What’s Your Chicago Story?

As the third most populous city in the United States, Chicago is home to millions of transplants. People from all over the midwest, the country, and the world flock to the Windy City to take advantage of everything it has to offer. Every one of them has a story.

I moved to Chicago from Indianapolis seven years ago to be closer to my son. I had no job, an unused degree in journalism, and a lease in a downtown highrise. Somehow, though, I wasn’t scared. This city was exciting and energetic and got under my skin so quickly I felt like I was home the minute I unlocked my new apartment door.

Over the years I’ve heard many many other transplants express the same passion for their adopted city. This passion is why I leapt at the chance to help bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games to Chicago in 2016 by writing for this channel. With the Why Chicago video contest, everyone has the opportunity to share their story and tell the world why this city engenders so much loyalty.

Create a video of your first apartment, your first job, how you felt when you first discovered the lakefront path or watched a band at the Elbo Room or saw a show at the Royal George. What was it like the first time you bought flowers at a farmers market or wandered through a street fest? How did you feel when you realized you could navigate the city without a car? Do you still feel a sense of wonder when you look at the Chicago skyline and think “I live there”?

Please, tell us: What’s your story?