Douglas J. Schweickert was born in Spring Valley, IL in 1952. He graduated at top of his class, summa cum laude, from Bradley University in 1973. He then attended graduate school at Bradley University pursuing an MBA (perfect GPA). He graduated first in his class from the University of Illinois College of Law in December, 1976, summa cum laude. He was admitted to practice law in the State of Illinois in 1977.