U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, the best-known Republican in Illinois and the most vulnerable, is openly now looking at non-House options. | Andrew Harnik-Pool/Getty Images

The new proposed map is designed to yield 14 Democratic and three GOP members of Congress from Illinois and will likely face court challenges.

Friday update

WASHINGTON — Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly released the proposed new congressional map on Friday, with the lines drawn to yield 14 Democratic and three Republican districts.

The current House delegation is made up of 13 Democrats and five Republicans. Illinois lost a seat because of population shifts reflected in the 2020 census.

The potential three-seat pickup for Democrats in the Illinois remap could determine whether Democrats, led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, continue to control the House after the 2022 elections.

Pelosi at present holds onto the House with a Democrat margin as slim as three votes.

The Illinois Democrats, who control the state House, Senate and governorship, drew odd-shaped districts — referred to as gerrymandered districts — designed to sweep in Democratic strongholds and shed GOP turf.

It appears that Democrats did not use all the available partisan firepower, said David Wasserman, the remap expert with “The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter.” “It’s both uglier and less effective for Democrats than expected,” he wrote. That may mean Democrats unwittingly created some potential swing districts rather than safe havens in 2022.

GOP Reps. Adam Kinzinger and Rodney Davis have said they may run for senator or governor if they determine there is no district where they have a chance to win.

Kinzinger, of Channahon, who carved out a national profile with his anti-Trump crusade, is in a district with freshman Democrat Marie Newman of LaGrange. The district has a Democratic edge. Kinzinger’s political problem is that he is a major target of the pro-Trump forces in the GOP and he would face a primary battle he may not survive no matter the district he picked to run in.

While the Democratic map draws separate districts for Republican Reps. Rodney Davis of Taylorville and Mike Bost of Murphysboro, Democrats did Davis no favor, drawing a snake-shaped district that slithers through central Illinois picking up Democratic turf.

Kinzinger, the best-known Republican in Illinois and the most vulnerable, is openly now looking at non-House options. “I have proudly served six terms in the U.S. House and it has been an honor to do so,” Kinzinger said in a statement. “Following the release of the new congressional maps for Illinois, my team and I will spend some time looking them over and reviewing all of the options, including those outside the House.”

In a statement, Davis said, “As expected, our lying governor teamed up with state Democrats to draw a shameful, partisan gerrymander in a desperate attempt to keep Nancy Pelosi in power. This proposed map, along with this entire redistricting process, is a complete joke. It’s clear Governor Pritzker and the Democrats will stoop to any low if it means they can keep their corrupt system going.”

LaHood said in a statement, “When I served in the Illinois State Senate, I was proud to support a Fair Maps redistricting process because Illinoisans have made it clear that they are tired of politicians picking their voters. Illinois Democrats and Governor Pritzker have shown with their proposed map that they care more about doing the bidding of Nancy Pelosi than giving Illinois voters fair representation in Washington. The proposed maps are a slap in the face to good governance everywhere. Illinois voters deserve much better than this non-transparent, corrupt process.”

In Illinois, a person does not have to live in a House district to run to represent it.

Freshman Rep. Mary Miller of Oakland, who has allied herself with the most controversial backers of former President Donald Trump, is thrown in the same district as Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria. Since this is a heavily GOP district, the primary will determine who goes to Washington.

Republican National Committee spokesman Preya Samsundar said in a statement, “The Illinois Democrats’ proposed congressional map is a joke. National Democrats who claim to fight gerrymandering have officially lost any credibility with folks in Illinois and around the country with their silence on today’s announcement.”

State House and Senate leaders will hold hearings on the proposed map next week with a vote by the end of the month.

After the legislative map was released, state lawmakers took feedback and revised some districts before the state House and Senate chambers voted on the final version and sent it to Gov. J.B. Pritzker to sign.

The map shows three districts drawn to maximize the power of Black voters and one district to amplify Hispanic voting-age population strength — the same as the present map.

In a release, the House and Senate Redistricting Committees said the proposed map was “designed to comply with federal law and ensure the broad diversity of the state is reflected in the elected officials sent to represent Illinois in Washington, D.C.”

The map can be viewed at www.ilhousedems.com/redistricting and www.ilsenateredistricting.com.

Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez, D-Cicero, chairperson of the House Redistricting Committee, in a statement, called the proposed map “an excellent first draft that amplifies diverse voices and gives every person in our state a say in government.”

Sen. Elgie Sims, D-Chicago, vice chair of the Senate Redistricting Committee, said in a statement, “Population changes over the last decade meant many of the current districts were unbalanced. This proposed map is an effort to ensure every community across our state receives fair and equal representation in Washington.”

Here is the hearing schedule:

o House hearing: 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20 at the Illinois State Capitol, Room 114

o Senate hearing: 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20 at the Illinois State Capitol, Room 212 (Virtual Hearing — participants may testify at the hearing location or via Zoom)

Thursday afternoon update:

WASHINGTON — A draft of the proposed new 17-district lllinois congressional map will be released on Friday, several Democratic House incumbents were told on Thursday by representatives of Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, and House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside.

Several Democratic members were shown a map with only their own new district lines on Thursday. No member was permitted to see the entire map. The situation is a bit fluid and the timing of the release could change. What’s important is this: Illinois state Democrats drafted a map to maximize the election of Democrats to Congress.

The Chicago Sun-Times has learned the new congressional map, based on the 2020 Census, will be drawn to favor voters electing Democrats in 14 districts leaving only 3 where Republicans can easily win.

The current map, based on the 2010 Census has Illinois sending 13 Democrats and 5 Republicans to Congress.

There is only one Hispanic district on the proposed map, which must be approved by the Illinois General Assembly. There was a push to create two. The number of Black Districts will remain at three.

The state House and Senate are expected to vote on the map by the end of the month.

Wednesday’s report below…

WASHINGTON — A new congressional map drawn by Illinois Democratic state lawmakers will be unveiled in the coming days, with the revised district lines to determine the next move for GOP U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who is bolstered by strong third-quarter fundraising results.

The latest:

KINZINGER CASH HAUL: Kinzinger, the best-known Republican in Illinois, is also the most vulnerable because he and U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., are the leading Republicans in Congress willing to speak out against former President Donald Trump’s lies, election denials and embrace of conspiracy theories. While being a national leader of the non-Trump wing of the GOP has raised his profile and fundraising ability, it also means it will be very difficult for him to win a GOP primary for a House seat in Illinois — no matter what the new Democratic-designed map looks like.

For the third quarter — covering July, August and September — Kinzinger raised $957,177 for his two political committees, the Sun-Times has learned. He took in $562,355 for his reelection war chest and $394,822 for his Future First Leadership PAC, used to bankroll his “Country First” drive to build a movement to break Trump’s grip on the Republican Party.

Kinzinger has $3.3 million cash on hand just for his reelection campaign. What is noteworthy about the haul is that Kinzinger raised the cash mainly through direct mail and digital appeals — not big events with headliners. That is a sign of strength.

What will Kinzinger do? He’d like to stay in the House. “His intention is to run,” said spokeswoman Maura Gillespie, who added, “We’ll have to see what the map shows, and then we can review his options.”

Third quarter fundraising results must be reported to the Federal Election Commission by Oct. 15.

DUCKWORTH 3Q HAUL: U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., is running for a second term in 2022 and so far no brand-name Republican is challenging her. Kinzinger has said in past months he would consider a Senate or governor run, depending on the map.

Her campaign announced Wednesday it raised more than $1.8 million in the third quarter, with nearly $5.8 million cash on hand.

NEW CONGRESSIONAL MAP: Staffers for Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, and House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, have been holding one-on-one “listening sessions” with the 13 Illinois House Democrats to gather their input for their district lines. The new map will be out any day now with a vote in Springfield by the end of October.

My sources are telling me the Democratic House members are talking to the state folks hat in hand with requests for their “ideal” districts.

While Illinois will have to lose a seat due to reapportionment based on the 2020 census — from 18 seats to 17 — it’s not bad from a Democratic perspective.

Though you will hear Democratic state lawmakers talk a lot about a “fair” map, the real deal is this: Democrats are drawing the new lines to maximize Democratic opportunities.

Dave Wasserman, the remap expert at the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter who has drawn sample maps using new census data, wrote Republicans could end up losing two seats: “Dems could replace the current 13D-5R map with a 14D-3R map — and they might need to to have any chance of holding the House majority.”

The most endangered Democrat, Rep. Lauren Underwood, will get a district shifted south, adding more Black Democrat voters and subtracting heavy GOP turf around McHenry County.

If Kinzinger’s district disappears, it’s recognition that with Trumpism alive in Illinois, Kinzinger will have a primary fight no matter the map. Downstate GOP strongholds will become packed with more Republicans to free up Democratic precincts.

Though the map has to pass the Illinois General Assembly, Pritzker will need to sign off on it, which is why chief of staff Anne Capara and deputy governors Andy Manar and Christian Mitchell have been part of the listening sessions.

BLACK AND HISPANIC DISTRICTS: The issue here is how Democratic voters in Chicago, the collar counties and a bit further out will be allocated.

State mapmakers want to keep the three districts drawn under the Civil Rights Act to amplify the power of Black voters, with the job made harder because of a decrease in the Black voting-age population. That means that districts for U.S. Reps. Robin Kelly, Bobby Rush and Danny Davis may be in for some redesign with ripple impacts on other Democratic incumbents.

At present there is one Hispanic district, represented by U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia. At a public Senate Redistricting Committee hearing on Tuesday, Frank Calabrese, speaking on behalf of Latino elected officials, made the argument that Hispanic population gains justify a second district drawn to maximize the Hispanic vote.

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Chicago House AC will be on the road this weekend as they visit the Maryland Soccerplex for the first time to take on Maryland Bobcats FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 PM CST. The House is coming off back-to-back wins against San Diego 1904 FC following a 1-0 result last Saturday at SeatGeek Stadium. The Maryland Bobcats FC lost 4-0 on the road to New Amsterdam FC last weekend.

The House is in 8th place in the NISA fall table with 11 points, while Maryland Bobcats FC is in 9th place, sitting on 9 points. Chicago’s NISA club will be looking to extend their win streak to a third match and keep moving up the NISA fall table as we are past the season’s midway point.

Many players and coaches have expressed optimism and belief that they can keep this winning momentum going. Chicago House AC forward Nazeem Bartman discussed how hard he has worked since recovery from injury and shares how grateful he is to make it back to being on the pitch.

“It’s been a tough process mentally and physically, but I have a great support system from the team and my teammates,” said Bartman. “Right now, it’s just going up, and I’m improving every single day, and that’s all I can ask for is to get better every single day and take care of my body.”

Midfielder Ian Cerro shared CJ’s message at training this week as they prepare for Maryland Bobcats FC.

“To keep the same mentality every day and take it day by day,” said Cerro. “How we want to play in the game, we got to do at practice. So all set from the training ground, and now we keep pushing.”

Head Coach and Technical Director C.J. Brown expressed how special it was to finally win a match at SeatGeek Stadium in front of the House supporters.

“I was very excited for the players,” said Coach Brown. “They’ve been training and working hard to show the fans and give the fans what they wanted. We’ve gone into every game trying to win, and we go out on the road to good performances for our fans that are watching. Coming back after a road trip with a win and getting another win back to back at home against the same opponent [1904 FC] is difficult when you play back to back like that. Credit to the players for their focus, hard work, and what a goal that was to score at home in front of the fans and thought that was really impressive. The fans deserve it because they’ve been sticking through it from the beginning of the season, and we’re just happy to give them something they’ve been wanting.”

Coach Brown also gave his perspective on how it’s crucial to keep this winning momentum going into Saturday’s match.

“Most important is to be who we are,” said Coach Brown. “We’re not going to change in pace and physical play. If we are good with the ball and have good soccer ideas, we should be able to stick to any game. Maryland Bobcats FC presents a different threat for us because they’re a very narrow team down the middle, and they have more athleticism that we will have to deal with. If we can get a hold of the ball and move it around, we can make it challenging for them. It’s a road game, so we got to be smart and play the game that’s going to play in our hands, so we’re not chasing the game all day.”

Be patient with the ball
Stay disciplined defensively
Bring the energy
Chicago House AC Injury Report

Stefan Mijatovic – Injured

The match will start at 7:30 PM ET/6:30 PM CT at the Maryland Soccerplex in Boyds, Maryland. Fans can tune in live by visiting www.chicagohouseac.com/watch-live. For team updates and information, please follow the team’s social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, @ChicagoHouse_AC for live updates and fan reactions. Enjoy the match. #OurCityOurHouse

ABOUT Chicago House AC

Founded in 2020, Chicago House Athletic Club is a community-based professional soccer team that plays its home matches at the 20,000 capacity SeatGeek Stadium at 71st and Harlem in Bridgeview, Illinois. The team competes in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA,) a U.S. Soccer sanctioned third division league. Led by Managing Partner, President & CEO Peter Wilt, Chicago House AC is a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) committed to using its platform for social justice, diversity, equality, inclusion and community improvement. The club’s name is a tribute to House Music, which was created in Chicago in the early 1980’s. Fans can help #BuildTheHouse by purchasing tickets at www.chicagohouseac.com/tickets or by calling our Ticket Sales Team at (312) 444-0976. For more information on Chicago House AC, please visit www.chicagohouseac.com and follow the club on social media @ChicagoHouse_AC. Our City, Our House.

ABOUT NISA

The National Independent Soccer Association was founded in 2017 with a mission to bring professional soccer to every city in the United States. A pro league member of U.S. Soccer, NISA focuses on a model based on meritocracy, independent clubs controlling their own league, clubs owning their intellectual property, all without the barrier of territorial rights. Sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation, NISA also runs the mid-summer pro-am Independent Cup tournament, the year-long amateur league NISA Nation, and NISA Media.

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LaSheena Weekly, mother of Carlton Weekly, who performed as FBG Duck, held a news conference with family and friends near the scene of her son’s fatal shooting in the first block of East Oak Street in the Gold Coast, Friday, Aug. 7, 2020. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times file

A federal prosecutor said Tacarlos “Los” Offerd purchased the vehicle used as the “lead car” in the Aug. 4, 2020, murder one week earlier. That vehicle was then returned to the dealership in the suburbs less than an hour after the deadly shooting, he said.

A federal judge ordered the detention Friday of one of five alleged members of the O-Block street gang accused in a racketeering indictment of last year’s broad-daylight Gold Coast murder of rapper FBG Duck, which a prosecutor said is “on video.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Julien said Tacarlos “Los” Offerd, 30, purchased the vehicle used as the “lead car” in the Aug. 4, 2020, murder one week earlier. That vehicle was then returned to the dealership in the suburbs less than an hour after the deadly shooting, he said.

FBG Duck, whose real name was Carlton Weekly, was shot to death in the first block of East Oak Street as shoppers milled about. Julian said the rapper was shot “at least 38 times,” and two other people were also wounded.

The shooting occurred around 4:30 p.m., and Julian said Offerd’s car was returned to the dealership, about a 50-minute drive away, around 5:30 p.m.

Julian also said the car was seen on police pod cameras and license plate readers.

An indictment unsealed this week charged Offerd and four others with murder in aid of racketeering. Offerd’s co-defendants are Charles “C Murda” Liggins, 30; Kenneth “Kenny” Roberson, 28; Christopher “C Thang” Thomas, 22; and Marcus “Muwop” Smart, 22.

Offerd, Liggins, Thomas and Smart were arrested early Wednesday morning. Attorneys for Liggins, Thomas and Smart have said they’d likely seek their clients’ release at a later time. Roberson was already in the custody of the Cook County Department of Corrections.

If convicted of the murder charge, the men face a minimum of life in prison and a potential death sentence. They are also charged with assaulting the two unnamed victims as well as firearm offenses.

John Somerville, Offerd’s defense attorney, argued during Friday’s detention hearing that prosecutors had offered “no evidence” that Offerd was involved in the crime.

“Mr. Offerd bought a car,” Somerville said. “Some unknown person was in his car. Some unknown person may have driven downtown.”

But U.S. Magistrate Judge David Weisman, who ordered Offerd detained, noted that a grand jury had already found probable cause to charge Offerd and the others in an indictment.

Julian also told the judge it appeared Offerd had lied to court personnel about his residence and employment status.

Police have said FBG Duck made “derogatory statements toward deceased members of the Black Disciples” on social media, a possible motive for his fatal shooting in the heart of the luxury shopping district on Oak Street.

FBG Duck associated with a faction of the Gangster Disciples street gang called Jaro City, which was based near 62nd Street and Vernon Avenue in West Woodlawn, police said at the time. But on social media, he identified himself as a member of the Gangster Disciples faction called STL/EBT, which is in the same area and mostly friendly with Jaro City.

Police also said last year there was a “high threat level” in an ongoing conflict between those Gangster Disciples and the O-Block faction of the Black Disciples from the Parkway Gardens apartments near 63rd Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Drive.

Odee Perry, a member of a Black Disciples faction in Parkway Gardens, was shot to death in 2011, and the faction was dubbed O-Block in his honor. Perry’s killing sparked a series of retaliatory shootings — including the 2014 murder of Gakirah Barnes, who police say was a female gang assassin for a Gangster Disciples faction in the neighborhood.

FBG Duck was also affiliated with the Fly Boy Gang, a group of rappers.

According to a Chicago Sun-Times story in 2017, his brother Jermaine Robinson was a rapper who went by FBG Brick. He and a friend, Stanley Mack, were shot to death in Woodlawn in July 2017.

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Naperville North High School | Sun-Times file photo

School officials and police wouldn’t disclose what was said in the threat, which police said was sent by voicemail to the school.

Naperville North High School sent students home early Friday after the west suburban campus received its second threat in a month.

“My heart is broken to alert you to a soft lockdown of the building with no movement to and from the building,” principal Stephanie Posey said in a message to students and families shortly after 9 a.m.

An hour later, Posey said students would be sent home early.

Friday afternoon, school officials said students and staff were safe and that Friday’s football game would be held and the homecoming dance would be held Saturday night.

School officials and police wouldn’t disclose what was said in the threat, which police said was sent by voicemail to the school.

“We’re hoping this incident gets wrapped up shortly,” Naperville police spokesman Michaus Williams said Friday morning, adding that the decision for early dismissal was made by the school.

The threat comes less than a month after another threat shut down the school. A bomb threat was emailed to the school before classes Sept. 22, prompting an evacuation and cancellation of after-school activities.

Police have made no arrest in that case and the investigation is ongoing, Williams said.

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Us Chicagonians love our pizzas, that’s for sure! So, how could you miss out on National Pizza Month? Yes, we’re talking the entire October! Below are an extensive list of all the best pizza joints across Chicago. Most of these places also have vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options, and can accommodate to your special dietary requests.

Pair your pizza with some wings, mozzarella sticks, and a nice cold beer. It’s fall back and relax!

205 N Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60607

PB&J offers the best Neapolitan pizza and draft beer in town, as well as favorite jams from their state-of-the-art jukebox powered by TouchTunes. Diners can indulge in specialty pizzas such as the Elote Pizza, Burrata & Balsamic Pizza, and the Loaded Baked Potato featuring Ricotta Bechamel, Sliced Potatoes, Bacon, American Cheese, and Chives. PB&J’s fantastic Happy Hour takes place Tuesday – Thursday from 3-6pm with half price pizzas and select specialty cocktails.

3335 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657

Nestled in the heart of Northalsted, diners can enjoy specialty flatbreads from Chef Devin Kreller at the six-time Michelin Bib Gourmand winner, Wood. Such as The Hot Italian Flatbread featuring smoked san marzano sauce, parmesan, house hot italian sausage, ricotta, giardiniera, pickled fresno peppers, castelvetrano olives. Diners can also order the Mushroom & Onion Flatbread featuring creamy mornay sauce, caramelized onions, glazed mushrooms, baby arugula, and grand cru alpine cheese.

4850 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60632

You can’t NOT talk about Angelo’s if you want to try the best, most authentic deep dish pizza in Chicago. Their original stuffed crust is a Chicago icon. We recently tried the garlic parmesan stuffed crust, and it was absolutely mind-blowing. Angelo’s also have think crust pizza, wings, and other appetizers. If you’re a light eater, try one of their healthy salads. Mark our words: this place is heaven on earth for pizza lovers.

620 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

Osteria Via Stato features thin, Roman-style pies coming right out of their wood-fire oven. Try the Crispy Pepperoni, the Margherita with crushed San Marzano tomatoes, hand-pulled mozzarella and basil or the revolving “pizza of the month” like Butternut Squash and Sage or Heirloom Tomato.  The pizzas are available in the dining room, pizzeria and heated private greenhouses as well as available for delivery and carryout.

Spacca Napoli Pizzeria

1769 W Sunnyside Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

What is one pizza spot that almost all veteran pizza tasters would give a thumbs-up for? Spacca Napoli Pizzeria. It is safe to say this place is one of the best pizza joints way beyond Chicago area alone. If you’re looking for authentic Neopolitan style in Chicago, Spacca is te only place you need to go.

Pequod’s Pizza

2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Cheesy, juicy, fresh sauce, and full of toppings. A deep dish from Pequod’s Pizza is all we can ask for on a gloomy cold day. And don’t be driven away by the slight burnt on their crust because the look says nothing. Put it in your mouth and you’ll understand what perfection means. You gotta make the pan crust crispy, after all!

601 N Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling, IL 60090

Saranello’s serves an array of Roman-Style pizzas that are crisp and delicious. You’ve got to try the White Pizza topped with shaved mushrooms, robiola cheese, arugula and finished with truffle oil. The pizzas can also be offered on gluten-free crust by request.

145 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60602

Executive Chef Aaron Cuschieri offers craveable, instant classics at The Dearborn. Leaning into the “tavern” in their name, Cuschieri offers a new assortment of Chicago tavern-style pizzas with creative toppings, including a brunch pizza on weekends. Diners can indulge in pizzas such as Prosciutto & Fried Egg featuring truffle bianca sauce, saba, arugula, fontina cheese, and chili flakes. Other options include the Volpi Pepperoni & Fresh Mozzarella featuring classic house-made Pomodoro sauce, Midwest pepperoni, fresh mozzarella, fontina, and parmesan cheese.

340 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Broaden horizons on National Pizza Month with Nonnina’s Leek & Mushroom pizza. Triangle cut and made to be folded, each slice is topped with Leek Confit, Wild Mushrooms, Black Truffle, Tomini and a little fiori di latte to bring all the flavors home. Classics like Nonnina’s Margherita — Local Mozzarella, San Marzano Tomato and Torn Basil — and their Four Cheese pizza with Gorgonzola, Mozzarella, Ricotta, Parmesan, Pistachio, Honey and a dash of Extra Virgin Olive Oil are on the menu, too, so there’s something the whole family will enjoy. Order now through Toast, Caviar, DoorDash, Uber Eats, or GrubHub by visiting www.nonninachicago.com.

150 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60601

This classic Chicago landmark has returned just in time for Broadway season, with the kitchen now headed by the renowned Executive Chef Ozzy Amelotti. Petterino’s proudly serves three styles of Pizzetta’s for National Pizza month. Order a water because the Trenton New Jersey Style boasts Imported Mozzarella de Buffala from Campania, Cherry Tomato, Pomodoro and Chili Flake for some spice between bites. Petterino’s Prosciutto pizzetta is crisped and topped with Asiago, Besciamella, Truffle Oil and Micro Basil, which may seem small, but packs a punch with each bite. The Artichoke and Arugula pie is covered in Rose Sauce and Parmigiano Reggiano and guaranteed to create a chef kiss around the table.

838 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60642

The pizza at Recess is so special that it comes with a name — Bob’s Pizza. Eight different styles of pizza adorn the menu at Recess, so there’s something for all pizza lovers. Bob’s Sausage features the best Italian Sausage in Chicago tucked together with a Tomato Sauce, House Blended Cheese, Thyme and Pickled Onions. While on the topic of pickles, Bob’s Pickle pie comes with Mortadella, Garlic Cream,  Dill Pickles and Fresh Herbs. Be like Popeye and order the Spinach Pesto and Stracciatella for Prosciutto, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Baby Arugula and lovely Lemon — and it can be made completely vegetarian by request.

35 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523

Skip the traffic to Detroit and head to Oakbrook instead for Chef Bill Kim’s amazing Mini Detroit Style Pizza. The pie comes in a classic Detroit brick topped with Cheese, Tomato Sauce and Asian Giardiniera. Who would have thought a Chicago chef can make such an incredible Detroit-style pizza? The best part is the pizza is completely vegetarian.

221 N Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60601

Experience farm-to-table dining in the heart of Downtown Chicago at FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar. The acclaimed American grill concept, known for its wood-fired cooking, offers a menu featuring the Midwest’s best meat, freshwater fish, and produce. To celebrate national pizza month on a lighter note, diners can enjoy Executive Chef Leonard Ventura’s Margherita Flatbread made with heirloom tomato, mozzarella di bufala and basil, the Rotisserie Chicken Flatbread featuring barbecue rotisserie chicken, green onion and jack cheese or a Fennel Sausage Flatbread with aged mozzarella, roasted garlic, spicy tomato sauce. Steps from Lake Michigan and Millennium Park, FireLake is an inviting showcase for the excellent food and welcoming spirit that define our city.

Featured Image Credit: Osteria Via Stato

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Whether it’s high school, college, or the pros, nothing beats watching two rival teams battle it out. Rivalries are one of the best things about sports. They happen at every level of play, and start becoming pretty serious in high school, if not sooner. In Chicago, we’ve seen some pretty historic rivalries happen right before our eyes. There’s the White Sox and the Twins, the Cubs and the Cardinals, the Bulls and the Pistons, and even the Blackhawks and the Blues. But, out of all of our teams’ rivalries, there seems to be one that never fails to keep us Chicago fans on our toes. The Bears-Packers rivalry.

The Bears-Packers rivalry between us and Green Bay is one of the oldest in the NFL, and is the most played rivalry with 202 games to account for. Since 2017, the Green Bay Packers have held the advantage over our Chicago Bears, with the current series record standing at 101-95-6. This Sunday, the Bears-Packers rivalry will continue in Chicago for the 203rd matchup between these two teams. The bad guys are currently on a 4 game win streak against the Bears and it’ll be up to Justin Fields to change that. But, before we can sit down to watch some classic NFC North football on Sunday, let’s take a look at some of our favorite Bears-Packers rivalry moments over the years!

The 2011 NFC Championship

It might seem odd to start our list of Bears-Packers rivalry moments off with a Chicago loss, but these two teams in an NFC Championship Game? What else could top that?  Back in 2011, the Bears and the Packers faced off in the playoffs with one game to go before the Super Bowl. With a final score of 21-14 in favor of Green Bay, this game was a lot closer than you would think considering Bears former starting quarterback, Jay Cutler, went down in the second quarter. Caleb Hanie did his best to rally the Bears offense, but ultimately fell short of the big game.

A Brett Favre Shutout

Week one of the 2006 NFL season saw the Bears face the Packers in Lambeau against Packers legend, Brett Favre. Old Favre had no answers for the Chicago defense, and was shut out for the first time in his career in this one with the final score being 26-0. More firsts happened in this game when former return-legend, Devin Hester, returned his first ever punt for six. It was quite the Bears-Packers rivalry game.

Battle of the Backups

In the fast-paced, hard-hitting league that is the NFL, everyone on the roster must be ready to go when their name is called. And when you’re a backup quarterback, that call is one of the most important ones you can get. In 2013, the Bears-Packers rivalry continued with a Monday Night Football showdown in Green Bay. The Bears started the game with backup quarterback, Josh McCown, due to an injury to Jay Cutler. So when the first Packers drive began, and Aaron Rodgers was forced from the game with a collarbone injury, the battle of the backups began! Seneca Wallace backed up the injured Rodgers, but couldn’t muster enough firepower or garbage time hail marys to keep the Packers hopes of winning alive. The 27-20 Chicago Bears victory snapped a six-game losing streak against the Packers.

2018 Bears-Packers Rivalry Classic

Rivalry games themselves have their own extra special energy that beats out other regular season games. But when you put a trip to the postseason on the line too, it makes the game even better. This is exactly what happened in a 2018 Bears-Packers rivalry game.

Earlier in the season, the Packers beat the Bears and their new defense on Sunday Night Football. But, by the time week 17 rolled around, these teams were far different. The Packers were 5-7-1 while the Bears were 9-4. Both teams were looking towards the playoffs, with the Bears trying to clinch the NFC North and the Packers just trying to sneak their way in. When it was all said and done, Mitchell Trubisky led the Bears to a 24-17 victory over their northern rival. The Bears would end the season 12-4 while the Packers finished with their second consecutive year losing at 5-8-1. For those of you who remember the Wild Card Game that followed this one, this was surely a high point for the Bears at the end of their 2018 campaign.

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Most people know the story. But for those less familiar with Chicago’s history, here’s a quick snapshot. In 1871, Chicago caught on fire. The flames burned for two days, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed over 17,000 structures, and reached upwards of $200 million in damages. Because the fire was so horrible and disastrous, it was eventually given the title of the Great Chicago Fire. Today, the Chicago History Museum has curated an immersive exhibition, City on Fire, to walk you through this sad yet critical piece of history.

A Quick Overview

The Great Chicago Fire was [allegedly] started in the barn of Patrick and Cathrine O’Leary, Irish immigrants living on the city’s South Side at 137 DeKoven Street. According to legend, the fire caught ablaze when the family’s cow tipped over a lantern. However, Catherine denied this story and the real cause of the fire has never been discovered.

Nonetheless, regardless of how the fire started, the fire seemed inevitable on many levels when we look back in history. Back then, Chicago was a rapid-growing city built mainly of wood. On top of that, let’s add a summer-long heatwave, an exhausted and misdirected team of firefighters. Therefore, with racial, social, and economic tensions bubbling just below the surface… Chicago was, from the very beginning, only one spark away from a disaster.

150 years later, the Chicago History Museum is helping us relive the experience (safely, of course).

Designed for families, this interactive 3D exhibit is a great place to explore, learn, and discover the absolute toll the Great Chicago Fire had on Chicago and the people who lived here. Special events are happening now through next year. Check out the schedule here. From Trivia Night at the Hideout to History Happy Hour and Black Heroes of the Fire to Teacher Seminar Series, there are endless ways to have fun while learning about this major piece of history. 

“City on Fire: Chicago 1871” opened Oct. 8, 2021, at the Chicago History Museum. You can stop by the museum Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and Sunday, 12 pm to 5 pm. And the best part? You don’t have to pay extra for this awesome experience. Admission to the exhibit is included your general admission to the Chicago History Museum which costs $19 for adults and $17 for students and seniors. Kids under 18 who live in Illinois get in for free! Get your timed tickets here.

1601 N. Clark St., Chicago, 60614

Founded in 1856 and incorporated in 1857 by an act of the state legislature, the Chicago Historical Society and its collection grew and opened its first building at the corner of Dearborn and Ontario Streets. Over the past few decades, the Museum has continued to grow both in terms of architectural structure and programming.

Today, the Museum continues to share the stories of the city and its people through exhibitions, programs, publications, and digital media. Thousands of school groups from Chicago and the surrounding area visit annually.

Hand-stitched quilt cover, late 19th century. Image Credit: DuSable Museum of African American History

About Julius L. Jones, Curator

Julius is committed to using technology to tell new and inclusive stories about the past in compelling and innovative ways. Julius develops exhibition content, conducts research, seeks new acquisitions, and speaks on a variety of Chicago history topics.

Prior to joining CHM’s staff Julius was the Digital Curator at the DuSable Museum of African American History. In this role, Julius managed Freedom’s Journey: An Online Experience of Freedom, Resistance, and the Journey Towards Equality, a multi-platform effort that creates spaces (both physical and digital) for people to respond to and participate with the museum’s exhibitions.

Featured Image Credit: Chicago History Museum

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Remember us talking about all the exciting new restaurants opening in River North? Well, here’s one more to add and it’s right downstairs from our beloved Jaleo! Features a bespoke cocktail program and “pig”-focused menu, Pigtail will sure become a meat-lover’s gathering spot in no time.

Pigtail opens today, October 15, bringing the first speakeasy concept from José Andrés and ThinkFoodGroup to Chicago’s thriving River North neighborhood. Located at 500 N. Clark St. beneath the newest location of Jaleo, Pigtail—a combination of Spanish jamón and the suffix in “cocktail”—celebrates its namesake items in a sultry basement lounge.

“In every city, we’re inspired to bring unique elements that complement the culture and energy of our surroundings,” said José Andrés. “I absolutely love the speakeasy bar scene in Chicago, so when I saw the lower level space at Jaleo I knew we could create something really special. We’re combining two of my favorite things: jamón and cocktails! It’s going to be a fun destination to start or end your night.”

The “pig” in Pigtail comes from the unique food menu that highlights jamón in every dish, aptly making use of the concept’s name and design elements featured throughout the space. Dishes include both approachable and adventurous dishes, from La Croqueta de Jamón Ibérico de Bellota (a jamón and béchamel fritter) to Orejas Y Morros Fritos (fried pig ears and snouts with rey silo cheese foam) and a Foie Gras Terrine with Ibérico de Bellota. Head Chef Justin DePhillips, a Jaleo veteran who moved up to Chicago from Jaleo Disney Springs, oversees the food menu at Pigtail and upstairs at Jaleo.

Image Credit: Regan Baroni

The “tail” in Pigtail highlights its bespoke cocktail menu curated by cocktail innovator, Miguel Lancha, reminiscent of the detail and innovation you’ll find at other beloved ThinkFoodGroup restaurants like barmini in D.C. Made-to-order cocktails include a refreshing version of Spain’s signature cocktail, the Vacuum Gin & Tonic #3, made tableside with a vacuum infusion of juniper, spices and herbs in vodka plus tonic water, or spirit-forward drinks like the Shadow Chaser, featuring VSOP Calvados, PX and Montenegro with cedar smoke.

Some signature cocktails also feature jamón, such as Around the World in 80 Days (manzanilla, Del Maguey Ibérico, oude genever and junmai daiginjo sparkling sake) or Negroni Cristal, which is an Ibérico fat washed combination of Gin Mare gin, blanc vermouth and Luxardo Bitter Bianco. The traditional meets a new-take with the Consomé Cocktail (pork consomé, palo cortado and amontillado sherries, with a light egg espuma). Beer, vermouth and other spirit options will be included on the drink menu.

Designed by renowned Barcelona-based firm, Capella Garcia, guests will leave behind the colorful Jaleo space and walk downstairs to enter the sultry basement lounge, which features a color palette of blacks and pinks. Playful “pig” design elements are found throughout the space, including curly pigtails on the walls and flying pigs on the mirrors.

Pigtail is located at 500 N. Clark Street in the heart of River North within a Friedman Properties building. Pigtail will be open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Diners can make reservations now by visiting Pigtail on OpenTable.

Following Pigtail, Bazaar Meat and Bar Mar will open later this year in the Bank of America Building, a partnership between ThinkFoodGroup and Gibsons Restaurant Group.

CHef Jose Andres at his restaurant, China Chilcano, in Washington, DC

Founded by Chef José Andrés and his partner Rob Wilder, ThinkFoodGroup is the creative team responsible for renowned dining concepts in Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, Miami, the Bahamas, Orlando, New York City, and Chicago. The nearly three dozen restaurants share a variety of culinary experiences that span from food trucks to world-class tasting menus, including the two Michelin starred minibar by José Andrés in Washington, D.C.

Twice named one of Time’s “100 Most Influential People,” and awarded “Outstanding Chef” and “Humanitarian of the Year” by the James Beard Foundation as well as the inaugural “American Express Icon Award” by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, José Andrés is an internationally-recognized culinary innovator, New York Times bestselling author, educator, television personality, humanitarian, and chef and owner of ThinkFoodGroup. For more information, visit www.thinkfoodgroup.com.

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