IBM has officially activated its new Quantum System Two in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. The machine, which went live on November 6, 2026, is currently located at the University of Chicago. IBM intends to relocate the system to the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, a facility currently under construction at the former U.S. Steel South Works site.
The system is powered by the 120-qubit Nighthawk r2 processor. This chip utilizes a square-lattice topology designed to improve connectivity compared to previous iterations. According to IBM, the Nighthawk architecture provides approximately 30% greater circuit complexity than its earlier Heron-class processors. The company aims to achieve quantum advantage by the end of 2026.
The launch follows a partnership established in December 2024 between IBM and the State of Illinois, led by Governor JB Pritzker. This collaboration includes the creation of the National Quantum Algorithm Center at the new park. Additionally, IBM plans to open the FutureNow Chicago delivery center, which is projected to create 750 full-time technology jobs.
IBM also expanded its infrastructure on November 5, 2026, by launching an error-correction platform. This project was developed in collaboration with AMD and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The Chicago quantum system serves as a key component of the broader strategic initiative between the company and the state government.
