Sorry about the theft, but congratulations jd, nice bike!

I want to chime in about studded tires. There is very little if any application for them in Chicago.

While we do get snow and ice, I assume you will be riding on the streets / bike lanes. These are all plowed and salted just like the road - and you know how aggressive they are with plowing here in chicago. One little flake and mayor daley has 500 snowplows pouring oceans of salt on the road. They even occasionally plow the lakeshore path!

The only time you will ride in snow is when it is either actively snowing - and heavily - at the time, or you intentionally seek it out. And if the roads are iced up so bad that the salt is ineffective, well... just skip riding that day and your workplace will probably be closed because no one can drive either.

I recommend a 28 to 32 tire with light inverted tread. The less tread, the larger the contact patch with the pavement and the more traction. The only reason I don't like slicks is because they need to shed water. Just be very careful over the metal bridges in the wet - if you come into the loop, both Wells St and Wabash Ave have nonmetal bridge paths for bikes.

As far as winterization, make sure to keep the drivetrain lubed and take advantage of any thaws to hose it off and relube. Lube up the brake cables to protect them. With a single-speed you will have a lot less maintainence to worry about, but don't be too surprised when you need a new chain and sprocket after a season.

Also, if you have a protected place outside to put the bike (balcony, unheated garage), do so and resist the urge to bring it inside. This helps with two issues - ice melt and temperature cycling. If your bike has a bunch of ice/snow on it, that is preferable to it melting and possibly causing more trouble. Also, it is better for your bike (primarily seals and plastic bits) if it stays a constant temperature, even if that temperature is cold, and doesn't warm up and refreeze every day, which causes the parts to expand and contract at different rates.

Have fun! Winter biking is great, especially on those cold sunny days when you are out there feeling warm and energized, with the heat of the sun on your face, and everyone else is huddled up at the bus stop wishing for a warm sunny day.