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Season 2 Episode 6

Where was the city’s “Towertown” located? What freak disaster happened on the lakefront in 1954? Geoffrey Baer and TikTok historian Shermann “Dilla” put Chicagoans’ local knowledge to the test on The Great Chicago Quiz Show.

Season 2 Episodes

Season 2 Episode 1

On the season two premiere of The Great Chicago Quiz Show, Geoffrey Baer puts contestants from across Chicago to the test. TikTok historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas joins Geoffrey to ask contestants things like, what does the oldest public monument in Chicago commemorate? And what street is known as “The Mexican Magnificent Mile?”

Season 2 Episode 2

Geoffrey Baer and TikTok historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas return to test local Chicagoans on their knowledge of local history, culture, and more. Contestants are faced with questions such as, what colorful business got its start in Chicago? Before beginning a 20-year Hall of Fame baseball career, what did "Mr. Cub" Ernie Banks do?

Season 2 Episode 3

What was the rock band Chicago’s original name, and what’s the deal with “Alphabet Towns?” Geoffrey Baer and TikTok historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas put Chicagoans to the test on this episode of The Great Chicago Quiz Show.

Season 2 Episode 4

Geoffrey Baer hosts The Great Chicago Quiz Show. Joined by TikTok historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas, Geoffrey tests Chicagoans on topics like how Billy Goat Tavern got its name and what Chicago restaurant is the birthplace of deep dish.

Season 2 Episode 5

Geoffrey Baer and special guest and TikTok historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas quiz local Chicagoans in The Great Chicago Quiz Show. They ask questions like, what ingredients make up mild sauce? And where was the city’s very own downhill ski resort once located?

Season 2 Episode 6

Where was the city’s “Towertown” located? What freak disaster happened on the lakefront in 1954? Geoffrey Baer and TikTok historian Shermann “Dilla” put Chicagoans’ local knowledge to the test on The Great Chicago Quiz Show.

Season 2 Trivia Explainers - Spoiler Alert! These videos reveal quiz answers!

Where was Chicago's Towertown?

There was once an area of Chicago called “Towertown,” a bohemian enclave that attracted artists, radicals, and gays and lesbians. Where was it located? Geoffrey Baer has the answer.

"Spider Dan" and the Sears Tower

“Spider-Dan” Goodwin made international headlines in 1981, when he climbed up the outside of Sears Tower. Why did he say he did it? Geoffrey Baer explains.

Thunder Mountain

Chicago once had a downhill ski resort within city limits. Geoffrey Baer explains what stands in its place.

Allan Pinkerton's Famous Phrase

What term was inspired by detective Allan Pinkerton, who lived in suburban West Dundee?

Stealing Chicago

When Congress was considering Illinois' bid for statehood in 1818, the territory's congressional delegate made an 11th hour change to the application. Geoffrey Baer explains what that change was.

Chicago Tribune Scoops

The Chicago Tribune scored some of the great scoops in newspaper history. Geoffrey Baer explains which big events in American history the paper reported first.

Annie Turnbo Malone’s Business Success

Annie Turnbo Malone was Chicago’s, and arguably the nation’s, first female African-American millionaire. What was the source of Malone’s fortune? Geoffrey Baer explains.

What is Dr. Benjamin Rush Known For?

Chicago's first medical school, Rush University Medical Center, was named in honor of Dr. Benjamin Rush. What else did Rush do? Geoffrey Baer explains.

Who was Benito Juarez?

Geoffrey Baer explains the backstory of Benito Juarez, for whom Pilsen’s Benito Juarez Community Academy is named.

The Breakthrough at Riverbank Laboratories

Scientists at Riverbank Laboratories in Geneva, Illinois, were hired to research some far-fetched theories. But their work eventually led to what breakthrough? Geoffrey Baer explains.

Alliterative Alphabet Towns

Geoffrey Baer explains the origins of Chicago’s so-called “Alphabet towns,” including the city’s “K-Town.”

William Wrigley Jr.’s Original Business Venture

William Wrigley Jr. never intended to get into the chewing gum business. He started out offering free packs of gum as an added incentive to boost his sales of what? Geoffrey Baer explains.

Season 1 Episodes

Season 1 Episode 1

Geoffrey Baer puts contestants from across Chicago to the test as they contemplate all things Chicago. Meet contestants from all over, including a high school student in Lakeview, a Hollywood producer, a South Side father, a sports radio host, and more.

Season 1 Episode 2

Geoffrey Baer puts contestants from across Chicago to the test by asking if they know: the Chicago alphabet, what a bread shortage in Puerto Rico has to do with a Chicago delicacy, and what Abe Lincoln did in his spare time.

Season 1 Episode 3

Geoffrey Baer puts contestants from across Chicago to the test. In this episode, we serve up Chicago by the slice, actually, a lot of slices. We chase down a runaway baby buggy and we go shopping for mysteries at the mall.

Season 1 Episode 4

Geoffrey Baer puts contestants from across Chicago to the test as they contemplate all things Chicago. In this episode, we ask: where's the station to board the "Soul Train"? We look for the Jewels in Chicago's crown, and we dig up some dirt in a backroom deal.

Season 1 Trivia Explainers - Spoiler Alert! These videos reveal quiz answers!

Walking The Stroll in Bronzeville

What was the nickname of the entertainment district along South State Street during the heyday of Bronzeville as “The Black Metropolis?” Geoffrey Baer explains.
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The Queen's Gift

What gift did Queen Victoria send Chicago after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871? Geoffrey Baer explains.

The Father of Gospel Music

Songwriter Thomas A. Dorsey created the first gospel choir while working as the music director for which Chicago church? Geoffrey Baer explains.
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El Arquitecto

What gift did Queen Victoria send Chicago after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871? Geoffrey Baer explains.

Chicago’s First Pride Parade

How did the Chicago Pride Parade get its start? Geoffrey Baer has the answer.

Illuminating the 1933 World's Fair

Who flipped the switch that started the 1933 World’s Fair? Geoffrey Baer explains.

Radioactivity in Red Gate Woods

Geoffrey Baer explains how traces of the world’s first nuclear reactor can be found at Red Gate Woods.

Searching for Bud Billiken

With a huge parage and picnic in his honor, Bud Billiken is a household name in Chicago. But who was Bud Billiken? Geoffrey Baer explains.

The Origin of the Jibarito

Geoffrey Baer explains the origins of the jibarito, a sandwich craze that got its start in Chicago.

How the Twinkie Got Its Flavor

The Twinkie was once filled with banana cream, but it eventually switched to a vanilla filling. Geoffrey Baer explains.

Welcome to Ford City

The building that houses Ford City Mall near Midway Airport was originally built for another purpose. Geoffrey Baer explains.
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What Happened to the First Ferris Wheel?

After the Ferris Wheel debuted at the 1893 World’s Fair, where did it go next? Geoffrey Baer explains.

Behind the Scenes Extra

Behind the Scenes of The Great Chicago Quiz Show

Get a behind-the-scenes look at how The Great Chicago Quiz Show came together.