r/AskChicago

I've always been fascinated by local conspiracy theories, urban legends & weird bits of history tied to specific cities.

I'm curious, what are some conspiracy theories or local legends you've heard about or maybe you even believe in?

could be anything like:

•strange historical events

•haunted places

•weird rumors

•old local mysteries

•stories about secret/hidden places

not trying to start arguments, I just think this stuff is fun and a cool way to learn more about the strange side of the city.

Hello Reddit! I’m a 46/Black/Single Female who is a native Southsider (currently in Hyde Park!) looking to move to the Northside in June 2026 for the first time & I’m so excited!! I’ve mostly lived in apartments on the South, East & Pilsen so I want a change of scenery and always dreamt of living up North and now is the time for me!

I don’t have any preference on which neighborhoods as it’s “all up North” to me (and most Southsiders, HA!). I do like Edgewater, Lakeview and Avondale but anywhere is fine with me up North! I sound like I’m referring to Canada 😂!

Here’s my criteria: looking for Studio, One or Two Bedrooms, My budget is between $1500 - $1700 and I must have a dishwasher & microwave, I have no pets, kids or vehicle, I need a easy commute downtown for my job, nearby CTA options, safe, walking distance to grocery stores, restaurants, shopping.

I pray that this is doable for me and with this community’s help, I know we can!! Thanks in advance for your support in this matter!

Hey all, first time homebuyer here!

I just bought a condo in Rogers Park and I’m super excited to start tackling some DIY projects (refinishing a couple pieces of furniture, thrifting and upcycling pieces, building some simple storage, etc.). The challenge is… I don’t have a garage, basement, or any real workspace. Just a typical condo with a shared deck in a walk-up building.

I’m trying to figure out how people in Chicago (especially on the north side) handle DIY when you don’t have space to make a mess, sand, stain, use power tools, etc.

A few things I’d love advice on:

- Where do you actually do projects like sanding/staining furniture?

- Are there good maker spaces, workshops, or community shops nearby?

- Any classes for beginners (woodworking, refinishing, general DIY skills)?

- Do people ever rent workspace short-term, or is it mostly membership-based?

- Any tips for doing smaller projects in a condo without being a terrible neighbor?

Also, I’d love to plug into my new neighborhood more — so if you have favorite local resources for homeowners in general (tool libraries, hardware stores, classes, community orgs, etc.) especially around Rogers Park / Edgewater / Andersonville / Ravenswood, I’m all ears.

Thanks in advance!

I have lived in Bridgeport my entire life and, for nearly 15 years, used to walk through the grounds of Armour Elementary School in the evenings and weekends to get some air, clear my head, get some sun, or just enjoy some time away from screens. A couple years ago they put up a NO PUBLIC ACCESS sign on the south entrance; the one I always used. Recently I see more and more people reach over the gate to open the inside latch and help themselves to the playground or walk their dogs, especially parents going for a walk with their toddlers or with baby buggies. I'm a single guy so the optics are a bit different and I don't want to break the law if it's an actual law, and I sure don't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable. I've lived in the immediate area for 20 years and I miss being able to go for a stroll around the walking path that circles the fields a few times a week.

I looked on the CPS and Armour website and couldn't find any info about this. Does anyone know anything? School grounds were open here for decades (I grew up and went to grammar school near there in the 70s) but of course we need to keep our schools and kids safe so if that era is over I totally understand, it just makes me a little sad.

was talking to a coworker last night about overwhelming stores that we have shopped at, snd I fondly remember as a young college student in 2010s living in the city, having access to 3 supersized Forever21 stores, plus A'gaci, multiple Akiras, Topshop, just to name a few (some of which I would hit up multiple daily to look around 😅). Sadly, that era of shopping in this city has ended. I have been here for a long time, many changes. But I look back on it, now that there are so many empty store fronts, and too many filled with sporting apparel/gym shoes type stores which there seems to be a surplus of... that was a fun time. Maybe not great quality clothes, but they usually had something for every occasion, and it was fun exploring. Anyone remember and can relate??

I want to buy a ream or two of copy paper but would prefer to not just go to OfficeMax/Staples/Walmart for it, are there any locally-based office supply places? I know Atlas Stationers says they sell "office supplies" but I don't remember seeing that more standard stuff the times I've been in there.

Hello, I am looking for books. I can pick up in Chicagoland and the surrounding suburban areas.

This is for adults, in a hospital, looking to grow our library. Thank you in advance!

Please DM me or comment.

Hi! I hope the owner of this is in this thread. I took an uber on March 16th in the Lincoln park area. My bag spilt out on the back seat and I swept my things back in, turns out your Apple Watch was on the back seat. I ended up traveling and never got the chance to charge the item until now. If you can confirm the name of the uber driver you lost it in and if you have the serial number please message me or comment! I would really love to return this back to you

I am not particularly new to the city but am in need of some pointers. Are there any artists or shops that are accessible by CTA in the city that are good/specialize in those with sensitive skin? I have a fairly mild form of Ichthyosis (google it) and would like someone comfortable and qualified to tattoo me. The actual areas I want inked are very regular, smooth patches of skin that are just like everyone else's. Any input or recommendations would be much appreciated. Thank you.

My wife and I are considering a move to Chicago.

Where we live now we pay about $1600 for almost 800sqft. Yeah we know that we are not going to get that in Chicago.

We can't imagine having less then 600sqft

But I think we may have to compromise, I don't think we could do less then 550sqft.

I know not to expect washer and dryer, but should we expect to not be able have a dish washer? That it what would be tough for us.

We would be okay living a bit more outside or the city if the area is safe and a nice walkable area? Somewhere I could get into the city using public transportation.

Any ideas? Are we expecting to much? What areas might work for us.

My niece wants a skateboard but I have no idea where any skateboard shops are anymore, and if any sell kid sizes. Anyone have any leads?

https://www.reddit.com/r/thehungergames/comments/1scoffz/does\_anyone\_know\_about\_this\_piece\_in\_millennium/

I saw this on the Hunger Games subreddit and wanted to find more info about the artist or the reason as to why it’s there?

I was watching Sandra bullock “while you were sleeping “ and noticed the river used to be lined with flags of all different nations, and it looked really nice. How long were these flags up and when/why did they take them down?

Hi all, looking for some indoor triathlons in the city if chicago (don’t have a car so can’t travel out of the city!)

Indoor triathlons = Sporting events at pools!

see the title. just curious what this costs in different neighborhoods.

What’s up yall I just moved here, looking for non-bar related recs for meeting people. I’ve got some friends here so I go out often, just looking for chiller stuff to meet people in my area. I work a 9-5 so evening or weekends are ideal.

I’ve got a billion hobbies, I paint, play piano, and I’m a huge nerd for video games and anime and all that. I’m also very active, I work out 5-6 days a week and just signed up for IM soccer this summer.

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks

I've been looking around South Loop for more powerlifting/weightlifting gyms in the area. I haven't really found anything that matches my style, but the top two I've come across are LA Fitness and FFC South Loop. My current gym is a smaller, more boutique-style strength gym that has heavier dumbbells, kettlebells, etc. Not things found at commercial gyms. I'll be relocating to Chicago soon due to return to office mandate. I'm looking for something bikeable and/or walkable.

My house needs outside work...bad. The concrete stairs and side porch are separating from the house. Several of the pseudo-bricks that make the outside of our house are crumbling. The step getting into the yard is cracked and shifting away from the yard.

Does anyone have companies/contractors that will do quality work? I'm on the southside outside of Englewood and near Beverly.