I can reach anywhere in Ohio and the western have of PA in 4 hours. Cinci and Miami are both around 4 hours or just under. Kentucky is closer to 5. OSU, Kenyon, Denison, Wooster, CWRU, Pitt, etc., are all in 2 hours.
ETA: Also mom has to work near Chicago a few times a year, so if he went to Loyola she could go see him a few times.