I am not seeing much talk regarding the Chicago programs. I have a particular interest in Chicago and wonder what the thoughts are out there about its academic programs: U of Chicago, Northwestern, Rush, Loyola, and U of Illinois.
I'd recommend checking out last year's forums as there was extensive discussion regarding most, if not all, the Chicago programs. I don't think much would have changed in the interim.
It's amazing to read about the rejections. When I was applying in 1998, programs were begging me to look at them. They were paying for my flights, hotel, and some kicking in a $30,000 signing bonus paid over 3 years. But you know, if the programs are sending rejections, they are telling you that you probably won't fit in with "their" kind of people. At least you won't have to waste your money and time at a program you will probably hate.