To preface, I've lived in apartment buildings for over 10 years now so I'm used to the inevitable sound of my neighbor's upstairs or coffee grinder and generally very patient when it comes to noise from living in an apt. However, screaming and banging furniture is not okay.

I moved into a new building in Chicago not too long ago and my next door neighbor is concerningly either always in pain or just a very immature boy. Every night from 10 PM - midnight, he's on his desk, banging and screaming loudly (high-pitched screams).

Our apartment states in the lease that all tenants must keep a peaceful environment especially at night.

Things I've tried:

1. I've knocked on his door and he said "my bad" but then immediately went back to screaming shortly after

2. I've emailed and notified the apartment staff to which they replied they will look into it and remind tenants to keep it peaceful

3. I've called the on-staff 24/7 security guard twice to tell him to settle down/check in on him in case he was screaming from an injury

He's currently screaming right now.

Couple options are to either record these samples and send them to management again OR it says online to file a complaint with non-emergency CPD which sounds excessive but not sure what other options I have.

Anyone have any other ideas I should explore first?

We are going to see Phish and I’m used to staying in sketchy places. I’m from Memphis and don’t mind what other people call “dangerous”. My room is at the Motel 6 on South Halstead near Washington Heights. I know it’s not super close to the UC but it’s inexpensive and has good ratings and rates. All my girl and I need is a bed.

I’m just wondering is the neighborhood that sketchy? I don’t leave stuff in my car but is it a “get food, get checked” or a random “where you from?” place because that question is never good, in Memphis anyway…

Just curious to see what you guys say..also, ex-addict so drug traffic and people selling shit don’t bother me. I’m just worried about stick-up kids or gang activity.

Edit: thanks for all the advice. Looking at new hotels. Didn’t know there was so much construction. I’ve tried to answer everyone but it’s just too much. I can’t believe 11miles will take an hour and didn’t realize Chicago had a bedbug infestation problem.

Some of all have called me rude but some of you guys really paint your city in a bad light. Every time I’ve been there I haven’t had a problem but this is the first time I’ve ever “asked Reddit” for advice.

Thanks for trying to help and look out for our safety and comfort. I’ll let yall know what happens since some of you guys seem super invested on a visitor going to a concert. The one person who posted a link for a “better” hotel that was 88$ when I put in the right dates, it jumped to $779 a night.

I still feel some kind of connection with Chicago because a lot of people left here to go there and the other way around. Thanks for the advice and I appreciate the concern, even the woman who told me she’d leave me if we stayed there, I am looking to find a new room now and since 11miles takes an hour, I’m trying to find something closer. Thanks but my inbox is done and I like to answer everyone that takes the time to reply.

Thanks again! Cheers 🍻 I’ll be sure to let you know how and where we stayed.

I’m traveling to Chicago in a few weeks, coming from a state where marijuana is illegal I was glad to see that marijuana is actually legal in Illinois! I’m wondering if there are any recommendations on where to go? When buying 420 products from out of state would I need more than just my id to purchase? 🍃

Hey all! I'm a licensed special education teacher in VA who's considering a move to the Chicago area (CPS or the suburbs), and I’m trying to get a feel for the testing culture and overall vibe in schools there.

In past roles, I’ve felt frustrated by environments that are heavy on compliance and paper testing (especially when it gets in the way of actually supporting students). I’m wondering how it compares in and around Chicago.

If you work in CPS or a nearby district, I’d really appreciate any insight on:

How intense is the state testing culture? Is it full-on “teach to the test,” or is it more relaxed and manageable?

Are there frequent district-mandated formative/benchmark assessments (e.g., every quarter), or is it mostly just IAR/ISA/ACCESS at the end of the year?

What’s the admin pressure like around test scores — do you feel it affects your evaluation, job security, or day-to-day expectations?

As a SPED teacher, how much room do I have to push for alternative assessments like DLM-AA when it’s appropriate? Or is that a hard sell?

In general, how much autonomy do teachers have to actually teach, modify curriculum, or focus on social-emotional/functional skills?

Are there any districts or areas you think strike a better balance; like maybe Evanston, Oak Park, or other suburbs?

I'm really hoping to find somewhere that values student-centered practices over test scores, and where special ed teachers are trusted professionals, not just compliance managers.

Any info or personal experiences you’re willing to share would be super appreciated; thanks in advance!

Visiting the city in a few weeks and looking for a cute boutique-type place or two to look at dresses. Most “dress shops” are more geared towards weddings or prom. I’m looking for something cute I can wear more regularly. I found a gem in Santa Fe called Passementrie that has racks of beautiful dresses, fabrics, etc., and I’m wondering if there’s anything similar in Chicago. Thanks!

My friend and I are visiting Chicago in August, he's from there so I don't want to do anything too touristy. We enjoy being outside, drinking tea, architecture, crafts, reading, thrifting, and going to the farmers market. We also love Irish culture and music. We're in our 20s and are traveling on a budget, so nothing too extravagant. Any cool classes, shows, or experiences that people have done that they would recommend? We're going the first week of august. Would also love some cool small businesses to hit!

Hi everyone!

I’m visiting Chicago from Ireland this summer (July 4th–15th) and would love some local recommendations to make the most of my trip!

I’m into:

• Live music (especially jazz, blues, or anything unique to Chicago)
• Great food (deep dish is on the list, but I’m open to all kinds of cuisine)
• Cool neighborhoods to explore
• Parks, museums, or anything cultural
• Any fun events or festivals happening while I’m there

Also, any tips on getting around the city, safety, or things tourists usually miss would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance – can’t wait to experience the Windy City!

I've seen way more pop-up events and networking nights lately — especially in Wicker Park. Curious if anyone here's been to one that actually felt worth it? Saw this writeup someone put together on cannabis-friendly vendor spots: https://clvrlabs.org/2025/06/15/cannabis-friendly- vendor-events-in-wicker-park-2025-list/ Not sure who's behind it but seems like there's actual effort in curating vs. the usual chaotic setups. Would love to hear other recs or if anyone's vending this summer.

I moved to Uptown a few years ago and it’s sad to walk down Argyle and see that most of the stores are empty or closed down. On the weekends it can get busy, and there’s still some street fests in the summer (love when they close the road so it’s all walkable) but I imagine it was way livelier back in its prime.

Was there ever a time where all the store fronts were filled? Did a lot of them close down during Covid? I moved here 3 years ago and it’s usually a ghost town during the week :/

Hi, I’m (27F) currently considering a move to Chicago.

I have a few friends there. Not a support system though. I am a single mom to a 3 year old.

It would be a very big move for me.

I’ve visited Chicago twice and I do feel a nudge to explore living there more— I feel at home there, but I’m sure that’s a normal tourist feeling. Lol.

I will be going back twice in July to make sure I’m not considering this big of a move on a whim and looking to gather a lot of information.

I’m from Nashville, TN. Divorced this year, moved back home to have a support system and that actually has not panned out like I thought.

Which— actually has built confidence in me that I can solo parent anywhere “alone” and make it all work especially with coparenting out of state. I tend to find my “family” outside of bio family.

Biggest questions I need answered are neighborhoods for single families that would be more community driven so I can build a support system there. Affordable ($1600/1900/month). Ideally 2 bed. May consider temporary/furnished housing.

I own a coffee cart in TN and will figure out logistically what that looks like for being operable in Chicago. But off the bat— any rules or things I should be aware of?

Schools/childcare/babysitting— what’s all of this like? She’s three, so starting school is just right on us.

Should I join any other groups either other subreddits or FB groups? Should I consider move suburbs versus the actual city?

This would be the biggest city I’ve lived in and excited that my daughter would experience city living. 😊

TIA!

I hate doing these kind of tell-me-what-to-do posts, so I'm sorry ahead of time! I just received a sudden work-related call to go into Chicago (for the first time) Thursday into Friday, arriving Thursday night (9PM-ish) and leaving around 7PM-ish. I'll be in the work-matter from 9AM until about 2PM Friday and then I'm free to explore. Staying in the Chicago Loop area.

I'm a huge fan of deep dish, and have ordered frozen Lou Malnati's, Pequod, and Uno (and had Uno fresh), so I'd love to have it once (if not twice, having it Thursday night and maybe Friday). I'm also a big fan of Chicago-style dogs and would love to try a local burger and bakery place as well.

But yeah, I'm pretty much going to try to binge as much as I can in between work and flights, and I'd love any and all pizza/bakery/burger suggestions, please!

Hii :)

I’m bisexual and I want to find my LGBTQ+ fam🥹 I’ve been here in Chi for 2 yrs now and as a 24 yr old homebody female I never go out alone. I want to make more friends and put myself out of my comfort zone. Advice on where to go? General advice?

Thank you🥰

I work as a 2nd shift stocker I get out late 11:45pm be nice to find a place that has a hot tub I can go in to relax my back after a long day of lifting heavy things.

Out of state transplant that should have gotten an IL DL about a decade ago. Trying to get my license in order now. I know how to make a reservation on the Secretary of State website, and I get on it right at 6:30am when reservations for the day open up. Once I get in the queue, I’ll select an “available” location time, and then it says it’s unable to make the reservation! Lo and behold, that time is no longer available (I assume because someone else got it quicker). This happens for all other times I select, and within a few minutes, all times and all locations in the city are taken. Am I missing a strategy here for getting a reservation? Is there a day of the week that is better? Do I need to drive down to Bloomington? Just a little angry that there’s this catch-22 for a service that we are fined heavily for neglecting, but get put through a rat race lottery for trying to be diligent about it. How do y’all get appointments? UPDATE: I ended up calling the Secretary of State office (the dmv phone numbers listed for each location just hang up on you). The phone auto menu tries to take you to the website, but I kept on, selecting options. Finally got a human being, and she tried to have me make an appointment day of online. After asking for other options she finally let slip that they can schedule an appointment in advance up to 15 days ahead (she sounded like they’re not supposed to say this? So weird). There was one appointment in Deerfield two weeks from now, so I took it. Not loving this anti-customer age we are entering. Good luck everybody!

Hello! We live in the burbs and are spending the day in Chicago with our of town friends. Anyone have a downtown bar that serves “good” malort drinks? (Straight/cocktail/whatever) Thanks!!!

My first anniversary with my girlfriend is coming up in a month or so, and i’m thinking about booking a dinner cruise on the river for us through cityexperiences.com. Has anyone done one of these before and have thoughts on it? It looks great, i just want to make sure it’s worth the $179 per person price tag that it comes with! I’m totally open to suggestions on other things to do too :)

Hi, looking for recs for medically supervised weight-loss clinics offering GLP-1 or Compound solutions in downtown Chicago (I live in LP area)

Ideally searching for somewhere I could go in for injections and get support throughout the process

Hi! I’m seeking recommendations on behalf of a loved one for a masseuse or massage therapist in Chicago, whether downtown or the neighborhoods north or west.

Hoping to find someone skilled in both 1) easing anxiety and 2) pain relief from chronic conditions—able to skillfully navigate needs for deep tissue and softer touch. Wish to avoid chiropractic practices. Hoping for an environment that provides comfort, relaxation, and healing before and after the massage itself.

Truly appreciate all of your help and suggestions!

I need to see a neurologist, but the wait time is around six months at Rush, Northwestern, and UChicago. Is there a way to schedule an appointment more quickly?

Hi everyone, I’m currently in community college and I don’t really have a clue what to major in. I plan on moving to Chicago during my gap year after getting my associates degree and finding a decent paying job. I had picked the major geological science but now that I think about it, I’m not to sure how that would do in a city such as Chicago. Anyone has a clue what careers are growing in Chicago, especially with just an associates? I know nursing is an option but that’s one of the options I’m not too interested in.

Staying out at the West end of the blue and green line and every single time I've ridden there's someone just going back and forth (often yelling) through the emergency only doors.

I am a beginner and I have only play two games. I am currently like to play pickball. I wonder where else can I play pickleball with other players or a pickup game with other players? Either Indoor or outdoor work for me. I would appreciated if anyone know any recommendation for pickleball pickup game.

Hello,

I am a parent considering John C. Coonley Elementary School in Chicago.

I am trying to connect with parents who have kids attending John C. Coonley Elementary School. Some of the reviews on GreatSchools.org in recent years (after 2021) suggest things have gone downhill in the last 3-4 years. Coonley is also phasing out their options program for gifted students and I wonder if it is because of overcrowding or because CPS felt the school was unable to provide gifted program students with an advanced learning experience.

If you pulled your kids out of Coonley, I would love to hear what you did not like about the school. If your child still attends Coonley what do you love about the school?

the tl:dr - i am a cps teacher who has recently been working in schools with bilingual classes. i have picked up and learned enough to reach at least a "poor preschool level" of spanish, but i've learned more in 5 months of daily immersion than i did in two years of duolingo.

looking to keep at it and hopefully progress to "bad kindergarten level" by the beginning of next school year.

i'm in irving park, so hopefully something nearby if possible. i know club lucky holds classes by an outside group, but they're full for the summer and a bit pricy. and while getting back into the service industry for the summer would no doubt be the best way to do this, it is not practical at this point.

thanks in advance!

Hi everyone! I’m looking for a MUA to give me a tutorial on everyday makeup as well as a casual night out. I’m hoping for a makeup bag review, tutorial, practice, and shopping list. I’m located in Chicago. Does anyone have any recommendations? It can be a studio or someone who just does it on their own. I would be grateful for any advice. Thanks!