Pets for Vets, a national 501(c)3 organization, is an entirely volunteer run organization that has chapters throughout the US, and most recently in Chicago. Essentially, our organization pairs veterans suffering from PTSD or TBI with shelter dogs at no cost to the veteran. Our goal is to bring the joy and unconditional love of a pet to someone who could benefit from this specific type of healing. Studies have shown the therapeutic effects having an animal can have, especially for those with PTSD …

Do you have a son, daughter, son-in-law or daughter-in-law that served, or is serving, in any branch of the US Armed Forces? Have you supported them through boot camp, training, deployment or transition back to civilian life? I have a son and daughter-in-law currently serving in the Navy and am hoping to meet other parents of military personnel. Meetups will include social outings to provide members with the opportunity to share stories, provide each other with encouragement and support, and sha …

Updated June 14, 2013 Who are Chicago Amateur Bread Bakers? We are avid home bakers of yeasted, artisanal breads. We come together in-person to share our bread-baking experiences and learn from one another. All levels are encouraged--from those who have just begun bread baking, to those with years of experience. (If you are an advanced bread baker, you might prefer to join our spin-off group, CABB2.) Begun in January 2011, Chicago Amateur Bread Bakers strives to support and inspire those active …

BREAKING NEWS Jan. 16. Francesco "Cheech" Barbaro wins the 2010 Quad-States Mixed Games Poker Championship, surviving a field of the region's most experienced poker veterans in a marathon 14 hour tournament. For more on the story, visit: http://www.ChicagoPokerNews.com Three Title Bracelets (SEE PHOTO ABOVE) will be on the line Jan. 15 & 16 as players from around the world meet for Chicagolands most prestigious championship poker series. The Quad-States Poker Grand Championships are sanctioned …

A veteran yogi of 18 years as she began yoga at 15 years of age. Tirzah Fujii 33 years of age has developed a deeply healing "Primal scream-combination yoga", one that uses the pain and discomfort of going deeper into both general, and specific yogic poses, to release anger and pain by screaming while in your poses on the exhale. Screaming is a very good way to release anger, which if left un-expressed will turn into stress kept in the body which causes poison that in turn reaps havoc, disease, …

Healing Hands Healing Circle was organized to create Community and provide seekers, healers, psychics, light workers, and holistic professionals a safe space to connect, share, practice, socialize, laugh and receive in a non-judgmental atmosphere. Our purpose is to create a Community and raise our energy vibration to a higher positive level in a safe, nurturing space, be supported and increase awareness of new possibilities and solutions for manifestation, support, ideas, growth and much more! W …

We are a casual running club that holds group runs close to western Cook County, and eastern DuPage County. Most runs are in the Brookfield, Lyons, Riverside, La Grange, La Grange Park, Westchester, and Western Springs area. Other surrounding areas like Hinsdale, and Darien, and Westmont have a very strong running population and great places to run. We are slowly building a pool of people of all abilities so that we could have a place to make new friends, find new motivation, undertake new endea …

It seems everyone in the suburbs is married and the only way to get out is to hang in bars. This group is a way to enjoy activities with others without the pressure of dating. Experience a wide range of activities with other singles including restaurants, nightlife, boating, wine tasting, hiking, biking, miniature golf, bowling, trap shooting, paintball, zip-lining and many more in the Northwest Suburbs. You don't have to be alone. Join us, have fun doing fun stuff, and meet new friends and mayb …

Meet local small business professionals from Oak Park and the surrounding areas that want to learn from experts and support from peers in: Business strategizing - using your valuable time wisely Networking - Growing win-win relationships Marketing - Getting the word out about your value in a big way Sales - Establish value to people in such a way that they want to hire you immediately Management and leadership - Creating better employees, partners and clients by setting a rock-solid foundation …

We are trying to bring together professionals from the Romanian speaking community and build strong networks in different fields of interest. Whether you are a student trying to get your first job or working in the academia, whether you are a professional that would like to change industries, or an industry veteran, this is the right place for you! We are welcoming highly competent, talented, passionate people willing to exchange industry news, discuss the latest trends, share ideas or just soci …

Are you ready to get off the couch and incorporate exercise into your life. Or have you already started but think it would be more fun to do it with friends? Then come join the Lake Barrington Trail Blazers. We will be walking or running in the local forest preserve. Early morning before work is a great way to start. We will also squeeze in some evenings and weekends depending on the level of participation. We will also include some social events just for fun! So whether you are a beginner or a …

Whirlyball is a fun game played in Bumper Cars.  This group was created to share and spread our love of Whirlyball.  We want to bring in new and experienced players to join us for our Monday night open plays and our Monday night league. All skill levels are welcome.  Everyone is here to have fun and everyone will help each other learn.  Roughly a 10 week season costs between $160-$170 total depending on exact number of teams and court time needed.  Each team has a minimum of 4 10 minute games pe …

Meet with other people (and their pets) who are interested in OFF Leash Dog Recreation in Chicagoland's Western Suburbs -- specifically DuPage County. Gather and discuss this growing trend with other dog enthusiasts! Bring your dogs! (4 legged varieties require park permit) This group was created so people could have easier access to meeting others with dogs who wish to get together and get some exercise. A way for you to get out, get some fresh air and a little two legged companionship for yo …

Welcome to Chicago’s fun and active rock climbing group! We’re a varied group of rock climbers,  ice climbers, and boulderers of all ages and skills. We have regular rock climbing events at various climbing gyms throughout the city, as well as outdoor trips to crags near and far.   We organize clinics and guided trips as well as impromptu unguided trips. Here is a great way to meet other local rock climbers to belay, share tips, discuss gear, and plan trips. Whether you’re new to rock climbing …

Team Tri Smart is a friendly, talented group of athletes who enjoy all things triathlon. Team Tri Smart members like to train, race and socialize and most of all, have fun. Our membership includes all levels of talent and experience so from newbies to veterans, back of the packers to elite athletes, everyone is welcome. If you're looking to join a group to train with, come on out to one of our scheduled workouts and give us a try. Triathlon is NOT just a science it is also an ART and is meant fo …

Welcome to Co-Founders Wanted of Chicago Meetup group! Maybe you are a serial entrepreneur, maybe you are a developer, and maybe corporate life is not for you. Have you been doing searches on CoFoundersLab.com? Tasted a startup, or want to startup your own business? Co-Founders Wanted of Chicago serves as an in-person matchmaking service for co-founders. Did you know VCs prefer co-founders over one-man startups? There are lots of benefits to starting a business with someone who complements you. …

Are you a Euchre or Spades player looking for a game?  Come join us in Palatine. Our group includes Euchre and Spades players who like to get together to play regularly.  Veteran players make up the core of the group, but beginners are welcome to come out and learn to play. It's a relaxed, social atmosphere and a great way to meet others and get out for a night of fun! We play on Monday evenings at Durty Nellies at 180 North Smith Street, Palatine, IL.  The establishment is not charging us for …

Come join us for a fun night of gaming! Whether you are a veteran gamer or new to the hobby you are always welcome. If you have no games to contribute for playing that's OK, several of us bring games ranging from the quick and silly like Flux and Poo, to the more popular Carcassonne and Settlers of Catan, and to the more complex economy games like Power Grid and Puerto Rico. Never heard of the games just mentioned, that's OK, too.  Sometimes we play main-stream games from Chess to Poker. Howeve …

Wheel to Wheel Karting lets racers from different locales know about a variety of "Arrive and Drive" Karting Endurance Races at various venues.  This LeMans style of Kart racing has been catching on over the past few years where several team members take turns driving fast, high powered karts during a race.  If you are an "A type" personality this is for you. This is an easy way to get involved testing your road course driving skills in the fun and exciting sport of endurance karting.  The "Arri …

Meet other local fans and participants of all levels of Veterans Freestyle, Greco and Folkstyle Wrestling! All ability levels welcome to develop new techniques, practice with other competitors, and participate in tournaments. This is a great opportunity for beginners to learn a new and challenging sport, as well as provide drilling partners for old wrestlers that want to stay in the game. Our core membership includes experienced coaches who can help you learn the basics and provide chances to i …

Whether you are a veteran Baha'i, or someone wanting to learn more, this meetup group is for you.  All the areas Baha'i activities in one place - how great is that? Find a fireside, Feast, devotional gathering, Ruhi class...  Plus, we will occasionally post inter-faith activities, as we find them. You have 2 options when joining this Meetup:  1)  receive emails whenever a new event is posted, or 2) receive none, and come here on your own to check for activities. BTW - the easiest way to get a …

CIMA is Chicago's only interactive-centric professional organization dedicated to the enhancement and acceleration of business opportunities, professional development, and exponential networking for interactive marketing professionals in Chicago. CIMA offers its members the opportunity to network with fellow marketers, agencies and vendors while sharing best practices and learning about the latest industry developments. CIMA members enjoy discounted or exclusive attendance to all events, edu …

BREAKING NEWS Jan. 16: Francesco "Cheech" Barbaro wins the historic 2010 Quad-States Poker Mixed Games Championship at the Majestic Star Casino and Hotel. Barbaro faced 45 of the regions toughest veteran Mixed Games players and finally won it all with a 9-high straight in No-Limit Texas Holdem. For the complete story, still breaking across the poker wires, visit: http://www.ChicagoPokerNews.com The Chicago Texas Holdem Meetup Group was proud to be a part of this incredible tournament, congratul …