631, You know the I-Pass tolls are half the manual tolls?? Plus you don't have to slow down to get through them. Once you get one you'll like it IMO.
Think of Chicago as a portage. Slower and a pain, but not really as long as it seems. It's all your state of mind. Sometimes traffic seems to creep forever. But if you stop to eat and relax, it's moving again and you're on your way.
Enjoy your return trip. North shore of the big lake is longer but good. It'll extend your post tripping mood a bit too.