Event Dates
From: Thursday, May 25, 2023
To: Monday, May 29, 2023
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, 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. Awaiting dates for the 2023 events:
- Brut Chicago – The hottest gay circuit event in the USA.
- Stampede – Leather Bear party.
- Uforia – IML After Hours event.
- IML Victory Party – Official event.
- 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 Venue SIX10 from 8pm.
- Friday – On Friday enjoy the IML Chicago Leather Market (1st to 3rd Floors) from 12pm. Other highlights include The International Mr. Bootblack Competition followed by Spitshine: The Bootblack Party at Florentine from 10pm. The Rubber Cocktail Social at Rendezvous from 10.30pm is a great way to meet new friends.
- Saturday – On Saturday , don’t miss the Leather Bear Stampede in the Congress Plaza Hotel Florentine Ballroom from 9pm. The Gear Blast at Rendezvous from 10pm features hot guys in sports, racing, rubber, leather, lycra and other perv gear keep things hot, sweaty and kinky! Everyone is invited to get yer gear on and come party hard and sweaty. After all, it’s always better IN gear!
- Sunday – The big day of the event featuring the International Mr. Leather Contest Chicago , from 6pm in the Auditorium Theatre, followed by the Victory Party in The House of Blues 329 N. Dearborn Street.
- Monday – The final day of IML Chicago features the world famous Black & Blue Ball from 9pm to 4am, nonce again in the historic House of Blues, with Matthew Harvat and his team ready to transform the venue into a different and exciting space specifically for this event.
Host Venues
- Nestled in the sleek River North downtown district between the famous Marina Towers The House of Blues can hose up to 1,800 and has gorgeous detailing and multiple tiers and a phenomenal 55,000 square-foot to party! The four-level space is comprised of three distinctive environments including a VIP Lounge, a rocking Restaurant & Bar featuring contemporary and traditional Southern art and cuisine and a spectacular multi-story Music Hall.
- 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.
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.
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We have chosen hotels in Chicago that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
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 rooms with city views. A 42-inch flat-screen TV and free WiFi
Located in the centre of the Loop, near Chicago’s theater and financial district, this hotel is close to dining, shopping, and many major attractions. Spacious rooms include cable TV and free WiFi. Featuring a contemporary design, each room includes a refrigerator and coffeemaker
Every room at Kimpton Gray Hotel includes a flat-screen TV, iPod docking station & a private bathroom with bathrobes and luxury Atelier Bloem bath products. Select rooms offer a separate living room & spa bath. Boleo offers breathtaking rooftop views alongside Latin-inspired cocktails & cuisine.
Located in the Chicago city centre, this luxury boutique hotel boasts an on-site restaurant and 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
IML 2016 Sunday Intro Video LEGACY
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We have chosen hotels in Chicago that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
This smoke-free hotel features an indoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and 24-hour room service. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include conference space, concierge services, and dry cleaning. All 261 rooms feature thoughtful touches like pillow menus and bathrobes
This smoke-free hotel features 2 restaurants, a full-service spa, and 2 bars/lounges. A business center, and conference space are onsite. All 452 rooms feature thoughtful touches like bathrobes and slippers, plus free WiFi and LED TVs with first-run movies. Guests will also find MP3 docks
This smoke-free hotel features a restaurant, an indoor pool, & a 24-hour fitness center. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, a bar/lounge, a coffee shop/café, & a spa tub are onsite. All 419 rooms offer thoughtful touches like bathrobes and pillowtop beds & premium bedding. Free WiFi
Along with a restaurant, this smoke-free hotel has an indoor pool & a 24-hour fitness center. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, a bar/lounge, a coffee shop/café, & a snack bar/deli are onsite. All 400 rooms offer free WiFi & free wired Internet, plus iPod docks & flat-screen TVs