International Mr. Leather (IML) 2026

The world's premier leather and kink competition — a Chicago institution since 1979.

LGBTQ+ Event

Book Flights ✈️ Getting There ↓ Where to Stay ↓

Event Overview

About This Event

The world's premier leather/kink competition and gathering. Thousands descend on Chicago's Andersonville and Boystown for the IML weekend — the contest, market, parties, and the legendary Black & Blue Ball.

International Mr. Leather (IML) is the preeminent leather competition in the world and one of Chicago's most storied annual events. Started in 1979, IML has grown from a small Chicago contest into a global destination event, attracting leatherfolk from every continent. The weekend centers on the Saturday night competition, followed by the legendary Black & Blue Ball.

What to Expect

IML Competition — Saturday night main eventBlack & Blue Ball — legendary leather partyIML Market — leather goods, gear, and communityIML Run (5K) — Saturday morning traditionBlack Tie Dance — official Saturday dance eventClub night events across Boystown venues

Nightlife

Gay Nightlife & Venues

Chicago's leather scene is concentrated in Boystown (Northalsted) and Andersonville. Steamworks Chicago (a large adult bathhouse) is the unofficial headquarters of IML weekend. Other key venues include Jackhammer (complex with multiple rooms and themes), Berlin (mixed LGBTQ+ club), and Roscoe's (legendary Boystown bar).

Travel

Getting There

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) — 18 miles from Boystown. Chicago Midway (MDW) — 12 miles. CTA L train from O'Hare (Blue Line) runs 24/7 and connects directly to the Red Line to Addison or Belmont in Boystown. A Ventra transit card ($5) covers trains and buses.

Accommodations

Where to Stay

The Hyatt Regency Chicago is the official host hotel. Other gay-friendly options in Boystown/Northalsted include the City Suites Hotel (classic gay boutique hotel), Hotel Lincoln (JDH Hotels group, gay-friendly), and numerous Airbnbs throughout the neighborhood.

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