trip to Pequot, Mn.

[JimT]

Based on the advise from my trucking GPS app and some travel through that corridor, I'd run i-80 to 76 to 71 to US 30 back to 80. Then, depending on time of day and flexability in your schedule maybe take 80 out to I-39 then up to 90. A little longer but less tolls and less traffic stress. Otherwise, yeah, through chicago area. All the trips through that corridor and I've only run the ohio and indiana toll roads 2 or 3 times. US 30 is about 30 minutes longer than the toll road (but it saves you at least $100) and the detour across 80 to 39 I only did once, but I think it was less than an hour (based on estimated speed limit travel) difference which depending on time of day might be a wash.

Just my opinions. Only been through that area a couple dozen times so I'm far from an expert.

Also, try to plan you stops such that you don't have to look for parking around the chicago area. There's a relatively quiet truck stop on US 30 in Grovertown, IN. I've always found space to park there, though never actually gone inside the building. North of the chicago area is hard to find parking until you get out around Janesville, WI or beyond. At least that's been my experience.