The Chicago magazine is published on a monthly basis by The Tribune. It basically focuses on the key points such as the lifestyle of the people and the stories that are of the general human interest. It also reviews topics like fashion and trends, travel, hotels and restaurants and the theater in Chicago and even in the nearby and the adjoining areas. In 2004, its total circulation was estimated to be over 165,000. This is even larger than the market that the Peoples magazine had in the same year.

In the same year of 2004, the Chicago magazine was also selected as the recipient of the National Magazine Award in the category of general excellence.

Chicago was initially founded as the guide to programming for the WTTW of the PBS. It was later sold in the year 1986. Then in the year 1990, the magazine rights were bought by Landmark Communications. In the year 1995, it was yet again sold to a company called Primedia.

It was from this company, Primedia, that the Tribune bought all the rights of the magazine. This was in the year 2002 that the final transaction had taken place. The Chicago was called the Chicago Guide before the currently used name was attributed to it. It was in the year 1974 that it was given the name by which it is known today, throughout the world, that is, The Chicago.

The magazine covers all important aspects of the city such as the nightlife, dance and music, along with the other kinds of entertainment that are the movies and the films. It also includes a calender with a detailed layout of all the important Chicago events. It serves as an important tourist guide for travelers too.