About Chicago

Time zone:

Central Daylight Time (GMT-5)

Weather in June:

Chicago’s weather in June is generally pleasant and warm, but it can be a bit unpredictable—so it’s wise to pack with flexibility in mind.

Typical Weather in June:

• Average high: 75–85°F (24–29°C)
• Average low: 60–65°F (15–18°C)
• Humidity: Moderate, can feel muggy near the lake
• Rain: Occasional showers or thunderstorms (not constant, but pack for rain just in case)
  
• Wind: Often breezy, especially near Lake Michigan

Congress Venue

SRI is proud to partner with the Sheraton Grand Chicago to host SRI2025 and offer accommodations to all participants.

Take a virtual tour

Sheraton Grand Chicago
301 East North Water Street
Chicago, Illinois, USA, 60611

Transportation

The information below is provided by Choose Chicago.

The nation’s second-largest public transportation system, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), operates Chicago’s eight ‘L’ train lines and 127 bus routes.

CTA trains

Not all of the system’s train lines are elevated. The color-coded system connects the city via above-ground, street-level, and subway trains, and serves 145 rail stations all over town.

Two lines operate 24/7: the Blue Line, which connects Chicago O’Hare International Airport and downtown, and the Red Line, with service between the North and South Sides via downtown.

The CTA is a fast and affordable way to get to and from Chicago’s international airports:

• Blue Line service from O’Hare to downtown takes about 40 minutes.
• Orange Line service from Midway to downtown takes about 25 minutes.

Train fare is $2.50 per ride, with reduced fares and unlimited day passes available. The Blue Line from O’Hare costs $5.

Learn more about how to ride the train in Chicago.

CTA buses

Convenient CTA bus routes travel throughout the city, with stops every few blocks. The CTA bus system includes more than 120 lines that cover 1,516 miles and serve over 10,000 bus stops throughout Chicago.

Bus fare is $2.25 per ride, with reduced fares and unlimited day passes available.

Learn more about how to ride the bus in Chicago.

How to get CTA train and bus tickets 
There are a few ways you can pay for your bus and train fare:

• Cash: Cash can be used directly on Chicago buses; train fare cannot be paid with cash.
• Ventra vending machines: You can buy disposable paper tickets and reloadable cards at Ventra vending machines (located in every ‘L’ station).
• Retail locations: More than 1,000 local businesses sell reloadable Ventra cards. Find locations.
• Mobile pay apps: Ventra readers can accept contactless payments directly from mobile devices, using Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.

Tip: Download the Ventra app to track arrival/departure times for CTA buses and ‘L’ trains, and to reload your balance on the go. And check our transit maps of the CTA bus and train routes.

Taxis and rideshare

In addition to hailing taxis throughout the city, you can e-hail and e-pay with apps ARRO and Curb. Credit cards are accepted in all taxis.

Download Lyft and/or Uber for on-demand ridesharing throughout the city. Simply enter your current location and destination, review fare options, and request your ride.

Meals

Click here to explore restaurants within walking distance of the Sheraton Hotel.

Breakfast

The Regular In-person ticket includes coffee, tea, and breakfast bites available during the morning breaks (10:30–10:50 AM). Be sure to grab your breakfast before the first breakout sessions each day!

Lunch

Lunch will be on your own each day. Kindly refer to the Congress recommendations below for suggestions:

Budget-friendly choices

• Target: 401 East Illinois Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611
  • https://www.target.com/sl/chicago-streeterville/3207
  • .2 miles, 4-minute walk https://maps.app.goo.gl/aPVnXt4DGxZYkpGt9
• Whole Foods Market
  • 255 Grand Ave, Chicago, Illinois 6061
  • https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/streeterville
  • .2 miles, 4-minute walk https://maps.app.goo.gl/725bb1Cb84TD58Po7
• Walgreens
  • 342 East Illinois Street, Chicago Illinois 60611 
  • https://www.walgreens.com/locator/walgreens-342+e+illinois+st-chicago-il-60611/id=2340
  • .2 miles, 5-minute walk https://maps.app.goo.gl/dqUFg5MRmMWDg5Sd6

Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk

• Shula’s Steak House
• Riverside Café
• Link Café
• CHI Bar
• Chicago Burger Company
  

Visit Choose Chicago for more dining options around the venue and the city.

Dinner

The Regular In-person ticket includes access to the Opening Night Celebration, featuring “Taste of the City” food stations and 2 drink tickets. Please remember to RSVP via the Whova app.

For the remaining evenings, please refer to the recommended lunch options listed above.