Where to Meet Singles in Chicago, IL? (Except for Bars)
If you actually want to meet singles in Chicago, you need to be proactive and put yourself out there.
This means using Chicago dating apps and exploring different social settings and activities.
Where to Meet Singles in Chicago, IL?
1. Dating Apps
Single people in Chicago use dating apps because they have busy schedules with work and other commitments, making it difficult to find time to go out and meet new people.
Also, dating apps provide a larger pool of potential partners than they may encounter in their daily lives.
This is why Chicago dating apps are a convenient and low-pressure way to connect with single people.
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 there, I’m Jack“.
Some popular dating apps include:
- Ashley Madison (best for casual encounters)
- Eharmony (best for long-term relationships)
- ChristianCafe (best for Christians)
2. Dancing Classes
Dancing classes are the perfect place to meet singles in Chicago because they are designed to continuously meet new people by dancing with different partners.
Learning an activity removes the pressure and gives plenty of excuses to talk to each other.
Single people in Chicago attend dancing classes to socialize, meet new people, and potentially find romantic partners.
The best time to attend dancing classes is during the evening or on weekends when classes are most crowded.
This is when people are more relaxed and open to meeting new people.
A great way to approach someone at a dancing class is to use a simple icebreaker.
For example: “Hey, do you want to partner with me? I promise not to step on your toes… but I can’t guarantee that I won’t make a complete fool of myself.”
Some popular dancing classes in Chicago include:
3. Toastmasters Clubs
Toastmasters clubs are one of the best places to encounter singles in Chicago.
The club provides a safe space for individuals to develop public speaking and leadership skills while socializing with like-minded individuals.
Singles in Chicago go to toastmasters clubs to enhance their confidence, network with new people, and practice their communication skills.
The best time to attend is during one of their weekly meetings, where members practice speeches and receive constructive feedback.
A great icebreaker to approach someone at a Toastmasters club could be:
“Hey there, I’m pretty sure I’m still stuck in the ‘um’ phase of my speeches, but I’m hoping to upgrade to ‘uhh’ soon. Have you managed to conquer any of the speech filler words yet?”
Some popular Toastmasters clubs in Chicago include:
Related: 15 Best Singles Bars in Chicago (to Meet & Mingle)
4. Hiking Meetups
Hiking meetups are among the best singles activities in Chicago because they attract a diverse group of people who want to spend time outdoors.
Single people in Chicago go to hiking meetups because they offer a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and connect with people who share their love of nature.
Hiking is a great low-pressure activity where it’s easy to start a conversation with others who are also looking to meet new friends and potentially find a romantic partner.
To start a conversation, use a simple icebreaker.
For example: “Excuse me, but do you think the bears in this area prefer crunchy or smooth peanut butter? I want to make sure I’m well prepared for this hike.”
Some popular hiking groups in Chicago include:
- Chicago Hiking, Outdoors, & Social Group
- Chicagoland Young Professionals Hiking Outdoor & Social Meet
- Urban Nature Walks (Chicago)
5. Language Exchange Groups
Chicago language exchange groups are a great place to find singles because they are designed around social interaction.
This, in turn, takes off the pressure and gives plenty of excuses to talk to each other, even if you are shy.
Language groups usually attract people from various backgrounds who are very liberal and open to meeting new people.
Remember, larger groups have more opportunities to meet new people, while smaller groups offer a more intimate setting for socializing with others.
The easiest way to approach someone is to ask for help with the language.
For example: “Hey, how do you spell this word? I’m pretty sure I sound like a toddler.”
Some popular language exchange groups in Chicago include:
- Chicago Language Cafe
- Spanish Language and Culture Connection
- ! Chicago Is My Oyster!! There Is Always More To Explore!!
6. Group Fitness Classes
Group fitness classes are one of the best spots to socialize with singles in Chicago.
They are perfect because they offer a chance to escape the monotony of solo workouts and enjoy a fun, dynamic workout experience.
Group fitness classes allow individuals to push their limits in a supportive and motivating environment making it easy to meet new people going through the same emotions.
Classes that typically attract a higher percentage of Chicago singles include yoga, dance-based classes like Zumba, and outdoor boot camp-style classes.
The easiest way to approach someone is to use a simple joke to break the ice.
For example: “I’m pretty sure I’m the only one here who has no idea what they’re doing. Mind if I stand next to you and pretend I know what I’m doing?”
Some popular group fitness classes in Chicago include:
7. Improv Classes
Chicago improv classes are a great place to meet other single people because they are designed to be fun and playful.
Improv requires participants to build upon each other’s ideas, creating affinity and trust. Which, in turn, helps people let their guard down and connect more easily with others.
To meet singles in Chicago, pick classes that focus on character development and storytelling.
This provides opportunities for participants to connect on a deeper level by sharing personal stories and insights.
The best way 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:
8. Comedy Clubs
Comedy clubs are probably the best social events for Chicago singles because they provide a fun and relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to initiate conversation.
Singles in Chicago go to comedy clubs because these are excellent places to unwind and relax after a long work week.
The best time to go to a comedy club is on a weekend evening when they typically have their biggest shows.
The best time to approach single men and women is in the beginning, when people are gathering and more open to small talk or during the intermission.
You could break the ice with something like: “Hey there, have you heard the one about the comedian who ran out of material? Yeah, neither have I. Let’s hope tonight’s not his night.”
Some popular comedy clubs in Chicago include:
FAQ
Where to meet women in Chicago?
Some popular places to meet women in Chicago include dancing classes, language classes, and volunteering. The fastest way to meet women is through dating apps and new social settings. If you want to meet women to date, you must put yourself out there.
Where to meet men in Chicago?
Some popular places to meet men in Chicago include tech events, comedy clubs, and co-working Spaces. The fastest way to meet men is through dating apps and new social settings. If you want to meet men to date, you must put yourself out there.