Kosher and Jewish Life in Chicago

TJT’s guide for kosher and Jewish travelers in Chicago. Information about kosher restaurants, cafes, shops, bakeries or delis, kosher near me location based (GPS) search, & Jewish points of interest, such as shuls, mikvahs, kosher and observant friendly hotels and Jewish community centers in Chicago, Illinois

^*Jewish Observant Friendly (?)

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About Chicago

Chicago, on Lake Michigan in Illinois, is among the largest cities in the U.S. Famed for its bold architecture, it has a skyline bristling with skyscrapers such as the iconic John Hancock Centre, sleek, 1,451-ft. Willis Tower and neo-Gothic Tribune Tower. The city is also renowned for its museums, including the Art Institute and its expansive collections, including noted Impressionist works. The population is around 1.7 million the 3rd most populous city in USA. Chicago can claim the first ‘skyscraper’ in the Chicago Building of 1904/5. In 1014, Chicago attracted 50.17 million domestic leisure travellers, 11.09 million domestic business travellers and 1.308 million overseas visitors. Chicago has weather that is very cold in winter and hot in summer, with a strong chance of snow from November through to March. Built at the edge of lake with a river running through it, Chicago really exploits its waterside neighbourhoods to create popular visitor areas.

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Jewish History, POI & Kosher Establishments in Chicago

At the end of the 10th century there were a total of 170,000 Jews in the Chicago area, with 30% in the city limits. In 1995 there were 154,000 Jews in the suburbs of Chicago. Of them, over 80% of the Jews in the suburbs of Chicago live in the northern and north-western suburbs. In 1995, the largest Jewish community in the City of Chicago was in West Rogers Park. By 1995 the Jewish population within the City of Chicago had been declining, and it tended to be older and better educated than the Chicago average. Jews in Chicago came from many national origins including those in Europe and Middle East, with Eastern Europe and Germany being the most common. The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Centre is located in Skokie. In 1995, there were about 14 Jewish congregations in Lincolnwood and Skokie. Most of them are Conservative or Orthodox-Traditional synagogues. One rabbinical college is in Skokie.

Please note:

Shabbat times on this page are based on the common Candle lighting formulas - in most locations it is 18 minutes before sunset.
Some communities, mostly during Summer, will accept Shabbat earlier than the common times.
It is best to contact the local Rabbi for advise.
If you have any comments or questions regarding Shabbat Times on this page, please contact us

What Is *JOFY?

JOFY, or "Jewish Observant Friendly" Establishments are lodging establishments offering special services for Jewish Observant guests such as Shabbat meals, accommodation on lower floors and regular keys for the rooms. It can also be a NON KOSHER establishment located in walking distance from the local Shul, community or kosher restaurants area.

Please note - *JOFY does NOT mean that KOSHER food is served on the premises!