A membership library to borrow all kinds of tools, the Chicago Tool Library is a community nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide equitable access to tools, equipment, and information to allow all Chicagoans to learn, share, and create.
A not-for-profit community organization that recycles used computers and parts to provide functional computers, education, internet access and job skills training to those who want them.
A nonprofit social enterprise that repurposes building materials and provides job training while creating a market for reclaimed building materials.
Students work with Guides to learn how to use hand tools, power tools, electronics, robotics, 3d printers, laser cutters, CNC milling machines, computer modeling and design software, computer game development software, virtual reality, and new media to design and build just about anything.
This DIY maker-space lets kids experiment with real tools to design their own creations. The TinkerLab features professionally trained staff, visiting engineers, and special programs.
A makerspace with access to laser cutting and 3D printing near the Thorndale Red Line offering after school programs.
Offering classes, summer camps, day camps, birthday parties, and field trips for kids.
Part of the MIT network of Fab Labs, which are all over the world! The Fab Lab evolved from the Center for Bits and Atoms, and from a class called "How to Make (almost) Anything."
Robot City Workshop is a multi-purpose storefront offering kits, parts, workshops and event space.
The Greenhouse MakerLab is a space that empowers everyone that visits to learn, create, and explore as artists, engineers, designers, and more. Whether it’s building robots, designing and decorating your own greeting cards, or 3D printing your own miniature figurines, the MakerLab offers a hands-on learning environment for all ages: kids and adults. We offer classes, workshops, camps, and open-lab time to allow anyone to learn new skills and grow as a problem-solver and creative thinker.
YOUmedia Chicago is an innovative, 21st century teen digital learning space at 19 Chicago Public Library locations. With an emphasis on digital media and the maker movement, teens engage in projects across a variety of core content areas including graphic design, photography, video, music, 2D/3D design, STEM and hands-on making. YOUmedia connects young adults, books, media, mentors and institutions throughout Chicago in dynamic spaces designed to inspire collaboration and creativity.
Whether writing code, carving wood, building machines, or solving a problem members here are all about creating. The collaborative energy and creative atmosphere foster the makers, inventors, hackers, and learners to continue, in whatever medium. Sawdust mixes with the digital in this space and beautiful things result.
The Fab Lab, located at the Polsky Exchange, offers entrepreneurs opportunities to transform their ideas into physical objects to share, test and perfect.
The original Chicago hackerspace, take your making to the next level. Two levels of membership. Some events open to the public, including orientations.
The South Side Hackerspace is a collection of nerds, makers, tinkerers, doers, hackers, artists, students, teachers, and other creatives. We meet in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood, where we teach, learn, make, and socialize in our educational and collaborative community space.
The Apparel Industry Board Inc. Fashion Lab (AIBI Fashion Lab) is a shared manufacturing space for sewing professionals. The lab features industrial sewing machines, cutting tables, a co-working space, and one-on-one training. The organization also provides mentoring programs, scholarships, seminars, technical training, job assistance, and more.
Metalworking, woodworking, and casting available to members or students of the space.
A creators workplace in an open studio style environment offering a fully equipped workshop along with personal studio spaces.
The Maker Lab, Chicago’s first free and publicly accessible maker space, is on the 3rd floor of Harold Washington Library Center. The Maker Lab features introductory workshops and open shop for personal projects and collaboration. We encourage you to explore the full range of making, both high-tech and hands-on.
A friendly Chicago art center that offers artist residency programs, an art gallery, studio space as well as art classes at all levels for both adults and kids.
A community workshop and maker space located in the heart of Bridgeport.
Located within the 160,000 sq ft B2B creative industry ecosystem of Fort Knox Studios, 2112 is Chicago's first incubator focused on the development of entrepreneurs and disruption in music, film/video and creative technology.
An innovation center for physical product development and manufacturing. Featuring a prototyping lab and entrepreneurial community of product designers, developers, entrepreneurs, engineers & manufacturers.
Operated by the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Polsky Exchange is a 34,000 square foot startup hub featuring co-working space, a state-of-the-art Fabrication Lab, and a full calendar of programming and workshops designed to help entrepreneurs translate their ideas and technologies into startups.