That is the easiest and fastest way, but there are considerable tolls. Do not take I-90 through Chicago - get off the toll road at Burns Harbor (Exit 21) and take I-80 to I-294. Get off at Dempster St (US-14) and take that east to the 1st light (Potter Rd), turn left, take that to the end and turn right on Golf Rd (IL-58). This will take you into downtown Evanston.

My mapping program suggests an overnight stop in western OH or eastern IN. South Bend is pushing it a bit. I don't have up to date info, but I show a couple chain hotels at OH exit 13 (Econolodge, Ramada Inn) and a few at IN exit 144 (Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, Super 8) on my 2007 mapping program.

If you have an EZ-Pass, bring it. It's good on all the toll roads you will be traveling. If you don't have one, I'd recommend you get one.