Hey Chicago is reader-supported.
Some links on heychicago.us may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them.
This page explains exactly how that works—and what it means for you.
What Affiliate Links Mean
If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase:
- You do not pay anything extra
- We may earn a small commission
- Your support helps fund our work
Affiliate income helps cover:
- Research and fact-checking
- Photography and content creation
- Website maintenance
- Community engagement
Our Affiliate Philosophy
We do not recommend products, services, tours, or experiences just because they pay well.
We only feature affiliate links when:
- The product or service is relevant to the article
- It aligns with what our team would personally recommend
- It reflects feedback and approval from our community
If we wouldn’t suggest it to a friend visiting or living in Chicago, it doesn’t belong on Hey Chicago.
What We Won’t Promote
We will not:
- Promote low-quality products
- Push services we don’t trust
- Accept payment for positive coverage
- Hide affiliate relationships
Even if an affiliate program offers high commissions, it doesn’t automatically earn our endorsement.
Are All Links Affiliate Links?
No. Not every link on Hey Chicago is an affiliate link.
However, for transparency and compliance, it’s safest to assume that some product, service, or booking links may be monetized, especially when they lead to external platforms.
Sponsored Content
If content is sponsored:
- It will be clearly labeled
- Opinions remain honest and editorially independent
- Sponsorship does not guarantee positive coverage
We retain full control over what we publish.
Final Note
Affiliate links help keep Hey Chicago free, independent, and community-driven—but they never override our integrity.
Our priority will always be:
Honest information > reader trust > long-term credibility
If you have any questions about this disclosure, feel free to contact us through heychicago.us.
— The Hey Chicago Team