BTW, Chicago is one of the world's great cities. If you haven't been there, you're missing a wonderful experience.
My wife and friends used to go down to Chicago around Thanksgiving on a bus from Wisconsin to shop Michigan Ave. This ended when the sales Tax was raised to 10%
As one who lives in IL, you're going to find more than a few people who believe that Chicago is the Midwest's version of Hell. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Governor Pat Quinn and Speaker Mike Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton are on Satan's Board of Directors.
Outside of Cook and Sangamon Counties, where Chicago and Springfield are located, these people are reviled by both Democrats and Republicans. These two counties are CORRUPT to their cores and 7 megatons each of “urban renewal” would be appropriate for both of them.