Protesters rallied outside the Board of Trade and Federal Reserve Bank, capping day 14 of Occupy Chicago, organizers say.
"It's one movement, and it's humanity that understands this complex idea of corporate control of the planet," said Joseph Dicola, Occupy Chicago participant.
"We have to get into the streets and raise hell and send a message to the elected officials that we're not going to tolerate what they're doing to the middle class," said George Ochsenfeld, Occupy Chicago participant.
The around-the-clock gathering is one of several across the country from the nation's capital to California.
At the largest rally in New York, protesters clashed with officers who were blocking a section of Wall Street.
On Thursday, President Obama acknowledged the nationwide demonstrations.
"These days, a lot of folks who are doing the right thing aren't rewarded, and a lot of folks who aren't doing the right thing are rewarded," said Obama.
"Money is in control of our government and is dictating our laws and disenfranchising the American people," said Evelyn DeHais, Occupy Chicago committee member.
Though Occupy Chicago has been smaller and more peaceful compared to New York, it's still drawing objections. In a photo provided by rally organizers, a message in the windows at the Board of Trade reads "we are the top 1 percent."
Some people in the Loop told ABC7 Thursday the protests are misguided.
"I think the top one percent pay more taxes than the bottom 99 percent. How much more taxes should they pay?" sadi Steven Stanke, who works in the Loop.
"It's not that we're demonizing corporate America. We just think they should pay a bit more into society than they have been," said Cory Schenn, Occupy Chicago participant.
Chicago police say they have made no arrests of demonstrators.
Exactly how long Occupy Chicago will last is unclear. Protesters have been told they can continue to assemble as long as they don't sleep on the streets or set up any tents or structures.
According to the Occupy movement's website, there are more than 800 cities worldwide where demonstrations are being organized.
