Almost forgot.
Also check out the Penang Restaurant directly opposite the Chicago Fire Station.
(You can actually see it if you watch "Backdraft". )
The food there will be the closest to home that you can get for awhile.
We gonna miss your presence in our outing, when you come back we look forward to seeing you again, I believe the experience will be going to change you for better and you will definitely find many good friends there.....precious every moments, in this point of the time the prime of your life.
Do not know you are leaving for further studies in Chicago. My colleague's farewell dinner coincided with your farewell dinner at same night. Anyway, I wish you all Best of Bests in studies...... Bon Voyage to you....