7 Ways To Meet Singles In Chicago in 2023
In order to learn a language or sport, you must devote a certain amount of hours per week to develop your skill. The same applies to your dating life. When seeking a relationship, you must exert a certain amount of effort. If you're active on dating apps, you carry a dating pool right in your pocket. If you're working with a Chicago matchmaker, such as Ambiance Matchmaking, your matchmaker carries a dating pool right in his or her pocket.
However, if you're determined to find a relationship organically, you must insert yourself into the real world to create your own dating pool. This means engaging yourself in events and activities and opening your social life to a variety of new people. My suggestion? Devote yourself to one or two activities that you enjoy. When involved in something enjoyable, your body language opens up, allowing a connection with others to occur more naturally.
Below you will find seven great ways to meet singles organically in Chicago. Under each general category, we list our favorite Chicago organizations to help you get started. Do you have a recommendation to add to the list? Leave us a comment!
1. SPORTS LEAGUES
CHICAGO SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB
The Chicago Sports & Social Club organizes a variety of indoor and outdoor sports leagues year-round, including soccer, basketball, tennis, baseball, kickball, dodgeball, and volleyball, among others. This has to be one of the largest sports clubs in Chicago, and they attract mainly singles in their 30s. I’ve played in their kickball and beach volleyball leagues and met many like-minded people.
Join the Chicago Sports & Social Club
2. TRAINING GROUPS
NIKE
Nike offers a variety of running and cross-training classes in their store located on Michigan Avenue. Classes can fill up fast, so it’s best to register early.
CHICAGO AREA RUNNERS ASSOCIATION
CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association) is the midwest’s largest running organization. For a small membership fee, you have access to race schedules and results, Chicagoland training areas (where you can meet other runners), and information on weekly fun runs.
Join CARA
CHICAGO TRIATHLON CLUB
For anyone interested in conquering the Chicago Triathlon (or any triathlon for that matter), this club is great. I joined in 2014 and loved meeting every single person. Join the club and attend their monthly meetings and pre/post-race parties.
Join the Chicago Triathlon Club
3. COOKING CLASSES
THE CHOPPING BLOCK
The Chopping Block offers classes designed for home cooks with busy lifestyles who have a passion for food. They offer intimate hands-on and demonstration classes covering topics from the building blocks of cooking to intensive Boot Camps led by professional chef instructors.
View classes
4. FOOD & DRINK
WHOLE FOODS MARKET
Whole Foods Market hosts a surprising number of social events. My favorite is the 5 for 5 every Friday night from 5-7 pm at the DePaul location. Pay $5 and receive 5 food and wine pairings, followed by a large gathering of people in the Red State Bar. The mothership located on Kingsbury is an even larger social hub, featuring events such as Wine & Cheese Night and Rooftop Grilling Supper Club. Even when there are no scheduled events, the three bars located inside are full of friendly people looking to socialize.
Choose your local store, then navigate to the events page: Whole Foods Market
5. COMMUNITY EVENTS
MEETUP.COM
The social website that comprises meetup.com is massive. You can find fellow enthusiasts for any interest imaginable, including secret supper clubs, culture and arts, beach tennis, and a comedy lovers group, just to name a few. They even have a “Dating for Nerds” group where you can meet 4,964 “smart singles,” or choose from other singles groups.
Meetup with like-minded people
6. NETWORKING EVENTS
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK
The Young Professionals Network hosts events that are great for meeting globally conscious professionals. This group is committed to making an impact on the world, not just handing out business cards. Check out "YPC Social Connect" – a monthly networking event taking place on the third Thursday of every month. Ticket prices include cocktails, appetizers, and live music. Other organizations that offer monthly networking events include Network & Social and Network After Work.
Join the Young Professionals Network
7. VOLUNTEER
PAWS
Last year, 450 people joined the PAWS Marathon Team to raise $370,000 to help prevent the killing of homeless pets. In exchange for raising $600, runners receive free training through Chicago Area Runners Association and bonuses such as monthly dog-friendly happy hours, weekend fun runs, a pre-race “PAWsta” party, and a heated, private tent on race day. The fun runs are held monthly starting in March, drawing about 30 to 50 people to jog with their pooch or a PAWS pup. What a great way to meet other active singles while supporting a good cause!
Become a volunteer
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
This August, Habitat for Humanity Chicago began work on the Powers family's home. This home is sponsored in part by an anonymous donor who has pledged $60,000 and challenges the Chicago community to raise the additional funds needed to build the home. But you don’t have to get sweaty to make a difference. You can also lend a helping hand by joining the action committee or taking over office duties.
View volunteer opportunities
If you're looking for help in your dating journey, hiring a matchmaking service is a great option. A matchmaker can focus your search so you are only meeting singles who are compatible, saving you time, energy, and money. Furthermore, having a matchmaker by your side can keep you on track and remind you of your values when things get complicated or confusing. Learn more about hiring a professional matchmaker or schedule a consultation with a matchmaker at Ambiance Matchmaking.