The Prospect Heights Fire Department said the fire started in a Subway restaurant, and then spread. They were called to 1209 North Elmhurst Road just before 12:40 p.m.
Four stores are destroyed, and eight others either have fire, water or smoke damage.
The fire was so large that neighbors in apartment buildings nearby evacuated as a precaution.
The mall is not a total loss, but it's not clear when it will reopen.
The apartments were not affected by the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.