Illinois Statutes Chapter 710. Alternative Dispute Resolution § 30/15-5. Competence of arbitral tribunal to rule on its jurisdiction

(a) The arbitral tribunal may rule on its own jurisdiction, including any objections with respect to the existence or validity of the arbitration agreement. For that purpose, an arbitration clause that forms part of a contract shall be treated as an agreement independent of the other terms of the contract. A decision by the arbitral tribunal that the contract is null and void shall not by itself mean that the contract's arbitration clause is invalid.

(b) A plea that the arbitral tribunal does not have jurisdiction shall be raised not later than the submission of the statement of defense. A party is not precluded from raising the plea by the fact that he or she has appointed or participated in the appointment of an arbitrator. A plea that the arbitral tribunal is exceeding the scope of its authority shall be raised as soon as the matter alleged to be beyond the scope of its authority is raised during the arbitral proceedings. The arbitral tribunal may, in either case, admit a later plea if it considers the delay justified.

(c) The arbitral tribunal may rule on a plea referred to in subsection (b) of this Section either as a preliminary question or in an award on the merits. If the arbitral tribunal rules as a preliminary question that it has jurisdiction, any party may request, within 30 days after having received notice of that ruling, the court specified in Section 1-30 of this Act to decide the matter, which decision is not subject to appeal; provided that this provision shall not preclude the parties from raising any ground for setting aside or refusing to recognize or enforce an arbitral award to the extent otherwise permitted under applicable federal law. While the request is pending, the arbitral tribunal may continue the arbitral proceedings and make an award.