The traffic flows, both airborne and on the ground, are set by ATC to maximize the overall for the airport. This often results in individual flights being routed on what seems like inefficient routes.

In most configurations, ORD lands on three parallel runways while departing on two other runways, not always parallel.

On arrival, it's a big congo line. Your runway assignment is based on the direction from which you approached the airport--know as an arrival. The distance you fly away from the airport, before turning back inbound, is based on the amount of traffic. It's not unusual to join Final 25 or 30 miles from the airport.

Once on the ground, they have standard taxi routes for each airport configuration. Taxiing aircraft often take longer routes to avoid crossing runways, or avoid crossing the departure runway in front of departing aircraft (you pass behind where they start their takeoff). This is more efficient for ATC and reduces the severity of the possible outcomes if there is an error. The longest taxi routes are when you land on either the far north, or far south, runways.

You can watch the taxi flows at the following site. It may require you to setup a free account.

https://www.airportviewer.com/airport/ORD