Groups near Chicago, IL

Welcome to the Northwest Chicago New Friends Meetup! Are you a young adult between the ages of 20-25 and need a little help finding friends your age? Break the ice with new folks by playing games that will help you connect with others. This group is especially geared toward people who have a hard time with social skills! Join us monthly at the Arlington Heights Public Library.

Were you born in or around the 1960's? Are you single? This is a group for people like us who don't remember Woodstock but do (unfortunately) remember harvest gold appliances and shoulder pads. Let's have fun exploring Chicago and making friends along the way. We charge annual dues of $6.00 a year or 50 cents a month. $6.00 a year covers the fee Meetup charges us to have the group on their site and should reduce no-shows. We think $6.00 a year is reasonable, given what we pay to have the group and the number / variety of events we host. Everyone will get a 90-day free trial, after that expect to get a reminder or, if you store a credit card on Meetup (which we don't recommend) look for a $6.00 charge on your card after your 90-day free trial. Stripe will also send you an email receipt that has the name of the group toward the bottom. We take pictures and post them on Meetup.

**Welcome to the Neighborhood!** We’re a homegrown organization founded and driven by local pickup soccer players celebrating Chicago’s pickup soccer while giving back to our communities. We host pickup soccer games throughout the week so feel free to come out to whichever best fits your schedule. We ensure that our events are welcoming, well organized and maintain a friendly level of competitiveness. All people and skill levels are welcome to play as we promote an environment to learn and improve on the field. Keep an eye out for special events such as: tournaments, watch parties, & fundraisers. We proudly attract big crowds from all over Chicago and the world. So no matter where you’re coming from you are welcomed to kick with us and join the Neighborhood. We’ll see you on the pitch! ***How can you get involved?*** *You can further immerse yourself in our community on the [NBHD Pickup Soccer Discord Server](https://discord.gg/rhfCzz3Gfj). We have a [Mission and Vision](https://github.com/OpenFutbol/chicago-neighborhood-soccer/wiki). Star the Github repo, under [OpenFutbol](https://github.com/OpenFutbol).* Follow us \- Instagram @NBHDsoccer \- Youtube:[NBHD Pickup Soccer Youtube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/@chicagoneighborhoodsoccer4644/about) \- Discord: [NBHD Pickup Soccer Discord Server](https://discord.gg/rhfCzz3Gfj) \- Github: [To Open-source community development and pickup soccer.](https://github.com/OpenFutbol) Every member and contribution is valued and appreciated. **Disclaimer.** If you would like us to take down any photos or videos, simply message us and we will gladly take them down at your request.

Welcome to Enjoy Life Chicago, LLC!  We are THE most active meetup group in the Chicago area. We have hosted thousands of premiere, exciting events for Chicago's Black Professionals over the last few years including:

Music – Concerts, Jazz/Blues Nights, Ravinia & Millennium Park, Opera, etc.

Sports – Bulls/Sox/Cubs/Blackhawks games, Skiing, Whirlyball, Ice Skating, etc.

Cultural – Films, Museum Events, Wine Tastings, Theater, Art, Poetry, etc.

Outdoors – Hiking, Kayaking, Hang Gliding, Skydiving, Picnics, etc.

Fun & Networking – Holiday Parties, Dancing, Comedy Clubs, Karaoke, Political Fundraisers, Dinner Cruises, Helicopter Rides, Weekend Getaways & more!

Anything you can think of that is fun and interesting to do, we do it!  And if you think of anything else, please post it on the discussion board and we will try to plan a Meetup around it.

Whether you are new to the Chicago area or just want to Enjoy Life in Chicago to the fullest, you will have the most fun you have ever had with this group.  Our hosts will personally make sure you are greeted upon arrival, and introduced to other members.  You will meet many cool, like-minded new friends. We are also known for getting terrific group rates and discount tickets, and finding activities we can enjoy for free.

Enjoy Life Chicago! Black Professionals Social Club is an elite, VIP-style meetup. We cater to an upscale clientele, who make their social life a priority. Our members value quality, diverse activities and entertainment options, and regularly participate. The membership fees requested help assure you will be surrounded by other like-minded professionals who are of a similar financial status. They also allow the Organizer the resources needed to keep this group the best, most active and exciting Meetup in Chicago.

Enjoy Life! is similar to a commercial events and adventures group for singles, but our group is designed especially for African-Americans and is much more reasonably priced. We hope you will join us soon; good times are waiting to be had!

This group started in May 2011, and we've read novels by Joyce, Malraux, Kafka, Wright, Mishima, Faulkner, Nabokov, Unamuno, Ellison, Hamsun, Woolf, Biely, Gide, and many others.  We try to have a good time discussing the books without descending to small talk, think critically without descending to pedantry, etc.

Also, as the title shows, we've expanded our reading list since the group started.  We don't really want to title the group something as vague as "Chicago Literature Group," etc., and modernist fiction and poetry still make up most of the reading list.  But if some group members are excited about reading something else, be it Goethe or Ovid, Wallace or Perec, we're interested in that too.  Feel free to make suggestions.

Let's get together and enjoy the fun from treasure hunting in massive real-world datasets. WeCloudData offers free Data Science, Data Engineering, Business Intelligence, AI, and DevOps workshops delivered by experienced data scientists from some of the famous data-driven companies to help you jump start on interesting and meaningful projects. Happy big data mining!

Check out our rides and events at [www.windycitycyclingclub.com](http://www.windycitycyclingclub.com). **About Us** Windy City Cycling Club (WCCC) is Chicago's LGBTQA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, allies) cycling organization that is open to all and encourages camaraderie through biking and social events. We offer weekly club rides, unique routes exploring interesting parts of the city, multi-day trips around favorite cycling destinations and group participation in other organized cycling events. In 2022, WCCC celebrates 30 years in the Chicago community, and we hope you'll join us for many more years of cycling fun! **Club Membership** WCCC is a reflection of its members and what each individual brings to the club. All members are encouraged to organize and host rides or events they're interested in. This Meetup helps introduce non-members to the club, but it's only a small part of what WCCC offers. [Learn more](http://www.windycitycyclingclub.com) about the events & benefits available to members and how to join (membership is only $25 per year). **Rider Guidelines** Both members and non-members of WCCC are welcome to join our open rides. Additional rides and events are available with club membership. Non-members will be asked to sign a waiver form prior to riding. Choose rides that are right for your ability and interests (use the ride descriptions, or contact the organizer if you have questions). Arrive well before the start of the ride. Rides will depart on-time. Approved helmets are required. Earphones are not permitted. It is a good idea to carry identification. In most cases, bikes should have a water bottle, pump and spare tube, but members will gladly pitch in if help is needed on a ride. For some urban rides, a lock and CTA/Metra fare or rideshare access will do in a pinch. WCCC asks all riders to comply with local Covid-19 guidance, including wearing a mask and social distancing if you have not been fully vaccinated. Know about bicycle safety and rules of the road. See [safety web links](http://windycitycyclingclub.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=770347&module_id=19229).

"The best things in life are the people we love, the places we've been, and the memories we've made along the way." - Unknown Hello Chicago! Welcome to the Chicago Hiking, Outdoor, & Adventures for Young Professionals Group. This is a group for any young professionals interested in hiking, camping, backpacking, running, exploring outdoors, challenging new things, etc. The main purpose to start this group is to meet good people and make friends as well as explore the nature together and build a better community. We're looking forward to exploring the outdoors with 'YOU' who are nice, kind, respectful, generous, and honest people. Get up and join with us. Stay positive and enjoy your life! JIN \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Membership Rules:** Members must post their real name and photo on their profile. Not a flower, mountain or animated character (last name not required). Also, you don't need to sign up for each event, but you must visit this group at least once within 12 months (6 months for members who never visit since join the group first time) for group updates. Otherwise, you may be removed from the group and will need to rejoin under organizer's discretion. **RSVP policy:** If you sign up for any event, then decide you will not be going, you must update your RSVP to 'Not Going". If you are a No-Show for an event, hike leaders may remove you (at their discretion) from their hikes. It's very disrespectful to the hike leaders as well as other members to hold a spot on a hike and then not show up. 2 no-shows and members with a pattern of late cancellations or signing up and cancelling frequently will be removed from the group. We are Pet friendly, but PLEASE read the description of each activity &/or trip for any specific information regarding pets. Always contact the organizer for that trip, if you have any questions. Please note that pets are not allowed on some trails or in some areas. **Show up on time!** While we appreciate feedback and constructive criticism about our hikes, rude, condescending comments or trying to stir up drama will not be tolerated and may result in your being removed from the group. This is a group to meet friends for outdoor adventures. It is not a dating site. Not everyone in this group is single and looking for a partner. Anyone who sends inappropriate messages or causes others to feel uncomfortable or unsafe will be removed from the group. A hike leader can chose to remove anyone from his/her hike for any number of reason: not meeting fitness requirement, incomplete profile, history of showing inconsideration by signing up and cancelling frequently, showing negative attitude on a previous event, no-shows or leaving disrespectful comments. No one is entitled to a spot on a hike, solely because you are a member and managing to grab a spot every time. The hike leaders in this group aren't professional hike leaders. You are responsible for your safety. By signing up for these events, you agree not to hold the Meetup organizers or the hike/event leaders of this group responsible for whatever happens to you on these events. The group is NOT responsible for any possible losses or injuries. This group exists due to countless hours spent by hike headers, and they are taking members on hikes for free. It is absolutely necessary you show respect and gratitude for their work, and their rules, or risk being banned from the group permanently. In addition, the group Organizer also has to pay Meetup fees every month. **Donations:** While the membership is free, it costs money to run this group and makes hikes possible. Meetup fees $198/year, plus other incidental charges are paid by the group's Organizer. We like to rely on small volunteer donations from those who join our group's hikes & adventures. There will be a couple hiking events every year for that and consider making a small donation (about $1-5 per hike attended is a reasonable amount). You can pay to your hike leader, and s/he can pass on your donation to the current Organizer.

Black Everywhere® [www.blackeverywhere.com](www.blackeverywhere.com) We are committed to nurturing a vibrant community for Black people--online and in person. Participating in this group indicates that you have read and agree to adhere to our group rules. Join your local group chat: [www.blackeverywhere.com/chat](www.blackeverywhere.com/groupchat) Follow us on IG @black.everywhere: [www.instagram.com/black.everywhere](http://www.instagram.com/black.everywhere)

The purpose of Chicago Wilderness! Hiking, Nature and Social Group is to unite like minded people in order to cultivate friendships, experience and appreciate the natural wonders of northeast Illinois as well as getting some beneficial exercise. This group is great for those that strive for harmony among other people, care about our environment and are accustomed to hiking at least five miles at a brisk pace. The lengths of the hikes will range from as few as five miles to hikes that are over 12 miles long. Most of the hiking will occur on trails in natural areas located on municipal, county, state and federal lands within the Chicago wilderness region with an emphasis on Cook, DuPage and Will Counties. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- What can you expect from me? You can expect me to conduct welcoming, inclusive events in which you will be treated with dignity and respect. I promote and foster a sense of community and an atmosphere of camaraderie and harmony. I strive to see the beauty and good in other people. I view our wilderness areas as something to be explored, enjoyed, cherished, conserved and protected. I believe that we should do everything within reason to leave no trace of our presence during a hike. I hope to reaffirm your belief that these wilderness areas are special and need to be protected in a natural state forever. I go to great lengths to make the events fun and interesting. I encourage a limited amount of photography (fun). I rarely hike the identical route twice (interesting). I pick routes to provide optimal nature viewing (fun and interesting). I feel that I am reasonable when it comes to water and bathroom breaks (What a relief!). I am not running a business. I will not try to sell you goods or services. Well over 95% of the photography that I post is my own work using my own equipment and is taken in areas in which we hike. I give photo acknowledgement for the work of others. I will do what it takes, within reason, to make your experience memorable! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- What do I expect from you? Your profile for this group should include your real first name and a recent picture of only one person in the picture, yourself. Each attendee for each event must have their own profile, so please have your guest(s) create a profile. Please take your physical limitations into account before registering for an event. It helps if you provide for your clothing, hydration and other needs prior to an event. This group is not intended for promoting any business ventures. This group does not tolerate stalkers. If you have been contacted through this site by someone you have not met in person during one of our events, please contact Mr. Bob. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the organizer (Mr. Bob) directly. It is very important to respect other people and respect the environment. It is not courteous to disrupt the progress of an event or the harmony among its participants. As far as the environment, leave no trace! I will mention that it is courteous to honor your commitments. Please RSVP only to events that you plan to attend. Do not RSVP to concurrent events. Late cancellations or not showing up at all to an event in which you made a commitment reflects poorly upon you.

Join our social, fun and friendly group to make new friends in Chicago and suburbs! We have new members from out of town and new International Friends. You must have a picture of yourself to your profile so members and organizers can meet you. Thank you! 🙏

This is a fun group for International and New in town and friends 20s, 30s, 40s Something's to meet International People and Friends and New in Town or not so new. Let's socialize together, dine out, go to the movies, play board games and play card games, go to concerts, go to art exhibits, go White Water Rafting, go Kayaking, Travel together, go to State Fairs, celebrate holidays together, take classes together like how to be a Wine Connoisseur, Art classes, Drawing classes, how to mix drinks at Mixology class, attend a Mix and Mingle Singles Matches, go to Sporting Events, Go to museums, go to outdoor festivals, go on cruises, boat rides, go do outdoor and indoor activities, go explore Chicago and and explore the suburbs, and learn new languages and new cultures and try out new foods from around the world and try out new restaurants, go out dancing and clubbing, networking businesses, learning and enjoy lots of fun times together! Let's enjoy life together! Let's have fun! Let's make new friends!

This is a group for 20s, 30s, 40s Somethings in Chicago or Suburbs to meet up for casual hangouts, museums, board games, concerts, restaurants, movie theaters, plays, festivals, take fun classes together, dancing, roof tops, nightclubs, bars, travel, outdoor activities, art galleries, social networking, learn languages, learn new things together, have good conversations, Mix and mingles, fun and happy times together and other outings while making new friendships happen! 😃🤗

Interested in exploring all that Chicago has to offer? We are, too. **We are currently not accepting new members. If we accept you during this current time, you have a limited window to stay a member. When we accept, we will accept only a limited number that brings the group up to a max of 100.** The South Loop is our focus and base -- where you'll usually find us. But we also elbow our way throughout the downtown area -- from Cermak to North Avenue and everywhere east of Halsted, including the lake (we stretch the boundaries beyond these streets). Occasionally we venture out to other neighborhoods. We learn about what Chicago has to offer and get involved in our communities. Everyone shares a story or two about the area, buildings, businesses, neighborhood, history, favorite spots, themselves, etc. Join us! *** **We must ensure the integrity of our commitments, keep the community independent, encourage participation and offset the cost of administering the group. Therefore, we ask that you pay annual membership dues of $12/year (that's just $1/month) plus a $1.51 Meetup processing fee ($13.51 non-refundable) --** that’s really less than the price of one drink a year. This is stated again when we send a confirmation of your request to join the group. [Learn more](https://www.meetup.com/Chicago-South-Loop-Explorers/discussions/6755397671602656/chat/). We may also ask for a minor fee throughout the year to cover costs for various activities. Those members who actively participate throughout the year may qualify for consideration to have annual dues waived at renewal. Not interested in paying the annual fee? You may sign up for our other group, City Fun in Chicago (you may pay to participate in single events and get free information there): [https://www.meetup.com/City-Fun-Chicago/](https://www.meetup.com/City-Fun-Chicago/) *** **2024** **I am seeking activities suggestions from the group's membership.** **2023** Our tentative plan for 2023 includes regular trivia participation, occasional neighborhood walks in the greater South Loop/downtown areas, and monthly group activities, such as: * February: Chicago Auto Show * Mach: St. Patrick's Day Event * April: Earth Day Clean-Up * May: Northerly Island Walk TBD * June: Jazz Night with South Loop Neighbors * June: Pilsen Art Walk (Arts District postponed their June event) * July: Navy Pier Fireworks Night (potentially with Shedd Aquarium - TBD) * August: Printers Row Art Festival * September: TBD * October: Open House Chicago * November: Fine Arts Building Open House * December: Holiday Event NOTE: When you sign up for an event, please do your best to show up, limit cancellations and avoid "no show" status (it impacts how we approach an event and the experience for others). "No shows" without explanation may be notified and removed from the group, regardless of paid membership status. **Join Our Private Mailing List (you will only hear from us when it's important):** [https://businesstraveldestinations.com/chicago-explorers-meetup/join-mailing-list](https://businesstraveldestinations.com/chicago-explorers-meetup/join-mailing-list) \*\*Like and Follow Our Facebook Page: \*\*[https://www.facebook.com/ChiExplorers](https://www.facebook.com/ChiExplorers)

THIS IS A CRITIQUE GROUP FOR WRITERS OF FANTASY AND SCI-FI ..ALL SKILL LEVELS WELCOME! (If you write genre fiction, you’re also welcome!) If you are well into your second, third, or 100th draft, and are looking for a fresh pair of eyes, this group is for you! If you love meeting fellow wizards, mermaids, cyborgs, and storytellers over a good ale, this group is for you! We will share our chapters/scenes for critique via our shared Google Drive each biweekly meeting. 3 of us usually share at each meeting. When we meet we will then share our notes and feedback on said chapters/scenes at one of Chicago’s many delightful breweries (or virtually). There are currently 5 ongoing meetups: \- Sunday Brunch: virtual and/or in person \- Beta Read \(for completed books\): virtual \- Thursday short story: in person \*CURRENTLY FULL\* \- IN PERSON TUESDAYS There are only 2 rules: 1. Be a sharer—everyone must contribute and everyone gets a turn 2. When sharing—be honest but be nice! Last but not least—come and have fun!!!

This group is for young ladies age 22-39 who want to get out, meet new friends, explore, and have amazing conversations. We will be doing all types of activities, so definitely come out and have fun!! Note: Events in the group is usually around 6 to 12 people because it is easier to form bonds in smaller groups. Cancellation Policy 1. After two consecutive no shows will result in a removal from the group. 2. After two consecutive last minute cancellations, will result in you being waitlisted for 2 events. 3. After 3 consecutive last minute cancellations, will result in you being removed from the group.

This group is meant for those who are introverted and/or have some social anxiety. If you are looking to conquer your fears while connecting with other like minded individuals, please attend our meetings.

This group is for those who enjoy discussing the types of movies that are a bit off the wall and probably used to be shown at midnight screenings (back when those were a thing). Cult/Camp will feature discussions of Blaxploitation, John Waters, Motorcycle Mania, and similar types of genre-busting movies to try to determine why so many of us are attracted to these types of films. **All meetings will be on Zoom.** **Please note that there is a two no-show removal policy. Please keep your RSVPs up to date.**

We are a Korean-English language exchange group for anyone interested in Korean language and culture. All skills levels are welcome. We are always looking to find language exchange partners who are learning Korean or English in the Chicagoland area and beyond (we have language exchange with our friends in Korea online via Zoom). Have a look at what we’ve got coming up, and if you’re interested in joining us in any our events, simply get in touch today. Visit our website at [www.koreanconversationtable.com](www.koreanconversationtable.com) ​ ​저희는 한국어와 한국 문화에 관심 있는 분들을 위한 한-영 언어 교환 그룹입니다. 어학 능력에 상관없이 모두를 환영합니다. 우리는 시카고와 그 외 지역에서  배우고 있는 언어 교환 파트너를 찾고 있습니다 (Zoom을 통해 한국에 있는 친구들과 온라인으로 언어 교환을 하고 있습니다). 앞으로 진행될 이벤트를 살펴보시고 이벤트에 참여하실 의향이 있으시면 오늘 바로 연락주시기 바랍니다. ## 한국어 원어민들을 위한 특별한 메시지입니다... 영어를 연습하고 친구도 사귀어요! 한국어/영어 언어교환 모임에 참여해보세요! 한류 열풍으로 한국어를 배우고 싶어하는 미국인들이 정말 많아요! 시카고뿐만 아니라 한국에서도 원어민을 찾고 있습니다. 우리는 토요일 아침(시카고 시간)에 카페에서 만나거나 토요일 아침(한국 시간)에 온라인으로 만납니다. 짧은 자기소개 후, 15분 동안 영어로, 15분 동안 한국어로 번갈아가며 대화합니다 (시카고에서 언어교환이 끝난 후, 점심식사까지 함께 해도 좋습니다.) 만약 여러분 혹은 친구가 영어 연습과 미국인 친구 사귀기에 관심이 있다면, 우리 그룹에 가입하세요!