Chicago, IL
- About the City
- Landmarks
- Climate and Weather
- Transport
- Chicago's Culinary Scene: Iconic Dishes & Local Flavors
- Museums and Cultural Institutions
- Sport and Sports Legends
- Universities and Academic Institutions
- Healthcare and Medical Institutions
Chicago is a world-class global city on Lake Michigan, renowned for its bold architecture, deep-dish pizza, and status as the economic powerhouse of the American Midwest.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Full Official Name: Chicago, Illinois. The name "Chicago" is derived from the Miami-Illinois word šikaakwa, referring to the wild garlic/onion plants that grew abundantly in the area .
- Administrative Role: Chicago is the seat of Cook County, the second-most populous county in the United States . It is the principal city of the Chicago metropolitan area, often called "Chicagoland" .
- Location: It is located in northeastern Illinois on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. Illinois is a major industrial and agricultural state, and Chicago serves as its undisputed economic and cultural hub, as well as the dominant city of the American Midwest .
Historical Names and Nicknames
Chicago is known by many nicknames, each reflecting a different facet of its character .
- "Windy City" (The Most Famous): This nickname's origin is debated. It may refer to the city's lakefront breezes, but it more likely originated from 19th-century political rivalries, referring to Chicagoans as "full of hot air" .
- "The Second City": Coined by writer A.J. Liebling in a 1952 book comparing Chicago unfavorably to New York City. The city has famously reclaimed the term, and it is now the name of its world-renowned improvisational comedy troupe .
- "City of Big Shoulders" (or "City of Broad Shoulders"): From Carl Sandburg's iconic 1914 poem "Chicago," which captures the spirit of the city's industrial might and hard-working populace .
- "Chi-Town": A common shortened and informal nickname, popularized in songs and pop culture .
- "The City in a Garden" (Urbs in Horto): The city's official motto, reflecting the ambitious park and green space planning from its early history, which sought to beautify the urban landscape .
Date of Foundation and Age
The first permanent settler in Chicago was Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, a trader of African and French descent, who established a thriving trading post in the 1780s . The Town of Chicago was incorporated on August 12, 1833, with a population of about 200 . It was officially chartered as a city on March 4, 1837 . As of 2026, Chicago is 189 years old as an incorporated city.
Geographic Position and Coordinates
- Coordinates: 41°52′55″N 87°37′40″W .
- Location: Chicago is located on the Chicago Plain, a flat expanse that was once the bottom of ancestral Lake Michigan. It sits at the southwestern tip of Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes .
- Elevation: The mean elevation is 182 m (597 ft) above sea level, ranging from 176 m (578 ft) at the lakefront to 205 m (672 ft) in the far south .
- Type of Settlement: It is a major port city and a classic example of a city whose growth was fueled by its strategic position as a transportation hub between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River watershed .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Chicago has one of the most diversified and balanced economies in the world .
- Global Financial Center: It is home to major financial exchanges, including the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT), which form the largest and most diverse derivatives market globally .
- Transportation and Logistics Hub: It is the nation's railroad hub and its O'Hare International Airport is one of the busiest in the world. The region is also the third-largest container hub globally .
- Corporate Headquarters: The Chicago area is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, including Boeing, McDonald's, United Airlines, Kraft Heinz, and Mondelez International .
- Industrial Powerhouse: It remains the second-largest industrial center in the U.S., with over 10,000 manufacturing facilities in its region, particularly in food processing, machinery, and IT .
Population and Demographics
- Population: At the 2020 census, the city population was 2,746,388, making it the third-most populous city in the United States . The 2024 estimate is 2,721,308 .
- Metropolitan Area: The Chicago metropolitan population is over 9.6 million, the third-largest in the U.S. .
- Demographic Class: It is a global city and a major city- millionaire.
- Demographic Features: Chicago is a diverse "melting pot," with significant populations of Hispanic or Latino (29.7%), Black (27.9%), and Asian (7.3%) residents. Over 20% of the population is foreign-born .
"City's Calling Card" (In Short)
Chicago is a city of bold architecture, from the birthplace of the skyscraper to the shimmering "Bean" in Millennium Park. It's a world-class cultural destination with renowned museums, a vibrant lakefront, and a deep musical heritage in blues and jazz. Above all, it's the "City of Big Shoulders," a hard-working, diverse, and resilient metropolis with a distinctive culinary identity, from deep-dish pizza to the Chicago-style hot dog.
Landmarks
Cloud Gate (The Bean)
Located in the heart of Millennium Park, Cloud Gate is the city's most iconic contemporary sculpture . Designed by British artist Sir Anish Kapoor and unveiled in 2006, its seamless, reflective surface has made it one of the world's largest permanent outdoor art installations. Nicknamed "The Bean" for its shape, the sculpture perfectly reflects the city's skyline and is the most photographed attraction in Chicago .
Willis Tower Skydeck
Formerly known as the Sears Tower, the Willis Tower is a testament to Chicago's skyscraper legacy. Completed in 1973, it was the tallest building in the world for nearly 25 years . Today, its Skydeck, located on the 103rd floor, offers breathtaking views of four states. The most thrilling feature is "The Ledge," a series of glass-bottom balconies that jut out from the building, allowing visitors to look straight down 1,353 feet to the street below .
The Art Institute of Chicago
Consistently ranked as one of the top museums in the world, the Art Institute of Chicago is a treasure trove of art history . Its greatest claim to fame is housing the second most extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in the world. Visitors flock to see iconic masterpieces like Georges Seurat's "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte," Grant Wood's "American Gothic," and Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks" .
Navy Pier
A historic 3,300-foot-long pier jutting out into Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is Chicago's lakefront playground. Opened in 1916, it has been transformed into a family-friendly entertainment destination. It features the Centennial Ferris wheel, the Chicago Children's Museum, boat and architecture tours, and numerous shops and restaurants. During the summer, spectacular weekly fireworks shows light up the sky .
Climate and Weather
Type of Climate and General Characteristics
Chicago has a hot-summer humid continental climate (Dfa) . It is famous for experiencing four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cold, snowy, and windy. Spring and fall are generally mild and serve as pleasant transition periods .
Average Temperatures by Month
The hottest month is typically July, with average highs around 84°F (29°C) and lows of 63-68°F (17-20°C) . The coldest month is January, with average highs near 30°F (-1°C) and lows dropping to around 14°F (-10°C) . The record high is 109°F (43°C), and the record low is -27°F (-33°C) .
Precipitation and Humidity
Chicago receives an average of about 39 inches (990 mm) of precipitation annually, which is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year . Summer is typically the rainiest season, often with short-lived, heavy thunderstorms . Average winter snowfall is around 43 inches (109 cm) .
Sunshine and Daylight
The city enjoys a good amount of sunshine. From May to August, daily hours of sunshine range from 8 to 9 hours . Correspondingly, the UV index peaks during these summer months, often reaching a maximum level of 9, which is considered "Very High," necessitating sun protection for any extended outdoor activities .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Best Time to Visit (May-June & September-October): Late spring and early fall offer the most pleasant weather for walking and sightseeing. Temperatures are warm but not oppressively hot (60s-70s°F / 15-25°C), and the humidity is lower .
- Summer (July-August): This is peak tourist season, with hot, humid weather. It's the perfect time for lakefront festivals, outdoor concerts, and enjoying the city's parks and beaches. Be prepared for temperatures that can feel much warmer due to the humidity.
- Winter (December-February): Winters are cold and can be harsh, with the city occasionally experiencing dramatic cold snaps nicknamed "Chiberia" . However, this is also a magical time to enjoy indoor attractions like museums, cozy restaurants, and the festive holiday atmosphere.
Transport
Main Airports
Chicago is served by two major airports .
- O'Hare International Airport (ORD): Located about 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop. It is routinely ranked among the top ten busiest airports in the world and is a major global hub . It is connected to the city center 24/7 by the CTA Blue Line train.
- Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW): Located about 10 miles (16 km) southwest of the Loop. It is a focus city for low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines and offers a convenient alternative to O'Hare. It is connected to the city center by the CTA Orange Line train.
Main Railway Stations
Chicago is the historic and current heart of America's rail network .
- Union Station: Located at 225 S. Canal Street, it is the city's iconic intercity rail hub. All Amtrak trains, including the long-distance routes like the California Zephyr and the City of New Orleans, arrive and depart from here.
- Ogilvie Transportation Center: Serves Metra commuter trains from the city's northwest suburbs.
- Millennium Station: Serves Metra commuter trains from the city's north and south suburbs.
Public Transport System
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates the city's extensive public transportation network.
- The 'L' Train: One of the oldest and most iconic rapid transit systems in the U.S., the "L" (short for "elevated") has eight lines that fan out across the city and to the airports. Key downtown stations form a loop, giving the city's core its name, "The Loop."
- Buses: An extensive bus network complements the train system, reaching every neighborhood in the city.
Major Highways
Several major interstate highways converge on Chicago, reinforcing its role as a national crossroads . These include I-90 (the Kennedy Expressway), I-94 (the Dan Ryan Expressway), and I-290 (the Eisenhower Expressway). The famous historic U.S. Route 66 begins in Chicago at the intersection of Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue, right by the Art Institute of Chicago .
Chicago's Culinary Scene: Iconic Dishes & Local Flavors
Chicago's food scene is a rich tapestry woven from the city's diverse immigrant history. From the mid-1800s onwards, waves of newcomers brought their culinary traditions, creating a dining culture that is both deeply local and globally inspired .
Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
No list of Chicago foods is complete without mentioning its most famous export: deep dish pizza. This isn't your average flat pizza; it's a hearty pie with tall walls of buttery crust that hold a generous load of mozzarella cheese, topped with a chunky, tangy tomato sauce. The origins date back to 1943 at Uno Pizzeria & Grill, which is reputed to be the first to serve it . Today, you can find iconic deep dish at local chains like Lou Malnati's, Gino's East, and Giordano's . It's a meal in itself, best enjoyed with a group of hungry friends.
The Chicago-Style Hot Dog
The "Chicago dog" is a culinary legend with a strict set of rules. It's an all-beef frankfurter nestled in a poppy seed bun and loaded with a specific lineup of toppings: yellow mustard, chopped white onions, sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices, sport peppers, and a final dash of celery salt. There's one cardinal rule: no ketchup! For an authentic experience, visit a local institution like Portillo's, which has locations throughout the city, or try a historic stand like Dave's Red Hot, which has been serving them since 1938 .
The Italian Beef Sandwich
This sandwich is a true Chicago original, born from the city's Italian-American community in the early 1900s. It consists of thinly sliced, seasoned roast beef, dripping with juices, piled high on a dense Italian roll. The sandwich is often served "wet" or "dipped" (the entire sandwich is briefly dunked in the beef juices) and is typically topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera (a pickled vegetable relish) . Al's Italian Beef is a legendary name in this game, and Mr. Beef on Orleans is the small, no-frills spot that inspired the hit TV show The Bear . Suburban favorite Johnnie's Beef is also widely considered a top contender .
The Jibarito: A Taste of Puerto Rico
A testament to Chicago's thriving Puerto Rican community, the Jibarito is a sandwich creation that replaces bread with two flattened and fried green plantains. It's generously filled with your choice of protein (meat, seafood, or vegetables), along with lettuce, mayonnaise, and cheese . For an authentic taste, head to neighborhoods like Humboldt Park or Logan Square to spots like La Bomba or Papa's Cache Sabroso .
Garrett Mix Popcorn
A quintessential Chicago snack, Garrett Mix is the world-famous combination of two iconic popcorn flavors: rich, buttery CaramelCrisp and sharp, tangy Cheddar Cheese popcorn. The recipe, first sold on the streets of Chicago in 1949, is still made in copper kettles today, and the addictive sweet-and-salty mix is a must-try for any visitor .
Mexican Cuisine and the Torta Ahogada
Chicago has one of the largest Mexican-American communities in the country, and its Mexican food scene runs deep . Beyond ubiquitous tacos, look for regional specialties. Chef Rick Bayless' restaurant, Xoco, is a great spot to try a Torta Ahogada, a Guadalajaran specialty where a crusty sandwich is drowned in a flavorful, spicy chili broth . For authentic street-style tacos, neighborhoods like Pilsen and Little Village are filled with family-owned gems like Las Carnitas Uruapan and Taqueria El Milagro .
The Au Cheval Burger
While Chicago is known for its classic cheeseburgers at dives like the Billy Goat Tavern (the famous "Cheezborger"), the modern era has brought new acclaim . The burger at Au Cheval has been named the best in America by Food Network. It's a decadent, double-patty creation, often topped with a fried egg and thick-cut bacon, proving that Chicago can do "over-the-top" as well as it does classic .
A Sweet Finish: Eli's Cheesecake & The Original Rainbow Cone
For dessert, Chicago offers two iconic treats. Eli's Cheesecake, which debuted at the first Taste of Chicago food festival, is now a local staple available in over 40 flavors, with original plain, chocolate chip, and strawberry being the most popular . For a truly unique and photogenic treat, look for The Original Rainbow Cone. A single cone is stacked with five slices of ice cream in a set order: orange sherbet, pistachio, Palmer House (a cherry and walnut vanilla), strawberry, and chocolate .
Museums and Cultural Institutions
The Art Institute of Chicago
One of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, the Art Institute of Chicago is a world-class institution founded in 1879 . Its permanent collection of nearly 300,000 works spans 5,000 years and includes some of the most iconic pieces in American art history .
- Iconic Masterpieces: The museum is home to Grant Wood's American Gothic (1930), Edward Hopper's Nighthawks (1942), and Georges Seurat's A Sunday on La Grande Jatte (1884) .
- Notable Artists: The collection features masterpieces by Pablo Picasso (The Old Guitarist), Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Mary Cassatt (The Child's Bath) .
- Building and Expansion: The main building was constructed for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Its most recent expansion, the Modern Wing (2009), was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano, making it the second-largest art museum in the U.S. . The museum is also famous for the two iconic bronze lions that flank its Michigan Avenue entrance .
Sport and Sports Legends
Chicago is renowned as a world-class sports hub, with a passionate fan base and iconic venues that are woven into the fabric of the city .
Legendary Stadiums and Arenas
- Soldier Field: Opened in 1924, this historic lakefront stadium is the home of the Chicago Bears (NFL) and the Chicago Fire (MLS) .
- Wrigley Field: The hallowed grounds of the Chicago Cubs (MLB), this is the second-oldest ballpark in the majors and a true American sports treasure .
- United Center: Known as "The House That Jordan Built," this is the home arena for the Chicago Bulls (NBA) and the Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) .
Major Sports Teams
- Chicago Cubs (MLB): Based in the iconic Wrigleyville neighborhood, their 2016 World Series victory ended a 108-year championship drought.
- Chicago White Sox (MLB): The other side of Chicago's baseball rivalry, playing on the city's South Side at Rate Field .
- Chicago Bulls (NBA): Global icons of the 1990s, led by the greatest of all time, Michael Jordan .
- Chicago Bears (NFL): One of the league's oldest and most storied franchises, with a legacy of tough, defensive football.
- Chicago Blackhawks (NHL): A "Original Six" franchise that has won multiple Stanley Cups in the modern era .
- Chicago Fire (MLS): The most-tenured expansion team in Major League Soccer, playing at Soldier Field .
- Chicago Stars FC (NWSL): A founding member of the National Women's Soccer League, playing at SeatGeek Stadium in nearby Bridgeview .
Legendary Athletes
- Michael Jordan (Basketball): Widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time, he led the Bulls to six NBA championships. A statue of him stands proudly outside the United Center .
- Dick Butkus (Football): A fearsome and legendary middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears, his name is synonymous with the team's defensive identity.
Universities and Academic Institutions
The Chicago area is a major hub for higher education, featuring a diverse range of world-renowned universities and colleges .
Major Research Universities
- University of Chicago: Located in the historic Hyde Park neighborhood, this is one of the world's leading private research universities. Known for its rigorous intellectual atmosphere ("The Core" curriculum) and its gothic architecture, it admits a highly selective 6.5% of applicants . The campus itself is designated as a botanic garden.
- Northwestern University: Situated in nearby Evanston along the Lake Michigan shore, Northwestern is a highly selective private university (7% acceptance rate) with top-ranked programs in business, law, medicine, and journalism .
- University of Illinois Chicago (UIC): This is the largest university in the Chicago area, with over 33,000 students. As the state's only public general hospital, it is also a major center for health sciences and research .
Specialized Arts Institutions
- School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC): Often named one of the most influential art schools in the U.S., SAIC is closely connected to the adjacent Art Institute of Chicago museum, giving students unparalleled access to a world-class collection .
- Columbia College Chicago: A private college focused on media and arts, its creative spirit is visible throughout its South Loop campus in the Wabash Arts Corridor .
Healthcare and Medical Institutions
Chicago is home to several nationally-ranked hospitals and medical centers that are leaders in patient care and research.
Top-Rated Hospitals
According to the Fall 2025 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades, which assess hospitals on their ability to protect patients from errors and infections, several Chicago-area institutions received top "A" grades :
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital (Chicago): Consistently ranked as one of the nation's best hospitals and a leader in cardiology, neurology, and women's health .
- Rush University Medical Center (Chicago): Another top-tier academic medical center known for its geriatrics, neurology, and orthopedics programs .
- University of Chicago Medical Center (Chicago): A renowned academic hospital on the city's South Side, celebrated for its cancer treatment and complex surgical care .
- Advocate Lutheran General Hospital (Park Ridge): A major teaching hospital with a strong reputation in pediatrics and oncology .
- Loyola University Medical Center (Maywood): A prominent academic medical center just outside the city, particularly known for its transplant programs and burn unit .
UI Health and Mile Square
The University of Illinois Hospital & Clinics (UI Health) is the state's only public general hospital, consisting of a 438-bed hospital and the Children's Hospital University of Illinois . Its Mile Square Health Center network is a pioneering Federally Qualified Health Center, providing essential care to communities across the Chicagoland region with a philosophy that "everyone deserves quality health care; the closer to home, the better" .