Fun Classes for Expats Living in Chicago

Chicago, a vibrant city with a rich cultural tapestry, offers a plethora of classes for English-speaking adults, including expats and digital nomads. Whether you're looking to hone a new skill, dive into the local culture, or simply find a fun and engaging way to meet new people, there's something for everyone. From cooking classes that tantalize your taste buds to language courses that help you communicate better, and from wine tasting sessions that refine your palate to creative arts that unleash your inner artist, Chicago's educational scene is as diverse as its population. Here's a curated list of classes that promise to enrich your stay in the Windy City.

The Chopping Block

Type of Class(es): Cooking Classes
Location: Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 107 and Lincoln Square, 4747 N Lincoln Ave
Website: www.thechoppingblock.com

The Chopping Block offers a variety of cooking classes for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home chefs. Their hands-on approach ensures that you not only learn the recipes but also the techniques behind them. Classes range from regional cuisines to special techniques like knife skills. It's a great way to meet fellow food enthusiasts and add some local flavors to your culinary repertoire.

Discovery Center

Type of Class(es): Language Courses, Art Classes, Wine Tasting
Location: 4318 N Elston Ave
Website: www.discoverycenter.cc

At the Discovery Center, you can find a wide array of affordable classes. Their language courses are perfect for those still mastering English, and they also offer classes in other languages if you're feeling adventurous. Art classes like painting and drawing can provide a relaxing creative outlet, while their wine tasting classes are a social way to learn about vintages from around the world.

Alliance Française de Chicago

Type of Class(es): French Language and Culture
Location: 810 N Dearborn St
Website: www.af-chicago.org

For those interested in French language and culture, the Alliance Française de Chicago offers a welcoming environment. With classes for all levels, including beginners, you can learn French in a supportive setting. They also host cultural events, which are perfect for meeting other Francophiles and expats.

Bottle & Bottega

Type of Class(es): Painting and Art Classes
Location: Various locations in Chicago
Website: www.paintingwithatwist.com

Bottle & Bottega offers a fun twist on art classes by combining painting with a BYOB experience. Ideal for beginners and those looking to unwind, these classes guide you through creating your own artwork in a laid-back, social atmosphere. It's a great way to express yourself and connect with others.

Chicago Photography Classes

Type of Class(es): Photography Workshops
Location: 4001 N Ravenswood Ave #202
Website: chicagophotoclasses.com

Whether you're a hobbyist or aspiring professional, Chicago Photography Classes offers workshops that cover various aspects of photography. Their hands-on approach helps you improve your skills while exploring the city's picturesque locales. It's a fantastic way to document your Chicago experience and share it with others.

Give Me Some Sugar

Type of Class(es): Baking Classes
Location: 2205 W Belmont Ave
Website: www.givesugar.com

Give Me Some Sugar provides baking classes for those with a sweet tooth. From cupcakes to artisan bread, these classes are designed to be fun and informative. You'll learn baking techniques that you can take home, making it a sweet way to integrate into the Chicago community.

Language Loop

Type of Class(es): English and Foreign Language Courses
Location: 117 N Jefferson St, Suite LL2
Website: www.languageloopllc.com

Language Loop offers personalized language instruction in English and many other languages. Their small class sizes and flexible scheduling make it easy for expats and digital nomads to fit language learning into their busy lives. It's an excellent resource for improving communication skills and making new friends.

Vino & Vango

Type of Class(es): Wine Tasting and Painting Classes
Location: Various pop-up locations
Website: www.vinoandvangochicago.com

Vino & Vango combines the joy of painting with the pleasure of wine tasting. These pop-up events are held at different venues around the city, providing a unique experience each time. It's a great way to explore Chicago, enjoy some fine wine, and create art in a social setting.

Windy City Fieldhouse

Type of Class(es): Recreational Sports and Team Building Activities
Location: 2367 W Logan Blvd
Website: www.windycityfieldhouse.com

While not a traditional class, Windy City Fieldhouse offers a variety of recreational sports and team-building activities that can be a fun and active way to meet people. From basketball to dodgeball, there's a sport for everyone, and it's a great way to stay social and fit.

Lillstreet Art Center

Type of Class(es): Ceramics, Jewelry Making, Textiles, and More
Location: 4401 N Ravenswood Ave
Website: lillstreet.com

Lillstreet Art Center is a creative hub offering a wide range of art classes. Whether you're interested in ceramics, jewelry making, or textile arts, Lillstreet provides a supportive environment to learn and create. Their classes cater to all skill levels and are a fantastic way to engage with Chicago's artistic community.

City Winery Chicago

Type of Class(es): Wine Making and Tasting Classes
Location: 1200 W Randolph St
Website: citywinery.com

City Winery Chicago not only offers a selection of fine wines but also teaches you how to make them. Their wine-making classes provide a hands-on experience, while their tasting events are perfect for those looking to learn more about wine in a relaxed, social setting.

Old Town School of Folk Music

Type of Class(es): Music and Dance Classes
Location: 4544 N Lincoln Ave
Website: oldtownschool.org

For music and dance enthusiasts, the Old Town School of Folk Music is an iconic institution. Offering classes in a variety of instruments and dance styles, it's a place where you can immerse yourself in the musical traditions of Chicago and beyond. It's also a great venue to enjoy concerts and meet fellow music lovers.