I'm not sure what part of Indiana you are coming from, but this is what I have done with success this year. Whichever highway you take, get off at Stoney Island and follow it north until you get to 35th and follow it west. I tried the Dan Ryan on the way home once and must say that I would have to be mad to try it again. If there is a good public transportation route from Indiana, I have yet to find it.
On a related note, you will always find friends here as long as you hate the Cubs.