May of 2006: Mayor Daley and Chicago official meet with the U.S. Olympic Committee to talk about the bid.
July of 2006: The USOC narrows the competitors down to Chicago, L.A. and San Francisco. In November, San Francisco would drop out, leaving just two U.S. competitors.
In September 2006, the bid committee announces its plans to put a temporary Olympic stadium in Washington Park.
January 2007: The committee announces the creation of World Sport Chicago, aimed at attracting amateur sports to Chicago.
In April, 2007, the U.S. Olympic Committee picks Chicago over L.A. to bid for the Games.
In September, Chicago officially submits its bid to the International Olympic Committee.
In June 2008, the field narrows: Chicago is picked as a finalist along with Rio, Tokyo, and Madrid.
August of 2008, the Beijing Summer Games: Mayor Daley and bid committee are there for a first-hand look.
And this year, in February, Chicago sends off its bid book.
In April, a visit from the IOC: They get a first-hand look at Chicago's Olympic plans
And, Friday morning, a final chance to impress: Chicago presented to the people who make the final vote.