Top 10 Business Consulting Firms in Chicago

Are you looking for an experienced business consultant in Chicago who can implement tailor-made strategies that can boost your business performance?

Well, you are in luck as Chicago offers an exceptional landscape of world-class consulting firms. As one of the most influential business hubs in the United States, the city attracts both global consulting giants and highly specialized boutique firms

In this guide, we’ve compiled a fresh look at the top 10 firms that do business consulting in Chicago

• from global leaders to niche players making waves locally. If you are seeking strategy-focused firms, technology innovators, or industry-specific experts, this list will help you identify the best opportunities in the Windy City.

1. McKinsey & Company

McKinsey’s Chicago office, opened in 1926, remains one of the firm’s most influential hubs, with more than 500 business consultants. Located at 300 East Randolph Street, the team works across industries such as retail, consumer goods, financial services, healthcare, technology, and the public sector. Consultants here often engage in high-profile projects that help shape corporate strategies and deliver measurable results.

2. Bain & Company

Bain has been a fixture in Chicago since 1992, operating out of 190 South LaSalle Street. The office works with a mix of mid-sized regional companies and Fortune 500 corporations, covering a wide variety of industries. Known for its collaborative culture, Bain Chicago has repeatedly earned recognition for workplace excellence.

3. Trinite Consulting

Founded with a mission to deliver tailor-made business process transformation services, Trinite Consulting has established itself as a versatile and results-driven firm that provides business consulting services, in Chicago and beyond. Headquartered in Chicago, Trinite serves clients across industries including legal, insurance, and pharma. The firm is known for combining deep industry expertise with practical execution—helping organizations streamline operations, enhance workforce capabilities, and achieve sustainable growth. Trinite’s cutting-edge consulting frameworks are also supported by their BPO and Staffing levers.

4. Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

BCG has had a Chicago presence for over 50 years, evolving into one of the firm’s largest and most strategic locations. The team here works on transformative projects, often building long-term partnerships with clients across industries.

BCG Chicago places a strong emphasis on continuous learning, offering consultants opportunities to deepen their expertise while working on challenging, high-impact initiatives.

5. Kearney

Founded in Chicago in 1926 as part of McKinsey before becoming an independent business consultant, Kearney is headquartered at 227 West Monroe Street. The firm specializes in areas such as sourcing, operations, and procurement, serving a global client base.

6. The Cambridge Group

Headquartered in Chicago at 515 North State Street, The Cambridge Group focuses exclusively on growth strategy—helping clients in sectors like consumer goods, finance, media, and retail. The firm avoids cost-cutting or restructuring projects, instead zeroing in on market expansion and revenue generation.

7. The Keystone Group

Operating from 311 South Wacker Drive, The Keystone Group specializes in strategy, operational improvement, and M&A integration for mid-market manufacturing and distribution companies. The firm is known for its small, experienced teams and hands-on approach to business consulting.

8. FTI Consulting

FTI Consulting, located at 227 West Monroe Street, offers services in corporate finance, restructuring, forensic and litigation consulting, economic analysis, and strategic communications. With more than 8,000 professionals globally, FTI combines the resources of a large firm with the close-knit feel of a smaller operation in its Chicago office.

9. FTI Consulting

Founded in Chicago and headquartered at 20 North Clark Street, Clarity Partners is a management and technology consulting firm with more than 20 years of experience serving both public and private sector clients. The firm’s capabilities span application development, cloud services, enterprise performance management, management consulting, content management, and award-winning web design and development. Clarity has partnered with organizations across industries such as government, transportation, education, and healthcare to deliver innovative, technology-driven solutions.

10. Slalom Consulting

Slalom’s Chicago office, based at 200 East Randolph Street, houses more than 800 professionals specializing in strategy, technology, and business transformation. Known for its emphasis on work-life balance and inclusive culture, Slalom partners with clients in retail, healthcare, financial services, and other industries to solve complex challenges.

Final Thoughts

Chicago offers one of the richest business consulting landscapes in the country, home to global leaders, industry specialists, and innovative boutiques. Whether you are looking for strategy, operations, technology, or sector-specific consulting, the city’s variety of firms ensures there’s a strong match for business goals. With its thriving business community, strong professional networks, and vibrant culture, Chicago remains a powerhouse of consulting experts.

Content Writer who is an aspiring generalist.