I agree. If you like US coins Loves2travel, I would search the web, I imagine there are coin shows very frequently around Chicago and those would cater to US coins mainly. However, if you wish to open you mind to alternatives, I cannot think of a better place than CICF to come and see all of the other coins available to collect. Conder, we should set up a time for CT members to meet in the cafeteria outside the bourse or something.
If you want shows for US coins in Chicago the Central States and ANA Conventions will be in Chicago for the next several years.
I bought an ancient Roman coin when I was recently in St John and I talked to some people about it and found out some info on the coin and I thought that was a very great experience. I bought a pretty nice 1925 S Peace Dollar for a fair price, a bunch of world coins not of good grade but cool looking, AND I volunteered a few hours of my time for whatever needs to be done at The World's Fair of Money in Chicago in August, so I think that's pretty neat as a new collector kinda.
