diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 1a8a479da40..bb79a5ebfc7 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ We refer to [GitHub issues](https://github.com/JabRef/jabref/issues) by using `#
 - We fixed an issue where the file permissions of the .bib-file were changed upon saving [#2279](https://github.com/JabRef/jabref/issues/2279).
 - We fixed an issue which prevented that a database was saved successfully if JabRef failed to generate new BibTeX-keys [#2285](https://github.com/JabRef/jabref/issues/2285).
 - We fixed an issue when JabRef restores its session and a shared database was used: The error message "No suitable driver found" will not appear.
+- We fixed an issue which prevented the preference dialog to open on systems with Java 9.
 - Update check now correctly notifies about new release if development version is used. [#2298](https://github.com/JabRef/jabref/issues/2298)
 
 ### Removed
diff --git a/src/main/java/net/sf/jabref/gui/preftabs/AppearancePrefsTab.java b/src/main/java/net/sf/jabref/gui/preftabs/AppearancePrefsTab.java
index 7547effefbd..a86c6915fb9 100644
--- a/src/main/java/net/sf/jabref/gui/preftabs/AppearancePrefsTab.java
+++ b/src/main/java/net/sf/jabref/gui/preftabs/AppearancePrefsTab.java
@@ -63,8 +63,9 @@ public static List<String> getAvailableLookAndFeels() {
                     // Try to find L&F
                     Class.forName(l);
                     lookAndFeels.add(l);
-                } catch (ClassNotFoundException ignored) {
-                    // Ignored
+                } catch (ClassNotFoundException|IllegalAccessError ignored) {
+                    // LookAndFeel class does not exist or we don't have rights to access it
+                    // Ignore it
                 }
             }
             return lookAndFeels;