There was also a surprise appearance by Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey.
The ordinance named in honor of civil rights icon Rev. Jackson aims to provide some additional voting protections.
It also sets up an advisory Council to look for ways to expand voter access in advance of the November election.
It prompted 45 minutes of debate, including some animated accusations followed by calls for calm.
"We continue to add to government. We continue to make up fancy platitudes that make it sound like we're doing something," 19th Ward Alderman Matt O'Shea said.
"Be part of the solutions that you want to see. Criticizing is cheap. The federal government is going to rig the elections in November," 25th Ward Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez said
"I think everybody needs to chill out a little bit in making accusations against those of us who might not want to vote for an ordinance that is simply not ready for prime time," 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack said.
In the end, the ordinance passed 42-to-9.
There was also a good deal of debate over a compromise ordinance that eventually passed that delays for two years the phasing out of the tipped minimum wage.
This latest iteration of the measure will give business owners an additional two years before they'd be required to pay tipped workers the full minimum wage, which is $12.62 for businesses with four or more employees.
Tipped workers would receive yearly wage increases in July 2028.
"I know that the art of compromise is one thing, but there's a difference between compromise and caving in," 28th Ward Alderman Jason Ervin said.
"I actually wasn't happy with this compromise either. I let the restaurant association know that I wasn't happy with this. I will support it," 38th Ward Alderman Nick Sposato said.
During Bailey's surprise visit, he noted he temporarily moved to Chicago, which he's called a "hellhole" in the past.
"To this city, I owe you something," he said. "I owe you an apology. I said some things about Chicago that were wrong. What I meant was that the political class is failing us; I should have been more clear, and I wasn't. So, I apologize."
Bailey went on to talk about why he's moved to Chicago and laid out his vision for Illinois.
READ ALSO | IL Republican governor candidate Darren Bailey moves into Chicago apartment
In a statement, Gov. JB Pritzker's reelection campaign said, "Four years later, Darren Bailey finally apologized for repeatedly calling Chicago a 'hellhole.' Since Bailey is in an apologetic mood, we have a few more things he should apologize for. The people of this city deserve answers on what he's actually pledged to do before he comes asking for their votes."
The Chicago City Council was also expected to get a look at a tentative agreement tied to the possible sale of the city's parking meters.
Details of the possible deal have not been released.
However, it would transfer ownership of the meters, and their profits, to New York-based investment firm Stonepeak Partners.
Council needs to approve the agreement.
RELATED | Chicago parking meter deal: City's meters sold to another private company, Mayor Johnson says
Concerns about the impacts of Cook County's current criminal warrants process and electronic monitoring program are also top of mind.
It follows the murders of several first responders killed by suspects with court warrants. That includes Chicago police Officer John Bartholomew, who was allegedly killed by a man who had an active warrant out for his arrest at the time of the crime.
Supporters want a special hearing before the council's Public Safety Committee.
SEE ALSO | Suspect in shooting that killed Officer Bartholomew ordered detained
Also at City Hall, groups protested, looking to convince the city's Department of Public Health to reconsider cutting grant funding for HIV primary care services.