I recently posted a thread on a potential move. I am considering an opportunity to take a position at Argonne National Lab in the Chicago area and wondering what the tri scene is like. It would be nice to think about where I might live. I’m single 33 and the position would be for 2 years, so I’d be renting something basic and saving money for the important stuff (a new road bike + power meter). I’d like to be within a realistic bike commute of the campus. It would be nice to hear recommendation on Master’s swimming/bike shops/run stores in the area as well. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.
If you are planning on living out there (Darien, right?) Great running trail at waterfall glen which is a 9.5 mile crushed limestone and mildly hilly circle around the lab. It’s pretty suburban to me out there - - which would not appeal to me at your age but there are triathletes out that way. Google Trismart Coaching or Endure it! (whom I’ve seen have a banner ad on slowtwitch). That should get you started. I think Vision Quest may also have a facility in Downers Grove now too. Those three options should help you connect to a lot of triathlete types.
The only thing I recollect Duffman saying is “OOOH YEEEAH”
Also checkout the Salt Creek Tri Club.
A good number of members in that area, and the weekly rides pass near ANL, and I know they run at Waterfall Glen pretty regularly as well.
Search for the group page on Facebook.
The only thing I recollect Duffman saying is “OOOH YEEEAH”
Titanya: “But Duffman, you said if I slept with you I wouldn’t have to touch the drunk!”
Duffman: “Duffman says a lot of things! Oh, yeah!”
I can’t answer your question but working at ANL is definitely worth doing. Get the gig, learn a ton (and buy a powermeter and a new bike 
)
When I worked there I used to work out with the NCC Track Club (North Central Track Club in Naperville). Lot of really fast runners. There were a number of triathletes in the club at the time a couple of them ended up racing pro at some point. Argonne had a running club, but it was pretty recreational.
Quite a few of us who live in the city actually drive out to the Argonne area to ride/run.
There is a great area out there called Waterfall Glen, and we do rides around the area. Darien, Burr Ridge, etc.
Right off of 55 at Cass is a spot to park, at the trail head, and it a great home base for brick workouts.
There are frequently triathletes all over the road, as well as large roadie group rides.
As for anything beyond that specific area, I can’t answer much. But if you have any Chicago inquiries, let me know.
There are some good suburban tri shops, such as Endure It, as others have mentioned.
If you are looking for better biking, head west on 55 tl exit rte 126 take it out past plaifield to a road called Grove. Park along Grove and enjoy mostly car free training along corn roads. Its about 20 minutes west of Darien, maybe 25.