USO at Navy Pier: 312-923-7070 

USO at Navy Pier (also home to USO of Illinois Headquarter offices) center is located inside Navy Pier's South Arcade, next to the 2West Garage door and directly across from where the Spirit of Chicago docks. Stop by and see us to receive the new discount coupon sheet to a variety of locations in Chicago. This center opened on June 14, 2002 thanks to the generosity of founding donors Edith-Marie Appleton Foundation and Angel and Paul Harvey and the dedicated work of Immediate Past President Denis J. Healy and the entire USO of Illinois Board of Directors. The center features historic USO and military display, information, tickets and discounts, Cyber Canteen, Cafe Kitchen, childrens' quiet area and recreation/relaxation center.

Hours are based on volunteer availability.

Great Lakes Center: 847-688-5591
Located just inside the main gate at Farragut Ave., on the second deck of historic Building 27, the USO of Illinois Great Lakes Center provides a "home away from home" for thousands of military personnel and their families since it opened here in 1985. The USO Great Lakes Center, which is open to all military personnel whether active duty, reserve, or retired, operates 365 days a year. Guests are greeted like family by volunteers and staff as they enter our relaxed atmosphere.

The USO center is comprised of many specialty rooms that are designed to cater to the needs of our military personnel, as well as their various hobbies, interests, and talents. Need a snack? Our homey kitchen offers an assortment of free goodies and various concessions at a nominal charge. Do you feel musically inclined, the need to express yourself creatively, or just looking for a little entertainment? An assortment of musical instruments are available for use in the music room; fine art supplies provide a creative outlet in the art room for drawing and painting; the latest in gaming technology is at your fingertips in the Jack B. Valentine Gaming Room; plus pool tables and other gaming tables provide some friendly competition. All of these services are provided free of charge! Looking for a good movie? Multiple large screen TV's throughout the USO center offer an up-to-date selection of DVD's, which means the latest movies are available for viewing. How about some quiet time? The USO has that too. There are study rooms, like the Admiral Bulkeley Military Library, that provide a quiet study area for the many student Sailors stationed at Great Lakes. Our military library is also a great place to read our collection of rare military books and watch military movies. Want to surf the web? For your internet needs, the USO is pleased to be able to provide free wireless internet access. You may bring in your own laptop to use, or we have a computer room with multiple stations providing access to the internet, e-mail, and printing. A fax machine is also available for your use.

The USO Great Lakes Center also provides many free programs and supports local events aimed at enhancing the lives of military personnel and their families. A few of these popular programs and events include: car seats and diapers for military families who find themselves in need; convenient and entertaining free holiday parties for dependent children; Thanksgiving Day traditional turkey dinner; and free "No-Dough Dinners" served the night before payday.

The USO Great Lakes is just one of four USO of Illinois centers. The USO centers at both O'Hare and Midway airports cater to the needs of our traveling military, and the USO Navy Pier accommodates our military personnel on liberty. The USO of Illinois also has programs that provide free or discounted tickets to local theatre, concerts, and Chicago and Milwaukee sporting events. Please visit the USO of Illinois website at www.uso.org/illinois for the latest information. The USO Great Lakes looks forward to welcoming you.

Hours of operation:
Monday - Friday: 1500 - 2100
Saturday: 1100 - 2100
Sunday: 0900-2100

Contact:
Liz Kowalski
Center Director
USO Great Lakes
530 B. Farragut Ave.
Great Lakes, IL 60088
Phone: 847-688-5591
Fax: 847-688-4432
E-mail: lkowalskiuso@ameritech.net

Midway International Airport USO:773-582-5852
Located in Concourse C, inside the secure area. Once through the metal detectors turn right and follow overhead signs to the center. Overhead anouncement  about the USO is done at the top of the hour and the bottom of the hour. This USO will remain open for any military stranded overnight due to incliment weather, missed flights, and during the Mass Exodus from Great Lakes in December.

Open Mon-Sun 9am-9pm. Hours are based on volunteer availability

O’Hare International Airport USO:773-686-7396
Located in Terminal 2 above the Northwest ticket counter on the mezzanine level near the chapel. Take elevator up and follow signs.
The USO O'Hare open 24 hours.