Feel free to PM me if you have any questions

many hobbist try to avoid DT Chicago now due
to traffic , parking issues , cameras , etc  The
Oakbrook , Downers Grove, Lombard areas , and OHare all close to major highways you may want to consider and research
Welcome & Good Luck

Add $25 for parking -and hour for commute each way if you aren't already down there-- and downtown LE are pretty bad. Other areas are easier to get to- have free parking and though you always have to worry about LE, most suburbs don't have a full time task force like the city does.

As others have mentioned there are suburban areas, even places near O'Hare airport. Now if you simply want to do the tourist thing, public transportation is easy and pretty safe to the downtown area. But you will get better rates on properties in the burbs and your visitors won't have to worry about the ridiculous parking fees and traffic, especially with the kickoff of the summer season.  Welcome!