Chicago

Real City in Illinois

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in Chicago

First Appeared

#155: “Waylaid in the Windy City, Part 1”

Last Appeared

In the world of Adventures in Odyssey, the city of Chicago serves as one of the most important urban centers outside of Odyssey itself. Located a full day’s journey from Odyssey—approximately 8–10 hours by bus or train. It is frequently visited or referenced by key characters.

Major Organizations and Institutions

Several major institutions in the Adventures in Odyssey universe are based in Chicago:

The Universal Press Foundation (UPF): A charitable organization that oversees operations like Whit’s End. Whit often travels to Chicago for UPF board meetings, including in episodes such as Train Ride (#142).

Andromeda Incorporated: Introduced in the Novacom Saga, Andromeda is a powerful media and tech conglomerate with a shadowy agenda. Based in Chicago, the corporation’s influence extends all the way to Odyssey, making the city a key staging ground for some of the show’s most far-reaching conspiracies and technological ethics dilemmas.

Blackgaard's Warehouse: During the events of Waylaid in the Windy City (#155–156), Dr. Regis Blackgaard is shown to have relocated to Chicago and established a massive warehouse operation for his new electronics chain. He hints at plans to expand it into a nationwide chain—possibly even reopening his original store in Odyssey.

Landmarks and Locations

O’Hare International Airport: A major entry point into Chicago, featured in Waylaid in the Windy City, and described as “one of the biggest airports in the world.” Its vastness awes Connie upon arrival.

The Sears Tower: Mentioned multiple times as a key sightseeing destination, symbolizing the awe-inspiring scale and ambition of Chicago.

North University South Park Campus: The site of a climactic sting operation in episode #156. Its Big Clock, library, student union, Conservatory, and Science Building are all referenced, creating a vibrant picture of university life in the city.

The Excelsior Hotel: A luxurious, high-service hotel where Whit and Connie stay during their trip. It becomes a central location in Waylaid in the Windy City, with attempted break-ins and government surveillance intensifying the drama.

Notable Residents

The Shanks Family: Katrina Shanks Meltsner’s family lived in Chicago.

Notable Odyssey Events

Chicago is the central setting for the two-part mystery Waylaid in the Windy City (episodes #155–156). In this arc, Whit and Connie travel to Chicago for a UPF meeting and find themselves caught in a complex web involving a stolen Department of Defense laptop, government surveillance, and a rekindled rivalry with Dr. Blackgaard. O'Hare International Airport, the Excelsior Hotel, North University's South Park Campus, and a sprawling electronics warehouse in the industrial district are among the featured locations. During their visit, Whit and Connie are briefly detained by airport security, questioned by a federal agent, and nearly caught in a kidnapping. The climax involves a sting operation at North University's Big Clock during the Summer Arts Festival, with federal agents stationed throughout campus buildings. Richard Maxwell unexpectedly returns and helps foil Blackgaard’s plan.

Unto Us a Child Is Born (#294): Katrina travels to Chicago for a family gathering-- her family, the Shanks, reside there.

All-Star Witness (#578): Eugene travels to Chicago for a court case.

The Search for Whit, Part 1 (#355): Jason Whittaker and Tasha Forbes visit a lab in Chicago during their investigation of Whit’s disappearance.

New Year’s Eve Live! (#387): A comedic episode in which a character accidentally boards a bus to Chicago, illustrating the city’s prominence as a common travel hub for Odyssey residents.

Episode references

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Resources

Chicago