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CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY EXPLORATIONS
Join Chicago for Chicagoans founder Patti Swanson and preservationist Laura Schuetz for a tour that will help you decipher Chicago's unique architectural quirks, distinctive infrastructure, and topographic clues to make educated inferences about your city surroundings.

Whether you use your newfound knowledge to impress dates, look cool in front of your mom, or as a foundation for creating history tours of your own, this tour (and accompanying handout) distills years of study into a quick, interesting walk that will open your eyes to the beauty and history around you.

Highlights include: 
  • Street numbering, re-numbering, and how to tell what's been where for how long
  • Building materials: what's terracotta, what's Chicago brick, and what do those materials tell you?
  • Architectural styles and the secrets to dating the buildings around you
  • Remnants of past tenants -- who lived in your neighborhood, when, and where were they from?

Wicker Park
FRIDAY, MAY 11 | 6:00-7:30PM
​All Cultural Geography Explorations will conclude at a local bar or restaurant, where attendees are encouraged to enjoy a drink with the group. Chicago for Chicagoans happily exists as a "pay-what-you-can" tour service. A suggested donation of $10-20 per person is always appreciated, but reviewing us on Yelp, liking us on Facebook, spreading the word, and attending future tours tells us how much you love us too! 

Don't carry cash? You can donate in advance here.

PILSEN WALKING TOURS

Led by Patti Swanson & Blanca Torres

Saturday, April 21st
1:00-3:30PM
​SUNDAY, APRIL 22ND
1:00-3:30PM​

​Chicago for Chicagoans is excited to welcome you on our first neighborhood tour of 2018 -- a 2.5 hour exploration of Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood, featuring special guest collaborator Blanca Torres! Blanca is a native resident of Pilsen who has spent the last few years active in the grassroots effort to preserve St. Adalbert's.

Beginning at the 18th Street Pink Line Station, the tour will cover the history, architecture, landmarks, and gentrification struggles of this iconic neighborhood. From its infancy as the Slavic, melting pot neighborhood Plzeň, to its 1960s transformation into the Latinx area it's known as today, the rich history of Pilsen is one that highlights the stories of immigrants, celebrates the colorful contributions of artists, and dives into a spectacular variety of architecture from working class cottages to opulent cathedrals. The afternoon will end at Creperia Nuevo Leon, where participants are encouraged to enjoy a meal with the group.

Please note: this tour will be conducted in English, but questions can be asked & answered in Spanish.
​
Chicago for Chicagoans happily exists as a "pay-what-you-can" tour service. A suggested tip of $10-20 per person is always appreciated, but reviewing us on Yelp, liking us on Facebook, spreading the word, and attending future tours tells us how much you love us too! We are a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit that creates inclusive walking tours by & for Chicago residents, designed to represent the histories of all Chicagoans.

ALBANY PARK Walking Tours

Led by Patti Swanson, Sam Prestigiacomo, Elizabeth Nieto, & Audrey Marquez, in partnership with the North River Commission!

Saturday, April 28TH
11:00AM-1:00PM
​Sunday, April 29TH
11:00am-1:00PM
L'dor Vador:
​The Jewish History of Albany Park
4/28/18 | 11am-1pm

​From the early 1920s to the late 1970s, Albany Park was the center of the Northside Jewish population. Home to huge synagogues, multiple after-school youth centers, a Chicago library branch stocked with books on Jewish life and culture, and countless Jewish-owned delis and businesses, the Albany Park community was a bustling and vibrant example of American Jewry pre-urban flight.

Albany Park historian Patti Swanson of Chicago for Chicagoans joins fourth-generation city resident and longtime collaborator Samantha Prestigiacomo for a tour that traces the history of the neighborhood and its residents, with a special focus on the Jewish roots that have faded into the neighborhood’s modern tapestry. Beginning at the Kimball Brown Line, the tour will end at Steingold's Station, where participants are encouraged to enjoy Jewish deli fare with the group!
(​Oeste) Albany Park Tour
4/29/18 | 11am-1pm
En Español!

Chicago for Chicagoans esta feliz de presentar el primer tour en español con Elizabeth Nieto y Audrey Marquez! 

El tour empezará en la parada Kimball de la linea cafe y continuará a el lado oeste de Albany Park-- el lado más multicultural y diverso. En esta área descubriremos las casas típicas de Chicago las Bungalow, las casas de campo icónicas que han sido diseñadas por el arquitecto Clarence Hatzfelt, y también la historia de los inmigrantes del área, teatros notables, hipódromos y 198 acres de parques. El  tour terminara en Marie’s Pizza and Liquors (4127-29 W Lawrence Ave), donde los invitamos a los participantes para almorzar con el grupo. 

Chicago for Chicagoans es una organización sin fines de lucro donde se “paga-lo-que-se-pueda”. Un tip de $10-20 por cada participante es sugerido y apreciado. Si no, una revisión en yelp o post en Facebook, y simplemente promocionandonos es invaluable. 
From Beavers to Brickyards:
Exploring the Chicago River
in Albany Park
4/29/18 | 11am-1pm
Join Chicago for Chicagoans' founder Patti Swanson on April 29th for a one-of-a-kind Albany Park tour, exploring the history of the Chicago River and the way it has impacted the growth, identity, and shape of our community.

​From the earliest days of Native Americans and European explorers capturing beavers along the banks, to the impact of the industrial revolution's settlement, sewers, and brickyards, to the modern-day revival of this captivating natural resource, you'll discover how the history of the North Branch is inextricably intertwined with the history of our picturesque neighborhood. Beginning at the Francisco Brown Line station, the tour will wind through Albany Park along the path of the Chicago River's North Branch, ending at Marie's Pizza and Liquors, where participants are encouraged to enjoy a meal with the group!
Chicago for Chicagoans happily exists as a "pay-what-you-can" tour service. A suggested donation of $10-20 per person is always appreciated, but reviewing us on Yelp, liking us on Facebook, spreading the word, and attending future tours tells us how much you love us too! 

Don't carry cash? You can donate in advance here.
​Please specify in the notes which tour you're donating for!

Jane's Walks

 Led by Patti Swanson & Vitaliy Vladmirov in partnership with Jane's Walk Chicago 

Friday, May 4th
11:00am-1:00PM

SOUTH LOOP
URBAN PLANNING
​WALKING TOUR
Come join us for a walking tour of one of Chicago's first neighborhoods! Rebuilt over and over, the area is a hodge-podge of architecture and a testament to decades of public policy fads. Learn about its history of vice and immigration, and see some of the city's grandest architecture. 

The tour will explore how decades of Urban Planning transformed the area from derelict rail yard to model urban village. We'll critique questionable city building ideas from decades past and look at modern developments that will be transforming the area yet again.

In honor of Jane Jacobs, the tour will share tricks on how to see the city as an Urban Planner and help you recognize ways to create change in your own community!

SATURDAY, MAY 5TH
1:00PM-3:30PM

THE 1909 PLAN &
​JANE JACOBS
​WALKING TOUR
“Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men's blood…” – Daniel Burnham
"Big plans never stirred women’s blood. Women have always been willing to consider little plans." – Jane Jacobs

If you’ve been to Grant Park, walked along Michigan Avenue, or driven down Wacker Drive, you can thank the 19th-century architect Daniel Burnham. His work on the 1893 Columbian Exposition redefined city building and his 1909 Plan of Chicago still remains one of the most influential planning documents ever – still impacting not only Chicago, but cities the world over. Jane Jacobs, meanwhile wrote a book that also transformed city planning by upending a century of top-down Planning that leaders like Burnham espoused. Read by millions, her ideas are celebrated still, but has modern city builders forgotten her lessons?

This walking tour explores Daniel Burnham’s 1909 Plan and contrasts its grand schemes with the ideals of urbanist Jane Jacobs. Additionally, the tour will share tricks to see the city as an Urban Planner and help you create change in your own community.

SUNDAY, MAY 6TH
1:00PM-3:30PM

UPTOWN
​WALKING TOUR
​
Come join us for a walking tour of one of the city's most diverse and complex neighborhoods! We'll explore Uptown's history and architectural landmarks -- and discuss the dynamics rapidly changing the neighborhood.

Learn about radical, inter-racial organizing, the fight for affordable housing, and how refugees helped transform Uptown as we dive past the jazz age in our exploration of Uptown's colorful past.
​
In honor of Jane Jacobs, the tour will share tricks on how to see the city as an Urban Planner and help you recognize ways to create change in your own community!
Jane’s Walk is an annual, global happening that honors Jane Jacobs’ legacy via citizen-led walking tours in early May to coincide with her birthday. Jane's Walk Chicago and Chicago for Chicagoans both exist as "pay-what-you-can" tour services. A suggested tip of about $10 per person is always appreciated.

Don't carry cash? You can donate in advance here.
​Please specify in the notes which tour you're donating for!

Repeat Tours!

CHINATOWN WALKING TOUR

MCKINLEY PARK WALKING TOUR

Saturday, MAY 12th
1:00-3:30PM

June 2nd, 2018 | ​June 3rd, 2018
1:00-3:30PM
Chicago for Chicagoans once again dives into the rich cultural tapestry of the city as we bring back our oh-so-popular 2 hour neighborhood tour of Chinatown, featuring special guest collaborator Debbie Liu! Debbie is a lifelong Chinatown community member whose work with the Coalition for A Better Chinese American Community (CBCAC) has focused on modernizing this unique pocket of Chicago while preserving its iconic heritage.

Beginning at the Cermak-Chinatown Red Line station, the tour will cover the history, architecture, and landmarks of the second-oldest Chinatown settlement in the country. Discover the area's distinctive 20th-century buildings, bustling commercial streets, and skyline views while learning about historic and modern struggles against urban renewal, resident displacement, and gentrification.

​The afternoon will end at Ming Hin Cuisine, a Michelin-recognized local favorite for Dim Sum. ​
​
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Chicago for Chicagoans is excited to be celebrating our second anniversary with a 2.5 hour walk through McKinley Park, featuring special guest collaborator Erica Ruggiero! As a passionate advocate for Chicago's industrial history, Erica brings her expertise of the Central Manufacturing District to a tour that weaves and winds through picturesque streets of vernacular architecture. 

Beginning at the 35th/Archer Orange Line stop, we'll discover the history, landmarks, and towering structures of a neighborhood that's long been responsible for much of the city's bricks, iron, meat, furniture, and Goodyear Tires-- while also housing an ever-changing, diverse immigrant population. From humble homes, to towering manufacturing supercenters, to churches, schools, and parks, join us to explore McKinley Park's unique stamp on Chicago's magnificent blue collar history. 

The afternoon will end at Lindy's & Gertie's Original Chili & Ice Cream, an iconic establishment that's been serving treats to the area since 1924. 

WEST TOWN Walking Tours

Led by Patti Swanson & Maria Avila Risolute, in partnership with
​the West Town Chamber!

Saturday, June 16th
1:00-3:30PM
​Sunday, JUNE 17th
1:00-3:30PM
Mark your calendars... details forthcoming!

Andersonville Walking Tours

Led by Patti Swanson & Leyla Royale, in partnership with
​Atlas Obscura!

Saturday, July 7th
1:00-3:30PM
​Sunday, July 8th
1:00-3:30PM
Mark your calendars... details forthcoming!

REPEAT TOURS!

BEVERLY WALKING TOUR

August 11, 2018 | ​August 12, 2018
1:00-3:30PM

Led by Patti Swanson & Tim Moran
Chicago for Chicagoans is excited to revisit the far South Side with a repeat of our 2-hour tour Beverly tour, featuring special guest collaborator Tim Moran! Tim is a local journalist for Patch.com, and a homegrown Beverly resident who brings decades of passion for his community to a one-of-a-kind exploration of this time capsule neighborhood.

Beginning at the 103rd/Beverly Hills Metra station,** the tour will cover the history, architecture, and landmarks of this unique neighborhood– from churches and castles, to Irish immigration, historic homes, and contemporary controversy. The afternoon will end with a meal at Janson's Drive In, a Chicago institution serving up hotdogs, hamburgers, & Italian Beef sandwiches since 1960. 

Printer's Row WALKING TOUR

July 1, 2018
​1:00-3:30PM

Led by Patti Swanson & Margaret Hicks
Chicago for Chicagoans is excited to embark once more on our 2 hour walk through Chicago Printer's Row, featuring special guest collaborator Margaret Hicks of Chicago Elevated! Margaret is a veteran tour guide of Chicago, who effortlessly combines her improv background with serious research to bring locals & tourists alike some of the most unique, affordable, and entertaining tours the city has to offer.

Beginning in Pritzker Park, the tour will cover all the architecture and stories of Chicago's Printer's Row, as well as the notorious history of the city's red light district, our first newspaper, the creation of the skyscraper, railroads, and much, much more! The afternoon will end with a meal at Blackie's South Loop, a South Loop staple serving Italian-inspired eats since 1939.
​ 

Coming Summer/Fall 2018

August?
OLD TOWN
with Liz Garibay of
History on Tap
September
AUSTIN
with the
Westside Health Authority
October
SOUTH ROGERS PARK
with scholar & historian
​Bill Savage
Fall 2018
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
with you! Email us:
chicagoforchicagoans@gmail.com

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Past events
Help us plan a tour in your neighborhood!
We're prioritizing tours in the following areas-- contact us to get in touch:
  • Bronzeville
  • Bridgeport
  • Hyde Park
  • Avondale
  • ​Logan Square
  • Buena Park
  • Englewood 
  • ​South Shore

PLEASE NOTE:

  • Walking tours involve approximately 3 miles of walking, and may prove difficult for those with limited mobility or mobility issues. Tours stay primarily on paved paths and sidewalks; however, these routes may still include potholes and uneven surfaces. While Chicago for Chicagoans is not currently able to make significant accommodations to existing tours for those with mobility issues, we still believe in being as inclusive as possible. Please get in touch if you would like a complimentary private tour adjusted for your mobility, or would like to simply grab a coffee and chat about the neighborhood. We will do our best to help everyone, regardless of ability, learn about their city.
  • By RSVPing for, and participating in, any Chicago for Chicagoans event, you waive your right to hold Chicago for Chicagoans liable for any injuries sustained on the tour, and agree to be photographed. Read our liability & photography statements here.