I was going over possible routes with a good friend that lived in Chicago for 15 years and still drives that way a lot and she said while it may be 'quicker', it's more stress due to the traffic. Best time to go through that area is around 2:00am.
On my way back I might take that way and try and save some time since it's going to be a loooooong day. I'm taking her I-pass just in case....
I'm leaving Thursday after work-- not sure exactly when. Going to get 3 hours in and then stay somewhere. Going to play it kind of loose on the way down.