C H I C A G O | ILLINOIS

You wake up in Chicago, pull back the curtain and you KNOW where you are. You could be nowhere else. You are in a big, brash, muscular, broad shouldered motherfuckin’ city. A metropolis, completely non-neurotic, ever-moving, big hearted but cold blooded machine with millions of moving parts — a beast that will, if disrespected or not taken seriously, roll over you without remorse. -Anthony Bourdan

C H I N A T O W N | ARMOUR SQUARE (ZHANGS)

When you think of the city of broad shoulders, perhaps the last thing that comes to mind is some of the best Szechuan cuisine that the midwest has to offer?  On Chicago’s southside is the thriving Chinatown neighborhood, a hub that celebrates the many beautiful and diverse Asian cultures in our city. Chinatown was first settled in the late 1800s by Chinese immigrants and has since expanded to become one of the biggest Asian communities in Chicago. Each year, the neighborhood hosts Chinese New Year events as well as the famous Dragon Boat Races. With the arrival of the 14k in the 1970s, the area has slowly seen new establishments pop up, funded by Zhang’s money. A place where loyalty runs deep, many of the businesses pay into the 14k for protection from rival gangs, though few are bold enough to step foot in the territory. 

L I N C O L N P A R K | CHICAGO

In Lincoln Park, Chicago's motto urbs in horto—or "City in a Garden"—truly comes to life. Historic churches and handsome brick row houses nestled within landmark districts sit next to peaceful parks, while quiet, tree-lined residential areas give way to bustling business corridors. Armitage Avenue is lined with independent boutiques and high-end retailers; Clark Street is packed with casual cafes, restaurants and sweet shops that spill out onto the sidewalks during warm weather; and Lincoln Avenue buzzes all night with bars and taverns that cater to the young college crowd from the nearby university campus. In addition to shopping and dining, Lincoln Park is a diverse arts and entertainment destination as well with a plethora of museums, top theaters and live music clubs to pick from. For scenery, there's plenty of natural beauty and outdoors to enjoy. This North Side neighborhood's namesake park is a sprawling 1,208 acres of green space with a free zoo open year-round, a nature museum and conservatory. And when the weather's right, head over to the lakefront trail and beaches, where sand and surf are set against a backdrop of downtown skyscrapers.

T H E  KOVALI COMPOUND | LINCOLN PARK

Old world design meets modern luxury at the Kovali compound. Located on half an acre of land in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, the fenced-in space is compromised of three building: the sprawling Kovali home, offices and guest house. The interior design reflects the family’s Mediterranean heritage, with marble and wood being the main mediums of choice. Upon entrance, one can find themselves in the decorated courtyard. It’s common to have guards stationed at the main gate as well as around the home. It’s considered the center of activity for any Kovali associated Chicagoans. 

P U R G A T O R Y | KOVALI

Purgatory is a nightclub co-owned by Zephyr Jackson and Sera Karan. Situated on Goose Island, it sits on the border of Sigara owned territory and Kovali owned territory... no man’s land. The two story club offers hypnotic beats in its gothic style, with rooms available for private parties. It also provides a legitimate business for the Kovali to run their operation through. A place for sinners and saints alike, it’s one of the most popular clubs in the city. Do as you please, just make sure you don’t cross the reapers inside. 

N O R T H W E S T E R N | CHICAGO

Chicago’s premier university and hospital, Northwestern is considered Chicago’s Ivy League school with an eleven percent acceptance rate. Placing tenth nationwide, it is home to Northwestern Memorial Hospital as well as the esteemed Feinberg School of Medicine, Kellog School of Buisness, Pritzker School of Law and McCormick School of Engineering. Many of the doctors that work at the facility also serve as professors for med school classes, or facilitate the research center. Northwestern is located lakeside, giving it access to a private beach and all the city has to offer. Go Wildcats!

N A V Y P I E R |CHICAGO

Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long (1,010 m) pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. It is located in the Near North Side community area. The Navy Pier currently encompasses more than fifty acres of parks, gardens, shops, restaurants, family attractions and exhibition facilities and is one of the top destinations in the Midwest, drawing nearly two million visitors annually. It is one of the most visited attractions in the entire Midwest and is Chicago's number one tourist attraction.