Chicago Trivia Quiz

Cultural Studies

Urban Studies

NCGE

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| By Resa

Resa

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Quizzes Created: 2 | Total Attempts: 1,684

| Attempts: 1,513 | Questions: 20 | Updated: Feb 27, 2025

Quiz Trivia

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1. What is the popular name for the heart of Chicago's downtown business district?

The Center

The Circle

The Loop

The Loop is named the elevated train tracks that circle overhead through the area. Locals refer to the elevated train as the “el."

Explanation

The Loop is named the elevated train tracks that circle overhead through the area. Locals refer to the elevated train as the “el."

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About This Quiz

Think you know Chicago? Think again! A theater hub and the birthplace of improv comedy, Chicago boasts a world-famous skyline, dynamic sports teams, and some of the finest dining and shopping in the world. Test your knowledge of the Windy City's colorful culture and history and get inspired to explore... see moreall Chicago has to offer! see less

2. What's your name?

We’ll put your name on your report, certificate, and leaderboard.

2. What is the best bargain for getting from O'Hare International Airport or Midway International Airport to downtown Chicago?

Shared taxi rides

The El (Elevated Train)

Airport Shuttles

The Blue Line from O’Hare or Orange Line from Midway on the el (elevated train) costs only $2.25 per ride and is the best value if you do not have a lot of luggage.

Explanation

The Blue Line from O’Hare or Orange Line from Midway on the el (elevated train) costs only $2.25 per ride and is the best value if you do not have a lot of luggage.

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3. What's the name of the world's eighth-tallest building in the world and the tallest building in Chicago?

Trump Tower

Willis Tower

John Hancock Center

Wrigley Building

Willis Tower (often referred to by its former name, Sears Tower) is the tallest at 1,450 feet (443 meters) – and 1,730 feet (520 meters), including its twin antennae.

Explanation

Willis Tower (often referred to by its former name, Sears Tower) is the tallest at 1,450 feet (443 meters) – and 1,730 feet (520 meters), including its twin antennae.

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4. True or False: According to Travel & Leisure magazine, Chicago ranks #1 in business hotels.

True

False

According to their America’s Favorite Cities poll, Travel & Leisure ranks Chicago business hotels as #1. The city also ranks #1 in skyline view and, of course, pizza.

Explanation

According to their America’s Favorite Cities poll, Travel & Leisure ranks Chicago business hotels as #1. The city also ranks #1 in skyline view and, of course, pizza.

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5. When you travel to Chicago, how should you prepare to dress?

In Layers

Casually

Always pack a warm jacket and sweater

The weather can change quickly in Chicago, so it’s best to dress in layers that you can add or remove as needed.

Explanation

The weather can change quickly in Chicago, so it’s best to dress in layers that you can add or remove as needed.

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6. Which famous person was NOT born in Chicago?

Michael Jordan

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Walt Disney

Harrison Ford

Hugh Hefner

Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls basketball legend, was born in Brooklyn, New York. While not a native of Chicago, he is considered an honorary Chicagoan after leading the Bulls to six NBA Championships.

Explanation

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7. Which of the following products are made in Chicago?

Blistex lip Products

Red Hots

Lemonheads

Jay's Potato Chips

Snickers Bars

Tootsie Roll

Veinna Beef Hotdogs

Vosages Haut Chocolat

The Oscar Statuette

Morton Salt

All of the Above

None of the Above

See? We told you Chicago was awesome! Many of the world's most popular and widely used products are made right here in town.

Explanation

See? We told you Chicago was awesome! Many of the world's most popular and widely used products are made right here in town.

Submit

8. What is the best way to reach the city's main museums, along with some great restaurants, in downtown Chicago?

Flag a cab for door-to-door service.

Walk from one to another

Jump on and off trolleys

According to a CBS News, Good Housekeeping and Prevention, Chicago is an easy place to walk and enjoy attractions, neighborhoods, the Loop and Michigan Avenue.

Explanation

According to a CBS News, Good Housekeeping and Prevention, Chicago is an easy place to walk and enjoy attractions, neighborhoods, the Loop and Michigan Avenue.

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9. Outside the Louvre in Paris, the Art Institute of Chicago holds the largest collection of what type of art?

Expressionism

Impressionism

Modernism

Surrealism

The Art Institute of Chicago houses one of the largest and most significant collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in the world.

Explanation

The Art Institute of Chicago houses one of the largest and most significant collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in the world.

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10. True or False: Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball.

True

False

Wrigley Field is the second oldest MLB ballpark, opening in 1914. Boston’s Fenway Park is the oldest – it opened in 1912.

Explanation

Wrigley Field is the second oldest MLB ballpark, opening in 1914. Boston’s Fenway Park is the oldest – it opened in 1912.

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11. Which of these is NOT a common nickname of Chicago?

City of Big Shoulders

City That Works

Blues Capital of the U.S.

Second City

While Chicago hosts the Chicago Blues Festival, the largest free blues festival in the world, it has yet to coin a nickname based on its blues heritage.

City of Big Shoulders – From Carl Sandburg’s poem “Chicago.”
City That Works – Refers to Chicago’s labor tradition and its willingness to tackle grand civic projects. As other manufacturing cities went into decline, Chicago thrived, transforming from a city of factories to a world business center.
Second City – Originally used to describe Chicago after The Great Chicago Fire, in which a second city was built on top of the ashes of the first one. The nickname was later adopted by a Chicago comedy group.

Explanation

While Chicago hosts the Chicago Blues Festival, the largest free blues festival in the world, it has yet to coin a nickname based on its blues heritage.

City of Big Shoulders – From Carl Sandburg’s poem “Chicago.”
City That Works – Refers to Chicago’s labor tradition and its willingness to tackle grand civic projects. As other manufacturing cities went into decline, Chicago thrived, transforming from a city of factories to a world business center.
Second City – Originally used to describe Chicago after The Great Chicago Fire, in which a second city was built on top of the ashes of the first one. The nickname was later adopted by a Chicago comedy group.

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12. How many stories tall is the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier?

10 stories

15 stories

20 stories

The Navy Pier Ferris wheel is 150 feet high and is modeled after the world’s very first Ferris wheel, constructed for Chicago’s 1893 World Columbian Exposition.

Explanation

The Navy Pier Ferris wheel is 150 feet high and is modeled after the world’s very first Ferris wheel, constructed for Chicago’s 1893 World Columbian Exposition.

Submit

13. How big is the exhibition space at McCormick Place?

0.6 million square feet

1.6 million square feet

2.6 million square feet

3.6 million square feet

McCormick Place offers the largest amount of exhibition space in North America.

Explanation

McCormick Place offers the largest amount of exhibition space in North America.

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14. The World's Columbian Exposition in 1893 introduced what food to Chicago?

Pizza

Popcorn

Hot Dog

Funnel Cake

According to National Geographic’s Ultimate City Guide, the Chicago-style hot dog was introduced at the 400th Anniversary of Columbus visiting the New World. Since then, Chicagoans perfected it, creating a city signature dish … with no ketchup!

Explanation

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15. Approximately how many visitors come to Chicago every year?

10 million

20 million

30 million

40 million

Nearly 40 million people visit Chicago annually to explore its world-class shopping, dining, arts and culture, sports and recreation, and more.

Explanation

Nearly 40 million people visit Chicago annually to explore its world-class shopping, dining, arts and culture, sports and recreation, and more.

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16. What position did Mike Ditka play for the Bears?

Defensive tackle

Linebacker

Tight end

Running back

"Iron Mike" Ditka played tight end for the Bears. “Da Coach” is the only individual in modern NFL history to win a championship with the same team as a player and a head coach.

Explanation

"Iron Mike" Ditka played tight end for the Bears. “Da Coach” is the only individual in modern NFL history to win a championship with the same team as a player and a head coach.

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17. Which of the following movies was NOT filmed in Chicago:

A League of Their Own

American Gangster

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Ocean's 11

The Fugitive

"American Gangster” was filmed in New York City. For a full list of movies featuring Chicago, visit the Chicago Film Office.

Explanation

"American Gangster” was filmed in New York City. For a full list of movies featuring Chicago, visit the Chicago Film Office.

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18. Which major Chicago structure burned to the ground and was then, quickly, rebuilt on nearly the same spot?

The Chicago Theatre

Museum of Science and Industry

Chicago Water Tower

McCormick Place Convention Center

On January 16, 1967, it took just 45 minutes for two-thirds of McCormick Place to be engulfed in a fire. In 1871, The Great Chicago Fire burned the Chicago Water Tower but not to the ground.

Explanation

On January 16, 1967, it took just 45 minutes for two-thirds of McCormick Place to be engulfed in a fire. In 1871, The Great Chicago Fire burned the Chicago Water Tower but not to the ground.

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19. How many James Beard award-winning restaurants and chefs are in Chicago?

James Beard Foundation award winners include four Outstanding Chefs – Rick Bayless, Grant Achatz, Paul Kahan and the “late, great” Charlie Trotter; four Rising Stars, led by this year’s winner, Jimmy Bannos; and eight Best Regional Chef award winners, including this year’s winner, Dave Beran.