Case: Yaniz v. Chicago White Sox, Ltd.

1:23-cv-10714 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Filed Date: Sept. 13, 2023

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case is about disabled individuals’ ability to purchase tickets to sporting events, specifically to see the Chicago White Sox play at Guaranteed Rate Field, through the same processes as able-bodied individuals.  On September 12, 2023, two private plaintiffs filed this putative class action against Chicago White Sox, Ltd. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Represented by private counsel and Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago, the plaintiffs brought one cla…

This case is about disabled individuals’ ability to purchase tickets to sporting events, specifically to see the Chicago White Sox play at Guaranteed Rate Field, through the same processes as able-bodied individuals. 

On September 12, 2023, two private plaintiffs filed this putative class action against Chicago White Sox, Ltd. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Represented by private counsel and Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago, the plaintiffs brought one claim under Title III of the Americans With Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12181 et seq. The case was assigned to District Judge LaShonda A. Hunt.

Under Title III of the ADA, “public accommodations,” including stadiums, must provide a person with disabilities equal access to its “goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations.” 42 U.S.C. § 12182(a). The ADA’s implementing regulations require public accommodations to provide individuals with disabilities with equal opportunity to purchase accessible seats at the same stages and through the same methods as ticketing for non-accessible seats.  28 C.F.R. § 36.302(f)(1)(ii).

The complaint alleged that the White Sox’s ticketing program provided unequal service to the plaintiffs and similarly situated individuals with disabilities because they did not have an equal ability to purchase online tickets as those who don’t require accessible seating. The plaintiffs alleged they were unable to purchase season tickets through the online portal the White Sox used to sell non-accessible season tickets and that the White Sox routinely held accessible seats out of the general admission pool despite their apparent vacancy during games. The complaint also sought to certify a class of all people who qualify for wheelchair accessible seating and sought to attend a White Sox home game. The complaint identified subclasses of individuals who sought to purchase season tickets and single game tickets. Plaintiffs sought a preliminary and permanent injunction against the White Sox ordering them to make wheelchair accessible seat tickets and season season tickets available on its website and through all other methods of ticket purchase. Plaintiffs also sought attorneys' fees and costs.

The parties were ordered to file an initial status report by November 7, 2023.

As of October 8, 2023, the case was ongoing. 

Summary Authors

Terry Howard (10/8/2023)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67789818/parties/yaniz-v-chicago-white-sox-ltd/


Attorney for Plaintiff

Blonder, Steven P. (Illinois)

Elkayam, Laura Ann (Illinois)

Petrof, Charles Robert (Illinois)

Attorney for Defendant

Andrichik, William Robert (Illinois)

Brady, Conor (Illinois)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:23-cv-10714

Class Action Complaint

Sept. 13, 2023

Sept. 13, 2023

Complaint

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67789818/yaniz-v-chicago-white-sox-ltd/

Last updated Oct. 31, 2025, 12:26 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT Class Action Complaint filed by Ralph Yaniz, Douglas McCormick; Jury Demand. Filing fee $ 402, receipt number AILNDC-21058158.(Blonder, Steven) (Entered: 09/13/2023)

Sept. 13, 2023

Sept. 13, 2023

Clearinghouse
1

COMPLAINT Class Action Complaint filed by Ralph Yaniz, Douglas McCormick; Jury Demand. Filing fee $ 402, receipt number AILNDC-21058158.(Blonder, Steven) (Entered: 09/13/2023)

Sept. 13, 2023

Sept. 13, 2023

RECAP
2

CIVIL Cover Sheet (Blonder, Steven) (Entered: 09/13/2023)

Sept. 13, 2023

Sept. 13, 2023

3

ATTORNEY Appearance for Plaintiffs Douglas McCormick, Ralph Yaniz by Steven P. Blonder (Blonder, Steven) (Entered: 09/13/2023)

Sept. 13, 2023

Sept. 13, 2023

4

ATTORNEY Appearance for Plaintiffs Douglas McCormick, Ralph Yaniz by Jason M. Rosenthal (Rosenthal, Jason) (Entered: 09/13/2023)

Sept. 13, 2023

Sept. 13, 2023

5

ATTORNEY Appearance for Plaintiffs Douglas McCormick, Ralph Yaniz by Laura Ann Elkayam (Elkayam, Laura) (Entered: 09/13/2023)

Sept. 13, 2023

Sept. 13, 2023

6

ATTORNEY Appearance for Plaintiffs Douglas McCormick, Ralph Yaniz by Charles Robert Petrof (Petrof, Charles) (Entered: 09/13/2023)

Sept. 13, 2023

Sept. 13, 2023

CASE ASSIGNED to the Honorable LaShonda A. Hunt. Designated as Magistrate Judge the Honorable Gabriel A. Fuentes. Case assignment: Random assignment. (exr, )

Sept. 15, 2023

Sept. 15, 2023

CLERK'S NOTICE: Pursuant to Local Rule 73.1(b), a United States Magistrate Judge of this court is available to conduct all proceedings in this civil action. If all parties consent to have the currently assigned United States Magistrate Judge conduct all proceedings in this case, including trial, the entry of final judgment, and all post-trial proceedings, all parties must sign their names on the attached Consent To form. This consent form is eligible for filing only if executed by all parties. The parties can also express their consent to jurisdiction by a magistrate judge in any joint filing, including the Joint Initial Status Report or proposed Case Management Order. (exr, )

Sept. 15, 2023

Sept. 15, 2023

SUMMONS Issued as to Defendant Chicago White Sox, Ltd. (axa, )

Sept. 15, 2023

Sept. 15, 2023

7

MINUTE entry before the Honorable LaShonda A. Hunt: This case has been assigned to the calendar of Judge LaShonda A. Hunt. The parties are ordered to file a Joint Initial Status Report for New Case by 11/7/23. A template for the report can be found on Judge Hunt's webpage on the Court's website under "New and Reassigned Cases." An in-person initial status hearing is set for 11/16/23, at 10:00 AM in Courtroom 1219. Emailed notice. (cdh, ) (Entered: 09/18/2023)

Sept. 18, 2023

Sept. 18, 2023

8

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Ralph Yaniz, Douglas McCormick as to Chicago White Sox, Ltd. on 10/4/2023, answer due 10/25/2023. (Blonder, Steven) (Entered: 10/05/2023)

Oct. 5, 2023

Oct. 5, 2023

10

MOTION by Defendant Chicago White Sox, Ltd. for extension of time to file answer regarding complaint 1 or Otherwise Respond to Complaint (Unopposed) (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Andrichik, William) (Entered: 10/24/2023)

Oct. 24, 2023

Oct. 24, 2023

9

ATTORNEY Appearance for Defendant Chicago White Sox, Ltd. by William Robert Andrichik (Andrichik, William) (Entered: 10/24/2023)

Oct. 24, 2023

Oct. 24, 2023

11

MINUTE entry before the Honorable LaShonda A. Hunt: Unopposed Motion to Extend Time to Answer or Otherwise Respond to Complaint 10 is granted. Defendant's response is due by 12/1/23. The Court therefore amends the initial scheduling order 7 as follows: (1) the joint status report deadline of 11/7/23 is stricken and reset to 12/15/23 and (2) the in-person status hearing on 11/16/23 is stricken and reset to a telephonic status hearing on 12/21/23 at 9:45 AM. Attorneys/Parties should appear for the hearing by calling the Toll-Free Number: 877-336-1828, Access Code: 4082461. Members of the public and media may call in to listen to this hearing. Persons granted remote access to proceedings are reminded of the general prohibition against photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting court proceedings. Emailed notice. (cdh, ) (Entered: 10/25/2023)

Oct. 25, 2023

Oct. 25, 2023

12

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AILNDC-21266199. (Schwartz, Amanda) (Entered: 10/26/2023)

Oct. 26, 2023

Oct. 26, 2023

13

MINUTE entry before the Honorable LaShonda A. Hunt: Motion by Amanda C. Schwartz for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Chicago White Sox, Ltd. 12 is granted. Emailed notice. (cdh, ) (Entered: 10/27/2023)

Oct. 27, 2023

Oct. 27, 2023

14

NOTIFICATION of Affiliates pursuant to Local Rule 3.2 by Chicago White Sox, Ltd. (Andrichik, William) (Entered: 11/07/2023)

Nov. 7, 2023

Nov. 7, 2023

15

DEFENDANT CHICAGO WHITE SOX, LTD.'S ANSWER to Complaint AND AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES by Chicago White Sox, Ltd.(Andrichik, William) (Entered: 12/01/2023)

Dec. 1, 2023

Dec. 1, 2023

16

ATTORNEY Appearance for Defendant Chicago White Sox, Ltd. by Amanda C. Schwartz (Schwartz, Amanda) (Entered: 12/05/2023)

Dec. 5, 2023

Dec. 5, 2023

17

STATUS Report Joint Initial Report for New Cases by Chicago White Sox, Ltd. (Andrichik, William) (Entered: 12/15/2023)

Dec. 15, 2023

Dec. 15, 2023

18

MINUTE entry before the Honorable LaShonda A. Hunt: Upon review of the parties' Initial Joint Status Report 17, the Court enters the following deadlines: (1) Rule 26(a)(1) initial disclosures provided by 1/30/24; (2) Written discovery to commence by 2/15/24; and (3) Amendment of pleadings and joinder of other parties by 3/29/24. This case is referred to the Magistrate Judge for discovery supervision, including the authority to set, adjust, and extend all deadlines, and to conduct a settlement conference as requested by the parties in their status report. The telephonic status hearing set for 12/21/23 is stricken. Emailed notice. (cdh, ) (Entered: 12/18/2023)

Dec. 18, 2023

Dec. 18, 2023

19

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ORDER:Case referred to the Honorable Gabriel A. Fuentes pursuant to Local Rule 72.1 in regards to - All Discovery Motions - Discovery Supervision - Settlement Conference. Signed by Executive Committee on 12/18/2023.(jh, ) (Entered: 12/19/2023)

Dec. 18, 2023

Dec. 18, 2023

20

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Gabriel A. Fuentes: This matter coming before the magistrate judge on referral (doc. # 19 ) for discovery supervision and settlement, the Court has reviewed the parties' status report (doc. # 17 ), and the discovery schedule thus far set by the district court (doc. # 18 ). That discovery schedule stands, with the understanding that a motion to stay or suspend that schedule will likely be filed in the event a settlement conference is scheduled. The parties are further directed to review the Court's Standing Order for Civil Cases Before Magistrate Judge Fuentes, the Top Ten Ways to Defeat Settlement, and Standing Order for Settlement Conferences, all available on the Court's website. With the parties' requesting an early settlement conference, a pre-settlement telephonic conference with counsel is set for 10 a.m. on 12/22/23 to discuss format and scheduling of a settlement conference. Counsel should be prepared with available settlement conference dates for counsel and clients in February, March and April 2024. Counsel should contact the magistrate judge jointly at the time of the pre-settlement conference on the number to be provided to them by the courtroom deputy, Lauren Knight. Further, the parties are invited, if they wish, to communicate their pronouns for counsel or clients to Ms. Knight. The judge's pronouns are he/him/his. Mailed notice. (lxk, ) (Entered: 12/20/2023)

Dec. 20, 2023

Dec. 20, 2023

21

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Gabriel A. Fuentes: Pre-settlement telephonic conference held. The parties reported that they are prepared to participate in a settlement conference with the magistrate judge. The parties discussed availability for the conference and encountered some challenges, so the Court is deferring the mediation scheduling until after a further report is received from the parties, by email to the courtroom deputy, no later than noon on 12/29/23, as to the scheduling status with three proposed dates and a preference as to in-person, remote, or hybrid format. A brief agreed motion to address the discovery schedule may also be filed at the parties' earliest convenience (and after the holiday period is fine), given the parties' confirmation that they are serious about settlement. The Court wishes all a happy holiday season. Mailed notice. (lxk, ) (Entered: 12/22/2023)

Dec. 22, 2023

Dec. 22, 2023

22

ANNUAL REMINDER: Pursuant to Local Rule 3.2 (Notification of Affiliates), any nongovernmental party, other than an individual or sole proprietorship, must file a statement identifying all its affiliates known to the party after diligent review or, if the party has identified no affiliates, then a statement reflecting that fact must be filed. An affiliate is defined as follows: any entity or individual owning, directly or indirectly (through ownership of one or more other entities), 5% or more of a party. The statement is to be electronically filed as a PDF in conjunction with entering the affiliates in CM/ECF as prompted. As a reminder to counsel, parties must supplement their statements of affiliates within thirty (30) days of any change in the information previously reported. This minute order is being issued to all counsel of record to remind counsel of their obligation to provide updated information as to additional affiliates if such updating is necessary. If counsel has any questions regarding this process, this LINK will provide additional information. Signed by the Executive Committee on 12/28/2023: Mailed notice. (tg, ) (Entered: 12/28/2023)

Dec. 28, 2023

Dec. 28, 2023

23

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Gabriel A. Fuentes: The parties reported having that they are available for a settlement conference on 2/20/24, the conference is set for 1 p.m. on that date in person in Chambers 2270 of the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse. Mediation statements in compliance with the Standing Order are due from plaintiff by 5 p.m. on 1/30/24 and from defendant by 5 p.m. on 2/9/24, to the Court's settlement correspondence mailbox at Settlement_Correspondence_Fuentes@ilnd.uscourts.gov. and copied to opposing counsel. A pre-settlement telephonic conference is set for 10 a.m. on 2/16/24, when the parties are directed to contact the magistrate judge at the number they have been provided. The parties further are advised that the mediator may contact either or both sides' counsel ex parte in advance of the mediation, to discuss settlement matters only, unless either party objects in writing to the settlement correspondence mailbox by noon on 1/2/24. Mailed notice. (lxk, ) (Entered: 12/29/2023)

Dec. 29, 2023

Dec. 29, 2023

24

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Gabriel A. Fuentes: Settlement conferences held with each counsel by telephone separately and with consent. The mediator discussed the respective settlement postures. The time of the settlement conference set for 2/20/24 is changed to 9:30 a.m. TIME CHANGE ONLY. Mailed notice. (lxk, ) (Entered: 02/15/2024)

Feb. 15, 2024

Feb. 15, 2024

25

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Gabriel A. Fuentes: The time of the 2/20/24 settlement conference is changed to 10 a.m., TIME CHANGE ONLY. The pre-settlement call set for 2/16/24 is vacated as not necessary at this point. Mailed notice. (lxk, ) (Entered: 02/15/2024)

Feb. 15, 2024

Feb. 15, 2024

26

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AILNDC-21644700. Presented before District Judge (Brady, Conor) (Entered: 02/15/2024)

Feb. 15, 2024

Feb. 15, 2024

27

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Gabriel A. Fuentes: Settlement conference held. The parties are continuing to negotiate. A confidential joint settlement status report to the Court's settlement correspondence email box is due by noon on 3/7/24. Mailed notice. (lxk, ) (Entered: 02/20/2024)

Feb. 20, 2024

Feb. 20, 2024

28

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Gabriel A. Fuentes: Settlement conferences held telephonically with counsel for the parties separately with consent. The parties discussed the further negotiations. Mailed notice. (lxk, ) (Entered: 02/22/2024)

Feb. 22, 2024

Feb. 22, 2024

29

MINUTE entry before the Honorable LaShonda A. Hunt: Motion by Attorney Conor P. Brady for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Defendant Chicago White Sox, Ltd. 26 is granted. Emailed notice. (cdh, ) (Entered: 02/29/2024)

Feb. 29, 2024

Feb. 29, 2024

30

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Gabriel A. Fuentes: On review of the parties' confidential report, the Court notes that negotiations continue, and the Court orders a further confidential report to its settlement correspondence mailbox on or before 3/14/24. Mailed notice. (lxk, ) (Entered: 03/08/2024)

March 8, 2024

March 8, 2024

31

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Gabriel A. Fuentes: A further confidential report on settlement to the Court's settlement correspondence email box is due by noon on 4/2/24. Mailed notice. (lxk, ) (Entered: 03/22/2024)

March 22, 2024

March 22, 2024

32

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Gabriel A. Fuentes: A further confidential settlement report to the Court's settlement correspondence email box is due by noon on 4/11/24. Mailed notice. (lxk, ) (Entered: 04/04/2024)

April 4, 2024

April 4, 2024

33

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Gabriel A. Fuentes: The parties continue to report on their ongoing settlement negotiations, and the next confidential report is due by noon on 4/19/24. Mailed notice. (lxk, ) (Entered: 04/12/2024)

April 12, 2024

April 12, 2024

34

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Gabriel A. Fuentes: Post-settlement conference negotiations concluded under the supervision of the magistrate judge. The parties reached an agreement to settle the matter. Settlement-related telephonic status hearing held. The parties confirmed on the record that they have reached an agreement to settle the matter. A joint status report on settlement finalization is due at noon on 5/23/24 but will be vacated if the stipulation to dismiss is on file by then. Mailed notice. (lxk, ) (Entered: 04/24/2024)

April 24, 2024

April 24, 2024

35

STIPULATION of Dismissal (Petrof, Charles) (Entered: 05/23/2024)

May 23, 2024

May 23, 2024

36

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Gabriel A. Fuentes: The stipulation of dismissal having been filed (doc. # 35 ), all deadlines before the magistrate judge are vacated, and the referral is terminated. Judge Honorable Gabriel A. Fuentes no longer referred to the case. Mailed notice. (lxk, ) (Entered: 05/23/2024)

May 23, 2024

May 23, 2024

37

MINUTE entry before the Honorable LaShonda A. Hunt: Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 41(a)(1) and the Joint Stipulation of Dismissal 35, this action is being dismissed with prejudice. All pending motions and deadlines are terminated as moot. Civil case terminated. Mailed notice. (kp, ) (Entered: 05/24/2024)

May 24, 2024

May 24, 2024

Case Details

State / Territory:

Illinois

Case Type(s):

Disability Rights

Key Dates

Filing Date: Sept. 13, 2023

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Two individuals with disabilities affecting their mobility who regularly attend White Sox baseball games.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Pending

Defendants

The Chicago White Sox (Chicago, Cook), Private Entity/Person

Defendant Type(s):

Movie Theater or Other Entertainment facility

Facility Type(s):

Non-government for-profit

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12111 et seq.

Other Dockets:

Northern District of Illinois 1:23-cv-10714

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Access to public accommodations - privately owned

Pattern or Practice

Disability and Disability Rights:

Mobility impairment

Discrimination Basis:

Disability (inc. reasonable accommodations)