Chicago Trivia 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 all Chicago has to offer!
- 1.
True or False: According to Travel & Leisure magazine, Chicago ranks #1 in business hotels.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which of the following movies was NOT filmed in Chicago:
- A.
A League of Their Own
- B.
American Gangster
- C.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
- D.
Ocean's 11
- E.
The Fugitive
Correct Answer
B. American GangsterExplanation
"American Gangster” was filmed in New York City. For a full list of movies featuring Chicago, visit the Chicago Film Office.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which famous person was NOT born in Chicago?
- A.
Michael Jordan
- B.
Hillary Rodham Clinton
- C.
Walt Disney
- D.
Harrison Ford
- E.
Hugh Hefner
Correct Answer
A. Michael JordanExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which major Chicago structure burned to the ground and was then, quickly, rebuilt on nearly the same spot?
- A.
The Chicago Theatre
- B.
Museum of Science and Industry
- C.
Chicago Water Tower
- D.
McCormick Place Convention Center
Correct Answer
D. McCormick Place Convention CenterExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What is the popular name for the heart of Chicago’s downtown business district?
- A.
The Center
- B.
The Circle
- C.
The Loop
Correct Answer
C. The LoopExplanation
The Loop is named the elevated train tracks that circle overhead through the area. Locals refer to the elevated train as the “el."Rate this question:
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- 6.
What position did Mike Ditka play for the Bears?
- A.
Defensive tackle
- B.
Linebacker
- C.
Tight end
- D.
Running back
Correct Answer
C. Tight endExplanation
"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.Rate this question:
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- 7.
For what phenomena is Chicago nicknamed “The Windy City”?
- A.
Wind off Lake Michigan
- B.
Politicians’ "hot air"
- C.
I'm stumped!
Correct Answer
C. I'm stumped!Explanation
Join the debate! Is it the wind blowing off Lake Michigan or the hot air of the politicians? You decide!Rate this question:
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- 8.
The World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893 introduced what food to Chicago?
- A.
Pizza
- B.
Popcorn
- C.
Hot Dog
- D.
Funnel Cake
Correct Answer
C. Hot DogExplanation
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!Rate this question:
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- 9.
What's the name of the world's eighth-tallest building in the world and the tallest building in Chicago?
- A.
Trump Tower
- B.
Willis Tower
- C.
John Hancock Center
- D.
Wrigley Building
Correct Answer
B. Willis TowerExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 10.
When you travel to Chicago, how should you prepare to dress?
- A.
In Layers
- B.
Casually
- C.
Always pack a warm jacket and sweater
Correct Answer
A. In LayersExplanation
The weather can change quickly in Chicago, so it’s best to dress in layers that you can add or remove as needed.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What is the best bargain for getting from O’Hare International Airport or Midway International Airport to downtown Chicago?
- A.
Shared taxi rides
- B.
The El (Elevated Train)
- C.
Airport Shuttles
Correct Answer
B. The El (Elevated Train)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.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What is the best way to reach the city's main museums, along with some great restaurants, in downtown Chicago?
- A.
Flag a cab for door-to-door service.
- B.
Walk from one to another
- C.
Jump on and off trolleys
Correct Answer
B. Walk from one to anotherExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which of these is NOT a common nickname of Chicago?
- A.
City of Big Shoulders
- B.
City That Works
- C.
Blues Capital of the U.S.
- D.
Second City
Correct Answer
C. Blues Capital of the U.S.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.Rate this question:
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- 14.
How many James Beard award-winning restaurants and chefs are in Chicago?
- A.
10
- B.
20
- C.
30
- D.
40
Correct Answer
D. 40Explanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 15.
True or False: Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Wrigley Field is the second oldest MLB ballpark, opening in 1914. Boston’s Fenway Park is the oldest – it opened in 1912.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Outside the Louvre in Paris, the Art Institute of Chicago holds the largest collection of what type of art?
- A.
Expressionism
- B.
Impressionism
- C.
Modernism
- D.
Surrealism
Correct Answer
B. ImpressionismExplanation
The Art Institute of Chicago houses one of the largest and most significant collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in the world.Rate this question:
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- 17.
How big is the exhibition space at McCormick Place?
- A.
0.6 million square feet
- B.
1.6 million square feet
- C.
2.6 million square feet
- D.
3.6 million square feet
Correct Answer
C. 2.6 million square feetExplanation
McCormick Place offers the largest amount of exhibition space in North America.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Approximately how many visitors come to Chicago every year?
- A.
10 million
- B.
20 million
- C.
30 million
- D.
40 million
Correct Answer
D. 40 millionExplanation
Nearly 40 million people visit Chicago annually to explore its world-class shopping, dining, arts and culture, sports and recreation, and more.Rate this question:
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- 19.
How many stories tall is the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier?
- A.
10 stories
- B.
15 stories
- C.
20 stories
Correct Answer
B. 15 storiesExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Which of the following products are made in Chicago?
- A.
Blistex lip Products
- B.
Red Hots
- C.
Lemonheads
- D.
Jay's Potato Chips
- E.
Snickers Bars
- F.
Tootsie Roll
- G.
Veinna Beef Hotdogs
- H.
Vosages Haut Chocolat
- I.
The Oscar Statuette
- J.
Morton Salt
- K.
All of the Above
- L.
None of the Above
Correct Answer
K. All of the AboveExplanation
See? We told you Chicago was awesome! Many of the world's most popular and widely used products are made right here in town.Rate this question:
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Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Nov 12, 2014Quiz Created by
Resa
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