(a) A claimant or counterclaimant must file the jury demand at the time of filing the claim or counterclaim. (b) A person opposing a claim or counterclaim must file the jury demand not later than the filing of his answer or other pleading.
Typically, a plaintiff will make its demand in the complaint filed at the outset of the case, and a defendant usually will make its demand in an answer to the complaint. If either party asks for a jury, the trial will be by jury.
Jury demand. (a) A plaintiff desirous of a trial by jury must file a demand therefor with the clerk at the time the action is commenced. A defendant desirous of a trial by jury must file a demand therefor not later than the filing of his or her answer. Otherwise, the party waives a jury.
The failure of a party to serve and file a demand as required by this rule constitutes a waiver by the party of trial by jury. A demand for trial by jury made as herein provided may not be withdrawn without the consent of the parties.
If you need a long-term excuse, you must show that jury duty would cause "undue hardship" for you. The Illinois Jury Act says getting out of jury duty depends on your: Job.
In the demand a party may specify the issues which the party wishes so tried; otherwise the party shall be deemed to have demanded trial by jury for all the issues so triable.
(d) Waiver; Withdrawal. A party waives a jury trial unless its demand is properly served and filed. A proper demand may be withdrawn only if the parties consent.