Crowsnake, all the hype about muggings and murders are true, but confined to a relatively small small geographical area of the city. If you are coming in via the Dan Ryan Expressway, make sure you don't need any services until you get into the downtown area. Don't stop for gas, food , or toilets. Once you pass through downtown and get to the north side, things are pretty safe. There are around 3 million residents of the city and most all go through their daily lives without incident. The shootings and murders are almost exclusively contained within the southeast and near west parts of the city. I was born and raised in the city and have no apprehension about conducting my life there. I currently live in a northwest suburb, but two of my adult children and a grandchild live in Chicago. My wife and I spend quite a bit of time in the city on the near north side and the far southwest side without incident. That said, I would feel better if my Utah CCW were honored in Illinois. I transport my handgun regularly in Illinois unloaded and in a case behind the front seat of my van. I keep filled magazines in the same case. This is legal carry in the state. Don't make it obvious. The police in the city are just like any other work force group, some are aggressive, some are up tight, some are picky, some are lazy, but most do their job and just want to get home to their family safely when their shift ends. Post if you have any questions.
