Skipping I90 Chicago route going from MA to SD

[#1]

After a few PM exchanges and reading some posts here, I am planning the route to South Dakota from Mass. I am choosing to skip I90 at Chicago Metro all together (just because of experience with Boston I90 and routes 84 & 91 going in or out of Hartford CT).

From those who travel alot in this Western route, can you tell me how far out should I stay away from Chicago and the area?

I'd rather add a few miles and time and keep moving than sitting in gridlock.


Any good advise where it makes sense to do so?


Thanks
Normy

[Fleet_Man]

Have you considered avoiding the Chicago area completely and route yourself through Michigan, the UP and west to SD?