Some of us have an emergency restroom map of Chicago memorized. For example, the basement of Macy’s is a good bet if you’re in a pinch in the Loop. Chicago parks and libraries also offer a spot to stop when nature calls, and Ogilvie has serviceable restrooms too.

These kinds of lists are essential, especially if you’re pregnant or have young children. Somebody always has to go.

But public bathrooms outside parks and libraries are few and far between, unlike in many major cities in Europe where you can get access to a public toilet for a small fee. A 2021 Chicago Tribune investigation found that fewer than 500 buildings within Chicago’s city limits have free, publicly operated restrooms accessible to the public.

That’s changing come 2026. Chicago’s first free, “self-cleaning” pub

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