Many FAQs from steppers who want to travel to Chicago are about transportation, lodging, and who they should meet. Here are the most popular FAQs steppers have asked.
Trip Planning
Which airport should I fly into – Midway (MDW) or O’Hare (ORD)?
Chicago Midway (MDW) airport is located on the Southside of Chicago and closest to places like the Fifty Yard Line and other stepping venues. Using the Fifty as a landmark, O’Hare is further north and 22 miles from the iconic steppers sports bar while Midway is only 9 miles away. Midway serves mainly domestic flight routes and is less busy than O’Hare airport which caters to many more passengers for both domestic and international flights. Midway is also a sub for Southwest Airlines and many of the flights out of Chicago are direct. The nearest airport to Tinley Park is Chicago Midway (MDW). We recommend Midway!
Do I need a rental car for my trip?
We recommend that you arrange to have personal transportation to get around. If you are in Chicago to step, be ready to go from set to set in a single night. Sometimes set hopping means traveling from the Southside of Chicago to the Westside. It can become expensive if you opt for Uber or Lyft.
Do you recommend Uber/Lyft in Chicago?
When traveling in any city, practice safety and be vigilant of your surroundings. Be careful, stay aware of your surroundings, and exercise care on all rideshare options. If you choose to rideshare please read and follow Uber Safety Tips and Lyft Safety for Riders. Beyond safety considerations, Uber and Lyft can become a pricey option eventually, especially if in Chicago for more than a single day. Having personal transportation to hop from set to set in a single night will prove to be convenient.
What should I pack to wear for my trip?
Chicago weather can change quickly. Plan for it with clothing you can layer and always have a coat. Chicago is known as The Windy City so be sure to have your windbreaker ready. On the stepping circuit, you may see themed parties calling for specific colors or styles. Plan ahead by reading Cynthia Bean’s weekly newsletter to know which parties to plan for on your trip. Know that Chicago is a great place to find unique styles and fashion at the malls, high-end stores or small clothing boutiques, and other retail clothing stores. Find tips on dressing for themed stepper parties and with pizazz for Chicago’s ostentatious fashion in Essentials and Fashions for Steppers.
Stepper Sets
What is the average cover to get in a stepper set in Chicago?
Sets and parties in Chicago can be free, $5, $10, or more. Some sets are FREE, just remember to support the bar and buy food. Be sure to ask other locals and check the flyers for the right information.
What is the dress code for the Fifty Yard Line?
The dress code for the Fifty is generally casual. On Fridays, it may be a little dressier than normal with an older crowd. Sometimes when steppers are set hopping through the 50 they can be dressed stepper sharp for the next party or set.
Which days are the best days to go stepping in Chicago?
Any day of the week is a good day for stepping. Thursdays through Sundays are great days to go stepping because that’s when most visitors and locals go out to wind down the work week.
Do they have coat checks on the stepper set?
Some sets have coat checks during the winter months. Be prepared to secure your own coats because not every set has a coat check.
How do I find out about the local stepper parties and events in Chicago?
The locals know where the parties are. Cynthia Bean’s Weekly Event list is a good place to start, but also talk to the locals at regular sets. Cynthia Bean’s newsletter.
How is the parking at stepper venues in Chicago?
Some stepping venues have parking lots but they are usually small. Places like the Fifty Yard Line has parking lots but overflow to street parking. The Grand Ballroom has a lot but also lots of street parking. Hero’s has a parking lot with street parking in the adjacent streets around the venue. The best accommodation for parking lately is the parking lot at Visions and Odeon Events. Steppers are always advised to arrive early because in Chicago steppers come out in large numbers to every party and set.
Stepping Classes
When and where is Donnie Davis’ class?
Donne Davis’ class is on Saturdays at 11 a.m. in Hamilton Park. Check the Classes Section of StepintheChi.org for class details and information.
How do I find an instructor to get a private while in Chicago?
There are a few ways to make a decision on an instructor for a private. Check with the instructor in your state who might give you a good referral. In Chicago on the sets, you may see instructors out. Also, check out the Classes Section on StepintheChi.org to find instructors. They not only teach regular classes but may offer privates as well.
Are there classes for beginners from out of town in Chicago?
Absolutely. For beginners coming from outside of Chicago, I recommend seeing LC Henderson and Charnice Simmons.
When is Charnice Simmons’ class?
Charnice’s class is on Sunday afternoons and is by invitation only. You should contact her directly on Facebook if you are interested in attending her class and to get class information.
What is the average cost for stepping classes in Chicago?
Generally speaking classes with some of the top instructors in Chicago are $15 – $20 per class.
Whose class should I go to if I am a beginner?
If you are working on your foundation still some instructors to start with are LC Henderson and/or Charnice Simmons.
Whose class should I go to if I am advanced?
Donnie Davis’ class has several instructors that work with steppers at different levels in their dance. His class is recommended because if you have a foundation and want to work on moves, footwork, and personal style you can connect with several people in this class to work with you on the wood.
Where can I go to learn how to walk?
Instructors in Chicago teach stepping and walking. For walking classes find Buford Collins or Darryl Davis. They are the best of the best to teach walking at all levels.
Are there any stepping classes in Chicago that you recommend?
A list of the local classes from Chicago instructors that happen regularly around the Chicagoland area. Stepping Classes
Still Need Answers
If you have another question about planning your steppers experience in Chicago, you can send a question to our editorial team, and we can help you find the answers. Please complete our online form to submit your question.