Venue

The location for ICAIL 2025 is Chicago, Illinois, United States, specifically the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, which is located in the Streeterville district of Chicago. The city is located on Lake Michigan and is among the largest cities in the U.S. Chicago is famed for its architecture, whose skyline features iconic buildings like the John Hancock Center and the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) that stands at a staggering 1,451 ft, and numerous styles of architecture like neo-Gothic, Brutalism, and Art Deco. The city boasts a rich history of innovation and resilience, and has become an international center of trade and commerce with people of every nationality and background represented.

June is the ideal time to visit Chicago. The weather is perfect for outdoor dining and activities, such as a boat cruise on the Chicago River or Lake Michigan, biking, visiting parks and festivals, attending a ballgame, sightseeing, and shopping on Michigan Avenue’s “Magnificent Mile.” Days are warm and sunny, with highs reaching the 80s (nearly 27 C) while nights are cool, with temperatures dipping into the 60s (nearly 17 C). The Northwestern Campus sits just north of the Chicago River and directly adjacent to Lake Michigan, with breezes moderating the daytime heat. A summer day near the lake is the pinnacle of Midwestern weather.

Activities:

  • Millenium Park & Cloud Gate (fondly known as “the Bean”)
    • Cloud Gate, fondly known as “the Bean,” was designed by Anish Kapoor and is a central piece of Millenium Park. Visit the park for its annual Summer Music Series, Summer Film Series, the Lurie Garden, Maggie Daley park, and much more
  • The Art Institute of Chicago
    • Celebrated for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works, the museum is a must-see
  • The Architecture Boat Tour
    • Cruising down the Chicago River is the perfect way to learn about the city’s history, and the famous architecture that can be seen in any direction

Transportation

Using public transportation, the city is very easily reachable from the Chicago O’Hare International Airport and takes approximately 45 minutes – 1 hour. Take the Blue Line towards Forest Park from the O’Hare stop (directions posted in the airport) and get off the train at the “Grand” stop. If you wish to arrive at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law from there, board the Grand & Halsted/Milwaukee (Blue Line) bus from the same stop, and arrive at the Illinois & McClurg stop. From there, it’s a 9 minute walk to the campus.

Visa Requirements:

If you think you may need to obtain a travel visa to attend, please see THIS link.