I just stayed at Russ's place for a month, and I had a great time there. It was my first time renting from Airbnb and I didn't know exactly what to expect, but Russ made me feel very comfortable with the process and in the space.
The room itself is VERY cozy and clean and I would say the pictures do it justice. It is spacious, has wonderful lighting, and stayed very warm in the wintertime. The kitchenette is useful but of course limited, so if you are in for a long term stay, I would say to keep in mind what kind of meals you will be limited to with a microwave, fridge, and toaster, and be prepared for that. It's a good excuse to eat out and explore Chicago's good restaurant options, anyway. The neighborhood is pleasant and nice to walk around, and there are some good spots to visit on Damen and within walking distance of the house. The bathroom is two floors down so keep this in mind if you have mobility issues, but it was not a problem for me!
Russ was very accommodating and made me feel very welcome. He had lots of good recommendations on places to visit and knows lots about the city. Initially, I had been looking for a full private dwelling for my stay in Chicago, but I left feeling glad that I had found Russ's location and had gotten the opportunity to talk and connect with him. He was a great host with a lot of good words of wisdom for a young traveler who is experiencing new places for the first time!!