Explore Chicagoland!
Continue the Conversation Outside the Classroom
One of the best parts of the Payments Institute is the opportunity to continue conversations beyond the classroom. Whether you’re networking over dinner, exploring the area with colleagues, or connecting with fellow attendees after sessions, there are plenty of ways to experience the Chicago area during your time at the Payments Institute.
Located in Itasca near Chicago and O’Hare International Airport, Eaglewood Resort & Spa offers convenient access to restaurants, entertainment, and group dining options both on property and nearby.
Start Your Day Off Right
Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee before class or looking for a slower start to the morning with colleagues, these nearby options make it easy to fuel up before sessions begin.
The Market at Eaglewood Resort
Need a quick coffee before sessions begin? The Market, located inside Eaglewood Resort & Spa, offers grab-and-go breakfast items, pastries, smoothies, and coffee in a convenient onsite setting perfect for busy conference mornings.
Distance: Walking distance (located inside Eaglewood Resort & Spa)
Fulla Beans
A cozy local coffee shop known for quality coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere. Great for attendees looking to step away from the resort for a casual meetup or slower morning.
Distance: Approximately 5–7-minute Uber ride
Keep the Conversations Going
Looking to continue networking after sessions wrap up for the day? Whether you’re grabbing drinks with colleagues, meeting up with fellow attendees, or organizing a team dinner, these nearby spots are great places to connect outside the classroom.
On Site
Prairie River Restaurant
A convenient on-site option for post-session conversations. Prairie River offers Midwest-inspired cuisine, local craft beer, and outdoor patio seating overlooking the golf course.
Distance: Walking distance (located inside Eaglewood Resort & Spa)
Ogden’s Lobby Bar
Unwind at the end of the day and continue the conversation at Ogden’s Lobby Bar. Located inside Eaglewood Resort & Spa, it’s a convenient spot to connect with fellow attendees over cocktails or light bites after sessions conclude.
Distance: Walking distance (located inside Eaglewood Resort & Spa)
Nearby
Fox & Turtle – Itasca Country Club
A relaxed upscale pub with craft beer, burgers, and a welcoming atmosphere that works well for smaller networking groups or team dinners.
Distance: Approximately 5-7-minute Uber ride
DeMarco’s Italian Restaurant
A longtime local Italian favorite with a classic atmosphere that’s well suited for group dinners and continuing conversations after sessions.
Distance: Approximately 5-minute Uber ride
Mitsuwa Marketplace Food Court
A fun option for attendees looking for something more casual or wanting to explore Japanese cuisine and snacks. Mitsuwa features ramen, sushi, curry, desserts, and small shops all under one roof, making it great for informal meetups or smaller groups looking for variety.
Distance: Approximately 15-20-minute Uber ride
Wildfire
A classic Chicago-style steakhouse atmosphere with seafood, steaks, and plenty of room for larger groups. A strong option for traditional business dinners or celebratory outings.
Distance: Approximately 15-20-minute Uber ride
Explore Chicago During Your Stay
If you’re arriving early, staying late or ready to explore after classes, summer is one of the best times to experience the Chicago area. From baseball games and live music to riverfront dining and iconic city attractions, there’s plenty to explore while you’re in town.
Catch a Game or Concert at Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field is one of Chicago’s most iconic destinations and offers a classic summer Chicago experience. Whether you’re interested in catching a Chicago Cubs/White Sox game or attending a concert, Wrigleyville is a lively neighborhood filled with restaurants, bars, and entertainment. Noah Kahan is currently scheduled to perform at Wrigley Field on July 14 and 15, 2026.
Wrigley Field Concert Series presented by Wintrust | Chicago Cubs
Chicago White Sox Schedule | Chicago White Sox
Explore Chicago’s Lakefront & Parks
Millennium Park, Grant Park, Navy Pier, and Museum Campus offer some of the city’s most recognizable attractions, along with lakefront views, public art, museums, outdoor programming, and waterfront dining. These areas are great for attendees looking to experience downtown Chicago beyond the conference environment.
Millennium Park in Chicago | Choose Chicago
Navy Pier Events | Navy Pier
Chicago’s Museum Campus: Where Science Meets Art
Experience Chicago Architecture
One of the city’s most popular attractions, Chicago architecture river cruises provide a unique way to explore the skyline while learning about the city’s history, design, and famous buildings. It’s a great option for first-time visitors or attendees looking to experience the city from the water.
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady | Chicago Architecture Center
