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Visit us in person
We would love to show you around our campus. Whether as part of your scheduled interview or before you even apply to ICO, we’re happy to give you a taste of what makes ICO so special to us.
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Connect during open house
Open house is your opportunity to get to know ICO and the profession of optometry inside and out. You will meet with students and admissions representatives, tour campus and the clinic, and most importantly learn what makes ICO unique.
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Our Admissions Open House takes place each Summer. Our next event will be held from 9:00 am - 1:30 pm CST on June 7, 2025.
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Take a self-guided tour of campus
Throughout your time at ICO, the EyePod will play an essential role in developing and honing your clinical skills.
ICO students have many favorite haunts. You’ll have lots of places to study and to relax. Get to know some of these places a little better.
You’ll be studying a lot during your time here and we want to make sure you stay healthy throughout.
So, for your convenience, the cafeteria and gym are located just around the corner from the Eyepod and lecture center.
Travel to ICO
Visitors to ICO must enter the campus through the Indiana Avenue entrance (3240 S. Indiana.) Visitor parking is available at this entrance. Please sign in at the front desk before exploring ICO.
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Taxis/Shuttles
The fare from either airport varies depending upon traffic conditions. Visitors have reported fares from Midway in the range of $25-35, and from O’Hare in the range on $40-60. Taxis are readily available outside the arrival/baggage claim areas of both airports.
Airport Express Transportation (shuttle to major hotels in Chicago) operates from both airports to zip code 60616.
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Public Transportation
From O’Hare, take the Blue Line southeast to downtown Chicago. Take the Blue Line to the Clark/Lake stop, and transfer to the Green Line train.
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Take the Green Line south to the 35th/Bronzeville/IIT stop, in the middle of the Illinois Institute of Technology’s campus. Walk north to 33rd Street. Take a right on 33rd, then walk two blocks to Indiana Avenue. At Indiana Avenue take a left. ICO’s entrance is a half block north on Indiana.
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From Midway, take the Orange Line northeast to the Roosevelt stop. At Roosevelt, transfer to the Green Line headed south. Then follow the directions above from the Green Line to ICO.
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For further information about public transportation, check out the website of the Chicago Transit Authority.
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Where to stay
The following hotels offer special rates to ICO visitors. If calling for reservations, ask for the “Illinois College of Optometry” rate. The rate may also be accessed when booking online. Please keep in mind there may be blackout dates and prices are always subject to availability.
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Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
2233 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
Chicago, IL 60616
312-567-1234
$169/night + tax (use code 80599)
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Loews Hotel
455 North Park Drive
Chicago, IL 60611
312-840-6600
15% off Best Available Rate
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Hampton Inn Chicago McCormick Place
123 E. Cermak
Chicago, IL 60616
312-363-1211
Student rate $109
15% off Best Available Rate; (Call to make a reservation using the Best Available Rate, 312-791-1121, mention company name Illinois College of Optometry.)
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Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick Place
123 E. Cermak
Chicago, IL 60616
312-363-1211
15% off Best Available Rate
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Home2 Suites by Hilton Chicago McCormick Place
123 E. Cermak
Chicago, IL 60616
312-363-1211
15% off Best Available Rate
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Office of Admissions
CONTACT
LOCATION
Illinois College of Optometry
Office of Admissions
3241 S. Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60616
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CONNECT
