A Chicago Fire Department spokesperson said firefighters responded to the fire off Columbus and Balbo at 2:30 p.m. Firefighters extinguished the flames.
A mother and daughter driving by captured video of the burning cross. They told ABC7 that they could not believe their eyes.
The burning cross is widely considered to be a symbol of racist hatred.
Chicago police said they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Authorities did not immediately provide further information.