Event Dates
From: Thursday, May 22, 2025
To: Monday, May 26, 2025
IML, International Mr Leather 2025
IML, the International Mister Leather Competition is one of the biggest leather/fetish events in the world.
IML – International Mr Leather 2025
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 May 22nd 2025 – Monday 26th May in 2025.
- 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.
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.
- Confirmed Events for 2025:
- Thursday May 22nd 2025 – Circuit Mom IML Takeover at Charlies – Welcome Party.
- Thursday May 22nd 2025 – Rated X Chicago – Official Party at Never Have I Ever.
- Friday May 23rd 2025 – Brut Chicago – The hottest gay circuit event in the USA.
- Saturday May 24th 2025 – Room Service – Official Party at the Congress Hotel.
- Saturday May 24th 2025 – Furball – Joe Fiore’s international jock and gear party.
- Sunday May 25th, 2025 – IML Victory Party – Official event at House of Blues.
- Monday May 26th 2025 – The Black and Blue Ball – Official party at Jackhammer
- Sunday May 25th 2025 – 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).
- Saturday May 24th, 2025 – 4 am to 9 am with @jankyashell (debut) @kardona2020
- Sunday May 25th, 2025 – 4 am to 9 am with @djmohammadsf (debut)
- Monday May 26th, 2025 – 4 am to 9 am with @djedwood_official @martifrieson (debut)
IML Chicago Events Program Highlights
The program is quite extensive. Here are our top picks based on previous visits:
- Awaiting full program of events for 2025.
Host Venues
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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Where we stay!
The Hyatt Regency is close to all the main
events & offers superior rooms & service.
Official Website
For further information and advice on
International Mister Leather Website
Gay Map of Chicago
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.
108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
Located along the Magnificent Mile, this Chicago hotel is 5 minutes' walk from the Museum of Contemporary Art. The hotel offers a full-service Asian-inspired spa, award-winning restaurants, and spacious luxury guest with city views.
A 42-inch flat-screen TV and free WiFi are featured in every room at the Chicago Peninsula. Each room includes a temperature and lighting control console and soaking tub in the en suite bathroom.
21 E Bellevue Pl, Chicago,
Located in the Chicago city centre, this luxury boutique hotel boasts an on-site restaurant and complimentary property-wide WiFi access. Shopping and dining on Michigan Avenue is 2 minutes’ walk away.
A flat-screen cable TV and a mini bar are offered in every modern guest room at Thompson Chicago. The bathrooms feature bathrobes, deluxe bath amenities and modern rain shower-heads.
122 W Monroe St, Chicago,
Just blocks away from the luxury shopping, dining and entertainment of Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile, this boutique hotel is located in the heart of the Loop in downtown Chicago and offers a rooftop bar, complimentary evening and contemporary-styled guest rooms with free WiFi.
Every room at Hotel includes a flat-screen TV, iPod docking station and a private bathroom with bathrobes and luxury Atelier Bloem bath products. Select rooms offer a separate living room and spa bath.
10 S Wabash Ave, Chicago,
Located in the centre of the Loop, near ’s theater and financial district, this hotel is close to dining, shopping, and many . include cable TV and free WiFi.
Featuring a contemporary design, each room includes a refrigerator and coffeemaker at The Hotel. Guests can enjoy pay-per-view movies in the high-ceiling rooms.
933 West Belmont AvenueChicago, IL 60657
Located in the city’s Boystown neighborhood, this hotel features Art Deco style décor, complimentary daily breakfast and free WiFi.
Every room at provides a flat-screen cable TV and a work desk. A fully-stocked minibar and small refrigerator are also included.
3434 North BroadwayChicago, IL 60657
This historic hotel is within 10 minutes' walk of and the Red Line train to downtown . It features a glass-enclosed hot tub and contemporary rooms with free Wi-Fi.
A 42 inch flat-screen TV and laptop safe are included in each guest room at Best Western Hawthorne Terrace. A microwave, coffee maker, and refrigerator stocked with free bottled water are provided.
528 West Brompton AvenueChicago, IL 60657
Near Wrigley Field, home to baseball's Cubs, the historic Majestic Hotel offers to Chicago attractions and a free daily breakfast. It includes complimentary WiFi access and guestrooms with 32-inch flat-screen TV.
Built in the 1920s, the completely non-smoking Majestic Hotel provides 24-hour coffee and tea service along with free . Guests can also enjoy relaxing in the hotel's sitting area in front of a wood-burning fireplace.
3558 N Wilton Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
This modern apartment is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, a living room with a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with shower and free toiletries. Boasting free WiFi. Everything you need to enjoy your stay
631 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60657
Luxury apartment offering a living room with flat screen TV, a fitted with a kitchen with a washing machine 1 bedroom with double bed and 1 bathroom with shower, this apartment features free WiFi.
3441 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657
This vintage modern décor 2-bedroom apartment Offers a living room with flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and 1 bathroom with a shower. Located in middle of all the excitement of Boystown
933 W Newport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
This lovely 3-bedroom apartment is professionally designed with modern furniture, a spacious living room, a fully furnished kitchen and bathroom. Your ideal accommodation for a perfect getaway.
3439 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL
Replay gay bar is the premier entertainment establishment. An extensive collection of the finest bourbons and a huge selection of craft beers (over 20 on tap alone!), Replay also boasts the largest collection of vintage arcade games in the East Lakeview!
3359 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60657
Progress Bar Chicago. Boystown neighborhood bar located at the corner of Roscoe & Halsted. Progress Bar features a friendly staff, great DJs, music videos, your favorite libations & 16 draft beers to choose from!
3452 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60657
Whether a date, casual night out with friends or a private party to celebrate a special occasion, elixir gay bar is an ideal spot for cocktails, conversation & small plate dining.
3729 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60613
Bobby Love's gay bar has been active in the Chicago community since 1999. It is the only karaoke bar in Boystown, and during the day is a neighborhood bar home to beloved regulars. A variety of specials happen day-to-day, and the occasional event. Bobby's is a favorite during pride season, as the parade runs right past our door, and is just down the block from the Market Days festival.
3352 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60657
D.S. Tequila Co. is a contemporary casual, full service, tex-mex restaurant and bar in the heart of Lakeview, Chicago. polular with gay boys
3325 North Broadway Street Chicago, IL 60657
Popular Lesbian bar always busy
3726 North Broadway Street Chicago, IL 60613
Great staff, killer drink specials, and good music. Charlie's is a fun place to bring all your friends. Regular events like Kareoke, drag queens, Two Stepping and line dancing
3733 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60613
Chicago's neighborhood gay sports bar since 1983! Offering cold drinks, a great beer selection, pool, darts, and all the games on TV.
3320 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60657
The go to gay dance bar in Boystown. Great place to go if you're looking for a fun, energetic atmosphere with an incredibly friendly staff.
3339 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657, United States
Gay bar with a diverse crowd open late offeing drah shows & dancing.
3641 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60613
Chicago's Premier Gay Dance Club, Featuring the Incredible Phazon Sound System from the Legendary Twilo-NYC, Laser Lights, Visual Effects and a Friendly Staff.
3169 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60657
Gay Night Club Featuring Hot male dancers!
3702 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60613
Cell Block is the only Leather/Fetish bar in Chicago’s Boystown neighborhood and has been serving the community for 25 years. Originally opened as “The Loading Dock” bar it has always attracted a wide range of people from Chicago’s diverse gay community. When The Loading Dock ceased to operate it was sold and re-opened as Cell Block. Today, Cell Block thrives and is still an important part of the neighborhood in addition to serving the leather and fetish interests of Chicago’s LGBTQ community. Cell Block is known throughout the country for its monthly puppy patrol parties.
3458 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60657
Boystowns hottest Dj line up and best 21+ gay dance club!
3356 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60657
Chicago’s leader in nightlife and entertainment best drag queens in town
3349 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60657
Sidetrack has welcomed Chicago's LGBTQ+ community, and the world, for 38 years with a unique mix of your favorite music videos. Join us for our famous Frozen Cocktails, Show Tunes 3 times a week, our fabulous rooftop deck and our fun nightly parties.
3317 North Broadway Street Chicago, IL 60657
Gay Bar and Cocktail Lounge Boystown Chicago
Recommended Hotels in Chicago By Booking
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
The Peninsula Chicago
5 Star, Luxury
- 5 Star, Asian-Inspired Spa
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Spacious luxury, city views
- Luxurious Magnificent Mile location, Asian-inspired spa, award-winning dining, & city-view rooms.
The Silversmith Hotel
4 Star, Readers Choice
- 4 Star, Theater District Proximity
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Contemporary design, refrigerator
- Ideal for theater & financial district visits, contemporary rooms, & close to major attractions.
Gray Hotel Chicago
4 Star, Great Value
- 4 Star, Rooftop Latin Cuisine
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- iPod dock, luxury bath
- Stay for the rooftop views, Latin-inspired cocktails, & rooms with iPod docks & luxury baths.
Thompson Chicago
4 Star, Location
- 4 Star, Steps from Michigan Avenue
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Modern guest room, mini bar
- Perfect for Michigan Avenue shopping & dining, modern rooms with minibars, in a boutique setting.
Video Gay Chicago Guide
Two gay expats explore the best of gay Chicago.
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in 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.
Northalsted | The Gay Village
Photo: Chicago’s Northalsted has a bar for all types and tastes.
- Located in the Lakeview East neighbourhood of Chicago, 5 miles north of downtown Chicago, or what locals refer to as “The Loop”.
- Northalsted is a hub for LGBTQ+ life and culture in Chicago, hosting Market Days and Chicago Pride.
- Easy to get to from downtown via public transit, 30 minutes by the CTA “L” train’s Red or Brown lines.
- Discover the best things to see and do in Chicago
The Loop
The heart of Chicago’s downtown and home to some of its most iconic landmarks with great hotels.
Magnificent Mile
Home to high-end hotels, shops & restaurants, the place for those who want to be in the middle of the action.
River North
A great place to stay if you’re a foodie or a fan of the arts, and close to the city’s best shopping.
Andersonville
Located to the north of Lakeview,filled with unique, locally-owned businesses and a quirky atmosphere.
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