Paid Clinical Trials in Chicago, IL

As of July 2026, 2,152 paid clinical trials are recruiting in Chicago, Illinois. Compensation typically covers time, travel, and study visits, with stipends ranging from modest amounts for short outpatient studies to several thousand dollars for long or inpatient protocols.

Chicago offers studies at sites including Northwestern University for conditions such as Breast Cancer, Heart Failure, Stroke, Obesity. Both patients with specific conditions and healthy volunteers can qualify. Most trials offer free study-related medical care alongside compensation.

Recruiting trial data synced daily from ClinicalTrials.gov. Last sync: .

Trials by specialty in Chicago

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Top Research Study Locations in Chicago

Researchers run research studies in Chicago, IL at 25 active sites. The clinics below currently host the largest number of recruiting studies — each name is followed by the conditions they focus on most.

SiteSpecializes inActive trials
Northwestern UniversityMetastatic Malignant Solid Neoplasm, Prostate Adenocarcinoma, Stage IV Lung Cancer AJCC v8345
University of ChicagoHeart Failure, Peripheral Artery Disease, Endometrial Cancer181
Rush University Medical CenterAngelman Syndrome, Degenerative Disc Disease, Atrial Fibrillation156
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of ChicagoHigh Grade Glioma, Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, WHO Grade III Glioma112
University of Chicago Medical CenterBreast Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, Kidney Stone97
University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer CenterAcute Myeloid Leukemia, B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Myelodysplastic Syndrome87
Northwestern Memorial HospitalMultiple Sclerosis, Heart Failure, Inguinal Hernia Bilateral86
University of IllinoisAcute Myeloid Leukemia, Malignant Solid Neoplasm, Breast Cancer83
University of Illinois at ChicagoMultiple Sclerosis, Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung, Chronic Stroke73
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical CenterAnatomic Stage II Breast Cancer AJCC v8, Stage IV Lung Cancer AJCC v8, Lung Non-Small Cell Carcinoma49
The University of ChicagoHead and Neck Cancer, Malnutrition, AML With Gene Mutations41
Shirley Ryan AbilityLabStroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injuries37
Lurie Children's Hospital-ChicagoAcute Myeloid Leukemia, B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Malignant Solid Neoplasm35
University of Illinois ChicagoBreast Cancer Early Stage Breast Cancer (Stage 1-3), HIV Infections, Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)33
Northwestern University Feinberg School of MedicinePeripheral Artery Disease, Aging, Depression29
John H Stroger Jr Hospital of Cook CountyAnatomic Stage II Breast Cancer AJCC v8, Malignant Solid Neoplasm, Anatomic Stage I Breast Cancer AJCC v827
Rush MD Anderson Cancer CenterStage IVB Prostate Cancer AJCC v8, Anatomic Stage I Breast Cancer AJCC v8, Anatomic Stage II Breast Cancer AJCC v824
University of Illinois Cancer CenterBreast Cancer, Gastric Cancer, Cervical Cancer24
Rush UniversityPreterm, AV Block, Acute Kidney Injury23
Northwestern MedicineUrologic Diseases, AML - Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis21
The University of Chicago Medical CenterSystemic Sclerosis, Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Ovarian Cancer21
University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer CenterCarcinoma, Squamous Cell, Prostate Cancer, Acute Leukemia19
Lurie Children's HospitalCongenital Heart Disease (CHD), ACL Injury, ACL Tear17
University of Chicago MedicineAdvanced Solid Tumor, Lung Cancer, Ulcerative Colitis17
Lurie Children's Hospital of ChicagoAcute Kidney Injury, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Neurofibromatosis 113

Active & Upcoming Studies in Chicago (2026)

Recruiting trials in Chicago grouped by therapeutic area, drawn from ClinicalTrials.gov. Each bucket shows the most recent example studies.

Cardiovascular (112 active studies)

Mental health & behavior (81 active studies)

Pediatric (32 active studies)

Common conditions studied in Chicago

Leading research sponsors in Chicago

  • Northwestern University
  • University of Chicago
  • University of Illinois at Chicago
  • National Cancer Institute (NCI)
  • Rush University Medical Center

Frequently asked questions

How many paid clinical trials are currently recruiting in Chicago?

There are approximately 2,152 recruiting clinical trials in Chicago, Illinois listed on ClinicalTrials.gov. The number changes weekly as new studies open and others close enrollment.

Do clinical trials in Chicago pay participants?

Most recruiting trials in Chicago compensate participants for their time, travel, and study visits. Compensation varies by sponsor, study phase, and visit requirements — the exact amount is disclosed by the study team during the informed consent process.

Who can participate in a clinical trial in Chicago?

Eligibility depends on the specific study. Each trial defines its own inclusion criteria (age, diagnosis, medical history, prior treatments) and exclusion criteria. Both patients with specific conditions and healthy volunteers can qualify, depending on the study design.

What conditions are most commonly studied in Chicago?

The most common conditions under active study in Chicago include Breast Cancer (37), Heart Failure (28), Stroke (26), Obesity (24), among many others. Browse the list above to explore every recruiting trial.

Are there clinical trials for healthy volunteers in Chicago?

Yes. Healthy-volunteer studies — often early-phase pharmacology or vaccine trials — recruit in Chicago on an ongoing basis. Use the "Healthy volunteers only" filter above to view trials that accept participants without the study's target condition.

How do I enroll in a clinical trial in Chicago?

Click any study title above to see the full study record, including eligibility criteria, visit schedule, and the study team's contact information. Reach out to the central contact or recruiting site directly — they will guide you through screening and informed consent.

Where can I take part in paid clinical trials in Chicago?

Recruiting research sites in Chicago include Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Rush University Medical Center, among others. Each site lists its open studies and contact information on the study record above — call or email the site coordinator to ask about screening for a specific protocol.

What kinds of studies are recruiting in Chicago right now?

The largest active categories in Chicago are Cancer & tumors (601), Neurology & pain (153), Cardiovascular (112). Use the filters above to narrow by therapeutic area, phase, age, or healthy-volunteer eligibility.

Browse more clinical trials

Related healthcare resources in Illinois

Trials by condition in Chicago