The All Blacks touring party was named on Monday, and the All Blacks XV is to be named on Tuesday.
But the first challenge for the All Blacks is an attempt to join the ranks of Grand Slam All Blacks.
Coach Scott Robertson said his squad had been picked with the chance to complete a Grand Slam in mind.
"It's been a while and when you get a crack at it, you've got to make sure you take that opportunity."
There will be 66 players in the Northern Hemisphere, 36 in the All Blacks squad and 30 under Jamie Joseph with the All Blacks XV. The two camps have been working closely together.
Next season's introduction of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tours will see a larger squad of around 40 players taken, and next month's northern tour is a chance to push for places.
Robertson said, "It is a great opportunity to play a different style, a different brand of footy.
"There's going to be a lot of competition for places and Chicago is a great place to start. There's been a lot of history there and the last we played [Ireland] there, they got the results and it's been five each between us since then."
While only one uncapped player, prop Tevita Mafileo, has been named in the All Blacks, Robertson said some bolters will be named in the All Blacks XV.
"If you look at the entirety of the squad, we've had 19 debutants in the last two years, and we've got a few players that have been there and competing for positions. So we're in a great spot.
"We've got experience, we've got youth. We've got a team that has to be balanced and experienced to win Grand Slams."
Robertson is confident there is cover for all positions within the squad.
Having targeted a Grand Slam for the side, Robertson said the pressure of doing so was part of the job and that it was a case of using it as fuel to drive the side's excitement.
"We've just come off some incredibly testing Test matches. World rugby's in a position where it's the toughest and tightest it's ever been."
Robertson said the choice of Finlay Christie as the third halfback was for the balance of the group.
"The thing about Finn is he's a Test level player, he's Test ready."
It was similar to Sevu Reece.
"If you look at all the positions, it's a great position we're in. The guys have taken opportunities and if Sevu's there to compete, and it's another opportunity for the end of year tour. We know what he can do when he's at his best and as a coaching group we need to get the best out of him."
He confirmed that first five-eighths Beauden Barrett would be fit to be considered against Wales.
The recall of George Bell to hooker at the expense of Brodie McAlister comes after Bell had an injury-plagued season, but is recovered and is playing good rugby.
"Brodie came in and did a great job for us and we think George is suited to this tour. We feel he's played well and when he came with us last year he did a good job."
