To my knowledge, racism in this area hasn’t shifted as it has in other ‘hot spots’ in the US recently. However, the saftety/crime at Chicago is real. It is nothing new, the University doesn’t like to discuss it obviously, but muggings do occurr in broad daylight. Would this be enough to dissuade me from applying to Chicago? Not at all. But be aware, don’t be stupid, and don’t think you’re invincible. No place is totally safe, so you have to play it safe.