Cali to NY - Not the south route though

HI,

My boyfriend and I drove from NY to Cali last year. We drove along the south of the country. We're driving back now, and want to take a different route. Through the middle of the country. Help, any suggestions? All I know is we want to stop in Chicago.

Where in California will you be starting and how long to you have to make this trip?

Utahtea