I've been to a few of those Chicago meetups. Hosted a couple and been to a few others out here in the Mid Atlantic. From what I've seen out of SoCal, NE, St Louis and other locals, I think they all match up pretty damn well, and the effort that goes into each one deserves the same level of respect. The traveling banner has members signatures from all over on it. Not sure it's ever been to Chicago. Maybe it's time.
Nothing against the big daddy, but in my opinion the best meetup is the next one - wherever you are.
Marty