City Cast Chicago logo

1,000 Chicago Things: By The Numbers

Posted on March 27, 2025   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Ava Wojnowski

Ava Wojnowski

The river with Chicago's skyline.

I mean, this skyline is truly to-die-for 😍 (UCG / Getty Images)

We understand that 1,000 items can be overwhelming. To make it easier, we've categorized the list and highlighted some of the most important takeaways.

🌆 7: The number of times that Chicago’s stunning skyline was mentioned (Nos. 393, 596, 620, 637, 640, 862, 870). The Sears Tower was mentioned three times (Nos. 515, 638, 639) and only referred to as the Willis Tower once 🫢

🥪 8: The number of times sandwiches, subs, jibaritos, etc. were mentioned (check around 150). We aren’t including the hot dog … but should we?

⚾ 8: The number of times the White Sox were mentioned by name (check around 460). Meanwhile, the Cubs? Just two. (Nos. 476 & 478) Looks like we’ve got some crosstown bias 👀

Lake Michigan and Chicago's skyline.

The lake is one of Chicagoans' favorite things about the city. (Lance King / Getty Images)

🌊 9: The number of times the lake came up (Nos. 596, 637, 854, 855, 856, 857, 858, 870, 877).

✈️ 10: The number of times Chicago’s airports were mentioned. O’Hare was mentioned seven times (Nos. 225, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617, 637, 804) while Midway was only mentioned twice (Nos. 611 & 617).

🗣️ 12: The largest number of entries submitted by an audience member. Shoutout Allison R. 🎉

☀️ 14: The number of times Chicagoans mentioned summer ☀️ (Nos. 77, 82, 106, 194, 431, 522, 535, 597, 606, 640, 855, 868, 886). Winter, on the other hand, was only mentioned six times (No. 95, 297, 858, 896, 898, 901). And I will say that Chicago summers are superior.

🚌 22: The number of times any form of public transit was mentioned. With as much frustration as commuters have, the CTA itself was mentioned six times. My favorite mention was No. 578, “When the CTA is on time.” Real. (Check around 560)

💗 40: The number of times the word “my” was used, so Chicagoans could shout out more personal things they love about the city.

🌳 56: The number of times the word "park" was used! Boy, do Chicagoans love parks! From Grant Park to Steelworkers Park, there are so many spots to enjoy the outdoors.

see more:1000 things

Share article

Hey Chicago

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

The latest in Chicago

Keep It LocalSeptember 10

Sheep Cult Comics Celebrates Local Chicago Comic Artists

Stepping into Sheep Cult Comics, you’re surrounded by whimsical, winding caverns of cloud-like shelves, presided over by sculpted sheep h...

A large entrance in a store in the shape of a sheep. There are books along both sides of it
Keep It LocalSeptember 10

Your Guide To Chicago’s Comic Book Stores

I’ve compiled a list of stores where you can find the newest graphic novels, affordable used comics, or even your next favorite board gam...

Comics on display in what looks to be a multicolored customized bookshelf
Keep It LocalSeptember 3

Your Guide To Karaoke Bars in Chicago

Whether your perfect karaoke night involves performing to an entire bar or renting a room for a more intimate experience, you’ve got opti...

A woman singing into a mic. A man is holding up what looks to be a tv screen
Keep It LocalSeptember 3

The Art of Karaoke

Karaoke is pretty serious business, and I want to make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.

A woman singing into a mic with her finger pointed up. There's a man behind her holding a screen
Neighborhood GuidesSeptember 1

Your Guide to September 2026 in Chicago

A guide to things to do in Chicago in September 2026

Three excited men, The one in the left is in regular clothes and is smiling and clapping. The one in the middle is in a football jersey with a cheese grater hat. He is yelling and grating cheese. The one on the right is laughing and also wearing a cheese grater hat
Keep It LocalAugust 27

How To Start Growing Your Own Food

Amid a summer of foodborne illnesses, intense weather, and ever-rising grocery prices, many Chicagoans are exploring ways to grow their o...

A man in a bucket hat and glasses holding vegetables in a large garden
Keep It LocalAugust 27

Your Guide To Chicago’s Garden Shops

From expansive gardening centers to little shops packed with houseplants, it’s not hard to find all the supplies you need to bring some m...

A garden with an assortment of big leafed plants
Keep It LocalAugust 20

How Transit Tees Turns Chicago’s Quirks Into Board Games

From board games about the city’s history to puzzles of iconic maps to card decks featuring local wildlife, Transit Tees’ teams of creato...

A person writing on a gridded paper that says "Chicago 1893" There's also a board game with an assortment of different houses for the board game on it. There is also A bowl of popcorn and a soda on the table