The joy is overwhelming. And nothing says joy like riots. Joyous mostly peaceful riots that require lots of plywood.

Businesses in downtown Chicago have started boarding up their doors and windows ahead of next week’s Democratic National Convention, when thousands of anti-Israeli protesters are expected to descend on the Windy City.

Boarded up windows and doors could be seen downtown Thursday

“As we know, this city has a poor track record when it comes to protecting businesses,” said Scott Shapiro, owner of Syd Jerome.

The looming unknowns ahead of next week’s convention are why Shapiro said he knew he had to take precautions to keep his decades-old business safe.

“We felt it was more prudent to board up, since our customers and their employers have told them to stay home throughout the convention for their own safety,” Shapiro said.

Other downtown businesses are also taking precautions, like the Garland Building on North Wabash Avenue and Washington Street, which houses multiple office spaces, stores and restaurants. Chicago Board-Up Services has been quite busy.

“We’re boarding them up tight, so that there’s no entry,” said Vicki Fichter, owner of Chicago Board-Up Services.

Things are so great in Chicago that there’s a professional board-up company. But it’s all peaceful. So peaceful that members of Congress are being told to hide their identities.

House Democrats attending the Democratic National Convention next week are being advised by congressional security officials not to book hotel rooms under their own names or engage with protesters if confronted, Axios has learned.

One House Democrat told Axios they are “very concerned” about their personal security and that “of course” other lawmakers are as well.

A senior House Democrat said law enforcement is telling members “not to go to a certain area, because they expect violence.”

The joy is overwhelming. It’s so joyous that it’s best to use an alias. And avoid certain areas because of all the joyous violence.