Chicago magazine

Chicago magazine delivers an authoritative guide to life in one of America's greatest cities. From insight into the best dining and shopping to interviews with fascinating figures shaping the future of Chicago, every issue is your source for living city smart.

Chicago magazine

City as Playground

Not Child’s Play

A Visit From the Feds • Low-intensity warfare is uncanny [“Scenes From the Occupation,” December]. We continue to go to work, bring kids to school, shop for groceries, etc. But our everyday routines are punctuated by random episodes of violence; war as a way of life.

CITY OF BIG QUESTIONS • ANSWERED BY EDWARD ROBERT MCCLELLAND

Talking Points • This month’s conversation starters

Who’s Got Next? • As the mayor flails, speculation turns to who might succeed him. A year out from the election, we analyze the potential field.

The Roots of Violence • UIC’s David Stovall contends that capitalism and racism are fueling conflict in Black communities.

It’s Owe Time • New year, same old mountain of IOUs. Where did Chicago’s massive debt come from, and why can’t we shake it?

Accounting for Taste • Built for a CPA, this Evanston mansion is one tangible asset.

MY NEIGHBORHOOD WEST PULLMAN • NATASHA NICHOLES, FOUNDER OF THE TEACHING FARM WE SOW WE GROW, RECOMMENDS THESE FOUR SPOTS.

Kasey Foster • Artistic director, stilt walker, stealth dancer

Drum Roles • Two decades in, Third Coast Percussion continues to push its sound in new directions.

AGENDA • Top 10 reasons to fill up your calendar this month

Café Culture • Filipino cookies, Korean-influenced pastries, and other specialties are on the menu at these Asian newcomers.

Monday, Funday • Once overlooked, the first weeknight is fast becoming one of the best for going out, thanks to some enticing specials.

Noriko Handroll Bar

Past Imperfect • At Class Act, Nicolai Mlodinow’s ambitious tasting menu takes on the history of food — and stumbles.

Top Slice

A Cheesier Cheesy Bread

The Hot List • 10 places everyone’s talking about (in order of heat)

EMPOWERING CHICAGO WOMEN

CHICAGO GO RED FOR WOMEN EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM

EVERY AGE, EVERY STAGE • Doctors Share Tips for Living Your Heart Healthiest Life

SURVIVOR STORIES • Hear From Heart Disease and Stroke Survivors as They Share Their Inspiring Stories of Hope, Advocacy and Their Vision for the Future of Women’s Heart Health.

Lawn and Order • As a musician, the author had performed with some big acts in big venues. Then came the pandemic.

THE SAVVY PARENT’S GUIDE TO Raising Kids in Chicago • FEATURING CHILD-APPROVED MUSEUMS, MEALS, DECOR, JOKES, PARKS, AND MORE — PLUS OTHER SAGE ADVICE FOR GROWNUPS

A 5-Year-Old’s Unfiltered, Semi-Accurate Critique of Local Dino Displays • TO LEARN ABOUT THE CHICAGO AREA’S STANDOUT MESOZOIC MUSEUMS, THE AUTHOR INTERVIEWED AN EXPERT: HIS SON.

The Hater’s Guide to City Playgrounds • HERE’S THE DIRT FROM DISSATISFIED PARENTS, DRAWN FROM (REAL) ONLINE REVIEWS.

Playground Smackdown • HOW DO THESE TWO VAUNTED PARKS—ONE URBAN, ONE SUBURBAN — STACK UP?

Chicago’s Best Bar for Babies • IF ANYONE COULD USE A DRINK, IT’S A NEW PARENT. ENTER ROCKWELL’S NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL.

Parenting Hacks From Famous Chicagoans • CREATE ADVENTURE WALKS, MAKE THE MOST OF EARLY RISERS, AND MORE LOCAL WISDOM

Funny Kids Making Silly Faces • WE CHALLENGED STUDENTS AT KIDPROV CHICAGO, AN IMPROV PROGRAM AT CHASE PARK IN RAVENSWOOD, TO MAKE US LAUGH.

A Pro Photographer Explains How to Take Great Shots of Your Kids • BECAUSE YOUR CHILDREN ARE ONLY AS CUTE AS YOUR PHOTOS

The Relentless Agony of...