Flodstrom is charged with disorderly conduct for surfing at a beach where surfing is not legal.
Surfers from around the country have rallied in support of Rex Flodstrom.
One of them, James Pribram, traveled from California to be at the court hearing.
"People should have the freedom of choice and be able to go surfing if they like," said Pribram during an interview with ABC7. "(The city) needs to take a closer look at opening up other beaches."
Pribram described Chicago area surfers as passionate about the Lake Michigan surf.
