r/AskChicago • • 4h ago

I READ THE RULES Weird interaction in Wicker Park, woman trying to hand me cash?

40 Upvotes

Has anyone experienced this? I walked up to a bus stop and a woman was standing there as if waiting for the bus.

She randomly asks for, "Excuse me. Can I ask you, can you give me like.... 5 dollars?"

"Nope."

She starts laughing and then goes,"Okay okay, can I give you...." She reached into her pocket and I got spooked and kind of backed away quickly. "No no listen. I want to give YOU money. Can I give you a dollar?"

She was holding the bill with a small cloth around it. Like the small cloth that comes with a pair of new glasses. I.e. it happened very quickly, but I think she was holding the cloth not the bill, and holding the bill out for me to take.

"I want to give YOU money!"

"I want you to stop it."

Another woman approached the bus stop and she tried handing the bill to her too. The other woman noped out as well.

I think the woman (asking/trying to give) money was African, very bright red lipstick. I think shorter than me and I'm only 5'6". Dressed in bright colors.

Am I overthinking it?

The other woman who walked up mentioned those weird news stories about people touching their car doors and feeling queasy immediately, and said she had goosebumps from the interaction.

And after we both gave clear nos, she just turned down a separate street and slowly wandered away. I.e. did not appear to need to take the bus any longer?


r/AskChicago • • 15h ago

I READ THE RULES Anyone else notice a chemical smell, becoming increasingly frequent?

79 Upvotes

The past year, I’ve noticed a chemical / burning smell pretty frequently. Doesn’t appear isolated in any particular neighborhood.

Anyone else notice this?

What can we do about it?


r/AskChicago • • 6h ago

I READ THE RULES Last minute week in Chicago with a 3 year old... What in the world do I do to entertain him??

12 Upvotes

Hi Chicago! As the title says, we'll be in Chicago for a week (Oct 26-30th) and I'm looking for fun things to do with a 3 year old that's not hanging out at the Shedd every day.

We're from STL (free museums and toddler entertainment) so looking at the prices of your museums is giving me a bit of sticker shock 😅 any recommendations for budget friendly things to do and places to eat would be GREATLY appreciated!


r/AskChicago • • 3h ago

I READ THE RULES Activities for car enthusiasts (Not car shows) in and around Chicago?

5 Upvotes

I'm a car enthusiast looking to meet other enthusiasts. I've gone to a car show or 2 but it's just a reminder of how broke I am. I'd love to find spaces where DIYers can wrench on cars or learn more without having to be in a program. I have a project car that would be much easier to work on this winter with a lift.


r/AskChicago • • 13h ago

I READ THE RULES How much does your cat’s vet care cost?

31 Upvotes

Trying to figure out if I’m overpaying or if things are just really expensive now. At my last visit with my senior cat, I paid:

$102 for the exam

$110 for a 3-year rabies vaccine

$119 for a 3-year FVRCP vaccine

$256 for a bloodwork panel

I know senior cats cost more. But $600 for a routine visit with vaccines?? yeesh!

I haven’t meaningfully shopped around for vets; I just go to the place within walking distance (a Goodvets clinic). Am I getting ripped off?


r/AskChicago • • 6h ago

I READ THE RULES Little Italy food pitstop recommendations ?

5 Upvotes

I’ll be making my way through to Chicago tomorrow around morning around 10ish to get to the O’Hare airport to pick up some family and I really want to make a pitstop somewhere new, I’m thinking a food spot in Little Italy, but I also am open to really any hidden gems or suggestions.

Or if there is any town that not to far out of the way too I’m open to checking it out!


r/AskChicago • • 12h ago

I READ THE RULES Any Chicago businesses dealt with ADA website accessibility demand letters?

14 Upvotes

We’re a small Chicago business and recently received a shakedown demand letter from a NYC law firm known for filing numerous ADA website accessibility lawsuits.
They’re demanding we fix alleged accessibility issues and pay an unspecified settlement amount within 30 days.
Has anyone dealt with something similar? Did you hire an attorney and settle, fight it, or simply fix your website?
Would also appreciate recommendations for Chicago attorneys experienced in defending these types of claims!


r/AskChicago • • 6h ago

I READ THE RULES what did the graffitti at the Pratt beach pier that said "piss gang" mean?

4 Upvotes

this is extremely narrowcasted but at the Pratt beach out on the breakwater, there was some graffitti on the little beacon light tower behind the fence that said "piss gang." like near where people will go fishing. i recently went back to the beach and they painted it all lavendar which is pretty but what is piss gang, why piss gang. im still haunted looking for answers


r/AskChicago • • 3h ago

I READ THE RULES Chi pickle! Looking for another player if you’re interested?

2 Upvotes

Hello! I am looking for another player to play with in the south loop chipickle this weekend or next week if anybody is interested please let me know! I am 21F


r/AskChicago • • 8h ago

I READ THE RULES Personal Trainer with PT Background?

4 Upvotes

Hi All! As stated above, I’m looking to use a personal trainer for the first time and hoping to find recommendations for someone who is also knowledgeable about PT. I had flap reconstruction surgery in September and my right leg was the donor site (bye, bye fibula, hello healing skin graft). I’m in Oak Park but have a car and am really open to any area, especially for the right trainer. Thank you!


r/AskChicago • • 15h ago

I READ THE RULES What is there to do in the Ravenswood/ Edgewater/ Rogers Park area?

13 Upvotes

Looking for recommendations for cool shops (antique stores, thrift, weird stuff, etc) and good restaurants!

My spouse, bff, and I are traveling to Chicago soon to scope out whether or not we want to live there. We are likely to end up getting an apartment in one of the areas listed above, so we are wanting to know whats there.

We dont plan on doing ANY tourist-y things, because we just want to test run what its like to live there as best we can. We are trying to treat everyday as if we already live there and its a free day off of work. Just hanging out, not doing anything too wild


r/AskChicago • • 23h ago

I READ THE RULES Help bring a rescue kitten home— anyone flying from Seattle or Portland to Chicago ?

59 Upvotes

Hi!

I'm currently visiting Maui, Hawaii, and found a stray kitten that I'd love to adopt and bring home to Chicago!

I'm working with Fly Hawaii Cats (https://flyhawaiicats.com), a rescue organization that can transport her from Hawaii to Seattle or Portland. We're looking for someone flying from Seattle (SEA) or Portland (PDX) to Chicago (ORD) who would be willing to accompany her on their flight.

The organization covers all pet travel fees, veterinary documentation, and logistics! You would just need to travel with the kitten in the cabin.

If you're traveling this route or know someone who is, please reach out! Volunteers can sign up directly through their website.

u/FlyHawaiiCats u/PDXSmuggler


r/AskChicago • • 12h ago

I READ THE RULES Chicago Red Stars Seating - Can you move around the stadium?

5 Upvotes

Hey all. I'm heading to the Red Stars game tonight. I'm just wondering -- are they strict with where you sit or is it ok to move around? Have never been so I don't know what kind of crowds they usually get. It looks like the vast majority of the seats are the ends, but they're also basically free on the resale sites at least, so I'm thinking of grabbing one and walking around if they allow it. It looks like they generally draw 4,000 or so and the stadium fits 12,000. Does anyone know?


r/AskChicago • • 11h ago

I READ THE RULES Can anyone recommend a small business tax accountant?

5 Upvotes

I hate to admit this, but I'm behind in taxes. I shudder whenever I get mail from the IRS. As a freelance creative director working in advertising (using an s-corp), I excel in creative shit but am absolutely awful at the administrative stuff.

I need someone patient who is willing to work with me, but not condescending or judgmental. I'm a woman and in the past I've met with a couple boomer dudes (no offense, boomer dudes) who basically treated me like a dumb lil' lady.

I will happily pay for whatever extra time helping someone in my position takes. I just need to find that person. Anywhere in Chicago (or even remote help from someone certified in Illinois) is great.

Thanks in advance!


r/AskChicago • • 4h ago

I READ THE RULES Where can I book a bar for my birthday?

1 Upvotes

Looking to book out a bar (or private room). Any recommendations near the north side area that are cash bar options? 20-30 people.


r/AskChicago • • 9h ago

I READ THE RULES Are There Volleyball Nets Open At Lincoln Park ?

2 Upvotes

Heya,

My partner and I visited back in August and played volleyball at Lincoln Park which was so fun. We wanna find another place to play this weekend too!

Are there any outdoor volleyball courts still active/set up this weekend?


r/AskChicago • • 11h ago

I READ THE RULES How best to get from Rosemont Blue Line stop to Donald E. Stephens Convention Center and back?

2 Upvotes

It should be an easy walk, but when I look on Google Maps, it looks like a soulless car-centric landscape. Assuming it is unpleasant and potentially unsafe to walk as a result. Is the 330 Pace bus the only option? Does the convention center run shuttles?


r/AskChicago • • 8h ago

I READ THE RULES Best hotel recommendations on/near Thanksgiving Parade Route?

0 Upvotes

Hi! I (35f) am looking to book a hotel for my family, age ranges between 5-65, for the week of Thanksgiving. One of my children will be in the Thanksgiving day parade and I would love to have a hotel that has a nice view of the parade or is on or close to the parade route.

Google has me all over the place because I'm directionally challenged and I don't quite understand what or where "the loop" is.

I'm not from this area and have never been before so I would love family friendly hotel recommendations. Big plus if it's a Hilton brand but not a requirement.

Thanks!


r/AskChicago • • 9h ago

I READ THE RULES How is the ufc gym on clark st?

0 Upvotes

Just wondering if it’s worth going there.


r/AskChicago • • 1d ago

I READ THE RULES Spooky stories or ghost stories in Chicago neighborhoods?

47 Upvotes

I am looking for spooky stories or ghost stories in any Chicago neighborhood. What do you know about your neighborhood that can be spooky? Know about a local ghost?
👻👻👻👻


r/AskChicago • • 13h ago

I READ THE RULES Anyone/ anywhere that can do a men’s scissor cut?

2 Upvotes

I have mid length hair and I’m looking to get a 2 block 60/40.
Ive had a couple unfortunate cuts at barbershops and am really just looking for anyone/ anywhere that can do this.
I go to great clips and it comes out ok and then I spend 3x that at a barber and sometimes it’s tragic.
Plz help. Can be Chicago or suburbs.


r/AskChicago • • 16h ago

I READ THE RULES Where to donate old washer and dryer?

3 Upvotes

I recently replaced my washer and dryer and am trying to figure out what to do with the old machines. They're Maytag, from the 90's but still work. I am considering using ReStore or ReSupply (ideally someone can come get them from us on the 2nd floor), but am curious if anyone has any other ideas. Like, I wonder if there are any shelters that could use them--anyone know of any? Thanks!


r/AskChicago • • 10h ago

I READ THE RULES When two/three different busses approach a stop at once, is there a best practice to signify to the drivers which one you’re trying to get on?

1 Upvotes

Particularly when it’s the second/third bus?

I usually just back away from the bus stop sign and avoid eye contact with the first bus driver but I was curious if there is bus etiquette I might be missing. Once I had a second bus I was trying to get on drive straight past me doing this and now I think about it every time this happens lol


r/AskChicago • • 18h ago

I READ THE RULES Interactive museums in Chicago?

5 Upvotes

My wife and I have done the Balloon Museum, Color Factory, Museum of science and industry, and Museum of Ice Cream, and we really enjoy those types of interactive, immersive experiences.
We’re looking for other fun, unique places in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs that have a similar vibe. Doesn’t necessarily have to be a museum, just something that’s more hands-on or different from the usual activities.
Any suggestions? We’re also willing to drive a bit if it’s worth it!


r/AskChicago • • 15h ago

I READ THE RULES Chicago apartment utility question?

2 Upvotes

I’ve been living in my high rise building for 6 years. In all previous leases, we’ve had a flat fee for utilities. We renewed our lease in June of this year. From June-September we paid the flat rate each month.

Then in mid September we received an email that they’re now using the RUBS formula to calculate utilities.

This formula was not provided in our lease. Our utility bills are now $200+ more per month. I’ve presented them with the IL Rental Property Utility Service Act and they just keep pushing back.

Any advice?