Appeal deadline questions after an unemployment denial after 18 years as a line cook

I got a denial letter last week saying I left my job voluntarily, but I was let go as a line cook. I am in Chicago, in case local advice matters. I have not done a hearing before and I am nervous.

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It saved me later.

I printed my emails in order and wrote a one-page timeline. The hearing officer kept going back to it.