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Because there are many docents with the same first name, and we can’t always tell which one a guest is applauding, we are listing all the docents by that name certified for the tour here. In this way, we hope to ensure that we give kudos where kudos are due. If yours is a common name, we encourage you to state your last name or initial as well, for example, Joe S. or Lisa M. when introducing yourself.

John Blackburn, Hug, Ivory, Slivka, or Tielsch

Historic Treasures of Chicago’s Golden Age, June 2023

John was a wonderful tour guide. I’ve lived in Chicago for 50 years and I was surprised to learn so much. Nancy Pochis B

John Blackburn, Hug, Ivory, Slivka, or Tielsch

Historic Treasures of Chicago’s Golden Age, May 2023

I have only one word to describe our guide John : passionate! It’s a pleasure to listen to all the stories and details about every building that we’ve seen. And you can still ask all the questions you have about other structures. Sébastien L Brest, France

Bob Pratt 2019 or Sutter 2019

River Cruise, June 2023

Bob made me love Chicago faster than my 4 family reunions here. The knowledge he shared was truly special. Claire J

Below are Kudos for whom we can identify the docents.

Barry Aldridge 2009

River Cruise, June 2023

Volunteer tour host Barry is very knowledgeable about Chicago’s history and architecture, and gave his audience a fascinating review of the varied and inspired architecture along the Chicago River. The tour was amazing! It turned me on to the rightful place that Chicago holds as one of the most beautiful and varied cities in the world. Its aesthetically superb and varied architectural examples show the heart of Chicago, and how the Chicago community cares for the city. JNo Goshen, IN

Betsy Berman 2013

Far beyond my expectations! Visiting from Colorado, I was amazed at the architecture that exists in Chicago. And our tour guide at 1:00 on June 11 (I think her name was Betsy?) was remarkable. She was charming, funny, and entertaining — I have no idea how she knew so many facts as she described each one of the buildings. Those 90 minutes were the highlight of my entire trip to the Midwest. Thanks, Betsy! bill w

Jane Cahill 2005

River Cruise, May 2023

My daughter and I were on the tour May 17. We truly can’t recommend it enough! Our docent, Jane, was extremely knowledgeable, engaging and friendly. We both learned so much about Chicago history and architecture and this was the perfect way to start our 4 day trip to Chicago! Guide71147

Rene Cantu 2023

Historic Treasures of Chicago’s Golden Age, June 2023

Walking tour along Michigan Avenue and over to State Street just sailed by. Tour is 2 hours of walking, but our guide, René, was great. He made it fun and informative. So many interesting stories involving the buildings in Chicago. Lots of architectural details plus great stories of the powerful men (mostly) who helped shape Chicago. Highly recommended! Shawncago Chicago, Illinois

Tom Carmichael 2007

River Cruise, June 2023

This boat tour is always spectacularly good. This time it was even more so than usual, thanks to the exceptional guide, Tom. His expertise, poise, timing, and good humor all contributed to a wonderful experience. Kenneth S

Kathleen Carpenter 2006

River Cruise, June 2023

Casey’s Top Ten Architectural tour was fantastic. Extremely knowledgeable and many interesting extra tidbits she knew from living in Chicago her whole life. Mary Q

Leslie Clark Lewis 2009

River Cruise, June 2023

Leslie was an amazing tour guide. Very knowledgeable. Tour was amazing. Definitely recommend if in downtown Chicago and love architecture. Anthony R

Alice Daniele 2019

River Cruise, May 2023

We have taken this cruise now three times with various friends who have visited Chicago. I think this may have been the best one! Alice was terrific – very knowledgeable and thorough. We all gained a lot of knowledge and really enjoyed ourselves. I highly recommend it. CfBk77 Indianapolis, IN

Rebecca Dixon 2003

River Cruise, June 2023

This is a top-notch, not to be missed experience in the Windy City! Our docent Rebecca was engaging, entertaining and had deep knowledge and familiarity with the information she shared with the tour. Thoroughly enjoyable activity! Jim D Birmingham, United States

David Ferguson 2020

Elevated Architecture Tour, June 2023

David was great and very knowledgeable! We are Chicago residents and learned things we didn’t know. A great way to see the city! Maryrachel D

Kent Foutty 2009

River Cruise, May 2023

10 stars if I could! Kent was our Architectural guide and his knowledge was unbelievable. We have done these tours before but this was easily the best we’ve ever been on. Lucky for us the weather was on our side and we got to see Chicago in all its magnificent beauty.  Pioneer22132334892

Wayne Galasek 2005

River Cruise, June 2023

Superb tour. My docent Wayne was outstanding in every respect. Engaging well paced David J

Steve Gersten 2003

River Cruise, June 2023

Steve, the volunteer docent, was great! He really shared a wealth of knowledge and made it very enjoyable. Mark D

Priscilla Gil 2019

River Cruise, June 2023

Great architecture with a great guide! Consider yourself lucky if you get Priscilla! If the sun is too much there is nice AC spots below where you can still hear the guide and get drinks at the same time. Fearless58273179840

Steve Haddad 

River Cruise, June 2023

We’ve been on at least 10-12 cruises over the last 15 years and docent STEVE was THE best we have ever heard. His narrative was well organized, flawlessly delivered, and full of a wonderful blend of Chicago history and architecture, as well as how architecture reflects the time period in which it was designed and built. Steve is a great teacher! Any future cruises – we’ll try to schedule when he’s docenting. Virginia H Chicago, IL

Mary Jo Hoag 2007

River Cruise, June 2023

I thoroughly recommend this tour. Mary, the volunteer docent, was beyond informative. Clearly knew her stuff and passionate about her subject. I learnt so much about architectural styles, engineering solutions to building skyscrapers in Chicago and also about the city itself. All delivered in an amusing and accessible way. A great introduction to Chicago which made me appreciate it all the more, walking around afterwards. If you only have limited time in the city, this is an excellent introduction and time well spent. Catherine M

Brent Hoffmann 2005

Must-See Chicago

May 2023, Brett was an excellent guide – funny and knowledgeable! The pace was brisk but leisurely. A++ high rec. Stephanie

Julie Jacobson 2017

Historic Treasures of Chicago’s Golden Age, June 2023

Julie was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. We learned so much about the architecture of Chicago from 1872 to the late 1920’s! She didn’t mind our many questions, and they didn’t throw her off from all that she wanted us to see. Would highly recommend! Gretchen H Pennsylvania

Wayne Johnson 2016

River Cruise, June 2023

I was in town on business, and this has been something I have been wanting to do for a long time! I have only visited Chicago in the winter previously, so no boat tours on a frozen river. 

It was everything I hoped it would be! Wayne was our docent/guide, and he was fantastic! The views are beautiful, the architecture stunning, the history interesting, and the sunshine fabulous. Thank you for an experience I won’t soon forget! Valerie E

Judith Kaufman 2010

River Cruise, May 2023

Great tour and Judith was a knowledgeable and fun docent. A highlight of our trip to Chicago! It made me appreciate Chicago’s history and beauty even more. Karen H

Sann Knipple 2023

River Cruise, June 2023

Great tour of Chicago architecture and history. Our docent Sann did a fabulous job explaining the technical solutions and the evolving styles! Highly recommended.  Mark Claremont, CA

Greg Lowe 2019

Discover Chinatown, June 2023

Our Explore Chinatown tour led by Greg was so wonderful! We loved his balance between architectural facts and historical references, while still tying in the huge influence from the communities within. His style made it a lot more interesting and personable. Can’t wait to try another tour soon! Julio R

Kelly Manteck 2020

River Cruise, June 2023

The tour was very interesting-I was so impressed with our tour guide Kelly who spouted so many names and dates I don’t know how she kept them all straight! She has a clear love and understanding of the city that made the tour extra special. You can really tell when someone loves and knows their subject and she does, making for a fascinating and enjoyable tour. Highly recommend! Trish B

Jennifer McAllister 2004

Chicago Icons, June 2023

Jennifer is a great, knowledgeable, enthusiastic docent who opened our eyes to appreciating things we had seen and not fully appreciated. prbraun Nahariya, Israel

Burt Michaels 2019

Historic Treasures of Chicago’s Golden Age, April 2023

Such an amazing tour! Our guide was Burt and we thoroughly enjoyed him. We learned so much about the city/historic buildings. We never (on our own) gone into most of these buildings, and we truly would have missed out. The cultural building Tiffany dome was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. Highly recommend! Jaime D Ojai, C

Patricia O’Connor 2020

River Cruise, May 2023

Patricia was amazing. She gave a wonderful tour. She was very well informed .Highly recommend this architecture cruise. Ruchi D

Mark Purdome 2019

River Cruise, June 2023

Mark knew it all! His presentation illuminated all the wonders of Chicago architecture and gave us a deeper appreciation of the city’s rich architectural heritage. Don’t miss this when you visit Chicago! James L

Steven Redfield 2019

Sheffield Historic District, June 2023

Steve, our docent was fabulous. Workman’s cottages, private homes and seminary buildings just off the Fullerton El stop bethgabriel92 Las Vegas, NV

Susan Robertson 2009

Art Deco Skyscrapers Riverfront, June 2023

Susan was a wonderful docent. Very knowledgeable and had a clear passion for the city and its buildings. My boyfriend and I live in Chicago and she pointed out features we have never noticed before. Highly recommend! Tesa Kay Antioch, IL

Mitch Rosenfeld 2016

Art Deco Skyscrapers Riverfront, April 2023,

Mitch was our tour guide and he was awesome — both extremely knowledgeable and also very kind and considerate (one person in our party had an injury). We’re from Chicago and we walk by these buildings all the time but have never been inside the gorgeous lobbies. Even if we happened to go inside one of the buildings, we would never notice all of the cool details that Mitch pointed out. He also did a nice job of explaining the historical context of what we saw. It was fun to end the tour at the Merchandise Mart where we bought a take-out lunch and ate in a riverside area with a nice set of outdoor tables. Celia D IL

Marcia Ross 1994

River Cruise, June 2023

Find out when Marcia works…go with her! EXCELLENT, we’ll timed presentation. 5:30P. June 19. Sunny day. Marcia, as our volunteer-docent. Karen K

Alison Schlickman 2015

River Cruise, May 2023

Absolutely loved the river tour! Our docent Alison was extremely knowledgeable about Chicago’s architecture. Really enjoyed her engaging stories and corny jokes. Highly recommend Chicago Architecture Center tours whether you are from Chicago or visiting our beautiful city. Hopefully you’ll be fortunate to get Alison as your guide! Renae M

John Schneider 2017

River Cruise, June 2023

Excellent tour and adventure through the Chicago River, history and architecture. John did a great job and enjoyable! TraveleRGuy Chicago, IL

Russ Seward 2005

River Cruise, May 2023

I am glad I did my research before choosing which architecture cruise to take. This one came highly recommended and it did not disappoint. Our guide, Russ, was very knowledgeable both about the city itself and its architecture. Ed B Goderich, Canada

Matt Sheffer 2019

Historic Treasures of Chicago’s Golden Age, May 2023

A wonderful, informative, engaging and entertaining tour of some of the treasures of Chicago architecture. Matt was a great guide, highly motivated, articulate, knowledgeable, informed and clearly passionate about the topic. I would definitely recommend it. Filip

Robin Simon 1997

Art Deco Skyscrapers Riverfront, Jun 2023

The real star of the show was our guide, Robin. She was amazing, and really knew her stuff. While she had her cards, it felt like most of her information came from her brain, and she was able to field questions that weren’t referenced on the cards, which was really impressive, and showed a dedication to the subject matter. She also had a great sense of humor, and I really appreciated how much of a Chicagoan she is. It’s unfortunate that you can’t choose your guide, because she was great. It was my first tour, and the fact that she was so good, gives me confidence that the rest of the tour guides are just as good, so I’m excited about my next tour. I actually purchased a membership on a whim before I signed up for this, and already I can tell it was money well spent. Allen Thornton Chicago, IL

Ronnie Jo Sokol 2006

River Cruise, May 2023

This is one of the most interesting and informative things I’ve ever done in Chicago – HIGHLY recommend!!!! We had always intended to take this tour, but never got around to it on previous trips to Chicago. I’m so glad we finally did the boat tour, and that we had Ronnie as our docent. She really brought the architecture to life, and I’ll see Chicago differently from now on. I can’t think of any way this tour, or Ronnie’s part in it, could be improved! mark s Lexington, KY

Tom Stelmack 2017

River Cruise, June 2023

Excellent experience, definitely a must-do for anyone visiting the beautiful city of Chicago. Tom and the crew were amazing and I would definitely recommend them to anyone who wants to learn about the architectural scene in Chicago. Aris V

John Tielsch 2015

River Cruise, June 2023

We took the tour in June and highly recommend. Our docent, John, was extremely knowledgeable and provided excellent details about the buildings and the history or the area. The weather was gorgeous and we enjoyed a bit of the Architecture Center after the tour as well as a walk on the River Walk. This is a must do tour! Bonnie F

Paula Tironi 2023

Historic Treasures of Chicago’s Golden Age, June 2023

Fantastic tour, and Paula was an excellent guide. Chicago has such gorgeous architecture, and to see it with a knowledgeable guide was very interesting. I know the Chicago Architecture Center has many other tours. I look forward to taking more on my next visit. Eurogirl55 San Francisco, CA

Lindy Trigg 2003

River Cruise, June 2023

To say the staff was extremely friendly and welcoming would be an understatement! Lindy was our tour guide and she really got to know everyone in the groups aboard so when she got to certain points in her tour, she was able to connect with people personally. It was a really excellent experience. Would absolutely do it again with more people! lbgeiger2018 Silver Spring, MD

Janet Volk 2019

Uptown, June 2023

Janet was a fun and knowledgeable tour guide for our uptown walking tour. We enjoyed learning about the history of our neighborhood buildings and how it has evolved over time. Highly recommend! Lexi J

Barbara Weiner 2011

A Walk through Time, June 2023

We lucked out and were the only two signed up for our particular time slot. Barbara, our docent, was terrific! She certainly knows Chicago architecture. She had answers to all our on and off topic questions, and we especially enjoyed trips inside certain buildings to show off the beautiful details and discuss historical importance. Having done one of the architecture boat tours, I can say this walking tour provides a more intimate experience. You won’t regret it! Ray H

Gary Wenzel 2016

River Cruise, June 2023

I have been on a few architectural tours, but this by far was the best one yet! Gary was Docent (tour guide), and he was awesome! He was knowledgeable about the history of Chicago, entertaining and interactive. He was a lot of fun! The tour lasted an hour and a half, but we were having so much fun, the time flew by and it was done before we knew it. We learned so much about the buildings in Chicago and its history. It was truly a remarkable experience! Michele G

Joan Winstein 2012

River Cruise, May 2023

This is an excellent and informative tour. Really showcases the history and beauty of Chicago’s world class architecture. Joan W. Is a stellar tour guide. Tany

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