IML, International Mr Leather 2023

IML – International Mr Leather 2023

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.