I've got to be in the Kankakee area for ten days starting next week.  I understand that area is pretty rough, but I can drive into work every day from somewhere within 30 miles or so.  Any suggestions on where I should stay?  I'm flying into O'Hare and getting a rental car, just don't know the area well enough to feel confident about where I pick a hotel.

Thanks!

Holiday Inn next to bestbuy in Bourbonnais..there are a few other hotels nearby it if your prefer a different chain...probably the "nicest" part of town

I stayed there the night before my wedding...I live near Champaign

Grew up in bradley/bourbonnasi/kankakee area.  The hotels around the northfield square mall are your best bet.  Also want good beer go to the Hoppy Pig which is right down fifty.  
Just stay out of Kankakee and youll be fine trust me.   There is nothing to do in the area though.........  At all........... Im sorry you have to be there for 10 days.  Let know if you want to know anything.  lived there for 18 years.

Thanks, I'll book a hotel up around that area.

I'm assuming if I find a gym for the ten days that I should be able to find one that won't get me shot for looking white in the wrong area?