Illinois Statutes Chapter 735. Civil Procedure § 5/11-304. Summons--Pleadings

§ 11-304. Summons--Pleadings. Upon the filing of the complaint, summons shall be issued commanding the defendant or defendants to appear on the day named therein, which shall not be less than 5 days nor more than 10 days thereafter, as shall be directed by the court. Such summons shall be served at least 5 days before the return day thereof in the same manner as summons is served in other civil cases.

Every defendant who is summoned shall appear by filing a pleading or motion in the cause on the return day of the summons as in other civil cases, and such action shall be given preference in hearing over all other cases.