Chicago: A World-Class City and Home of Assets 2017

Judy Martin, ISA CAPP

The month of February is going past in the blink of an eye and in a few short days, it will be March – the month of Assets. Chicago has had the most amazing winter that I can ever remember. There has been hardly any snow since November, and this weekend the temperature was in the 60s, which is unheard of this time of year. This weather trend makes me think that the weather will just be fabulous during Assets. By late March and early April, I think that spring will have sprung.

As a resident of the area, Chicago is looking great. There is so much to do while you are here, including visiting museums and art galleries, going shopping, and enjoying fine dining and entertainment. Aside from the enormous collections at the Art Institute (which we will visit on a specialty tour this year), you can visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, the DuSable Museum of African-American History, and many others. There are a number of great galleries throughout the city representing new and exciting artists, and you can find a full listing of the top ones here in TimeOut Chicago. For a touch of nature, visit the Botanic Gardens, open year round.

Sue, one of the most famous exhibits at the Field Museum

Chicago has been named one of the top cities for dining and foodies by many publications like the Washington Post, and that does not include only pizza and hot dogs (though we excel at both – Pequod’s Pizza is a local deep dish favorite). Chicago’s chefs are creative and talented, receiving national recognition. Rick Bayless’ Xoco is known for modern Mexican food, and other big names include Au Cheval, The Girl and the Goat (and other projects from Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard), Alinea and Fat Rice.

Food at XOCO (credit)

Theater, comedy and entertainment are huge in Chicago. If you have time, you can catch Hamilton, and Billy Crystal is in town the weekend of Assets. Visit chicago-theater.com for full listings and information. Second City is the most well-known of Chicago’s comedy groups, and there are many other comedy clubs around the city to find up-and-coming stars.

For more information on events taking place in Chicago during Assets, TimeOut Chicago has full events calendars for March and April.

The Bean at Millennium Park

I have heard that some members are nervous about the violence in certain neighborhoods of Chicago–more specifically, impoverished areas on the South and West sides. While it is tragic and unfortunate, the turmoil is nowhere near the location of Assets. As a working person in the Chicago area, I drive and take the train in the city on a regular basis. I walk the city; I live the city. As with any large city, of course you need to be careful and aware of your surroundings. However, I assure our attendees that they will feel extremely safe in the Loop, a heavily-trafficked area frequented by tourists and native Chicagoans alike, as well in as nearby neighborhoods and anywhere mentioned in this post.

I hope to see many of you next month. I am so excited to see my old friends and make new ones. For those of you who know me, you know I love ISA and the people who are a part of the organization. Please join us for what promises to be an amazing time.

Judy Martin, ISA CAPP 

To learn more about or donate to groups working to cease violence in Chicago’s communities, visit BUILD Chicago and CeaseFire Illinois.