Navy Pier

Navy Pier is a 3,000-foot-long pier on the shoreline of Lake Michigan near North Side. Offers a diverse and eclectic range of activities and experiences – culture, dining, shopping, attractions, and more.

The Skydeck

The Skydeck is open 365 days a year. Stepping out onto The Ledge of Skydeck is a quintessential Chicago experience. The opportunity to get a unique photo with a view of four states from atop the second-tallest building in the western hemisphere.

The Magnificent Mile

In the heart of Chicago’s famous premier commercial district. The Magnificent Mile is a delectable spread of places to dine. A vibrant, bustling area home to upscale shops, luxe fashion outlets, cool restaurants, historic landmarks, and posh hotels.

Boutique Shopping

A delight for the boutique shopper. Specialty stores with unique finds. In quaint pockets of Chicago, you can find boutique shops with modern clothing and accessories. like Apricot Lane, Bronzeville Boutique, Akira, Penelope’s, and Tribeca Boutique.

Swallow Cliff

Swallow Cliff Woods in Cook County is best known for its 100-foot bluff and demanding stair workout, Swallow Cliff Woods also astounds with natural riches. Hikers can still enjoy over 800 acres with 8 miles of trails. The stairs remain open all year round and are popular for outdoor exercise.

Roller Skating

Roller Skating continues to be a great source of family recreation and aerobic exercise. Skaters here are some rinks in Chicago and at least one has a small floor for steppers. The Rink, Markham Roller Rink, and Glenwood Roller Rink. And in Chicago, not even the weather stops the skaters any time of year.

Crystal Clear Charters

Pack a meal or grill your favorites. Bring everyone’s cold libations. Captains take you across Lake Michigan or down the Chicago River. Crystal Clear Charters boat charters for family fun, relaxation for friends, and steppers.

Shoreline Sightseeing

A fast, fun, scenic way to get around. Tours to learn some of the city’s most famous landmarks and Chicago’s dramatic history as told by our experienced guides. Tour with Shoreline Sightseeing from comfortable water taxis.

The Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo is dedicated to being the place in Chicago for all things wildlife. Where children learn to love animals. Where adults rediscover what it’s like to wonder. Where nature isn’t just an escape, but the priority. Visit Lincoln Park Zoo.

Golf

There are many great golf courses, but here are two. Harborside International Golf minutes from Chicago Loop. Ranked one of Illinois’ best public golf courses, Ravisloe Country Club features rolling mounds, deep bunkers, and challenging greens.

City Winery

Live music in Chicago, the river walk. City Winery is a winery, restaurant, music venue, and private event location. Indulge your senses and go to the latest shows and happenings in Chicago. For evenings of entertainment and fun.

Field Museum

Located on Chicago’s iconic Lake Michigan shore. The Field Museum‘s collection has more than 40 million artifacts and specimens. Discovery with dinosaurs, ancient artifacts, cultural insights, and groundbreaking science.

Go Skydiving

Step out into thin air and freefall for 60 seconds. Hit speeds of up to 120 MPH while harnessed to an experienced tandem skydiving instructor!! This is what I call stepping out on a whole other level. Try skydivechicago.

Axe Zone

Axe throwing sessions with axe-perts. Open on weekends so plan for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Great for a group of steppers to learn and practice axe-throwing skills. A fun and competitive time like how steppers like to do. Visit the Axe Zone.

Art of Escape Room

You’re locked in a room and presented with a mission. Then you have 60 minutes to escape and there is only one way out. The Art of Escape Room is a great place for friends, family, couples in love, couples who don’t know they are in love yet, double dates.

DuSable Museum of African American History

Holding more than 15,000 pieces, DuSable Museum’s showcase includes paintings, sculpture, print works, and historical memorabilia. Special exhibitions, workshops and lectures are featured to highlight works by particular artists, historical events or collections on loan from others.

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Popular Hotel Chains with Rewards Points

• Chicago Marriott Downtown, 5540 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
• Hilton Garden Inn O’Hare, 2930 S River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60018
• Hilton Garden Inn Midway, 10 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
• Hilton Garden Inn Chicago/Tinley Park, 18335 South La Grange Road, Tinley Park, IL 60487

Airbnb

Boutique Hotels

Acknowledgment: Thank you for the recommendations steppers “looking for recommendations.”

Credit: Gee Huntz, Pat Clay, Michele Cozart, Sakenia Bradley, Sabrina Jones, John Tyree, S Travis Less, and Kimberly Cochran

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Plenty of places in the Chicagoland area offer enjoyable, delicious meals. We didn’t list every one of them here, but these are recommended by fellow steppers as top picks of good eats in the Chicago streets! Life happens to businesses too, so be sure to call before you go to any of these restaurants listed to know if they are open. Here are some ideas from steppers of where to eat in Chicago.

Chicago Must-Haves

When you visit Chicago, you must have a taste of the infamous popcorn that everyone craves after the first time they try it. And, of course, then there is the Chicago hotdog.

1. Garrett Popcorn. 26 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601. Menu.

P: (888) 476-7267

2. Portillo’s Hotdogs. 520 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607. Menu.

P: 630-628-0358. The hot dog king!

Breakfast, Brunch, and Lunch in Chicago

Many of these restaurants for breakfast, brunch, and lunch close between 2 and 4 p.m. The best part of Chicago eating is that there are so many cultural flavors to enjoy even for breakfast! Let’s eat!

3. Eppel’s Restaurant. 554 Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60607. Menu.

P: 312-922-2206. The menu includes seafood and steak options.

4. Thomas Restaurant. 1657 E 87th Street, Chicago, IL 60617. Menu.

P: 773-731-8227. Spacious seating and wonderful service.

5. Dat Donut. 8251 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619. Menu.

P: 773-723-1002. Huge hand-cut donuts, sandwiches, smoothies, coffee.

6. Butterfield Pancake House and Restaurant. 1S616 Midwest Rd, Oak Brook, IL 60181 Menu

P: 630-495-2291. Exceptional customer service.

7. Batter and Berries. 2784 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614. P: 773-248-7710 AND 2537 S Wabash Ave, Chicago IL 60616. P: 312-593-3126

Menu. Make your reservation ahead of time. Long wait on weekends.

8. Breakfast House. 1800 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622. P: 312-997-2400. Menu. Breakfast and brunch with a Mexican flair. Wi-Fi cafe.

9. Golden Griddle Pancake House. 3030 W 95th Street, Evergreen Park, IL 60805. P: 708-6636-5656. Menu. I love the French Toast and OJ.

10. Peaches on 47th. 4652 S Kings Dr, Chicago, IL 60653. P: 773-966-5801. Menu.

Dinner Restaurants in Chicago

From vegetarian, pescatarian, Jamaican, Italian and more cuisines, dinner in Chicago can be an international adventure. Try some of these special places.

11. Creed on Lake. 4328 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60641. P: 773-475-6283. Menu. Only does takeout.

12. Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat. 1368 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615. P: 773-675-8208. Menu.

13. Lucy’s Cafe. 2100 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60618. P: 773-665-0227

14. Uncle Joe’s Jerk Chicken. 1461 E Hyde Park Blvd, Chicago, IL 60615. P: 773-241-5127. Serves very large portions. Only does takeout due to COVID.

15. Chef Luciano Kitchen & Chicken. 49 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616. P: 312-326-0062. Menu

16. Toby’s Tavern and Grill. 1930 Green Bay Rd North Chicago, IL 60064. P: 847-689-4742. Menu

17. Daley’s Restaurant. 6257 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Chicago, IL. P: 773-643-6670. Menu

18. Pete’s Fresh Market. 2333 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60612. P: 312-888-4600. Menu. The most impressive market deli I have experienced with many cuisines to choose from – cold and hot food options.

19. Rubino Italian Import. 16635 Oak Park Ave, Tinley Park, IL 60477. P: 708-614-0755. Menu. A variety of Italian cuisine from sandwiches, pizza, pasta

20. Pearl’s Place. 3901 S Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL . P: 773-285-1700. Menu. Soul food.

Recommended for Steppers by Steppers

Thank you to the steppers who have helped me navigate Chicago and introduced me to some good places to eat and to the steppers who post the places they enjoy to Facebook. Credits: Donna Peek, Tonya Foreman, Dasen Moore, Jamil Bey, Keisha Reese, LC Henderson, Willie Bell, Andre Johnson, Greg Richardson

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Steppers dress for changing seasonal weather, the themed stepper parties and sets, and Chicago’s bodacious fashion, keep stepper looks diverse and imaginative. If there is a city that reinvents leather, denim, and t-shirts to create a look for any occasion, it’s Chicago. Here is a simple guide to help any stepper – gentleman or lady – dress for every season. Remember the essentials and wardrobe picks that won’t steer a stepper wrong. You can blend in or stand out!

Essentials and Accessories for Every Trip

First, let’s start with Stepper essentials to keep you together, to travel safely, to be comfortable, and free to dance for hours in Chicago.

• Avoid leaving luggage or clothing in your vehicle visible to passersby. If you must, keep it in the trunk. However, folks will advise not to leave valuables in the trunk of a parked car for a long time.
• Fanny packs are in and practical. Don’t leave cell phones, ID, money, and/or credit cards on a table anywhere while dancing. Even your friend who willingly holds your bag wants to dance too. Use a fanny pack or a crossbody to hold valuables a

Fashion Essentials and Ideas for Every Season in Chicago

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It has taken me approximately ten years to visit the city where the dance originated – Chicago. I began visualizing my first trip to the Mecca of Stepping. For sure, my first visit was not going to be for an event. I also wanted to go when I could trust my dance. I began priding myself on being able to follow various leaders locally and other steppers from afar. Ready to test my dance skills with the Chicago gents, I set out to do so in late August! A friend who knew this trip was on my bucket list helped make it happen. He knew I loved the dance and often spoke of this trip.

Sunday

My excitement started the minute of wheels up heading towards Chicago to arrive on Sunday evening. I was already dressed, and ready to meet my friends Jay Shepard and Cheryl Russom at the Grand Ballroom. After picking up my rental, I headed for my first dance experience at the Grand Ballroom straight from the airport. I lost my mind in dance the first night. As I imagined, I danced with countless guys. I danced with Scorpio, who swept me into trusting the dance. I had great fun. The folks were welcoming. I felt very comfortable and looked forward to the rest of the week. Dancing to old school, new school, and others ..lol…I just followed. It was fun! 

Monday

On Monday, I went to the infamous 50 Yard Line! I saw and reintroduced myself to DJ Sam Chatman and reminded him of the history of stepping knowledge he passed on to me years ago.  I was ecstatic about dancing with folks that night.  Also surprised to run into folks I did know, I ran into Choc James and Antonio Allen.  I had lovely, healthy, sweaty dances that night. I seriously got it in. It was also a great learning opportunity. I had the opportunity to observe and discuss other styles of stepping in conversation.  An old-schooler shared their view of the dance and pointed out the different styles. I received positive feedback on my dance.

Tuesday 

On Tuesday, I met #teamnosleep and Jay Sheppard at the Harbor or Yacht Club. That was a remarkable experience dancing outside on the pier. It started raining. Not just raining, it was thundering, and lighting. Folks kept dancing until the rain let up for us to make a dash to the car. We were heading to the infamous Blue Note with DJ Tony. I asked Jesus to take the wheel, and it stopped raining as we neared the Blue Note. Yes. It was great! The dances were so much fun. My next bucket list Chicago Stepping dance club checked off. The Blue Note. These guys were blowing up my head, saying they didn’t know we could dance in California..lol… I saw a couple look at me with the side-eye until they observed my dance. OMG! So much fun.

Wednesday

On Wednesday I met #teamnosleep and Jay at the Entrance. I ran into a familiar face from Los Angeles. Reggie….ooo wee… It was like being back in LA dancing with him. I was also quite excited to dance with one of my stepper bucket list Facebook friends. I had always said to him, “When I get to Chicago I want to dance with you!” And I did. It was an honor to meet  and dance with “we wash our hands friend Tony Gifted Johnson.” I recognized and acknowledged him first. Also memorable was that I danced again with Scorpio several times before someone told me who he was! He is indeed a Gentleman Stepper Legend. Before I knew who he was, I had fun dancing with him. I told him so. He probably thought, “This girl has lost it.” He didn’t give off a vibe of superiority.   All of the Chicago fellows gave me great dances. This trip was indeed my ideal “first time to Chicago to dance” trip! Chicago was how I expected my first time no fanfare, no special events.

Thursday

On Thursday, we met at the Grand Ballroom. I’m running out of clothes! Lol. I am determined not to purchase anything and make do with what I bought. At the party, I met and danced with another Chicago Facebook friend Gerald Howard. I think he recognized me. It was nice to meet folks in person that I knew only through Facebook. Reggie and I shared a few dances like old times in Los Angeles. I stay with #teamnosleep that night until the house music. I met new friends throughout the week.

Friday 

On Friday, the plan was to attend a stepping contest with $5,000 in cash prizes. For the rest of my Chicago trip, I danced and went to the beach. I didn’t know or think about the beach as a part of my Chicago experience. Courtesy of a Chicago native, I attended the Stepping Contest at the Grand Ballroom on Friday evening.

I had mixed emotions about this event. The vibes were very different than the crowds at other sets during the week. During the week, the crowd appeared much more fun and down-to-earth. Thank God my whole week’s dancing vibe was not like Friday night! Friday night might have been different to me if I had come in specifically for this event.  However, I was looking for the same fun and freedom I experienced during the week. I got what I sought from the Chicago dance community and gained an understanding of its social structure.  Friday made me realize there is more to my social life than dance. All dance communities have the same issues.

Enjoying Other Parts of Illinois

I explored other parts of Illinois, and I enjoyed Saturday Afternoon in Crete with a friend and his family. My festivities included backyard swimming, the hot tub, and some dancing. I will return to Chicago one day sooner than later. Thanks again, #teamnosleep and Jay Sheppard, for making my maiden voyage to Chicago to dance happened. To my family who put up with my coming and goings thanks for your support.

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Mike B and his beginner’s partner for the World’s Largest Steppers Contest, Leisha, made it to Chicago to support their fellow steppers, Shelly and Johnnie B. This was 2017. They were all visiting from Atlanta for Mr G’s Last Chance Prelims for WLSC. Shelly and Johnnie B did their Old Skool prelims in Chicago, and wanted to garner Chicago’s support. They did not want their appearance on the big stage for the contest to be the first time that Chicago saw their faces. This trip was an opportunity to learn and dance with some of Chicago’s best dancers at places like Donnie Davis’ class. It would not be complete without a chance to explore the city and making it to some landmark restaurants and other spots.

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The Interview

Why did you decide to finally visit Chicago?
Before I went, I started feeling like I still loved the dance, but I was starting to fall out of love with it. I decided to go because this was part of my last effort to see if I was going to take a step back from steppin’ or continue searching for ways to grow in it.

Who were you looking forward to meeting?
I’m always open to meeting new people. I had heard about all of these wonderful Chicagoans with amazing classes like Dave Maxx, Charnice, and Donnie. Of course, I wanted to reconnect with my first teacher Ernest Williams and Jon Green who’d moved back there, but I was more so looking for the Chicago Experience I’d heard about so much.

Trip Planning

How did you plan for your trip to see how you would spend your time in Chicago?
I reached out to the Chicagoans I already knew for their recommendations (Ernest, Jon, Dre Blackwell). Chaundra Satchell had previously told me to contact Royce if I was ever going. So, I contacted him as well.

HIghlights

What was the highlight of your trip?
Wow! Dancing with the suave, older gentleman, Lanell, at the Blue Note on Thursday. Attending Buford Finley’s Walking class on the West Side. Vibing, dancing, and most importantly chatting with DJ Black Cool, Dave Maxx, Brother Carey Muhammad, Reggie Miles, Tina Melendrez, LC Henderson, Jay from Atlanta, and so many other Chicagoans at the 50 and Heroes, who were just so hospitable and cool.

Did this visit extinguish any perceptions of Chicago that people had shared before?
Abso-freaking-lutely! It was nothing like most of the cautionary tales I’d heard. I’d heard if you make a particular error, Chicagoans will get nasty, call you out, walk off the floor, etc-etc. That was not my experience at all. They were kind, patient, and friendly. Even if they offered advice when they could feel me getting tense from overthinking, it was all love. Most did not. We just danced.

What is that one thing you won’t forget about this trip?
The people and the vibe of the city. The city of Chicago low-key romanced me.

Learning to Walk

So you took Buford Finley’s walking class.  Tell us about it.
Oh. My. First of all, Buford is my kind of person – kind, direct, and knowledgeable. It clicked to me in his class, why they say, “To be a great Stepper, you have to know how to walk.” He’s smooth. He’s observant. He corrects when necessary, and not for his ego’s sake. He dances in walking, not get down dancing, but it’s more than mirroring your partner and swaying. The way he moves in the walk is seamless and pure smooth.

What is your word of advice for the next stepper who is looking to make their first visit to Chicago?
Just go. Sooner than later. Yes, you may feel like it’s different, but it’s not foreign.  Some differences you may only be able to feel, and won’t be able to verbally identify now. Go now, and put the pieces to the puzzle together later.

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