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Meet new friends groups near Waukegan, IL

Better With Friends

Round Lake, IL

Better With Friends
We are a group of 45 ish and up singles looking to make new friends and build great relationships and memories. Let's meet for dinner, movies, festivals, music, volunteering, road trips, hikes or just hanging out! Most activities will be in the Lake County area and surrounding communities. This is NOT a big party group, "meat market" or place to bring negativity or cause drama.  In fact we like to keep our events limited to a smaller group in order to actually get to know one another and allow our friends to feel comfortable without the worry that they will be "hit on". Please be respectful of others opinions and should you ever find yourself in a "heated" conversation, please just agree to disagree and move on. There are too many controversial topics these days that can lead astray. I am not here to babysit grown adults...I'm sure you understand. If in the event a member cannot abide by these simple "asks" then you will be removed from the group. Also, if you do not agree with a waiting list or the way this group is run, please feel free to remove yourself and start your own group that better meets your expectations. There are plenty of other groups on Meet Up and we are sure you will find one that fits your needs. Have you ever been to a large event and still felt alone, almost lost in the crowd? Feel like you didn't fit into the "clicks" of other large groups? Our group is for the person that wants to get away from the norm of coming home on Friday night watching TV or Social Media. If you decide to join us, please be courteous of the organizers time and efforts. Please don't say you are coming and not show up. You will be removed from the group if you are a "No Show" or "Last Minute Cancellation" 3 times. Also, please be sure to have a clear, recent profile picture of yourself (not your dog or a flower) so we know who to look for at our events. Thank you and we look forward to meeting you soon!
521 members · Private

Russian-speaking Friends | Suburbs of Chicago

Vernon Hills, IL

Russian-speaking Friends | Suburbs of Chicago

Добро пожаловать в группу для русскоязычных жителей Чикаго!

Присоединяйтесь и предлагайте ваши идеи где и когда встретиться! В этой группе мы: - Встречаемся в барах и ресторанах - Ходим в гости - Вместе отмечаем праздники - Помогаем друг другу - Переписываемся Если вы - Соскучились по русскоязычному общению - Ищете людей с родной культурой - Просто хотите завести друзей - вы попали по адресу. Любой челоек, живший в СНГ, найдет другей в нашей группе.

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This is a network of classy and savvy Russian-speaking people living in the suburbs of Chicago. If you are married, divorced, or single, please join the group to expand your social circle!

We have many Russian-American couples who are married or dating (Ladies, if your significant other is American, he will not be bored), we have married Russian couples and Russian single men and women as well. Join this club for inspiration, friendship, fun times and exciting social activities!  The dinners and events provide great opportunities for an evening of Russian food, culture, and conversation.

This group is also a great choice for accomplished and successful Russian professionals to connect and network. Escape from your busy life at least once a month to expand and enjoy your social circle by connecting with other fabulous Russian-speaking friends. 

We will be dining out, having picnics, enjoying outdoor activities and camping trips, speed boats, travel, birthday celebrations,  live music and entertainment, holiday celebrations, and so much more. The majority of the events are on weekends with occasional week night events on Fridays. Some events are combined with other groups for more mixing and mingling. Plenty of friendships to be made! 

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267 members · Private

Crafting and Coffee Klatch

Gurnee, IL

Crafting and Coffee Klatch
This group is created for crafty people to get together and craft while enjoying conversation and meeting new people. The idea is to bring your craft projects whether it's needlework (crochet, knitting, cross stitch, embroidery, hand sewing, etc.), diamond painting, sketching, coloring, rock painting, etc. and work on it with others at the same time. You'll want to bring projects that travel easily. Crafting and being creative helps people feel better, helps with reducing stress and anxiety, and can help create a sense of being more mindful. It's just a plus when you can share your projects and creations with others as well as make new friends. This group can also be used to help teach participants a craft they've never done (I would really love to learn to crochet!) as well as participate in opportunities to donate finished items for charities. I think if there's enough interest we can plan crafting activities like ceramics painting and carpooling to wool festivals among other events. Let's get together and create!!! \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Just wanted to make sure people know that I'll have a LARGE variety of crafting items to pick from and to keep for working on at no charge.  I'll be bringing the following to pick from (and note, all are suitable for beginners!): * cross stitch kits (stamped & counted) including all floss, needle and hoop * plastic canvas kits * rocks and paint pens * coloring pages and colored pencils * diamond painting kits (includes all necessary tools) * crochet hooks and yarn (for beginners to make a dish/spa cloth) * knitting needles and yarn (for beginners to make a dish/spa cloth) The important thing is to come, make new friends and have a great time! For anyone who doesn't mind, I'd love to be able to take pictures and post your work on the group page.
307 members · Public

Board Game Nights

Vernon Hills, IL

Board Game Nights

Located in the Vernon Hills area, we get together to play various tabletop games, also called "Eurogames" or "designer games" such as Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, and Puerto Rico.

Twice a year (July and November), we hold a large gaming events (about 80-90 people) called "Nerd Night" (usually at Trinity International University):

https://youtu.be/JZlDPlnT8JU

But we also like to gather in a home setting on alternating Friday nights over the summer too--newcomers to board games are welcome (we have a large selection of games to choose from). Come learn how to play new games and meet new friends!

378 members · Public

Not Your Average Social Club

Gurnee, IL

Not Your Average Social Club
**Not Your Average Social Club** is the ultimate meetup group for adventure seekers, community explorers, and creative individuals that prefer no drama and building new friendships! Join us as we uncover hidden gems and venture into the heart of our communities through movies, arts & entertainment, eco-conscious activities, team trivia, museums, mall/trail walking, and more. Our group is open to men, women, couples, singles, people of all ages over 21 (although, there will be family friendly events if there is interest!) The main rules are only to be kind to one another and we'll avoid the discussions of politics and religion. Admittedly in today's world this can be difficult, but this group is created to provide a judgement free zone. From social networking and brainstorming sessions to promoting cooperation and collaboration, we believe in fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. Join us for delicious meals, refreshing drinks, interactive games, and engaging discussions that encourage fun, healthy living. Unleash your higher self, embrace your inner nerd, learn social dancing, and embark on day trips and other exciting events with like-minded individuals. We are truly encouraging the participation of many to come up with free and low cost opportunities to spend time with others who want to make new friends. Let's create unforgettable memories together! **The small print:** * While the location shows Gurnee, IL, events will be scheduled within about a 45 minute drive radius from Gurnee, unless it's a special event. * Please don't let the location keep you from joining the group to get our event notices! * For many of the events an RSVP won't be required, but is always appreciated. * If you RSVP and change your mind or can't make it, please change your intention on the event page. It's polite to the others in the group and the venue for the event. * Depending on the event, there could be restrictions to the number of people who can attend. A waitlist will always be an option. So PLEASE CHANGE YOUR RSVP IF YOU CAN'T ATTEND. * Remember to: * Be KIND * No DRAMA * Have FUN
539 members · Public

RnR Motorcycle Riders

Vernon Hills, IL

RnR Motorcycle Riders

The  focus of the group to ride with other motorcycle enthusiasts.  Some of the rides will be highway based, while others may be long stretches of low traffic roads where we can take in the scenery and natural environment. Rides will be anywhere from 25 to 75 miles and some rides will extend a bit further. Riders of all types are welcome. 


Bottom line is you must know how to safely operate a motorcycle. We ride with streetbikes, cruisers, dirt bikes and others.


Experienced Riders may push a little faster, but we will all encourage safe riding practice and skills. Members will be given as much notice as possible for rides. There will be some short notices due to our wonderful Midwest weather restrictions.


We also strongly encourage all RnR riders with sport bikes to also join our companion group RTRC at:


https://www.meetup.com/RTRChicago/


RTRC is a road and track group for sport bike enthusiasts, where you have an opportunity to really open it up on the track safely. RTRC rides with track groups STT and Motovid and you'll get the chance to not just watch some awesome motorcycle racing, but also participate in it! It's a great adrenaline rush and release!


Two groups means twice as many opportunities for fun rides! Our event organizers in both groups know our way around the tri-state area. See all that our states have to offer, and make lots of new friends in the process!


Welcome aboard, and ride safe always!

417 members · Public

The Half-Ass Book Club

Libertyville, IL

The Half-Ass Book Club

Do you have a stack of unread books collecting dust on your night stand? Do you PIN books to your "Bookworm Pinterest Board" and that's as far as you get? Is 2018 your year to get out of your comfort zone and meet more people? Well, hot damn! this just may be the book club for you.

Take a break from the rat race and get back to more important things like: good conversation, laughter, women supporting women, dinner and drinks that contain alcohol (or not) completely your choice and of course, reading! Ladies, this is a no judgement zone... trust me, your only regret will be, "Why didn't I do this sooner?"

If you have the slightest interest in meeting new people, open to laughter and of course, fitting in more reading time in your busy life... I'd say, this group is for you!

This group is intended to bring like-minded women together. To welcome women that live in our community, who may be new to the area or who may be considering a move to Illinois. For any woman that simply wants to read a little more, laugh a little more and enjoy the company of human beings over social media. Because I know, I am not the only wine drinking, food loving, hopeful reader who is tired of texts, instant messenger and emails & desperately wants to do this the old-fashioned way, face to face.

Who's with me?! Go on then, push that "Join Group" button & let's get socializing!

Each month, let's collectively pick a book and try to find the time in our busy lives to read it. Not to worry, if your job gets crazy, the flu sneaks in or you just didn't like the book, we will still get together to discuss the parts of it we did read. Drinks, food & good company.  Start the beginning of your month stress free and form some new friendships as an added benefit. Quite a concept, hey? This is more about women supporting women and less about, there will be a quiz at the end of the book.     

Please don't misunderstand. You really should try to read the book. Reading is good for you. Reading encourages conversation. Conversation leads to friendship. Friendship leads to fun. See how that works?  Read The Book. Make the time.  At the very least, have an extra glass of wine & be open in discussion.  There's no judgement here. Above all, be courteous and really mean it when you RSVP. There is work that goes into reserving the location and count expected.

Have social location ideas or input as to how our events could be greater events?  Please share!  I encourage a collaborative effort! Here's to future conversations, friendships & fun!  - Lora

346 members · Private

Grayslake Buckette Club

Grayslake, IL

Grayslake Buckette Club

Buckette Club is a new idea that I would like to try out with two or three small groups of women who live in Grayslake. My idea is to "Re-invent book club and invent your life!"

Are you visiting Meet-Up hoping to find a group of new friends that, over time, will become wonderful old friends who understand you, support you, and encourage you to live your best life? If you are interested in making the most of the rest of your life, filling it to the brim with the "good stuff", broadening your horizons, learning new things, trying out interesting hobbies, and planning it all in the comfy, laughter-filled presence of other optimistic women, please join us!

This will, of course, involve delicious food and drinks; wine and appetizers, coffee and cake, nachos and beer...whatever floats your boat!

I have written a book called "Buckette Club" which gives a basic outline on how to start your club, and then provides lists of ideas for your bucket list that you can score and discuss. Visiting Venice, going to a Bears game, learning how to crochet, going strawberry picking this summer. The lists are just a jumping off point. Maybe you've always wanted to go blueberry picking instead! Or go on a safari! Conversations can go in any direction. You can all share your experiences, ideas and information.

I would like to provide the books free of charge in hopes that you will give me honest feedback about your group's experience. Have you ever wanted to be a guinea pig, beta tester, or focus group member? If so, please join us so that you can cross that experience off your bucket list! The secret sauce to this idea is "encouragement". Not only are you building your own list, you are going to be listening carefully and encouraging your friends to pursue their own dreams!

Depending on who responds and their schedule preferences, these groups could meet during the day or evening. I would love to attend your first get-together at a restaurant, but eventually you may prefer to take turns hosting at your houses.

There are a few things that may dissuade you from joining:
- Club meetings are meant to be a time of fun and relaxation and must be run with the following caveat: "No complaining." (Whining, crabbing, etc.) This is not the place to talk about your latest diet, how badly you need to go to the gym, how your kids are driving you crazy, or the nightmare that is your ex-husband's new wife. You get the idea...this is not your normal conversation/gripe club. If someone veers off into negativity, the others are encouraged to point this out and get the conversation back on track to fun!
- Has anyone ever called you a Negative Nancy or a Debbie Downer? Then this group may not be for you.
- If you need to be cajoled into participating or exhibiting enthusiasm for other people's interests, this group may not be for you.

I will pay the meet-up fees for six months while we see how this goes. I've noticed that a lot of meetups draw from very large geographical areas and I definitely believe that these groups should be more local. Long-term friendships, the kind where you can call up and meet for coffee on a moment's notice are easier when you live in the same community. Grayslake is the first place I'd like to start, but then I would love to have other groups try the idea out in other NW suburban towns.

If you think you "get it" and would like to start a group with some women you already are friends with I can provide you with books. I have printed 100 to give away...first come, first served!

The "No Flake Policy" is particularly important to these small groups. Pleeease don't sign up and take up one of the spaces if you are not going to follow through and attend the first few meetings. Yep, I called it a meeting because if you are asked to drive car pool, or invited to a Tupperware party, it's much easier to say, "I can't. I have a meeting that night" than to say you're going out with friends. In reality, it should bear very little resemblance to a meeting! :-)

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at: bucketteclub@gmail.com

Thanks for your interest!

111 members · Public

Dating & Opposite Sex Connections for Liberal Singles 50+

Gurnee, IL

Yes, this is a dating group for people 50+ who are looking for one or more real, long-term relationships or friendships with members of the opposite sex. It is a group for those of us who STILL desire serious, mutually supportive companionship and maybe intimacy, even in our older age. I started this group because I am spending Way too much time alone and would like at least one closer relationship with a male that extends beyond a meetup event! Our purpose here is to bring opposite sex members together based on things in common. First Things First: I have used the term “liberal” because that is the best descriptor of my views. This is a dating and relationship group, not a political group, but it is pointless to date people whose views we feel are seriously misinformed or ultimately destructive. If you think Trump won the last election, would vote for that criminal again, are an “anti-vaxxer”, a Q-Anon believer or believe the “far-right” media, this is NOT the group for you. This group is also not tailored to any particular religion. If you have fundamentalist, very literal religious type beliefs, this is also not the group for you. But for all others: WELCOME! This group has a more general purpose than a strict dating group in that it seeks to forge “opposite sex connections” for those 50+, but the specifics of those connections may not fit any conventional mold. The reasons for my wording are several: In our age group, you can’t assume where a man or woman is at with regard to intimacy. I’d personally like intimacy in a relationship, but many people, both men & women in my age range, are done with intimacy. This is usually due to the effects of aging on our bodies & minds. And some people have simply had enough of conventional “dating”, but still would like ways to connect with the opposite sex with friendship or interests. So here you can traditionally “date”, just make friendships, or do both if you find the connections! Since I’m still interested in “dating”, as well as making valuable male friendships, I want this group to bring members of the opposite sex together to figure out what they have in common & how they might connect. You can’t assume what a person is looking for until you find out about their personality, values, interests & many other attributes – and until they tell you! And that takes a little time…time that I hope to allow for in multiple meetup events I’ll call “socials”. The idea is that we make connections where we can ultimately get together OUTSIDE of meetup events – where most of life happens anyway! This group is looking for people who want honest & serious connections, even if those connections are limited in scope. We are all TOO OLD to look for new friends or relationships that don’t have the potential for long term. We are too old to waste time by not bringing our best to a possible new connection: showing kindness, honesty, thoughtfulness & respect. This goes for friendships, as well as dating/relationship attempts. LET’S BE REAL: Most of our lives are already behind us. We’ve seen some friends die & may now be managing some medical conditions. Most of us got heavier due to aging & we LOOK older! But do you still want more good human connection and are able to do some things?? Well, join the club! Making any decent connection TAKES TIME & should be valued for the long-haul, since we may not have time to find these connections again. The point is to make the REST of our lives less lonely & more enriched with people we can relate to! To find connection, even if it’s not in the conventional ways. You might get lucky & find the traditional relationship you might desire. OR NOT. In the meantime, let’s find the ways we can enrich each other and find out what we have in common. HERE ARE JUST A FEW EXAMPLES OF POSSIBLE CONNECTION: Before you even think about “dating” someone, see if you have anything in common & if you feel a potential connection. Can you have a good conversation with this person? Do you share a number of common interests, or perspectives? Are you finding a sense of humor in common? We will have our “socials” where we find some of this out. The point is, you can find the WAYS in which you relate to someone: maybe intellectually, maybe humorously, maybe in shared activities, maybe in just feeling comfortable to hang out & relax together. We aren’t looking for Mr. Right or Mr. Goodbar (he died in the 80s), so we can focus on how we DO connect, and not worry about the ways in which we don’t. We want to find people to relate to OUTSIDE of meetup events, as well as AT meetup events. I want to enrich my life with more friends, companions & “dating” (if possible). Other singles meetups have been great to have, but you simply CANNOT get to know anyone well if you’re limited to events. Don’t you want someone to know about YOU & YOUR life? Not just make very superficial chatter at one meetup event after another? Part of the purpose here is to get to know opposite sex members well enough that someone knows a reasonable amount about your life (& visa versa). How else can you be helpful with feedback for your friend, or provide any mutual support? You have to KNOW somebody some! And of course, you look for hobbies or interests in common that you can share together. Maybe you’re both interested in art, music, afternoon outings, nature…whatever! Maybe you could use a partner to join you for “walk & talks”, where you get exercise while catching up with your lives. Maybe you find a physical connection where you both feel comfortable with mutual affection or even intimacy. Maybe you just want to go to dinner together and come back home and relax in front of the TV for a while! And maybe you can encourage each other to keep up with the seemingly endless tasks & responsibilities of life. IT’S ALL LEGAL! So to hell with the conventional definition of relationships at this age. This is NOT a “get married” group, or promising to find your “soul mate” or “the one”. I don’t believe in those fairy tales. I made this group simply so that those of us who are serious & still desiring the closeness of a real relationship, or good friendships, COULD CONNECT! You can have a serious relationship with someone without a marriage certificate and without living together if you wish. It’s up to YOU TWO to determine how you want to configure your relationship. Keep those parts of your life that are working intact, and negotiate with your partner how and when you want to see each other. Determine which interests you want to share and how you want your time together spent. The key is that you’re serious about a long-term relationship, or friendship, and are willing to provide mutual support & continuity…IF the two of you connect. I stated “IF” because you simply cannot know if you connect with another person until you take the time to get to know them. Just be respectful and honest with the other person and know your own boundaries – so you don’t misrepresent what you can offer. \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ We will have very low-pressure “socials” where we meet, make introductions, find out about interests, hobbies, and how a person would like someone to possibly fit into their life. There doesn’t need to be some exact script for how two people try to connect. How you connect can be determined over time, over multiple “socials”, and will need to be flexible enough to work for both parties. You’ll need to use the art of gentle negotiation and a little trial & error! These socials will allow males and females to get a sense of each other and try to get that often subtle read on possible chemistry on a variety of levels. The best way to even just get a “feel” for other people is in a light-hearted, but structured format and I intend to provide some structure in conversation. AND IT HAS TO BE DONE LIVE. Screw social media! Screw dating apps that are full of SCAMS! They don’t work! We’ll be meeting LIVE & talking about all kinds of things, including what you might be looking for! We know you can’t just meet new people and find some instant connection. It takes TIME to get to know anyone, so there is NO PRESSURE to delve into something UNTIL you get to know someone pretty well. BUT YOU AIN’T GETTIN’ ANY YOUNGER, HONEY!! So if you’re looking for something other than just a sporadic activity with a meetup group, or a con game with a dating site, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE! To be a member of this group, you MUST fill out the short questionnaire, the same as you would for any dating site. This is where you will provide an introduction to yourself. You MUST have a picture of your face so we know who you are. You also MUST be fully vaccinated and preferably “boosted”. Lastly, know that I created this group to find better connections IN MY OWN LIFE. I did NOT create this group to make a buck -- like several other “dating” groups. I pay good money to have any groups at all! And you will NOT be steered to a dating site; there are no con games here!
40 members · Public

North Shore Singles Over 50 Meetup Group

Lake Bluff, IL

North Shore Singles Over 50 Meetup Group
This is a group for fun loving single adults 50 and over, who are widowed, divorced, or otherwise without a life partner and live on the North Shore of Chicago. Too many times I've gotten excited about an event organized by a "North Shore" group only to find the location is way out in Palatine, or Arlington Heights, or Barrington! Ummm....*shore?* This group's events focus on communities along Sheridan, Green Bay, and Waukegan Roads and Milwaukee Avenue (route 21), but not farther west than Mundelein, Northbrook, Deerfield, or Glenview. We might pop over to Long Grove for some chocolate eventually, and we'll go as far south as Evanston every once in a while, or north to Gurnee or even Winthrop Harbor, but that's about the limit of our range. Sorry, west suburbanites! Expect events like karaoke, trivia nights, tours, theater, cocktails, dinners, movies, live music, comedy, or just a nice walk through nearby natural areas. From time to time I'll schedule volunteer opportunities, so we can do some good while we're making new friends and having some fun. So if you're itching to get back out there but tired of going it alone, read the ground rules below, and join us! **Ground Rules: PLEASE READ BEFORE ASKING TO JOIN: PLEASE NOTE MEMBERSHIP IN THIS GROUP REQUIRES AN ANNUAL DUES PAYMENT, CURRENTLY SET AT $20 PER YEAR** By joining, and/or registering for or attending NSSO50 group events, **you assume responsibility for:** * **reading and abiding by** all MeetUp Community Guidelines, especially the [Usage and Content](https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002897532-Usage-and-content-policies-Rules-for-using-Meetup) policies * **reading the complete event description** for any event * **buying a ticket or registering on external sites** via a link provided in the event description if required. Many events posted here are open to the public. Organizer is not responsible if events sell out or fill up before NSSO50 members try to purchase tickets or register. * **changing your RSVP to "not going" no later than 48 hours before an event if you're not going to attend** (other than emergency situations). Serial no-shows (3 occurrences) without explanation may be banned from the group. * **setting your MeetUp notifications** so you will receive emails, event announcements, and direct messages from your organizer * **responding** to direct communications from your organizer. Sometimes I must contact members via direct message in MeetUp to clarify their plans in relation to particular events (particularly ticketed events or events with waitlists). Non-responsive members who fail to communicate after three attempts from the organizer will be removed from events and possibly removed from the group. * **providing your own transportation**: your own *responsible* transportation * **behaving:** Members are expected to treat each other kindly and respectfully, and to communicate civilly with one another; members are reminded to use caution in communications and to review privacy settings, including blocking and reporting unwelcome contacts. * **changing your status to "not going" if you are ill:** if you're registered for an event and you don't feel well on the date of the event, please do the right thing by sending a message explaining why you're not coming, marking yourself as not going, and staying home--there'll be more events in the future! * **managing your own food allergies or sensitivities**; * **abiding by all applicable laws, plus rules and policies of venues** * **determining your own level of risk tolerance regarding COVID** \- mask or no mask\, its up to you \(unless it is required by the venue\, in which case it's required\) * **paying the cost of any food or beverage you order, tickets, if necessary for events, or fees imposed by the venue**; organizer will make every effort to inform members in advance of costs You also expressly absolve, hold harmless, indemnify and release the group organizer, her family, heirs, and assignees from responsibility, liability, or blame for any physical injury, emotional devastation, existential dread, disappointment, boredom, health emergencies, lousy weather, lousy food, lousy music, excruciating karaoke performances, or losses in trivia, chess, board games, or any other alleged misfortune that is in any way related to group events or membership. Except harmless fun. The organizer will take credit for harmless fun. As long as it's harmless. And fun. Are we clear? Cool? Great. Welcome and we look forward to meeting you!
88 members · Public