The college was founded as William J. Bogan Junior College in 1960 and utilized classrooms in the evenings provided by William J. Bogan High School in the Ashburn neighborhood on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois, United States.

In 1976, a week after the death of Richard J. Daley, the college was renamed in honor of the late mayor.

The south end is the student and visitor parking lot, which connects to the main building via an enclosed overpass.

The main building, located centrally, is where the majority of classroom instruction and activities are held.

Opened in 1995, it is primarily a technical school offering the relevant degrees and certifications.