SchoolLicence 22871

Dirksen Elementary School

8601 W Foster (5200n) Ave, Chicago 60656

Latest verdictPassSep 22, 2026 · 21 days ago

Inspections25since Apr 22, 2010

Fail rate16.0%4 of 25 verdictscitywide 22.4% · below average

City risk ratingHigh riskWhat this kind of business could do if it went wrong — not a grade it earned.

Read the pairs, not the count. A failure is normally followed within days by a re-inspection, and that re-inspection is a second row here. On the timeline below they sit almost on top of each other — one bad day, two marks.

The whole record

Pass68%
Conditional16%
Fail16%

25 inspections from 2010 to 2026 · hover a mark

201020132016201920222025

PassSep 22, 2026Canvass Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
1. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed pre-k classrooms with soil and debris buildup. Must be swept, mopped, and or vacuumed regularly.
FailSep 18, 2026CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 10
  Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
  Observed no hot water in kitchen staff bathrooms. Maximum hot water temperature recorded at 68 f. Instructed manager to ensure a minimum hot water temperature of 100 f is provided. To all hand washing sinks. Priority violation 7-38-030(c).
2. 21
  Proper hot holding temperatures
  Observed cheese sticks held at an inadequate temperature of 122 f. Instructed manager to ensure all hot tcs foods are held at 135 and above. Manager rapidly reheated to 165. Priority violation 7-38-005.
3. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  Observed the corpses of insects throughout pre-k hallway particularly in area leading to playground. Instructed manager to ensure facility removes all dead insects.
4. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  Observed 3 rodent droppings in pre-k classroom 120. Instructed manager to service all areas affected by pests. Pest control service recommended. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(a).
5. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed student changing room with debris build up on floor. Instructed manager to clean and maintain floor.
ConditionalSep 9, 2025CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 2
  City of Chicago food service sanitation certificate
  Observed no certified manager on site while tcs items such as chicken were prepared. Instructed to maintain an employee holding a valid city of Chicago foodservice manager certificate on site at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012.
2. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed build up of dirt and food debris on wall near exposed handwashing sink in kitchen and in floor drain underneath 3 compartment sink. Instructed to detail clean and maintain in good condition.
3. 56
  Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
  Observed lights do not work in hood over cook line. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain in good condition.
4. 56
  Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
  Observed build up of grease on one of 3 filters in hood over cook line. Instructed to detail clean and maintain in good condition.
PassOct 1, 2024Canvass Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
FailSep 25, 2024CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 10
  Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
  Observed improper water temperature at 72f at hand washing sinks in mens and womens staff toilet rooms adjacent to cafeteria. Water temperature found at 91f at hand washing sink in unisex toilet room located in preschool hallway. Minimum water temperature at hand washing sinks must be at 100f or above through a mixing valve or combination faucet. Priority violation. 7-38-030(c).
PassAug 29, 2023CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 36
  Thermometers provided & accurate
  Instructed to provide accurate working visible thermometers inside the refrigerators in the pre-k classrooms and maintain.
2. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed stained cutting board on top of the kitchen prep area.instructed to resurface or replace the cutting boards and maintain.
3. 51
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
  Observed water temperature at hand sink on far right side measured at 85.1f in pre-k classroom#124.instructed to maintain minimum water temperature at 100.0f.the other hand washing sink in same classroom was at proper temperature.engineer was made aware at this time.
4. 56
  Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
  Instructed to detail clean ceiling ventilation covers in the kitchen prep area to remove accumulation of dust build-up and maintain.
PassSep 14, 2022CanvassRisk 1 (High)
PassOct 4, 2021CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 54
  Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
  Noted some litter on ground in rear outside garbage enclosure area. Instructed to clean and maintain.
2. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Instructed to clean and maintain floor drain underneath 3 compartment sink to prevent pest harborage.
ConditionalOct 26, 2020CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 10
  Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
  Observed the two kitchen staff washrooms with an improper hot water temperature below 100f at the handwashing sinks. Management repaired the handwashing sinks and both had a hot water temperature of 104f. Priority 7-38-030(c). No citation issued.
2. 10
  Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
  Observed several handwashing sinks in the washrooms of the annex building with how water temperatures above 120f. Management repaired the handwashing sinks during the inspection so the hot water was between 100-120f. Priority foundation 7-38-030(c). No citation issued.
PassJan 7, 2020CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 10
  Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
  Instructed to provide hand washing signage at hand sinks inside boys and girls washrooms.
2. 36
  Thermometers provided & accurate
  Instructed to provide thermometer visible inside milk cooler.
3. 53
  Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
  Toilet room receptacle must be covered inside employee washroom.
4. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Noted boxes stored on floor in rear area of library, must be stored 6" off the floor for easy access on cleaning.
PassMar 5, 2019CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 48
  Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
  Observed no drain board at three compartment sink.instructed management to install a drain board over three compartment sink. Core violation
2. 51
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
  Observed no back flow devices at mopsinks at west side and south side of building.instructed engineering to install a backflow devices. Core violation
3. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed clutter in mopsink closets.instructed management to remove clutter in mopsink closets. Core violation.
4. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed stained ceiling tile over two door freezers in lunch room.instructed management to clean or relace ceiling tiles. Core violation
PassMay 8, 2018CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 32
  Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
  Observed shelf in poor repair on wall above the dishwashing 3 compartment sink.instructed to replace and maintain to smooth,easily cleanable surface.
2. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Instructed to detail clean and sanitize and maintain manual can opener and housing attached to prep-table(kitchen),students water fountain(s) throughout hallways.
3. 35
  Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
  Instructed to remove dusts accumulations on ventilation cover above kitchen serving line and replace water stained ceiling tiles in students lunch room,rear hallway near the exit doors and maintain.
PassMar 2, 2017Canvass Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
1. 38
  Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
  Observed the ventilation in the washrooms in the main building to not be functioning. Instructed facility to repair and maintain on at all times. Observed the two main office washroom sinks to have an orange and brown colored water coming out of the washbowl sinks. Instructed facility to repair and maintain.
FailFeb 23, 2017CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 2
  Facilities to maintain proper temperature
  Found the #2 freezer in the kitchen not maintained- observed the freezer at an internal temperature of 38.4f. Tagged cooler held for inspection by cdph. Instructed not to use. Instructed to repair and maintain so internal temperature is 0f or below. Critical violation 7-38-005(a).
2. 18
  No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
  Observed the left main entrance door to have an approximate quarter inch gap along the bottom edge. Instructed facility to repair and maintain so door is tight fitting. Serious violation 7-38-020.
3. 35
  Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
  Observed dust accumulation on the wall by the walk in cooler condenser. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.
4. 38
  Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
  Observed the ventilation in the washrooms in the main building to not be functioning. Instructed facility to repair and maintain on at all times. Observed the two main office washroom sinks to have an orange and brown colored water coming out of the washbowl sinks. Instructed facility to repair and maintain.
PassJan 12, 2016ComplaintRisk 1 (High)
1. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  Instructed to refinish floor around grease trap underneath 3 compartment sink. Must be smooth and easily cleanable.
2. 35
  Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
  Instructed to repair or replace missing wall tile in rear of dining area.
PassMay 1, 2015Canvass Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
1. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Exhaust hood filters and can opener attached to prep table not clean. Instructed to detail clean and santize all food contact surfaces.
2. 35
  Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
  Gap noted between storage cabinet wall and floor in cafteria. Instructed to seal gap.
3. 38
  Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
  Ventilation fan in toilet room for lunchroom staff not working. Instructed to repair fan.
4. 41
  Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
  Supplies not properly stored in storage room. Instructed to elevate supplies 6 inches or higher and away from wall. Unused dish machine in prep area. Instructed to remove or repair dish machine.
FailApr 24, 2015CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 18
  No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
  Outer opening not protected or rodent proofed front entry door left side lower right corner has 1/4 inch gap opening. Instructed to repair and seal door to prevent rodent entry. No serious citation issued
2. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Exhaust hood filters and can opener attached to prep table not clean. Instructed to detail clean and santize all food contact surfaces.
3. 35
  Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
  Gap noted between storage cabinet wall and floor in cafteria. Instructed to seal gap.
4. 38
  Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
  Ventilation fan in toilet room for lunchroom staff not working. Instructed to repair fan.
5. 41
  Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
  Supplies not properly stored in storage room. Instructed to elevate supplies 6 inches or higher and away from wall. Unused dish machine in prep area. Instructed to remove or repair dish machine.
PassMay 19, 2014CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 32
  Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
  Must repair the staff restroom door located in the new annex building at the south end of the building. Door has a hole and the self-closing device is not working. Must repair.
2. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Must defrost all ice box freezers on premises to remove excessive forst/ice build-up.
PassMay 3, 2013CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 35
  Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
  Instructed to detail clean and maintain kitchen hood and filters with heavy dust build-up above cooking equipment.
PassMay 1, 2012CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Detail clean drinking fountains(debris), throuhgout.
2. 35
  Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
  Re-caulk wall behind the two wash bowls in girls washroom, in annex building.
3. 38
  Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
  Additional water flow is needed at fountains
PassOct 20, 2011CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 32
  Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
  Rear storage shelving in rear kitchen prep area that had exposed raw wood, shall be repaired/sealed.
2. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Non food cotact surfaces of storage shelving in kitchen prep area need cleaning. Exterior of reach in cooler surfaces in teacher lounge not clean need cleaning(detailed).
3. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  Floors in teacher lounge behind reach in freezer, heavy equipment not clean need detailed cleaning(corners).
4. 36
  Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
  Broken light shields in computer classroom, shall be replaced.
5. 38
  Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
  Exhaust vent guards in annex building that had rust, peeling paint shall be repair/replaced.
PassMay 11, 2011CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 32
  Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
  Caulk around sink counter in teachers bathroom (ladies)shall be repair/replaced.
2. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Non food contact surfaces of cooler shelving, storage racks not clean need detailed cleaning(crevices).
3. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  Floors in rear kitchen storage areas under shelving/racks not clean need detailed cleaning(corners), floors in gym, classroom (mdf)need cleaning.
4. 35
  Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
  Damaged/stained ceiling tiles in classrooms, hallways in 1st,2nd floors(main building) and in annex building shall be replaced/repair.
5. 36
  Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
  Broken/damaged light shields in classroom(2nd floor),shall be replaced, light shields in bathrooms, classrooms(1st floor)in main building need cleaning.
6. 38
  Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
  Exhaust vents(ventilation)in walk in cooler not clean needs cleaning, exhaust canopy not clean needs cleaning. Exhaust vents(ventilation)in classrooms(1st fl, 2nd fl)in main building. And annex building need detailed cleaning.
ConditionalNov 29, 2010Tag RemovalRisk 1 (High)
1. 32
  Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
  Next regular inspection; worn out sweep at the west side exit door must be replaced
ConditionalNov 22, 2010CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 2
  Facilities to maintain proper temperature
  All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous food shall have adequate refrigerated food storage facilities. Found walk in cooler at improper temperature 49.5 f ,critical violation,citation issued,manager called technician to fix the cooler,it must be 40f or below, tagged cooler ,instructed not to use cooler,must fax letter to cdph 312-746-4240 when cooler has been fixed;other foods like whole fruits and vegetables were transferred to another cooler
2. 3
  Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
  All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40f or less. Found potentially hazardous foods at improper temperature,critical violation,citation issued,milk 47.6f,choco milk 46.9f(700 pcs of 1/2 pint),american cheese 46.4f-15 lbs,yogurt 48.7f-48 pcs of 4 oz each ,manager called bob's dairy company to pick up the milk and choco milk-for discarding,cheese and yogurt were bleached and discarded;
3. 32
  Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
  All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. Worn out sweep at the west side exit door must be replaced
PassApr 22, 2010CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 32
  Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
  All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. Hood above dishmachine unclean,must be clean and maintain
2. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. Floor behind coolers and cooking equipment unclean,must be clean and maintain
3. 38
  Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
  All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the municipal code of Chicago and the rules and regulations of the board of health. 10 push button faucets in girl's and boy's washrooms in poor repair ,not holding flow of water,instructed to replace /fix faucets; documents of work order reviewed,filed 03-23-10,copy shown by engineer

Fails sit above the line, passes below. Every inspection the city has published for this licence.

What it gets cited for

3810×
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
358×
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
557×
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
327×
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
337×
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
105×
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
364×
Thermometers provided & accurate
344×
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Counted across every inspection on record here. A code that keeps coming back is the more telling signal.

Source

Published by the Chicago Department of Public Health as Food Inspections, updated weekly. This page shows every row the city holds under licence 22871 — a business that changed hands may carry history from its predecessor.