Just a few quick questions. I am traveling by myself. Are there any places I should avoid in Chicago?
Can I get the train right from the airport?

Yes, you can get the train right from either airport. It is inexpensive and easy if you don't have much luggage. Someone else can answer your other question better than I, but if you stick to the busy areas and don't walk around too much after dark by yourself, you'll be fine.

If you're staying downtown, in touristy areas, there aren't many places you'll have to avoid. But, be sensible, and don't wander through darkened areas alone -particularly lower wacker drive along the river (where Dr. Cart
Just like any other big city, criminals look for tourists with full wallets and their guard down.
I'm a native northsider, so I don't feel as safe on the southside (and I've heard vice versa from friends who live on the south side).

Taking the EL from O'Hare (blue line) will drop you in the Loop in about 40-50 minutes depending on time of day for $1.50 one way.

some of that message got deleted-
(where Dr. Carter was mugged in a recent epidoee of ER) was intended to appear after the line about not walking by the river on lower wacker drive alone at night...
sorry about that

There are quite a few parts of the city even I avoid, and I live there lol - Make sure you get a good map and X out areas of Robert Taylor homes, Cabrini Green, etc. There are quite a few areas of projects that end up being right around the corner from "nice" areas.