I'll weigh in. Both are great figs for different reasons. Both fairly cold hardy. Celeste is a small fig with an excellent flavor. Some strains will drop figs in dry conditions (mulch). Hardy Chicago is an "Etna" type fig medium sized brown-black, very productive, with a good (can be very good) flavor. Hardy Chicago produces the most figs for me here in North Georgia. I have had both in pots for several years, although both are in the ground now. If I had to choose, I would rather have Hardy Chicago.

I have Celeste and I am not happy with the flavor. However, I am in a cold climate that makes it a challenge to grow any variety of fig. Celeste has overwintered outside in my zone 5 climate with lots of mulch cover.

Hardy Chicago