This was probably one of the best tours I've been on, and my fiancé (who has very high standards about these things) agrees. We booked a tour for Saturday at 2 pm. There were some technical difficulties and the TV system on the bus ended up not working. Mr. Frank Calabrese Jr was very professional and good-humored about the situation. He offered everyone on the bus the opportunity to come back free of charge so that we may have the full experience with the photos he had been intending to show us. He proceeded to do the tour without the presentation, which honestly was great in itself. He is a very good story-teller, and had a great narrative. He had notes with him but only referenced them a few times to make sure he wasn't forgetting anything. Everything was super authentic and off the cuff. I loved that we went around Chicago and we were able to get glimpses of how the city was like in the 60s-90s. What made this tour so great was that these stories were first-hand. It didn't come from someone who spent hours studying the history; this was his real life. He was very genuine about his experiences, and his anecdote about his kids at the very end of the tour made me tear up a bit. He even invited us to stay for happy hour at the Chop House to have a drink with him to talk. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone, regardless of whether you know the mob history or not. I personally didn't know too much, and still was captivated by his stories. He does have a book (which I definitely intend to read) and a movie in the works! read more

I'm a huge fan of true crime and Chicago history, so I'm surprised to say that this was my first crime tour ever. But everything happens for a reason, and it seems that reason was that I was meant to wait until the perfect one came along -- that, my friends, happened to be the Family Secrets Tour. I met Mr. Calabrese Jr. weeks ago when he presented some of his intriguing life stories at an event at Chicago Chop House, and I knew that evening that I had to book and experience the real deal, aka his bus tours. My friend and I booked a tour for a Friday afternoon recently that started at 2pm, and though there was a bit of a delay because our bus's TV monitors weren't working, Mr. Calabrese Jr. smoothly filled the time with some behind-the-scenes stories he said he usually doesn't share on the tour. I was hooked immediately. To be honest, before this tour, I had no idea the stories his family was involved in were so high-profile (I even talked to my family afterward, and they ALL knew every detail and were mad I didn't invite them! Sorry family!). But even while he showed us news clips, a lot of photos, and told all of his stories, he remained modest, which made the entire experience endearing. Mr. Calabrese Jr. is super charismatic and a great storyteller, and you can tell he genuinely loves telling his story and showing everyone around the neighborhoods where he grew up, and where big moments happened in history to people who were in "the life." I truly enjoyed this tour and I recommend it for anyone who wants an real, honest, non-theatrical recap of Chicago's mob history. The Family Secrets Tour is engaging and delightful. Thank you so much for captivating us, Frank! Can't wait to bring my family along some time! read more

As a big mobster fan, this tour by Frank Calabrese Jr. was fantastic! As the biggest mobster turncoat of present day, Frank has great insight into the world of the modern day mafia in Chicago. On his tour, he guides you through downtown Chicago providing great details about how the Chicago mob operated, past and present, while sprinkling in real stories about his time works as an enforcer in his fathers' Chinatown crew. Well worth the time and money. This is a great tour for anyone looking to find out about modern mobster trivia in Chicago. read more

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If you are looking for a one of a kind tour from someone who lived it rather than an actor this tour is for you. Frank Jr. talked about his childhood, his youth, and present day. He had pictures on tv monitors in the bus to give a full idea of the people he was talking about. At the beginning of the tour there were some technical difficulties so Frank just kind of told us events from his life and answered questions. This was probably my favorite part. He's a very personable guy...and really does a great job serving as the tour guide. I don't want to ruin the entire tour for you, so just go on it. If you are from Chicago take this tour, it's not a tourist gimmick. I learned more than I expected to about this city. He has a book out about his life story. I haven't read it but will definitely check it out after this tour. Ps- take the tour before the movie comes out read more

My wife recently took her family on the Family Secrets Tour, when they were in town. I was not able to attend then. She raved about how great the tour was and I HAD to do it. I scheduled a private 1 on 1 tour with Frank. Frank took me to different places in Chicago that he used to own/run and told stories of his life. Truly an interesting life he lived! Frank is genuinely a nice person and overcame such a rough past. The 2 hour tour went by so quickly. I could talk with Frank for hours, and look forward to scheduling another tour in the future. Thanks Frank! read more

Family Secrets Tour - Bus Tours Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Just went on the tour today. Frank is a really nice man and the tour is Great fun. Entertaining and I was totally captivated by the stories. There's other "Mob" tours but this is one where the guy giving the tour was actually there. He grew up with all these people around him and his family. Along with his book which I also highly recommend, I would say the entire tale is fascinating and I cannot wait for it to be a movie. After the tour you really feel empathy for what this guy and his family was put through as a result of the mafia street life. If you're visiting the city, or if you are a local, take this tour, you'll love it! read more

Family Secrets Tour - Family Secrets Tour Guide & Author Frank Calabrese Jr. - Bus Tours Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Wanted to do a MOB tour in Chicago (From San Francisco) I looked and looked and looked - when I found "Family Secrets" I knew this was the one. Frank was so honest & kind. I was able to see Chicago like a local and not on a big tour bus. The way Frank has it set up it is nothing less than impressive. When I go back to Chicago I will be going on this tour again. Look no further if what you are looking for is a honest, truthful, straightforward, up front, sincere tour of Chicago MOB. Thank you Frank!! Ana C. San Francisco, CA read more

Family Secrets Tour - Bus Tours Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This will go down as a memorable life experience for my gf and I. The tour is secondary to the compelling life story personally told by Frank Jr, a genuine human being, with strong convictions to overcome a life of choices that nobody should have to make. We left with an intimate understanding of his family history and connection to big name mobsters. But mostly, we felt connected with a man who did everything for his family through personal sacrifice. Thank you Frank for sharing your time with us! read more

I took my girlfriend to The Family Secrets Tour and it exceeded my expectations! It was very unique to ride along with Frank and learn about his life story up close. He was very kind, and answered every question that I threw at him. Frank isn't perfect by any means, and neither are you & I. Although, his tour was a perfect example showcasing that no matter what cards you are dealt in life, you can change your trajectory over time by staying true to yourself. A big thank you to Frank and his team for putting together an unforgettable experience! read more

This tour was incredible! My husband and I had the best time seeing the city and hearing all about Frank's family secrets. He provided an iPad with visuals as well as taking us to famous spots throughout downtown Chicago. We felt as though we were living it with him-he is such a friendly, engaging man and he described these life events so vividly as if they had just happened. I recommend this tour to every, including kids. read more

Family Secrets Tour - With Frank Jr - Bus Tours Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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If you want a tour of Chicago organized crime. Frank Jr is your guy! It was the best tour I've ever been on. I didn't speak for two hours because I was soo captivated with Frank Jr's story. I would recommend the private tour. It's so worth the one on one with Frank. I am definitely going to go again!! See ya soon Frank!! read more

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Don't waste your time on other crime tours, the Family Secrets tour is the best. Unlike the competition, Family Secrets' tour-guide is not a college student making a few bucks at a summer job; Frank is actually a former mobster, so you get real, first-hand accounts Chicago mob history. Instead of a tour that was designed to churn through customers every two hours all day long, this tour is more personal; almost like a confession. Our tour took a bit longer than the scheduled two hours, (Frank had the courtesy to ask if anyone had a problem if we went longer than usual), so it was easy to tell that Frank was leading this tour for reasons besides simply making money. He was there to tell a story, and the tour didn't end until the story was done. By the conclusion, I'd learned more from this tour than I have from the countless films I've seen and books I've read. Note: there is no walking on this tour. You sit in a comfortable mini-bus (ours even had USB charging ports) and the driver drives throughout the city (from Old Town in the north to the site of Comiskey Park in the south), while Frank tells stories, shows photos on a flatscreen, and points out sites that are related to his life in organized crime. read more

We took a private tour with Frank this weekend and can't express enough how interesting and riveting it is. Frank is extremely engaging and friendly and packs so much interesting information in two hours that ranges a span of Chicago organized crime and history over the last 90-100 years with a focus on the decades of the Outfit's peak power and his own story. As locals the tour showed us the history of different parts of the city we didn't know or had overlooked while walking through the areas. This tour isn't just for out of towners. Anyone who loves Chicago and has an interest in the city's past should go. It is hands down the coolest tour I've ever been on. Read his book. Take this tour! read more

Great story- first hand account- no gimmicks. Super comfortable bus. Over two and a half hours on this particular day due to some mechanical malfunction and needing to change buses prior to heading on our tour. Frank was great! Saw some parts of Chicago we probably would never have visited. Don't be fooled by gimmicky tours. This is the gangsta tour to be on! Find a bathroom prior and bring something to drink. read more

My husband and I were lucky enough to get a private tour with Frank. Frank's background and stories are so fascinating. The tour itself really shows Chicago off, too. If anyone really wants a unique tour that really shows the history of Chicago off I would recommend this to anyone. read more

Family Secrets Tour - Bus Tours Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Awesome! What a great experience and a highlight of my first visit to Chicago. Not only do you getting Meet a person who lived the life in Chicago, he tells and shows you his story throughout Chicago in the luxury of a nice limo bus. This is a tour telling the story of a real Chicago monster as told by him. I was fascinated by the stories and really enjoyed the experience. I felt like I was having a personal tour from a family member. After the tour we went to the bar for happy hour and had some great conversations. What an amazing story, and great experience. You can learn from his ways and you can see he truly has changed his way of life. This is a must do over any of the other tours I did on Chicago. Also, get food recommendations from him because he knows some great spots. He recommended we try La Scarola and it was AMAZING! read more

This was a very interesting tour. We enjoyed the tour of Downtown Chicago & the surrounding areas that Frank took us through. Didn't know what to expect, yet we were all very pleased with the narrative, inside stories, specifics of what Frank experienced directly from his upbringing. My Siblings and I would definitely recommend this to anyone interested in learning the history of Chicago's organized crime & how it differs fr one State to another. Who knew?‍ We wish Frank the best in his future endeavors and will check out his book as well. Thanks for sharing your story & God Bless you & your family Frank read more

I just came home from a ride with Family Secrets Tours. The tour is guided by Frank Calabrese Jr. An actual mobster. Well I should say former mobster in Chicago's Chinatown crew. And the name Family Secrets is very apropos because in addition to talking about organized crime in general Frank goes into detail about his relationship with his father and Uncle who were also involved in the family business of gambling extortion and Juice loans. One thing about Frank he's not boring. He speaks very well and tells excellent stories. I was a policeman for 30 years in Chicago and still after being on the store I learned a few things that I didn't already know. I highly recommend it and I'm going to try to take a friend of mine who is also a retired policeman who was more into these kinds of things that I am because I know he'll really enjoy it read more

This tour was the highlight of my trip to Chicago. Frank was so engaging and a mesmerizing story teller. We did the private tour and I am so glad we did. One on one with such a fascinating person was incredible. The stories and the drive around Chicago were unforgettable. I highly recommend this experience while it is still available. read more

Such a fun experience! Frank is knowledgeable and an amazing speaker at sharing his experiences. I can't say enough good things, I will definitely be recommending this to friends and family that are visiting. Awesome!! read more

We would highly recommend this tour if you are in Chicago. Frank is very honest, genuine, and down to earth as he shares his personal experiences growing up in a mob family. We had just visited the Mob Museum in Las Vegas a few months ago and had learned about some of the activities, but to hear it directly from someone who has lived it was truly incredible. Our 2 hour private tour just flew by and we wanted to hear more! Definitely was the highlight of our Chicago trip!!! read more

My wife and I just took the private tour with Frank and it was amazing! He was very informative, open, & made us feel very comfortable during the entire tour. Our only regret is that we did not take the tour at the beginning of our vacation. Frank gave overall mob history along with his personal story and we really wish him the best in all of his future endeavors. He also had a ton of recommendations on dining throughout his tour, which had we taken it in the beginning of our trip we would've tried to hit all of them. Thanks again Frank for the great time! ~ Jeremy & Chrissy read more

Simple incredible - I felt like I was in a modern-day Goodfellas. We did the private tour with Frank which I highly recommend. And I'm honestly surprised he does private tours as I bet he'll get so popular that he'll have to stop and just do bus tours. He said he's only been back in Chicago for about a year so book him while you can. His story is absolutely incredible and the way he uses his iPad to show you his story along the way was super neat. When you hear his stories you'll feel like you're part of them... And some are absolutely heart wrenching. I am sure they'll make a movie soon. Frank is super personable and engaging. He even gives amazing recommendations of places to eat for authentic Italian food. I won't give any of the tour stories away - just note that Frank has to be one of the most courageous people I have ever met. To live what he lived through is insane. I am very happy for his outcome and hope good karma pays him many visits. He deserves them. I kinda wanted to bear hug him at the end. read more

Family Secrets Tour - Bus Tours Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Such an amazing evening learning the history of the mob. Frank was an amazing host. Will definitely be back.

This was an amazing tour! Heading stories right from the person who experienced it! Frankie even hung around after the tour to chat and share more. I would definitely go on it again! read more

Fantastic tour. Although with his connections anything less than a 5-Star might result in a beat down (totally joking) Frank Jr. is the real deal. You feel the excitement of the "life" you also hear the behind the scenes devastation the lifestyle brings. You really need to put this on your Chicago to do list. read more

Frank's tour was great! We're from out of town and had never visited Chicago before. During our private tour, Frank went ahead and provided us with additional details about the city between his story. His family's story is so interesting and he provided pictures to go along throughout the tour. read more

This tour I took with Frank Calabrese was the highlight of my trip to Chicago.Listening to him talk about his life growing up in the outfit was so interesting and entertaining. It was better then any movie i have ever seen,no Hollywood exaggerations just true facts.I'll be back to Chicago and I'm bringing friends to experience this.thanks again Frank.. read more

Took a private tour today and can't rave enough about this tour and the man behind it! BEST part of our weekend for sure! Frank is a very easygoing, down to earth, and knowledgeable tour guide! He completely opens up about his upbringing and life through today after being raised in the Chicago Outfit. Very raw, real, informational and humble man to share his story in changing his life around! And his book--definitely a MUST read! Thank you for today Frank, it was truly our pleasure! read more

I'm a little late on my review, but....I took the one-on-one tour with Frank when I visited Chicago last October. I highly recommend the one-on-one experience, especially if you've read his book. It's worth the extra cash. It gives you a chance to have a conversation, rather than just a simple tour. Our 'chat', while driving around town was great (no spoilers). It felt more like having a friend show you around town, things your typical tourist wouldn't even think to look up...some real life history (without the cheesy costumes and fake accents some other tours offer). I would do it again because, of course, I thought of more questions as soon as it was over. read more

Whether you were born in Chicago or from out of town, this is one tour you MUST SEE. A real firsthand account from Frank Calabrese, Jr., of what it was like growing up with family secrets. It's more than five stars. read more

We were fortunate enough to be able to reserve space for our family of 4 during our recent trip to Chicago. Looking at the website, it didn't seem as though the tour times were going to line up with our availability. One email to Frank later, and we were able to set things up to go. Frank picked us up in a van with an iPad mounted on the dash which he used to provide pics and other visuals for a very well put together presentation. He was like a one-man band. He did all of the the driving-maneuvering Chicago traffic with ease, while scrolling through pictures. He pointed out sites, told stories, and kept a running commentary for the majority of 2+ hours. Frank was able to weave a tale including the beginnings of organized crime through his extraordinary story, to the present day. He did this while giving hints into how he viewed his various experiences, and how they affected him. The tour was fascinating, and multifaceted. Frank knew where to find the best food, the best hangouts, and where one might go to see a celebrity. He stopped at one of the places where the show, Chicago Fire filmed, and where the actual Chicago fire started in 1871. He pointed out several historical buildings including the Jewelers building at 35 East Wacker. That building is known for its tie to the mob, as well as some of the building's unique architectural features. Frank was personable throughout the tour. Before he dropped us off he answered any questions we had. We were able to buy a copy of his New York bestselling book-which he signed, and he posed for pictures with us. I would take this tour again, as there was so much to take in I'm not sure I got it all. Thanks for a memorable time Frank. read more

My friend from Spain was here visiting me and I took her on this tour. We loved it! It was very informative and interesting. Great stories told by Frank Calabrese, Jr. that give you an insider perspective of an organized crime family. I would definitely take the tour myself again or recommend to friends/guests. read more

I had a great time on this tour. I did not want it to end. Very interesting stuff. I did not know much about this part of Chicago history. To get a first hand account of what happened by the son of a mobster was incredible. I would recommend it to everyone! read more

This was a great tour! I highly recommend going on this tour if you are in Chicago! Glad we were able to catch it right before our flight left today. read more

A very informative and personal look into life in the Chicago Outfit. Frank Calabrese Jr. does an excellent job, from the history - beginning with Al Capone - through his own personal experience as a soldier in the 1990's. Highly recommended for novices and experts alike! read more

This was a great tour ,it was so informative the way Frank explained and described the areas that they controlled or visited, To listen to the stories and how they try to survive in a violent atmosphere, now I understand why you wants to share all of his experiences and knowledge about the life he led so other people can see what you have to do to survive in this world That they were introduced into, thank you Frank we all enjoyed your company in explanation and we will be talking about it for a long time. read more

This is one of the most authentic experiences you can have on a tour. Highly recommend it.

We took this tour today and really enjoyed it! Frank was very personable and shared unbelievable family stories. Would highly recommend.

Went on the tour today and it was awesome. Frank was a great storyteller. Saw all of the sights around the city. Would definitely recommend this tour. read more