virginia 1977-85 (born in California)
* 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, head coach of 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
* Patience D. Roggensack, chief justice, Wisconsin Supreme Court 2015-21
* 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 Council of Economic Advisers under 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 2000-10
* Sean Rooney, volleyball player, NCAA champion at Pepperdine, gold medalist at 2008 Beijing Olympics
* John Root, architect
* Adam Rosales, MLB infielder 2008-18
* Allison Rosati, Chicago television journalist (born in Delaware)
* Derrick Rose, guard for New York Knicks, top pick of 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)
* Jacky Rosen, U.S. Senator from Nevada
* Clarke Rosenberg, American-Israeli basketball player
* 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 2007-19
* Arthur Ross, Oscar-nominated screenwriter, Brubaker, The Great Race
* Barney Ross, boxing world champion (born in New York)
* Charlotte Ross, actress, NYPD Blue, Beggars and Choosers
* Leonard Fulton Ross, Civil War general
* Lewis Winans 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, MLB manager and pitching coach
* John L. Rotz, Hall of Fame jockey
* Tom Rouen, punter for six NFL teams
* Pants Rowland, manager of Chicago White Sox 1915-18 (born in Wisconsin)
* 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
* Arthur Rubloff, real estate developer (born in Minnesota)
* 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, six-time World Series champion with 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 1993-2023
* Otis Rush, blues musician (born in Mississippi)
* William A. Rusher, lawyer, columnist, publisher of National Review 1957-88
* Marion Rushing, four-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, politician (Republican), Governor of Illinois 1999–2003, imprisoned 2007
* Howard C. Ryan, judge, Supreme Court of Illinois 1970-90
* Jack Ryan, banker, teacher, Senate candidate vs. Barack Obama
* Jeri Ryan, actress, Star Trek: Voyager, Boston Public, 1989 Miss Illinois
* Jim Ryan, Illinois attorney general 1995-2003
* Rex Ryan, head coach for NFL's New York Jets, Buffalo Bills
* Rob Ryan, defensive coordinator for two-time Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs
* 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 2009-18

## 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 winner and World Series MVP
* Robert Sabonjian, six-term mayor of Waukegan
* Lenny Sachs, head coach of Loyola basketball 1923–42
* Jonathan Sadowski, actor, Live Free or Die Hard, Young & Hungry
* Connor Sadzeck, MLB pitcher
* Craig Sager, sportscaster
* Bernard Sahlins, founder of Second City comedy club
* Susan Saint James, Emmy-winning actress, McMillan & Wife, Kate & Allie, 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
* Jeff Salzenstein, tennis player
* Tony Sam, comedian
* Bill Sampen, MLB pitcher 1990–94
* Dave Samuels, musician, Spyro Gyra
* 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 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 1989-95, Will County district attorney
* Evelyn Sanguinetti, lieutenant governor 2015-19 (born in Florida)
* Olayinka Sanni, pro basketball player
* David Santee, figure skater, two-time Olympian
* Rick Santelli, editor for CNBC Business News network
* Andrew Santino, comedian, actor, I'm Dying Up Here
* 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, Shattered Glass, Kinsey, Orphan, Blue Jasmine, The Batman
* 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, professional 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 SIU in 1970s (born in Kansas)
* Morgan Saylor, actress, Homeland, Blow the Man Down, Novitiate
* 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, Emmy and Tony Award-winning director (born in Connecticut)
* 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
* Andrew H. Schapiro, ambassador to Czech Republic 2014-17
* Dan Schatzeder, pitcher for nine MLB teams
* Molly Schaus, two-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 head coach, Duke
* Claire Schillace, pro baseball player
* Bobby Schilling, U.S. Representative 2011-13
* Phyllis Schlafly, conservative activist, author
* Brian Schlitter, pro baseball pitcher
* 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
* John Michael Schmitz, pro football center
* 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
* Admiral Schofield, small forward for Washington Wizards (born in England)
* Dick Schofield, MLB infielder for California Angels and Toronto Blue Jays
* Ducky Schofield, MLB infielder 1953-71, member of 1960 World Series champion Pittsburgh Pirates
* Michael Schofield, NFL lineman for Super Bowl 50 champion Denver Broncos
* O'Brien Schofield, NFL linebacker for Super Bowl XLVIII champion Seattle Seahawks (born in South Carolina)
* John Schommer, basketball Hall of Famer, University of Chicago
* Jessy Schram, actress, Falling Skies, Chicago Med
* 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
* Arthur Schultz, five-term mayor of Joliet
* 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, seven-time NHRA champ
* Joseph Schwantner, composer
* Jim Schwantz, NFL linebacker 1992–98, mayor of Palatine
* Ed Schwartz, radio personality
* Frederick Schwatka, U.S. Army lieutenant, noted explorer of northern Canada and Alaska
* Emma Clara Schweer, oldest elected politician
* Gloria Schweigerdt, professional baseball player
* Gerald Schweighart, police officer, Champaign mayor 1999-2011
* Rusty Schwimmer, actress, Twister, The Perfect Storm
* Ignaz Schwinn, founder of bicycle company (born in Germany)
* John T. Scopes, teacher, defendant in Scopes trial (born in Kentucky)
* Thomas N. Scortia, novel adapted as The Towering Inferno
* Bud Scott, jazz musician (born in Louisiana)
* Mark Scott, actor, host of TV's Home Run Derby
* Rick Scott, politician (Republican), Governor of Florida 2011-19, U.S. Senator
* 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, At Home with Amy Sedaris, BoJack Horseman
* Cody Sedlock, baseball player, 2016 Big Ten Pitcher of the Year
* E.C. Segar, creator of Popeye
* Phil Seghi, general manager of Cleveland Indians 1973-85
* 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
* Danny Seraphine, drummer, Chicago
* Mary Servoss, actress, In This Our Life
* Ike Sewell, pioneer in Chicago-style pizza (born in Texas)
* Mary Foot Seymour, law reporter, businesswoman, school founder, journalist
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 1993-97 (born in Poland)
* Ashton C. Shallenberger, Governor of Nebraska 1909–11, six-term U.S. Representative
* Janet Shamlian, news correspondent for CBS and NBC
* 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)
* Terrence Shannon Jr., basketball player, Illinois
* Daniel B. Shapiro, U.S. Ambassador to Israel 2011-17
* Mark Shapiro, executive with Endeavor talent agency, Six Flags, ESPN
* 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 to 1987
* 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, Oscar-winning screenwriter, producer, I Dream of Jeannie, Hart to Hart, Annie Get Your Gun, The Other Side of Midnight
* Derek Shelton, manager of Pittsburgh Pirates
* 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
* Trent Sherfield, NFL wide receiver
* 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, three-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 1913-21 (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"
* Matthew Shiltz, quarterback in CFL
* John Shimkus, politician (Republican), U.S. Representative 1997-2021
* 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, 1938-67 athletic director at Kentucky
* Twila Shively, pro baseball player
* William Shockley, Nobel Prize-winning physicist, co-inventor of the transistor
* Vaughn Shoemaker, Pulitzer Prize-winning 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
* Gwynne Shotwell, president of SpaceX
* 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, NBA guard 2011-21
* 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 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, Hall of Fame center for 1979 NBA champion Seattle SuperSonics
* David Sills, judge, son-in-law of Ronald Reagan
* 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, Eastern Illinois
* Tony Simmons, NFL wide receiver 1998–2002
* Bryan W. Simon, film and stage director
* 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, 2011-15 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, pro basketball player
* 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 for Chicago Tribune, co-host of Siskel & Ebert
* Sister Jean, chaplain and basketball personality at Loyola
* George Skakel, industrialist, father of Ethel Kennedy
* William V. Skall, Oscar-winning cinematographer
* Bob Skelton, swimmer, 1924 Olympic gold medalist
* Matt Skiba, musician, Blink-182
* 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
* Peter Skoronski, offensive lineman for Northwestern, 11th pick of 2023 NFL draft
* 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
* Chris Slayton, NFL defensive end
* Martha Sleeper, actress, Spitfire, The Bells of St. Mary's
* 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
* Gabriel Slonina, pro soccer goalkeeper
* 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
* Jack Smiley, basketball player for Illinois
* 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
* Eleanor Sophia Smith, composer, educator
* 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, MLB catcher 1955-64, played 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
* Lenzelle Smith Jr., player in Israel Basketball Premier League
* Lonnie Smith, MLB outfielder, three-time World Series champion
* Lovie Smith, head coach of Chicago Bears 2004-12, Illinois 2016-20 (born in Texas)
* 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, WNBA player 1998-2012, 2007 and 2009 champion
* Theophilus W. Smith, law partner of Aaron Burr, impeached Illinois Supreme Court justice (born in New York)
* Wendell Smith, sportswriter (born in Michigan)
* Olivia Smoliga, swimmer, NCAA champion and Olympic gold medalist
* 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 Atlanta Braves, won 2021 World Series
* 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
* Franklyn Bliss Snyder, president of Northwestern University 1939-49
* 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
* Nick Solak, pro baseball player
* Susan Solomon, chemist, MIT professor, Nobel Prize winner
* Joey 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 to 2004 (born in Dominican Republic)
* Elliot Soto, pro baseball infielder
* 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)
* Sarah Spain, sports journalist (born in Ohio)
* 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 1995-2011 (born in South Africa)
* Muggsy Spanier, jazz musician
* Otis Spann, pianist in Blues Hall of Fame (born in Mississippi)
* Garret Sparks, pro hockey goaltender
* 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)
* Ed Sprinkle, Hall of Fame end for Chicago Bears (born in Texas)
* 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
* Jim Stack, NBA executive, two-time Northwestern MVP
* 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 coach, Illinois State, 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, 2017 Blues Hall of Fame inductee
* Tim Stapleton, NHL center 2008–12
* Ellen Gates Starr, social reformer and co-founder of Hull House
* Helen Ekin Starrett, president, Illinois Woman's Press Association
* 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 1960-89
* 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
* Marilee Stepan, swimmer, 1952 Olympic bronze medalist
* Donald Stephens, 13-term mayor of Rosemont
* Michael Stephens, pro soccer player
* Benjamin Stephenson, militia commander, writer of state constitution (born in Pennsylvania)
* Donald Sterling, owned Los Angeles Clippers 1981-2014
* 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
* Dutch Sternaman, football player, co-owner of Decatur Staleys (who became Chicago Bears)
* Joey Sternaman, 1920s pro football quarterback
* Dodie Stevens, singer, "Pink Shoe Laces"
* Fisher Stevens, actor, producer, director, Early Edition, Short Circuit, Stand Up Guys, Succession
* 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
* William Stevenson, Olympic gold medalist, college president, ambassador
* Brock Stewart, MLB pitcher
* Helen J. Stewart, pioneer, postmaster of Las Vegas
* Jacqueline Stewart, professor, Turner Classic Movies personality
* James B. Stewart, journalist, 1988 Pulitzer Prize
* 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, MLB pitcher 1967-74, general manager of Los Angeles Angels 1999-2007
* 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
* Eric Stout, MLB pitcher
* 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
* Juliana Stratton, lawyer, lieutenant governor
* William Stratton, politician (Republican), 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
* Chris Streveler, quarterback of 2019 CFL champion Winnipeg Blue Bombers
* 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
* Robert H. Strotz, economist, Northwestern University president 1970-84
* Max Strus, basketball player for DePaul, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers
* Barbara Stuart, television actress
* John Stuart, CEO of Quaker Oats 1922-53
* 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 2008-15
* Quint Studer, healthcare entrepreneur
* 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
* Margaret Ashmore Sudduth, educator, editor, social reformer
* Harry Sukman, Oscar-winning composer
* Billy Sullivan Jr., MLB catcher 1931–47
* Brad Sullivan, actor, Slap Shot, The Prince of Tides
* 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, winner of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 11
* Mike Sullivan, NFL lineman and coach
* Hope Summers, actress, The Andy Griffith Show
* Jessie Sumner, U.S. Representative 1939-47
* Billy Sunday, ballplayer and evangelist (born in Iowa)
* Helen Thompson Sunday, evangelist
* Jim Sundberg, MLB catcher 1974–89, six Gold Glove Awards
* Eliza R. Sunderland, writer, educator, lecturer, women's rights advocate
* 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
* Brent Suter, MLB pitcher
* Jack Suwinski, MLB outfielder
* 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, SpongeBob SquarePants
* 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
* Alex Tanney, NFL quarterback and coach
* 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
* Mike Tauchman, MLB outfielder
* Norman Taurog, director of Martin and Lewis, Elvis Presley films
* Bert Leston Taylor, librettist and columnist (born in Massachusetts)
* Billy Taylor, basketball coach, Lehigh, Ball State, Elon
* 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
* John Teerlinck, NFL player and assistant coach, three-time Super Bowl champion (born in New York)
* Len Teeuws, lineman for NFL's Rams and Cardinals
* Rick Telander, sportswriter for Sports Illustrated and Chicago Sun-Times
* William Telford, mayor of Springfield 1971-79
* Lance Ten Broeck, pro golfer
* Andy Tennant, actor, writer, director, Hitch, Sweet Home Alabama, The Bounty Hunter
* Bradie Tennell, figure skater, 2018 Winter Olympics medalist
* 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
* Mary Jane Theis, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Illinois
* Lynne Thigpen, actress, Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?, All My Children, The Paper, The District
* Roy Thinnes, actor, The Invaders, Airport 1975, The Hindenburg, Falcon Crest
* Napoleon B. Thistlewood, Cairo politician (born in Delaware)
* Josh Thole, MLB catcher 2009-16
* 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 Super Bowl XLIV champion New Orleans Saints
* Pinch Thomas, MLB catcher 1912–21
* Robert R. Thomas, justice on Supreme Court of Illinois 2000-20, Notre Dame and Bears kicker (born in New York)
* Theodore Thomas, violinist, conductor and founder of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (born in Germany)
* Jim Thome, Hall of Fame 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 Enola Gay, U.S. Air Force general
* Eunice Tietjens, foreign correspondent
* Pamela Tiffin, actress, One, Two, Three, The Pleasure Seekers, Harper (born in Oklahoma)
* Charles Tillman, cornerback for Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers
* Dorothy Tillman, Chicago alderman 1985-2007 (born in Alabama)
* 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)
* Michael L. Tipsord, chairman of State Farm
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)
* JP Tokoto, player for Hapoel Tel Aviv of Israeli Basketball Premier League
* Gregg Toland, Oscar-winning cinematographer, Citizen Kane, Wuthering Heights
* Scott Tolzien, NFL quarterback 2011-17, assistant coach
* 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, aviator
* Jim True-Frost, actor, The Wire
* Walter E. Truemper, pilot, World War II Medal of Honor recipient
* Frankie Trumbauer, jazz saxophonist
* Lyman Trumbull, politician, Illinois Supreme Court Justice, U.S. Senator, author of Thirteenth Amendment (born in Connecticut)
* Bob Trumpy, tight end for Cincinnati Bengals, sportscaster
* Morgan Tuck, four-time NCAA basketball champion for UConn
* Alando Tucker, pro basketball player, 2007 Big Ten Player of the Year
* 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, NBA guard 2010-20, second pick of 2010 NBA draft, 2010 Big Ten Player of the Year
* 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
* Colton Underwood, football player, The Bachelor star (born in Indiana)
* Lauren Underwood, U.S. Representative (born in Ohio)
* Oliver A. Unger, movie producer, distributor and exhibitor
* 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
* Urge Overkill, alt rock band from Chicago
* Brian Urlacher, 13-year Chicago Bears linebacker, Pro Football Hall of Fame (born in Washington)
* Frank Urson, silent-film director, Chicago
* Garrick Utley, television journalist
* Nancy Utley, Hollywood studio executive

## 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
* William Cornelius Van Horne, railroad mogul, first mayor of Joliet
* 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, two-time Grey Cup champion 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, three-time U.S. Women's Amateur champion
* Fred VanVleet, point guard, 2019 NBA champion with Toronto Raptors
* 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
* Sasha Velour, drag queen, 9th-season winner of RuPaul's Drag Race (born in California)
* 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, three-time All-Star infielder, played for 1944 World Series champion 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, three-time Olympian, won nine Big Ten track titles and NCAA cross country
* C. T. Vivian, associate of Martin Luther King Jr., awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom (born in Missouri)
* John Vivyan, actor, Mr. Lucky
* Alex Vlasic, NHL defenseman
* 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
* Rufus B. von KleinSmid, president, University of Southern California 1921-47, raised in Von KleinSmid Mansion
* 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, Hall of Fame basketball player, three-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 four 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
* Lena Waithe, actress, writer, producer, The Chi, Master of None, Ready Player One
* 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
* Randy Waldman, musician
* 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
* 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
* William J. Walker, Army major general, U.S. House sergeant at arms
* Amy Wallace, author (born in California)
* Chris Wallace, television journalist, Fox News Channel and CNN
* 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
* Minnie Gow Walsworth, poet
* 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, 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
* Brian Wardle, basketball coach, Bradley
* Wilbur Ware, jazz bassist
* Marsha Warfield, actress, Night Court
* Cy Warmoth, MLB player 1916–23
* Henry C. Warmoth, Civil War officer, governor of Louisiana
* 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, record producer
* Betty Jane Watson, singer and actress
* Bobby Watson, actor
* Deek Watson, original member of singing group The Ink Spots
* James Watson, molecular biologist, geneticist, co-discoverer of structure of DNA, winner of Nobel Prize
* Minor Watson, actor, Boys Town, The Jackie Robinson Story
* William Watson, actor, Lawman, Chato's Land
* Chris Watt, guard, Notre Dame and NFL
* 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
* Bill Weick, Greco-Roman wrestler and coach, member of first U.S. World Championships team 1961
* 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 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, five-time Olympic swim gold medalist, star of Tarzan films (born in Hungary)
* Chris Welch, politician, Speaker of Illinois House of Representatives
* Raquel Welch, actress, One Million Years B.C., Fantastic Voyage, Bandolero!, The Last of Sheila, Myra Breckinridge
* Jerry Weller, U.S. Representative 1995–2009
* Orson Welles, actor and director, Citizen Kane, The Third Man, Touch of Evil (born in Wisconsin)
* 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, MLB outfielder 2002-17
* Paul Wertico, drummer with Pat Metheny Group
* Dallas West, billiards player
* Kanye West, multiple Grammy Award-winning rap musician, songwriter, producer, fashion designer, actor; husband of reality TV star Kim Kardashian
* Mary Allen West, journalist, editor, educator, social reformer
* 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
* Warren L. Wheaton, philanthropist, namesake of Wheaton, Illinois (born in Connecticut)
* Cora Stuart Wheeler, poet, writer, journalist, lecturer
* 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, eighth Governor of North Dakota, 1921–28 U.S. Secretary of Treasury
* George A. White, military officer and journalist
* 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
* Nettie L. White, stenographer, suffragist
* Stephanie White, head coach, WNBA's Connecticut Sun; 1998-99 Player of the Year for NCAA champion Purdue
* 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 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, co-host of ESPN's Pardon the Interruption
* Wilco, rock band from Chicago
* Linda Wild, tennis player
* Lee and Lyn Wilde, actresses, Twice Blessed, Campus Honeymoon
* Thornton Wilder, playwright, University of Chicago professor (born in Wisconsin)
* Tim Wilkerson, drag racer
* David B. Wilkins, Harvard law professor
* Jeff Wilkins, center for Utah Jazz 1980–86
* J. Ernest Wilkins Jr., nuclear scientist, University of Chicago student at 13
* Amie Wilkinson, mathematician and professor
* 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
* Alice Willard, journalist, editor
* Frances E. Willard, suffragist, head of temperance union, Northwestern dean of women (born in New York)
* Frank Willard, cartoonist, creator of Moon Mullins
* Louise Collier Willcox, writer, editor, anthologist, translator
* Lois Wille, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist
* 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, NBA and Illinois guard, 2001 Big Ten Player of the Year
* 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, Olympic wrestler, three-time NCAA champion
* Juice Williams, quarterback for Illinois
* Kenny Williams, outfielder, executive for Chicago White Sox (born in California)
* Kyle Williams, NFL wide receiver 2010-16 (born in California)
* 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, 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, three-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 2005-23
* 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)
* Hugh R. Wilson, diplomat, assistant Secretary of State
* 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, four-term U.S. Representative
* Frank Wilton, football coach, Miami University 1932–41
* Hal Wiltse, MLB pitcher 1926–31
* Verne Winchell, founder of Winchell's Donuts
* Dorothy Wind, baseball player
* William G. Windrich, Medal of Honor recipient from Korean War
* Henry Haven Windsor, editor, founder of Popular Mechanics
* Jill Wine-Banks, lawyer, Watergate scandal prosecutor
* Oprah Winfrey, iconic television host, actress, producer and media magnate (born in Mississippi)
* Tommy Wingels, NHL wing 2010-18
* Clare Winger, science-fiction writer
* Dan Winkler, MLB relief pitcher
* Roy Winsor, soap opera creator, Search for Tomorrow
* Florence Hull Winterburn, writer, editor
* 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
* Danny Wirtz, owner of Chicago Blackhawks
* Rocky Wirtz, owner of Chicago Blackhawks 2007-23
* W. Willard Wirtz, U.S. Secretary of Labor under 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, North Carolina, Florida, Tulane
* Ross Wolf, MLB pitcher 2008–13
* Garrett Wolfe, running back, 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, third 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
* Luke Yaklich, basketball coach, Illinois-Chicago
* Estelle Yancey, blues singer
* Jimmy Yancey, jazz musician
* Ron Yary, Hall of Fame offensive tackle, primarily with Minnesota Vikings, 1969 NFL champion
* 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
* Molly Yeh, cookbook author, Food Network personality
* 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
* Dick York, actor, Bewitched, Inherit the Wind (born in Indiana)
* John J. York, actor, General Hospital, Werewolf
* Bruce A. Young, actor, The Sentinel, Blink, The Color of Money
* Bryant Young, Hall of Fame 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
* 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
* Bill Zehme, magazine writer and author
* 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, fourth 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, MLB pitcher 2008-18 (born in Kansas)
* Zach Ziemek, Olympic decathlete
* Benny Zientara, MLB infielder 1941–48
* Lester Ziffren, screenwriter
* Mike Zimmer, head coach of Minnesota Vikings 2014-22
* 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, four-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, MLB second baseman 2006-19, two-time World Series champion
* Robert Zoellick, president of World Bank 2007–12
* Rick Zombo, hockey player for Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues
* Billy Zoom, guitarist for band X
* 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 (born in Russia)
* Edward Zwick, film director, Glory, The Last Samurai, Legends of the Fall, Love & Other Drugs, Defiance
* Tony Zych, MLB pitcher 2015-17

## 0-9

Montana of 300, rapper