So it looks like the hiring of this Berkeley guy could start an arms race for the comp sci depts in the midwest?
I agree, for Comp Sci, there is lots of room for collaboration and three great programs. The city of Chicago is also looking to invest in silicon-valley like corridor, it seems. As referenced above re the Discovery Partners Initiative:
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/education/u-i-president-presses-chicago-research-hub