hobby shops in Chicago

PIZZA!

Gotta get some ChiTown pie for sure.

When I go, I'm planning on being all over. The MSI is a definate, and I'ld like to tour Wrigley. Other than that, the plans are not firm.

Frankly I would avoid Al's in Elmhurst if you are looking for kit selection, but they do keep a nice supply of paints etc.

It's a shame that most of the LHS in this area cater to the RC crowd now with little to no kits.  I grew up as a pre-teen being able to walk to AL's and the place was great.  I stop in from time to time when I am in the area but thelast time I was there I was shocked by the lack of kits.  They had at most 8-10 1/48 scale WWII birds on the shelf.

Swede

I can give you a list of great places to get local chow.What area will you be in?

I'm planning a trip there this summer. I'd love to hear of good spots to eat also...

Neil, are you going to see U-505 while you're there? I can't wait for that; I've heard even from non-history-buff-types that it is awesome..

If ya wanna get some good local eats,I can point ya in the right direction as well.

Thanks everyone for the information. I'll report back with my "finds"

Drive straight South on Mannheim Rd. from the airport.Mannheim borders O'hare on the east.After crossing I-290,Mannheim becomes La Grange Rd.Follow this into downtown LaGrange and you'll hit La Grange Hobbies.It's about a 10 mile trip.LH is a well stocked shop..

Another hobby shop even closer to O'Hare:

http://www.desplaineshobbies.com/store/

You could also try M&Models in oaklawn. They have a great stock of aftermarket. its been one of my favorites.

The FSM search feature actually allows searching for Chicago hobby shops.

Depends what you want. I presume plastic kits.

I've not been in any since before Christmas but Wheeling's Ad-Venture (ex-Venture) hobby was replenishing it's kit stock.

I noticed a Hill's Hobby listed in Wheeling but don't know what they have. 

Al's in Elmhurst has reduced plastic kits to a small room but still has some interesting stuff on occasion.

RAM Train and Hobby is closest to O'Hare and still listed but do NOT wear any scent as the owner's bout with pneumonia left him ultra sensitive to perfumes.He is also sensitive to clothes washed in scented detergent so you may want to use an unscented detergent for anything you wear in his shop.

When I last visited two years ago, RAM Train and Hobby was literally stuffed to the ceiling with kits.I heard the owner may be retiring so CALL before driving there.

Check the Search for a hobby shop in Chicago under forum and community.

Again, CALL first.

Best of luck and please post your results.