Stateville Correctional Center
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- Facility Type
- State Facility
- Security Level
- Maximum
- Inmate Capacity
- 1,600 approx.
- Established
- 1925
- Operated By
- Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC)
Stateville Correctional Center Inmate Communication Overview
Stateville Correctional Center is a maximum-security state prison operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections, located in Crest Hill in Will County, about 35 miles southwest of Chicago. Opened in 1925, Stateville is one of the most historically significant prisons in Illinois and has housed many notable inmates over the past century. The facility is distinctive for its architecture — it includes a circular panopticon-style cellhouse designed so that a single guard station can observe all surrounding cells, a design concept from 19th-century prison theory. The facility's proximity to Chicago makes it one of the more accessible major prisons in the state for Cook County and suburban Chicago families.
Communication at Stateville follows Illinois Department of Corrections provider contracts. JPay handles electronic messaging, photo sharing, and money transfers. Families create a JPay account, add the inmate using their IDOC number, and purchase stamps to begin correspondence. GTL manages phone calls and video visitation under the IDOC contract. For families new to the Illinois system, understanding that JPay and GTL are separate platforms — each requiring its own account and funding — is the most important starting point. Messaging credits on JPay cannot be used for phone calls, and phone funds in GTL cannot pay for messages.
Stateville's location within Will County, adjacent to the Chicago metropolitan area, makes it more accessible for in-person visits than many downstate Illinois prisons. The facility is located off I-55 and is reachable from Chicago in about 45 minutes. Because JPay and GTL serve the entire IDOC system statewide, accounts you set up for Stateville will work if an inmate is later transferred to another Illinois facility. Stateville has undergone significant operational changes in recent years as the Illinois Department of Corrections has worked to modernize and reform its facilities, so confirming current visiting rules and communication access with the facility or IDOC directly is always a good step.
Facility Information
Contact details and location information for this correctional facility.
Address
2700 E. Audubon Road, Crest Hill, IL 60403
Main Phone
(815) 727-3607
Administrative line — not for inmate calls
Official Website
Visit official siteCommunication Options
Available communication services at Stateville Correctional Center.
Messaging
Electronic messages to and from the inmate.
Provider: JPay
Available. Requires IDOC number. Messages reviewed before delivery.
Video Calls
Remote or in-person video visitation.
Provider: GTL
Remote video visits available. Schedule in advance through GTL.
Photo Sharing
Send approved digital or physical photos.
Provider: JPay
Digital photos via JPay. Subject to IDOC content guidelines.
Phone Calls
Inmate-initiated phone calls to approved numbers.
Provider: GTL
Inmate-initiated calls. Fund GTL AdvancePay account to receive calls.
Money Transfer
Send funds to commissary or phone accounts.
Provider: JPay
Trust account deposits via JPay. Separate from phone account funding.
Communication Providers at Stateville Correctional Center
These providers operate communication services at this facility. Each may cover different services.
JPay
Messaging, photo sharing, and trust account deposits. Uses IDOC identification number.
Learn More About JPayGTL
Phone calls and video visitation under the IDOC statewide contract.
Learn More About GTLCommunication Rules at Stateville Correctional Center
- JPay and GTL are entirely separate platforms. Funds on one cannot be used on the other.
- Messages are reviewed by IDOC staff before delivery.
- IDOC-wide JPay and GTL accounts transfer if the inmate is moved to another Illinois facility.
- Video visits must be scheduled in advance through GTL.
- Senders must be on the inmate's approved contact list.
Related Facilities
Other correctional facilities with communication guides.
Frequently Asked Questions — Stateville Correctional Center
Common questions from families about communication at this facility.
- How do I send a message to someone at Stateville?
- Create a JPay account at jpay.com and add the inmate using their Illinois DOC number. Purchase JPay stamps and send your message. Messages are reviewed by IDOC staff and typically delivered within 24 to 48 hours.
- How do I set up phone calls from Stateville?
- Phone calls from Stateville use GTL. Create a GTL account at telmate.com or through the GTL Connect app. Set up a prepaid AdvancePay account linked to your phone number, add funds, and the inmate can call you from facility phones.
- Is Stateville close to Chicago?
- Yes, Stateville is in Crest Hill in Will County, roughly 35 miles southwest of Chicago and accessible via I-55. For Chicago-area families, it is one of the closer major state prisons. Drive time from the city is typically 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.
- If my loved one is transferred to another IDOC facility, do my accounts still work?
- Yes. JPay and GTL both serve all IDOC facilities under statewide contracts. Your accounts, contact list, and history carry over if an inmate is transferred within the Illinois system. You may need to update the facility when scheduling video visits through GTL.
- How do I send money to a Stateville inmate?
- Trust account deposits are made through JPay. Log in, go to Send Money, and select Stateville Correctional Center. Add funds via debit or credit card. Processing typically takes one to two business days.
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