CHICAGO — A massive protest is expected to take over downtown Chicago on Saturday, as thousands gather for the city’s “No Kings” rally at Daley Plaza — part of a coordinated national movement aimed at resisting former President Donald Trump’s policies and rising authoritarian rhetoric.
The event coincides with Trump’s birthday and a military parade scheduled in Washington, D.C., which protest organizers call symbolic of authoritarianism.
A Nationwide Day of Defiance: ‘No Kings’ Movement Takes to the Streets
According to the official No Kings campaign, Saturday has been declared a “nationwide day of defiance” aimed at rejecting what organizers call “modern-day monarchy and authoritarian governance.” The theme “No Thrones, No Crowns, No Kings” emphasizes their rejection of concentrated power.
The Chicago protest is expected to be one of the largest in the country, with tens of thousands anticipated between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. in Daley Plaza. A march is set to begin at approximately 1 p.m., though no specific route has been disclosed for safety reasons.
Elected Leaders and Grassroots Groups Join Forces
Speakers scheduled for the rally include U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and U.S. Representative Jesús ‘Chuy’ García. Local grassroots organizations such as Indivisible Chicago are leading the event’s coordination.
Betty Alzamora, a board member of Indivisible Chicago, stated,
“This is very personal to me, for my community, for all the people that are impacted.”
The protests are not limited to downtown. Dozens of additional events are planned across suburbs including Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, Oak Park, and Naperville.
Family-friendly gatherings, such as a chalk-art and sign-making session on the Northwest Side, are also planned to encourage community participation and solidarity.
City Prepares: Security Measures and Police Mobilization
With tensions high, the Chicago Police Department has canceled officers’ days off for the weekend. A heavy police presence is expected, particularly in and around Daley Plaza.
Former CPD Deputy Superintendent Anthony Riccio noted that undercover officers will blend into the crowd to monitor for agitators.
“Some are bearded, ponytails, dressed like other people in the crowds,” Riccio explained.
Organizers have vowed to maintain peaceful protests. Denise Poloyac of Indivisible Chicago emphasized that trained volunteer marshals wearing yellow vests will be on-site to de-escalate any disruptions.
Transit Impact: Best Ways to Reach the Protest
City officials advise attendees to avoid driving downtown due to anticipated rolling street closures and limited car access. Although the CTA has not yet announced changes, recent demonstrations led to bus service suspensions in the Loop.
Rich Guidice, former OEMC director, said:
“There’s probably been numerous meetings already regarding Saturday’s protest. The city will have a plan.”
Protesters are encouraged to use public transit and monitor alerts from the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) for real-time updates.
Background: Momentum Grows After Earlier Clashes
Saturday’s protest follows a week of heightened activism. Earlier in the week, demonstrators gathered at Chicago’s Immigration Court, leading to early closures and the release of a detained immigrant, Ramón Morales Reyes, falsely accused in a politically charged case.
Protesters also took to Federal Plaza, where Tuesday’s demonstration saw clashes with police, graffiti on CPD squad cars, and several arrests. Despite tensions, protest turnout has continued to grow.
Safety and Unity Remain Central to Saturday’s Rally
Although the protest is expected to be peaceful, city officials remain alert, citing concerns stemming from the escalating ICE protests in Los Angeles, where Trump deployed the National Guard.
Organizers have reiterated that their mission is grounded in democracy and peaceful resistance.
“We’re taking action to reject authoritarianism—and show the world what democracy really looks like,” reads a statement from the No Kings website.
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