Address
Illinois Institute of Technology
Hermann Hall Conference Center
3241 S Federal St, Chicago, IL 60616

About Chicago

Chicago, the third-largest city in the U.S., spans 234 square miles and is home to 2.7 million residents across 77 community areas. Nicknamed “The Windy City” and “The City That Works,” its motto, urbs in Horto (“City in a Garden“), reflects its extensive park system. Known for its transportation hub status, Chicago has the nation’s second-largest public transit system and is considered the railroad capital of the U.S.

Founded in the 18th century by Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, Chicago became a city in 1837. It endured the devastating Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and hosted the transformative 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. Engineering feats include reversing the Chicago River’s flow in 1900.

The city boasts 28 miles of lakefront, over 600 parks, and a thriving arts scene with 60+ museums, 200 theaters, and renowned institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago. It is home to iconic landmarks such as Willis Tower, Wrigley Field, and Millennium Park. Cultural contributions include the origins of house music, electric blues, and the nation’s first gay rights organization.

Chicago has been the birthplace or home to notable figures like Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Walt Disney, and Michael Jordan. It pioneered innovations such as the first skyscraper, deep-dish pizza, the Ferris wheel, and the first televised U.S. presidential debate. Today, the city remains a center of architecture, arts, sports, and culinary excellence.

Visit: Visit Chicago

Visit: ChooseChicago

Local Environment

IIT is on the south side of Chicago, and as in any big city, people should be aware of their surroundings and be street-smart. Traveling in a group at night (and maybe other times) is best. There is a Starbucks, a FedEx, a Jimmy John’s sandwich shop, and Miller’s Pizza on 35th and State, but it is not advisable to walk much south of there or much north of 31st St. Walking east and west of IIT is mostly OK. There are several economical restaurants west of IIT in the Bridgeport neighborhood and several nicer ones. Chinatown is on 22nd Street, an easy walk for most people.

Lake Michigan is also a short walk to the east, with a lakefront bike/pedestrian path, a beach, and a marina. Chicago has a “Divvy” bike share depot and many other places. Watch out for traffic, though. Riding bikes on sidewalks is not permitted in Chicago. There is a>$500 fine last we heard. Walking bikes on the sidewalk is OK. The CTA Elevated trains (Green and Red lines) can quickly get you into The Loop. Again, keep your eyes open, and preferably, go in a group. The Green Line goes right down the middle of campus (through the tube over the MTCC) and can be boarded at 35th St (or entering from 34th if you have a VENTRA card already). The Red Line goes down the Dan Ryan expressway, adjacent to campus, and can be boarded at 35th St on the bridge over the expressway. A Metra light rail stop at 35th (Rock Island Line) also exists.