Due to Chicago’s popularity, many highly acclaimed industries have found their home in this Midwestern metropolis. With so many companies headquartered in the Windy City, the job market remains steady and competitive relative to many locations throughout the US. You’ll find every size of workplace, from small, locally-owned businesses all the way to international Fortune 500 companies. Whether you work as a creative writer or a financial consultant, all types of jobs open up here on a regular basis.
Recently graduated and trying to get your foot in the door? Looking to switch up your current career path? Read on for our list of the best companies headquartered in Chicago.
If you’re planning on relocating to Chicago for work or want to live closer to your office, reach out to AptAmigo. With local experts and access to the best deals on the market, you’ll find the apartment that’s perfect for you.
The Best Companies Headquartered in Chicago
McDonald’s
Located: 110 N Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60607
McDonald’s is known worldwide for its speedy service and mouth-watering Big Macs. Founded by Richard and Maurice McDonald, the restaurant chain’s humble beginnings started in 1940 in San Bernardino, California. However, the corporate headquarters eventually settled for a second time in the Windy City.
Once located in Chicago, from 1955 through 1971, McDonald’s made its official move back to the Midwest in 2018. But this time, they attached an exciting new development to their corporate office: a global restaurant located at the ground level of the building. Featuring regional McDonald’s selections from around the world, you can try a taste of any country’s local menu items at this one location. Check out Hong Kong’s breakfast sandwich, France’s salads, and Italy’s McFlurry all in one visit. The company refers to this addition as the “McDonald’s Experience of the Future,” which speaks to the obvious growth and wealth of opportunity found there.
Northern Trust
Located: 181 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60602
Founded by Byron Laflin Smith in a tiny downtown Chicago office in 1889, Northern Trust has become a well-known name in the financial service industry. It is not only one of the oldest banking institutions in continuous operation, but also one of the biggest in the United States to date. With a focus on institutional investors, high net worth individuals, and corporations, Northern Trust’s dedication to wealth management landed them the 2024 Fortune Magazine “World’s Most Admired Company” spot. If a company like this one can survive the Great Depression, they can definitely survive anything else that gets thrown their way. Finding a career path through Northern Trust would be worth its weight in gold.
Allstate
Located: 2775 Sanders Rd. Northbrook, IL 60062
Since 1967, the Allstate headquarters has been located just north of the city in a town called Glenview, but it still uses its established Northbrook, IL address. We all know the insurance company’s slogan, “You’re in good hands,” however, coming in 65th in the 2026 “Fortune 500” list drives that sentiment home. This steadfast insurance company has continued to grow since its humble beginnings in 1931, even expanding into other countries, such as Ireland, Canada, and India. Because cars, homes, and rentals will always require insurance, securing employment with Allstate will provide you with a stable and enriching career path.
Conagra Brands
Located: 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza Chicago, IL 60654
Frank Little and Alva Kinney founded Conagra Brands in 1919. The company manufactures various food products and sells them to restaurants, supermarkets, and establishments across the country. They produce many familiar brand names, including Gardein, Orville Redenbacher’s, Udi’s, Slim Jim, and Duncan Hines. While originally starting in Nebraska, this company opened its Chicago headquarters in 2015. With a range of career options, from marketing to merchandising to manufacturing, Conagra Brands advertises a variety of job opportunities.
Related: 10 Insider Tips to Find Your Dream Chicago Apartment
AptAmigo
Located: 171 N Aberdeen St #400, Chicago, IL 60607
Founded in 2015, AptAmigo brings transparency and honesty to the traditional apartment broker industry. Dan Willenborg, co-founder and CEO, set out to offer a full-service apartment locating agency that takes all of the stress out of hunting for your dream space. With its roots in Chicago, AptAmigo has since expanded to many cities across the US.
AptAmigo hires for a variety of job openings on a rolling basis. With positions in marketing, operations, and sales, plenty of opportunities to work within this start-up pop up all the time. AptAmigo boasts a positive, welcoming environment with supportive coworkers willing to lend a hand whenever they can.
Find Your Dream Chicago Apartment
There you have it, the best companies headquartered in Chicago. Whether you plan to move to Chicago for a new job or seek an apartment close to your office, AptAmigo can help. Reach out, and we’ll pair you with one of our apartment experts who will help you find the perfect home. The best part? It’s 100% free!
Learn more about how to find an apartment in Chicago.
* The original version of this article was first published on November 17, 2020.
Rebecca is a freelance writer over a decade of journalism experience. She graduated with a BA in Communications and a minor in journalism. She currently bartends in downtown Chicago and spends her free time exploring the city and making connections.
