wrote:

My (somewhat limited) experience flying around chicago (actually TRANSITIONING
through chicago is more accurate) is that IFR you'll take the long way around. VFR
they'll clear you "at or below Bravo."

....or above Bravo. Lots of traffic up there, though.

FF above the Bravo is good, approach wants to be talking to you, and they can't
tell you to go away.