Chicago businesses preparing for potential unrest during the Democratic National Convention.

As the Democratic National Convention (DNC) begins on Monday, several downtown Chicago businesses have been boarded up due to heightened concerns about protests and potential unrest.

Scott Shapiro, owner of Syd Jerome, told Planet Chronicle that he wants to be proactive and board up his business in advance of the Democratic convention because he has experience with this and the city has a poor track record of protecting businesses and citizens' property.

The convention will take place from Monday to Thursday at both the United Center and McCormick Place.

The United Center is surrounded by fencing and trucks, with a significant police presence.

"Our store has been looted or vandalized four times since 2019. We have experience with this and haven't received any guarantees from the city that they will take action downtown. Therefore, we wanted to ensure our safety. The store and our employees were secure."

This week's convention is expected to attract around 50,000 attendees, including delegates, guests, and 15,000 journalists, with more than half a dozen protests anticipated, according to Fox 32.

According to the outlet, approximately 150 Illinois National Guard members are on standby in Chicago to handle any potential unrest during protests.

Chicago Board-Up Services owner Vicki Fichter informed Planet Chronicle that in the past two weeks, people have been getting nervous, so they have been preparing for potential board-ups. Now, with everyone starting to work remotely next week, the board-ups are beginning.

Business owners are not always anxious about the current situation, but are taking precautions.

Fichter stated that it is more cost-effective to board up the glass now rather than replacing it later. Therefore, he believes that they are taking a more proactive approach this time to ensure security.

On Saturday, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling deputized over 300 police officers from Illinois and Milwaukee during a police training session in preparation for the DNC.

The Chicago Police Department is focusing on patrolling neighborhoods citywide with the help of additional officers assisting with security.

The safety and success of our officers is of utmost importance. Superintendent Larry Snelling expressed gratitude to officers and recruits for their efforts in safeguarding Chicago during the DNC and throughout the year.

At least seven demonstrations, covering a range of topics from abortion rights to economic inequalities, have been approved by city officials as of Sunday, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Thousands of protesters against Israel are anticipated to gather in Chicago during the DNC.

On Friday, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said all protesters are welcome.

"Johnson assured that the individuals do not need to worry about their First Amendment rights as he will ensure they have everything they need to express themselves."

If protests should escalate, authorities will intervene, vowed Snelling.

Earlier this week, Snelling stated in the Chicago Tribune that we will not permit individuals to enter the city and cause destruction.

The convention will feature prominent speakers such as President Biden, former Presidents Obama and Clinton, and Hillary Clinton, who are predicted to back Kamala Harris and her vice presidential candidate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Planet Chronicle Digital's Anders Hagstrom and Stephen Soarce contributed to this report.