Chicago
Why Chicago?
Chicago is a brilliant city for a J1, with loads going on throughout the summer and a really social, easy-to-settle-into feel. From days by the lake to nights out across the city, there is always something happening and plenty to explore.
It is a very easy city to get comfortable in, with everything laid out well and plenty happening without feeling overwhelming. Whether you are heading out, trying new places, or just enjoying day-to-day life, Chicago is a great place to spend a summer.
J1Accom Boston applications now open!!
Applications for other J1Accom cities will open throughout March
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Join our tribe of J1ers
Join our J1 family in Chicago and make the most of your J1 with 500 other Irish under one roof. The atmosphere inside our building is always buzzing and you can always find someone planning a get together of exploring with city.
Traveling Solo? We can match you up with some of our other solo travelers, letting you make friends as soon as you arrive!
Our Location
Our new building is located in the heart of Chicago, offering our brand-new property in a perfect location. With easy access to public transportation and within walking distance of the city center, it’s the ideal place to spend your summer J1 in Chicago.
New Building coming soon...
Location being announced very soon!
We’re thrilled to share some exciting updates for Chicago this summer. Last year, over 600 Irish J1 students made J1Accom their home in the city, becoming part of our vibrant and ever-growing J1 community. Staying with J1Accom means more than just accommodation — it’s your gateway to an unforgettable summer, with access to organised social events, community activities, exclusive prizes, and one of the largest networks of Irish J1 students in Chicago. For Summer 2026, we’re also bringing back our hugely popular discounted buses to and from Gaelic Park, alongside the legendary J1Accom Boat Party exclusively for our residents.
Following an incredibly successful 2025 season, we’re proud to announce that Summer 2026 will be our biggest and best Chicago summer yet, with more beds, more events, and more opportunities to connect, explore, and enjoy the city than ever before.
For Summer 2026, we’re introducing brand-new accommodation buildings in Chicago. These locations offer excellent convenience, a more student-focused living experience, and — best of all — dramatically lower prices than previous years. This will be our most affordable Chicago offering to date, combined with our largest building ever.
After five fantastic summers in the same Chicago building, we’ve made an exciting move for 2026. This change allows us to deliver even better value, upgraded facilities, and a living environment designed around what Irish J1 students truly want from their summer abroad.
What's Included
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All utilities such as gas, electricity, wifi & refuse collection
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Recreation rooms & TV lounges
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Laundry rooms
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24/7 security
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Extra-long twin sized bed
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Pool tables
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Extra-long twin sized bed
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Bed linen, pillows and towels
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Desk & chair, dresser & wardrobe
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Air conditioning
Why Stay With Us
The Best Locations
Hassle free accommodation in the best locations and with groups of Irish J1ers.
Worry Free
Move into a safe and affordable house the day you arrive and stay where the craic is.
Opportunity To Grow
The J1 visa will open many doors and we make that journey a lot easier and safer for you.
Pricing
Location coming soon...
June 1st - August 10th (70 days) from €1,900
Room Deposit
€250 deposit + €50 for bed sheets included in the package
Payment plan provided
A payment plan is available for all bookings
Things To Do In Chicago
Millennium Park
Located in the heart of the Loop, Millennium Park is the city’s premier spot for a perfect Chicago selfie with the iconic "Bean" sculpture. During the summer, you can spread out a blanket on the Great Lawn of the Pritzker Pavilion to enjoy free high-end concerts and movie screenings under the stars.
For those looking for a bit more action, the adjacent Maggie Daley Park offers a massive climbing wall and it's just steps away from the Art Institute of Chicago, which offers discounted admission for students with a valid ID.
As one of the oldest and most legendary stadiums in the country, a trip to "The Friendly Confines" is a staple of the Chicago student experience. The open-air plaza right outside the stadium hosts free outdoor fitness classes, night markets, and movie nights throughout the year.
You can also explore the surrounding Wrigleyville neighborhood, which is famous for its high-energy sports bars, late-night pizza spots, and post-game celebrations.
Wrigley Field
Navy Pier
Stretching out into Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is a massive waterfront playground that offers some of the best skyline views in the city. For a true Chicago experience, you can ride the Centennial Wheel or grab a group of friends for a cruise on the lake to see the city’s world-famous architecture from the water.
Check out Offshore, which holds the record as the world’s largest rooftop bar, offering a trendy atmosphere and fire pits for chilly lakefront nights. Between the free firework displays and the food halls serving up deep-dish pizza, it’s a perfect spot for to hang out.