The Legacy of Sound: Discover Chess Records in Chicago
Explore the iconic Chess Records in Chicago, a legendary recording studio that shaped the sound of blues and rock 'n' roll, rich in musical history.
Nestled in the heart of Chicago's South Loop, Chess Records stands as a landmark of musical history. This iconic recording studio is where the legends of blues and rock 'n' roll were born, making it a must-visit for music enthusiasts and tourists alike. Experience the vibrancy of the past as you explore the rich legacy of artists who recorded here, and feel the rhythm of Chicago's musical heritage.
A brief summary to Chess Records
- 2120 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, South Loop, Illinois, 60616, US
- +1312-808-1286
- Visit website
- Tuesday 12 pm-4 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-4 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-4 pm
- Friday 12 pm-4 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-4 pm
Local tips
- Plan your visit during the weekend for a better chance to join guided tours.
- Check for any special events or live performances happening around your visit.
- Consider visiting nearby attractions like the Museum Campus for a full day of exploration.
- Take time to explore the neighborhood after your visit to experience local dining options.
- Don’t forget your camera to capture the historic essence of this landmark.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Schaumburg, head to the nearest Metra train station, which is the Schaumburg station. Board the Metra train on the Milwaukee District West Line heading towards Chicago Union Station. After about a 45-minute ride, disembark at the Union Station stop. Once you arrive at Union Station, take the CTA's Blue Line train towards Forest Park. Get off at the 'Uranus' stop, which will take you about 5 minutes. Transfer to the CTA's Green Line train towards Ashland. After 3 stops, get off at the '35th-Bronzeville-IIT' stop. From there, it's a short walk to Chess Records, located at 2120 S Michigan Ave, which is about 0.4 miles away. Head southeast on S Indiana Ave, turn right onto E 21st St, and then left onto S Michigan Ave to reach your destination.
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Bus
Start at the nearest bus stop in Schaumburg and take the Pace Bus Route 600 towards the Rosemont station. This will take about 30 minutes. From the Rosemont station, transfer to the Blue Line train at the Rosemont station heading towards the 'Uranus' stop. After 30 minutes, get off at the 'Uranus' stop. From there, transfer to the Green Line train towards Ashland and get off at the '35th-Bronzeville-IIT' stop. It will be a short walk to Chess Records at 2120 S Michigan Ave. Head southeast on S Indiana Ave, turn right onto E 21st St, and then left onto S Michigan Ave.
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Taxi/Rideshare
If you prefer a direct route, you can use a taxi or rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. Simply request a ride from your current location in Schaumburg to Chess Records at 2120 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616. The ride will take approximately 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. Make sure to confirm the address with your driver before starting the trip.
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