Suburban hospitals rank tops in Illinois; Northwestern Memorial, Rush among best in nation

Several suburban Northwestern Medicine hospitals have made the list of the best hospitals in Illinois, according to U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Hospitals 2026-27” report.

And three Chicago hospitals are among the best in the nation.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago is on the Honor Roll of the top 20 hospitals in the nation. So is Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. It is the 15th consecutive year Northwestern Memorial has been in the top 20, and the seventh year for Rush.

“These results reflect the extraordinary dedication of our physicians, nurses and team members who work every day to deliver exceptional care for our patients and communities,” said Dr. Howard Chrisman, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, in a news release. “To be recognized among the nation's very best hospitals, while seeing meaningful improvements across so many clinical specialties, speaks to our unwavering commitment to advancing medicine, improving outcomes and providing the highest quality care close to home. Most importantly, these rankings reflect the trust our patients place in us and the outstanding care they receive throughout Northwestern Medicine.”

The University of Chicago Hospital placed third. It is listed as having national ranking in seven specialties and three children’s specialties.

U.S. News and World Report has been ranking hospitals since 1990.

How did local hospitals do, as part of the 202 facilities in Illinois that the report ranked? The following were among the top 21 general hospitals in the state.

Suburban Cook

Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn tied for No. 4. It has four nationally ranked specialties and one children’s specialty.

Ascension Alexian Brothers in Elk Grove Village placed No. 18.

DuPage

Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield placed sixth on the Illinois list. It has a national ranking in one specialty.

Endeavor Edward Hospital in Naperville came in ninth, and its sister hospital, Endeavor Elmhurst, came in at No. 11.

Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove tied for 19th place.

Lake County

Endeavor Evanston (also known as North Shore) in Evanston tied for fourth place. It has national ranking in two specialties.

Advocate Lake Forest ranked No. 7, and had five nationally ranked specialties.

Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington came in at No. 10.

Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville ranked No. 19.

Kane County

Northwestern Medicine Delnor in Geneva was in a four-way tie for 14th place.

McHenry County

Northwestern Medicine Huntley in Huntley tied for No. 11.

ssarkauskas@dailyherald.com