CHICAGO — Businesses and public officials in the Loop are preparing for possible unrest as a major anti-Trump rally is set to take over downtown streets Saturday. The “No Kings” protest, expected to draw thousands, has already prompted storefronts to be boarded up and wedding ceremonies at the Cook County Building to be canceled.
‘No Kings’ Protest Prompts Precautionary Measures
Organizers have planned the rally to begin at noon in Daley Plaza, with a large-scale march to follow through downtown. According to law enforcement and city officials, the expected turnout could exceed 10,000 participants, sparking concerns over potential property damage and public safety.
As a result, at least one Loop business — Champs Sporting Goods at 112 S. State Street — hired a board-up crew on Friday afternoon to secure its glass storefront from possible vandalism.
Cook County Courts Suspend Marriages Amid Rally Concerns
In anticipation of the crowds, Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans issued a directive notifying court staff that no marriages will be performed this weekend. In an internal memo, Evans cited “the possibility of 10,000 people participating” in the protest and noted that ceremonies were being rescheduled as early as Thursday.
Earlier Protest Activity Fuels Heightened Concerns
This weekend’s demonstration follows a similar anti-ICE protest earlier in the week, where 17 protesters were arrested. During that protest, police recovered a firearm left in a bag and reported several squad cars vandalized, adding urgency to this weekend’s response planning.
Adding to the unease, police discovered concrete blocks stashed near DePaul University’s Lincoln Park campus early Thursday — a detail that law enforcement sources said raised red flags, though it’s unclear if the materials were linked to protesters.
Other suspicious objects were reportedly found throughout downtown, possibly a byproduct of increased surveillance rather than evidence of any coordinated plan.
Alderman Urges Protesters to Remain Peaceful
Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th Ward) addressed the tension with an email to “No Kings” participants, emphasizing the importance of peaceful resistance.
“As we take to the streets, we must be disciplined in our commitment to nonviolence—not just as a moral stance, but as a strategic one,” Vasquez wrote. “Trump wants chaos. He wants to paint peaceful protest as dangerous… We must be vigilant, unified, and wise in our resistance.”
Security Remains Tight As Chicago Braces for Weekend Demonstrations
Chicago Police have not confirmed whether additional tactical teams will be deployed, but security downtown is visibly ramped up. Businesses, residents, and court staff are being advised to stay aware as the rally approaches.
The event is part of a larger movement spreading across multiple U.S. cities under the “No Kings” banner — a protest against former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, political influence, and rhetoric.
Are you planning to attend or avoid the Loop this weekend? Have you noticed any closures or preparations in your neighborhood? Let us know your thoughts at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
