Wind may have been the factor in that it determined which of the runways could/couldn't be used, but I think this extended leg was probably more for sequencing. I'm pretty sure that I was on flights where we flew this kind of pattern where winds were not as much of a factor.
For example, I remember a few where we landed on one of 9-27 runways and flew to ORD and then west for probably 10 minutes before turning back around (flying parallel to the final approach course).
All that said, some strong winds at ORD today - even more so now than 3 hours ago. 32 knots gusting to 43, now that's something. And low level turbulence. How was the ride coming in?