I've posted info on this before, but I thought it worth mentioning this *FREE* program again.

Chicago Greeter Hosts Visitors From All 50 States And 50 Countries

Chicago Greeter’s volunteers have grown from 120 greeters speaking 13 different languages to 180 greeters speaking 16 languages. Through the Chicago Greeter service, visitors meet with a greeter who takes them around the city and demonstrates its walk-ability and the user-friendliness of its public transportation system—a Chicago experience from a local’s perspective. Chicago Greeter is designed to match a friendly, enthusiastic, and city knowledgeable local with an interested visitor for a 2 – 4 hour informal, insider orientation to Chicago’s sights. Visitors are matched with greeters through an online registration system based on special interest and language.

The service provides Chicagoans a chance to take an active role in Chicago’s tourism industry by sharing their love and knowledge of the city, while making a big city more familiar and friendly for visitors. Chicago Greeter is not only a resource that visitors can access directly, but also one that locals who have visitors coming to the city can utilize as well.

Travel parties of six or less interested in taking a Chicago Greeter visit can register seven business days in advance online at www.chicagogreeter.com, or by calling 1-312-744-8000 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Chicago Greeter visits originate at the Chicago Cultural Center Visitor Information Center, 77 E. Randolph Street.

American Airlines and United Airlines are partners of the Chicago Greeter service.

Visitors and Chicagoans planning to entertain out-of-town guests can receive brochures, reserve hotel accommodations as well as receive trip planning assistance by calling toll-free 1-877-CHICAGO (1-877-244-2246), or visiting www.877chicago.com. Brochures and information on Chicago’s exciting events and activities are also available at the Visitor Information Centers. The centers are located at Chicago Water Works, 163 East Pearson Street at Michigan Avenue and the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 East Randolph Street. For those calling from outside the United States, Mexico and Canada, please call 1-312-201-8847. The TTY toll-free number for the hearing impaired is 1-866-710-0294. Chicago tourism information is also available on the Internet at www.cityofchicago.org/ExploringChicago.
www.chicagogreeter.com