Directions to "Navy Boot Camp" - RTC, Great Lakes, IL

Location of Recruit Training Command

Naval Station (NAVSTA) Great Lakes and Recruit Training Command (RTC) are located approximately 35 miles north of Chicago, in the far northeastern corner of Illinois. The Wisconsin state line is approximately 16 miles north of NAVSTA/RTC.

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Naval Station Great Lakes, is home to the U.S. Navy's only Recruit Training Command. NAVSTA Great Lakes is also home to 19 of the Navy's technical service schools. Since its founding in 1911, the Naval Station has prepared men and women for duty in Naval service.

From the south (Chicago):

Take the Kennedy expressway I-90/I-94 WEST, towards Wisconsin. At the I-90/I-94 split. Stay to the right and take the Edens Expressway I-94 NORTH towards Wisconsin. Take Exit 29 (left) for US 41 NORTH for approximately 12 miles. Turn right on Buckley Road (IL 137 EAST). Continue on Buckley Road to Ohio Street. (approx. 1.6 miles) Turn right before going under the Metra Train tracks and follow the arrows through the main gate. The entrance to Recruit Training Command is directly across from the Metra station.

From the north (Wisconsin):

Take I-94 SOUTH. Exit (left) for US 41 SOUTH just beyond the Wisconsin/Illinois border. Continue south on Route 41 for approximately 15 miles. Turn left on Buckley Road (IL 137 EAST). Continue on Buckley Road to Ohio Street. (approx. 1.6 miles) Turn right before going under the Metra Train tracks and follow the arrows through the main gate. The entrance to Recruit Training Command is directly across from the Metra station.

(Admin footnote: The directions that you find on the RTC website are currently out of date. The directions you see above are correct. The entrance has been moved to across from the Metra Station on Ohio Street.)

 

Please note:

All visitors are required to have a valid vehicle gate pass prior to entering the base. If you are attending graduation, your vehicle gate pass must be downloaded from the "Upcoming Graduations" list.

The direct link is: http://bootcamp.navy.mil/upcoming_grads.asp. The vehicle gate pass will be available beginning 11 days prior to your graduation date. A password is required that your recruit provided in a form letter sent home during the first week of training. All other guests must first visit the Pass and ID office (building 6130) located at the main gate for Naval Station Great Lakes. Continue on Buckley Road past the entrance to RTC. Travel under the Metra rail overpass and turn right onto Sheridan Road. The Pass and ID office is located approximately 0.2 mile ahead at the next light, just north of the main gate.