IML, International Mr Leather 2024

IML – International Mr Leather 2024

Chicago plays host to what has become one of the biggest leather and fetish events on the calendar, now in its 40th year and attracting thousands of guys from around the world for this weekend of parties, and the crowning of International Mr Leather.

The Venues

• The majority of the activities take place within the host hotel, which this year is the Congress Plaza Hotel! , located close to all the city’s major attractions. It sells out months in advance.
• Other nearby hotels just under an 3 min taxi / 8 minute walk to the host hotel include:
  Le Meridien Essex Chicago – Fabulous 4 star hotel with great views. Recently renovated.
  Sonder l The Plymouth – 3 Star, close to the host hotel but in a quiet neighbourhood, excellent facilities.
  Hotel Blake – Superb 4 star, stunning rooms, Our editor stayed here in 2021. Highly recommended.

IML Chicago Circuit Parties

The following events take place during the IML celebrations. Some are official, some are independent.

• Thursday May 23rd 2024 – Circuit Mom IML Takeover at Charlies – Welcome Party.
• Friday May 24th 2024 – Brut Chicago – The hottest gay circuit event in the USA.
• Saturday May 25th 2024 – Furball – Joe Fiore’s international jock and gear party.
• Sunday May 26th 2024 – IML Victory Party – Official event.
• Sunday May 26th 2024 – Cuntea – A traditional tea dance with a fetish vibe.
• Monday May 27th  2024 – The Black and Blue Ball – Official party.

IML Chicago Events Program Highlights

The program is quite extensive. Here are our top picks based on previous visits:

• Thursday – Events kick off on Thursday with the opening ceremonies at Florentine Room at the congress hotel from 8 pm to 10.30 pm.
• Friday – On Friday enjoy the IML Chicago Leather Market (1st to 3rd Floors) from 12pm. Other highlights include the IML Pecs and Personality Contest at Venue 610.
• Saturday – On Saturday enjoy “Room Service” in the Florentine Room with guest DJs Ryan Willing and Janky at the Florentine Room at the Congress Hotel. Buff bellboys will be keeping the beat with their dancing feet while you bounce around on the dance floor all night.
• Sunday –  The big day of the event featuring the International Mr. Leather Contest Chicago , from 6pm at the McCormick Place Skyline Ballroom followed by the Victory Party in The Concord Theatre. Followed by the Victory Party in Bucktown’s Concord Theatre.
• Monday – The final day of IML Chicago features the world famous Black & Blue Ball from 9pm to 4am, at Chop Shop Chicago.

Host Venues

• McCormick Place Skyline Ballroom – Chicago’s largest ballroom – 100,000 square feet and host of the main competition.
• Concord Music Hall – Popular Music Venue located on Milwaukee Ave with space for up to 1, 500 leather lovers, located 11-minutes drive from the host hotel.
• Chop Shop – Located in Wicker Park, and host of the Black and Blue Ball in a stunning 6,000 square foot event space, just 10-minutes drive from the host hotel.
• Venue SIX10 – Located on Chicago’s historic Michigan Avenue, the venue has more than 50,000 square feet of space and is transformed by IML into the ultimate welcome location. – Just a one minute walk from the host hotel.

Where to stay in Gay Chicago

The host hotel is a 20 minute drive from Boystown, the traditional gay neighbourhood of Chicago.If you want to stay close to Boystown/ Northalsted try the Majestic Hotel on West Brompton, or the Hotel Zachary on North Clark Street.

Check out the top 10 hotels in Lakeview for more options.