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Speed dating in Chicago has become a thriving scene for singles tired of harsh winters spent swiping through dating apps. With over 900,000 singles in Chicago and events happening across neighborhoods from River North to Wicker Park, Lincoln Park to the Loop, Chicago offers one of the Midwest's most active speed dating markets.
From upscale downtown events at rooftop bars to laid-back brewery speed dating in Logan Square, from young professional mixers to 50+ senior events—Chicago's speed dating scene has evolved to serve every demographic.
Here are the best speed dating companies and organizers in Chicago, organized by age and demographic.
Technology: Secret RSVP live-matching app Events: 32 upcoming on Eventbrite Age Range: 25-45 (primarily) Tagline: "The most exciting singles community"
Website: thefun.singles/chicago Eventbrite: Chicago Singles Events Organizer (32 events)
Chicago Singles Events uses Secret RSVP's award-winning live-matching technology for interactive group speed dating. With 32 upcoming events, they're one of Chicago's most active organizers hosting weekly online and in-person events.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Tech-forward approach where you select interested matches via app while playing games. Events feel like casual get-togethers rather than formal rotations. High frequency (weekly events) gives you multiple chances to meet people.
Format: Interactive group speed dating with live matching. Update your guest list throughout the night via app. Mix of online and in-person events.
Best For: Tech-savvy singles ages 25-45, people who want modern approach, daters seeking relaxed atmosphere, those who prefer frequent event options.
Founded: 2007 Events: 20 upcoming on Eventbrite Coverage: 70+ cities worldwide Price Range: $30-$75
Website: speedchicagodating.com | mycheekydate.com Eventbrite: SpeedChicago Dating Organizer (20 events)
SpeedChicago Dating (part of the MyCheekyDate family) is regarded as Chicago's premier boutique-style speed dating service. Established in 2007, they've built a reputation for sophisticated, well-curated events.
What Makes Them Stand Out: "UK style" sophistication with Smart-Card mobile matching. No whistles, name tags, or cheesy party trappings—just intimate, well-hosted events at stylish Chicago venues. Selective admission ensures quality crowds. They reward "lovely daters" with discounts while refusing service to those who don't meet standards.
Format: Host-led with 6-7 minute dates, mobile scorecards, curated attendee selection.
Pros: Premium experience, established reputation (since 2007), sophisticated venues, tickets never expire, verified Eventbrite organizer with 25,000+ past events nationally.
Cons: Higher prices ($30-$75), selective admission may exclude some, smaller event sizes.
Best For: Professionals ages 22-48 seeking upscale experience, people willing to pay premium for quality, daters who value sophistication.
Founded: 2001 Coverage: 70+ cities across US and Canada Price Range: $23-$35 per event Age Ranges: 20s, 30s, 28-40, plus older ranges
Website: pre-dating.com/chicago Eventbrite: Pre-Dating Organizer (420+ events)
Pre-Dating is the largest and oldest speed dating company in America with over 40,000 events hosted since 2001. Their Chicago presence covers downtown, suburbs, and surrounding areas.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Most established brand with 24-year track record. Events at accessible Chicago venues with professional hosts. Most affordable pricing. Suburban coverage for those outside the city.
Format: Traditional speed dating with 6-minute conversations, 8-12 potential matches per event, scorecard system, mutual match notifications within 24-48 hours.
Pros: Most affordable ($23-$35), established reputation, events throughout Chicagoland, well-trained hosts, featured on BBC, CNN, NPR.
Cons: Traditional format may feel formulaic, no in-platform messaging (email matches only).
Best For: Professionals ages 20-50 seeking traditional speed dating, budget-conscious daters, people living in suburbs, those who value established reputation.
Events: 10 upcoming on Eventbrite Ownership: Female-owned and led Chicago business Event Types: Curated speed dating, singles mixers, wine tasting, pickleball events Age Ranges: 25-34, 28-38, 30-39, 33-45, 35-45, 35-49 Format: 8-10 one-on-one "mini dates" via Meet IRL app Mission: "Stop the swiping and facilitate introductions in real life"
Eventbrite: meet irl Organizer (10 events) Instagram: @meetirlco
meet irl is a female-owned local Chicago business "obsessed with helping Chicagoans connect IRL." They're the anti-app dating solution, hosting welcoming, unpretentious events designed to create organic connections in a fun, social environment.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Uses Meet IRL app for curated matchmaking—after purchasing your ticket, you complete a profile with quick questions that help them match you with the most compatible people in the room. You'll rotate through 8-10 mini dates at different tables using the app for tracking. Events at Chicago's best neighborhood venues (The Dawson in River North, Half Acre Beer Co in Lincoln Square, Guild Row in Avondale, Midwest Coast Brewing in West Town). Small, female-owned business brings personal touch with hosts facilitating throughout to ensure great experience. Events often sell out for women (high demand!).
Venues: The Dawson (730 W Grand Ave, River North), Half Acre Beer Co (2050 W Balmoral Ave, Lincoln Square), Guild Row (3130 N Rockwell St, Avondale), Midwest Coast Brewing (2137 W Walnut St, West Town).
Format: Purchase ticket based on age/gender → Complete profile in Meet IRL app → Arrive 6:30-6:45pm for check-in, drinks, mingling → Speed dating rounds start promptly at 6:45-7pm → Rotate through 8-10 curated one-on-one mini dates → Post-event mutual match notifications.
Activity Events: Beyond speed dating, they host wine tastings, pickleball events, and social mixers—providing natural conversation starters and variety.
FAQ Note: Most attendees are first-timers who come solo—everyone's here to meet new people! Dress code is "whatever makes you feel like your best self, think first date: something cute but casual." Age flexibility of 1-2 years outside range, but respect advertised brackets since other guests expect to meet people in that age group.
Pros: Local Chicago-owned business with neighborhood knowledge, curated matches via app (not random rotations), diverse venues across Chicago neighborhoods, female-owned perspective, activity-based options beyond speed dating, personal attention from small business, high-quality crowd (women's tickets often sell out).
Cons: Women's tickets sell out fast (high demand means limited availability), newer company compared to national chains, events fill up quickly.
Best For: Singles ages 25-49 seeking activity-based dating, people tired of apps wanting IRL connections, daters who want curated matches not random rotations, those who value supporting local female-owned businesses, Chicagoans wanting neighborhood venue variety.
Events: 3 upcoming on Eventbrite Tagline: "Chicago's leader in singles events" Claim: "The preferred choice of professional men and women seeking love and friendship" Coverage: Chicago, suburbs, northwest Indiana, and many parts of Illinois
Eventbrite: Chicago First Dates Organizer (3 events)
Chicago First Dates positions itself as Chicago's leader in singles events, bringing professional men and women together for what they describe as "the most successful and talked-about speed dating and singles parties in town!"
What Makes Them Stand Out: Events are designed specifically for professional, busy men and women who live in the Chicago area including the suburbs and northwest Indiana. They offer an "ingenious way" for singles to meet each other by bringing them together in one place to discover matches. The result is "a completely energetic and fun-filled event where strangers can become fast friends and more."
Format: Singles mixer and speed dating format where participants meet, mingle, and see if there are matches between them.
Geographic Coverage: Wide accessibility throughout Chicago city, suburbs, northwest Indiana, and many parts of Illinois—making them a good option for singles throughout the greater Chicagoland metro area.
Pros: Strong reputation as Chicago's leader in singles events, professional crowd focus, energetic atmosphere, accessible throughout Chicago metro area, successful track record.
Cons: Only 3 current events on Eventbrite (may run additional events through their website).
Best For: Professional men and women in Chicago/suburbs/northwest Indiana, people seeking energetic fun-filled atmosphere, singles throughout greater Chicagoland metro area.
ChicagoFirstDates.com positions itself as Chicago's leader in singles events, hosting speed dating across the city.
Best For: Singles seeking locally-focused Chicago events.
Age Ranges: 30s/40s, 40-55, 50-65, 65+ Coverage: Chicago and all suburbs Price: $23-$35 Specialty: Senior Speed Dating
Website: pre-dating.com/chicago Over 50 Landing Page: Senior Speed Dating Eventbrite: Pre-Dating Organizer
Pre-Dating is the most reliable provider for mature singles 40+ in Chicago. With 24 years of experience and dedicated age brackets, they understand mature dating needs.
Why It Works for 40+: Traditional no-tech format with simple scorecards appeals to mature daters. Accessible suburban venues with parking throughout Chicagoland. Professional hosts create comfortable atmosphere for first-timers. Established reputation attracts quality crowds.
Format: Standard 6-minute conversations with 8-10 matches. Mark scorecard, receive mutual matches within 48 hours.
Venues: Downtown Chicago, suburbs throughout Cook County, DuPage, Lake County, Northwest suburbs
Best For: Singles ages 40-65+ seeking traditional speed dating, people living in Chicago suburbs, mature daters who value established reputation, seniors wanting no-tech approach.
Age Ranges: 36-48, 40-55 Style: Upscale boutique events Price: $40-$75
Website: speedchicagodating.com Eventbrite: SpeedChicago Dating Organizer
SpeedChicago Dating offers upscale speed dating for mature professionals ages 36-55 at sophisticated Chicago venues.
Why It Works for 40+: Mature professionals appreciate refined atmosphere and selective admission. Quality over quantity approach. Premium pricing filters for serious daters with resources.
Best For: Affluent professionals ages 36-55, mature singles seeking upscale experience, people willing to invest in quality.
Age Range: 40+ Events: Included in their 32-event lineup Format: Mixers and speed dating
Eventbrite: Chicago Singles Events Organizer
Chicago Singles Events (Secret RSVP) includes age 40+ specific events in their regular lineup.
Best For: Tech-savvy singles 40+ who want modern approach with live-matching app.
Focus: Gay men speed dating Coverage: Major cities nationwide Price: $35-$75
Website: mycheekydate.com Eventbrite: Chicago Gay Events on Eventbrite
MyCheekyGayDate (part of MyCheekyDate family) provides upscale speed dating for gay men in Chicago.
Best For: Gay men ages 22-55 seeking sophisticated speed dating, people who value curated events.
Resources: Multiple Chicago-based LGBTQ+ organizations host speed dating
Eventbrite: Chicago LGBTQ Events Meetup: Chicago LGBTQ+ Groups
Chicago has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community in Boystown, Andersonville, and throughout the city with various organizations hosting speed dating for lesbian, bi, trans, queer, and non-binary singles.
Best For: LGBTQ+ singles seeking community-based events, people wanting Chicago-specific LGBTQ+ options.
Beyond traditional speed dating, Chicago offers extensive singles social scene:
Chicago's neighborhoods each have distinct dating cultures:
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