Some church groups joined the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence for the rally at the Illinois State Capitol. Leaders of the groups say they've conducted polls on the issue.
They say those polls show overwhelming support for gun control measures even amongst gun owners.
The activists warned lawmakers they'd better pay attention.
"The legislature must be reminded they represent real people and their voices in Springfield on this issue will have profound impact and repercussions on them back home," the xecutive director of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence Colleen Daley said.
The activists say they dropped off pro-gun control petitions with over 50,000 signatures.