How to Meet People in Chicago, IL? (for Dating & Friends)
If you actually want to meet people in Chicago, you need to be proactive and put yourself out there.
This means using dating apps and exploring different social settings and activities.
How to Meet People in Chicago, IL?
1. Dating Apps
Although dating apps were initially designed mainly for romantic relationships, today, they work well for both making new friends and meeting people to date.
This is because they provide a low-pressure and low-commitment way to connect with people you will never meet in your local bars or clubs.
This is especially helpful if you are shy or new to Chicago. Just make sure you don’t start the conversation with a generic intro.
Instead, break the ice with something like: “How much does a polar bear weigh? Enough to break the ice and introduce myself! Hi, I’m Cathy! “
Some popular dating apps include:
- Ashley Madison (best for casual encounters)
- Eharmony (best for friends and relationships)
- ChristianCafe (best for Christians)
2. Language Exchange Groups
Language exchange groups are a great place to make friends in Chicago because the main purpose is to talk with each other, which eliminates the awkward meeting phase.
You have a chance to practice a foreign language and improve your language skills with native speakers.
Language exchange groups tend to attract people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, creating an opportunity to connect with individuals from all over the world.
These groups often organize social events and activities outside of language practice sessions, providing additional low-pressure opportunities to socialize and meet new people in Chicago.
Some popular language exchange groups in Chicago include:
- Chicago Language Cafe
- Chicago Is My Oyster! There Is Always More To Explore!
- Spanish Language and Culture Connection
3. Co-working Spaces
Chicago co-working spaces are a great place to connect with new people because they attract entrepreneurs, business owners, and freelancers who are focused on achieving their goals.
People go to co-working spaces because they offer a professional and collaborative environment that allows them to network and meet new people.
The best time to go to co-working spaces if you want to meet new people is during networking events or lunch breaks when people are more relaxed and open to conversation.
The easiest way to approach someone in a co-working space is to ask for technical help with something.
For example: “I’ll be honest, my social skills are about as good as my printer’s. Can you help me to setup up a Zoom meeting?”
Some popular co-working spaces in Chicago include:
4. Improv Classes
Improv classes are a great way to make friends in Chicago because they are designed to be fun and playful, which helps people let their guard down and connect more easily with others.
They require participants to work together and build upon each other’s ideas, creating affinity and trust. This, in turn, helps people let their guard down and connect more easily with others.
The best time to attend these classes is during the evenings or weekends when most people are free from work.
An easy excuse to approach someone in an improv class is to ask for help in practicing or rehearsing a scene or exercise.
For example: “Hey, I was wondering if you’d like to practice this scene with me? I think it would be fun to work on together.”
Some popular improv classes in Chicago include:
5. Tech Events
The easiest way to meet people in Chicago is through tech events.
Most tech events have a social or networking component, which facilitates interaction and conversation with others, providing natural conversation starters for attendees.
This removes the pressure of what to say, so you don’t need to find awkward icebreakers to make the first move.
These events attract people who are interested in technology and innovation, making it a low-pressure and enjoyable way to connect with people who share similar interests.
An easy excuse to approach someone is to ask for help or their opinion on a particular technology or tool related to the event.
For example: “Hi there, I’m Jane. I’m looking for a Zoom alternative. Which do you think is the best?”
Some popular places to find tech events in Chicago include:
- Techspo Chicago
- Built in Chicago
- International Conference on Science, Engineering & Technology (ICSET)
6. Group Fitness Classes
Group fitness classes are a good way to meet people in Chicago.
They provide a structured environment where people can interact and socialize before and after class, making it easier to start a conversation with someone new.
Fitness classes often involve partner or team activities, which can foster a sense of community and teamwork among participants.
This provides a great excuse, even for shy people, to approach someone and can lead to the formation of strong and supportive friendships.
Some popular group fitness classes in Chicago include:
7. Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering is a great way to make new friends and meet people to date in Chicago because it provides a structured environment that makes it easier to connect with others.
It often involves working as a team for a greater cause, which builds comradeship and creates opportunities for deeper connections.
Moreover, volunteering also provides a sense of fulfillment and purpose, which are often attractive qualities to potential friends and partners.
Volunteering can lead to social events and activities outside of volunteer work, which can provide opportunities for further socializing and bonding.
Some popular volunteer opportunities in Chicago include:
FAQ
How to make friends in Chicago?
If you want to make friends in Chicago, you must put yourself out there. The fastest way to connect with new people is through new social settings and activities like language exchange groups, tech events, and improv classes.
Where to meet people to date in Chicago?
The best ways to meet people to date in Chicago include dating apps and new social settings like group fitness classes, improv classes, tech events, and volunteering. If you want to meet people to date, then you must put yourself out there.
