Event Dates
From: Thursday, May 21, 2026
To: Monday, May 25, 2026
IML, the International Mister Leather Competition is one of the biggest leather/fetish events in the world.
Chicago plays host to what has become one of the biggest leather and fetish events on the calendar running for over 40 years and attracting thousands of guys from around the world for this weekend of parties, and the crowning of International Mr Leather.
The Event
- Next Edition: Thursday 21st May 2026 – Monday 25th 2026.
- Events include wide range of events in the official host hotel, a series of official nightly circuit parties and fetish events, plus a series of un-official parties featuring some of the biggest party names including Furball and Brut.
- Memorial Day Weekend (Falls on Monday 25th May in 2026).
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 Official Parties
The following events take place during the IML celebrations. Some are official, some are independent. Dates to be confirmed.
- Saturday – House of Leather – Official Party at the Congress Hotel.
- Sunday – IML Victory Party – Official event at House of Blues.
- Monday – The Black and Blue Ball – Official party.
GKL – Global Kink & Leather (GKL)
- From: Friday, May 22, 2026 – Sunday, May 24, 2026
- Global Kink & Leather (GKL) launches as a new-scale leather and kink convention-weekend in Chicago.
- Thursday – Circuit Mom IML Takeover at Charlies – Welcome Party.
- Friday – Brut Chicago Opening Party – The hottest gay circuit event in the USA.
- Saturday 23rd May 2026 – 9 pm-2.30 am, ZENTRO Party, Epiphany Centre for the Arts
- Sunday 24th May 2026 – 9 pm – Inaugural Closing Party, Backporch Stage at House of Blues Chicago
Other Parties
- Saturday – Furball – Joe Fiore's international jock and gear party.
- Sunday – Cuntea – A traditional afternoon tea dance with a fetish vibe at Fantasy Night Club.
After Parties
- Luxuria After Dark hosts three after parties during the IML weekend at Baton Bristo & Lounge.
- Complete with (Dark room space, both rooms open, coat check, and light breakfast/snack spread).
- Parties run from Saturday to Monday Saturday –4 am to 9 am.
IML Chicago Events Program Highlights
The program is quite extensive. Here are our top picks based on previous visits:
Day and Date Event Venue Thursday, May 21, 2026 IMLBB Opening Ceremonies Florentine Room, 3rd Floor, Congress Plaza Hotel Thursday, May 21, 2026 Spit Shine Florentine Room, 3rd Floor, Congress Plaza Hotel Friday, May 22, 2026 IML Physique and Stage Presence The Vic Theatre Friday, May 22, 2026 Nightshift: A Recon Social Florentine Room, 3rd Floor, Congress Plaza Hotel Saturday, May 23, 2026 House of Leather (H.O.L) The Riviera Theater Saturday, May 23, 2026 APEX Party Florentine Room, 3rd Floor, Congress Plaza Hotel Sunday, May 24, 2026 International Mr. Leather Contest The Vic Theatre Sunday, May 24, 2026 IML Victory Party House of Blues Official Venues
- Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago: A historic hotel with 871 rooms, offering amenities such as a fitness center, on-site dining, event spaces. Situated in the Loop district. Approximately 3 mis south of Boystow,na5-minute taxi ride.
- The Vic Theatre: A grand old theatre in Lakeview – steps from Boystown – with balcony views, big-stage energy and a crowd that fills it fast on event nights.
- The Riviera Theatre: Located in Chicago's historic Uptown theater district, the Riviera Theatre has been a central part of Chicago's entertainment scene for over 100 years.
- Jackhammer Chicago: Gay bar and nightclub featuring a dance floor, sports bar, and leather-themed area, offering a judgment-free space for diverse LGBTQIA+ communities. Lod in the Rogers Park district. 10 miles north of Boystown, a 25-minute taxi ride.
Other Venues
- Charlie's Chicago: A western-ed gay bar and nightclub with dance floor and live entertainment. Located in the Lakeview district. Roughly 1 mile south of Boystown, a 5-minute taxi ride.
- Never Have I Ever Chicago: A gay friendly bar and lounge offering a relaxed atmosphere with games and themed events. Located in the Lakeview district. Approximately 1 mile south of Boystown, a 5-minute taxi ride.
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.
get an early deal on your hotel
Book now and pay on arrival.
The Hyatt Regency is close to all the main
events & offers superior rooms & service.
For further information and advice on
International Mister Leather Website
The area in Chicago with the most gay bars is Boys town offering over 20 bar, we have chosen hotels close to this area that have good revues on bookings.
Address: 108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
Address: 21 E Bellevue Pl, Chicago,
Address:
Address: 10 S Wabash Ave, Chicago,
Address: 933 West Belmont Avenue Chicago
Address: 3434 North Broadway Chicago
Address: 528 West Brompton Avenue Chicago
Address: 3439 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3359 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3452 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3729 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3325 North Broadway Street Chicago
Address:
Address:
Address: 3320 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3339 N Halsted St, Chicago
Address:
Address: 3702 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3458 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3356 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address:
Address:
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Chicago that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Two gay expats explore the best of gay Chicago.
Chicago, affectionately known as the “Windy City,” is a must-visit destination for LGBTQ+ travellers seeking a vibrant, welcoming, and diverse experience. The city is home to Northalsted (formerly Boystown), one of the first officially recognized gay villages in the United States. Remember, Chicago has an efficient public transit system, so you'll have easy access to all the city offers no matter where you stay.
The heart of Chicago's downtown and home to some of its most iconic landmarks with great hotels.
A great place to stay if you're a foodie or a fan of the arts, and close to the city's best shopping.

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