The Rev. Jesse Jackson said there is "no timetable" as his son, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., recovers from depression and gastrointestinal issues at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.

The elder Jackson spoke to reporters Saturday outside a downtown Chicago movie theater. The civil rights leader was with protesters in support of a ban on assault weapons.

"There is no timetable on his recovery," Jackson said. "We hope he will fully recover."

Jackson, a Chicago Democrat, has been on a secretive leave of absence for nearly seven weeks. The congressman went on leave June 10, but his office didn't disclose it until weeks later. Initially, his office said Jackson was being treated for exhaustion. Since then, the office has said his condition was more serious and required inpatient medical treatment.

The Mayo Clinic released a statement Friday saying the congressman was being treated there for depression and gastrointestinal issues.

The elder Jackson said "such a challenge is a game-changer, and challenges all members of a given family."

Jackson is facing an ethics investigation in the U.S. House connected to former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was convicted on corruption charges. Jackson was not charged and has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.