12 Best Coworking Spaces in Chicago for SMEs and Freelancers

UPDATED ON

February 21, 2022

Pinakin V

Marketer

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Chicago is one of the gems of the American Midwest, known for its spectacular architecture and eye-catching grandeur that only Manhattan can rival. Numerous unique institutions, notably the famed Art Institute of Chicago, give plenty of cultural appeal, while a thriving bar scene provides plenty of nightlife.

It is home to delectable deep-dish pizza, the renowned Wrigley Field, and an almost limitless variety of tourist places to see. It can be challenging to bite the bullet and get to work when there is amusement and events on almost every public sidewalk.

Nevertheless, a few of the most determined entrepreneurs and business people in the world call the city home, which means it is brimming with some of the most gorgeous coworking spaces you'll ever see. Entrepreneurs, authors, community activists, IT aficionados, and others flourish in every coworking space in Chicago as they are innovative work centres.

Offering professional workspaces and community outreach outside of residences, coffee houses, and typical office locations, these modern workplaces have been on the rise over the past decade. Coworking spaces are available all through the Windy City for individuals and startups alike.

There are plenty of coworking spaces in Chicago, so we've compiled a list of 12 that best highlight the city's diversity.

1871 Coworking Space in Chicago

1871 is one of Chicago's primary tech clusters, designated after the year of the Great Chicago Fire. It's both a coworking space and a tech company incubator, with 400 city startups calling it home. A network of entrepreneurs and innovators in the tech industry can be found in its spacious and well-lit environment.

1871 can accommodate a variety of space requirements for growing businesses, whether they're just getting started or expanding rapidly.

There are events tailored specifically for prospective entrepreneurs, such as high-level speaker lectures. In-depth design and planning classes are often offered at 1871, which are excellent for learning new practical qualifications in the digital world.

Amenities:

Security, Cleaning Services, Full A/C, Beverages, High Speed Internet

Location:

222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1212, Chicago, IL 60654

Ideal For:

Early-Stage Startups, Accelerators, Corporate Innovators, Small Businesses

Social Handles:

https://www.instagram.com/1871chicago/

https://www.facebook.com/1871Chicago/

Pricing and Membership plans:

Open Desk: $75 Activation fee

Dedicated Desk: $75 Activation fee

Office: $75 Activation fee

Reviews :

Christopher Holloway: “Great working environment”

Trader Walt: “Unbelievable atmosphere. You really want to get to work and build something impressive!”

Google Rating:

4.5/5 (135 Reviews)

University Cowork Coworking Space in Chicago

The very first full-service coworking space on Chicago's south side is University Cowork. It has not only earned honours (it was the first coworking space to be selected "Top of Chicago" by Chicago Magazine), but it also boasts some of the city's best reviews.

Kisi is a key component of the high-end products of this coworking space in Chicago which is also dedicated to community development. Many individuals in their neighbourhood have been trained and/or employed by enterprises using University CoWork's office space, digital mail, and online memberships since it opened.

Amenities:

24/7 Access, Free parking, Outdoor Services, Print & Business Center, Meeting Rooms

Location:

6127 S University Ave, Chicago, IL 60637 United States

Ideal For:

Startup, Enterprises, Professionals, Corporates

Social Handles:

https://www.instagram.com/UniversityCoWork

https://www.facebook.com/UniversityCoWork

Pricing and Membership plans:

Available on Request

Reviews :

Paul Glendenning: “Just what I have been looking for. A beautiful space to work and interact with other local business owners. Easy parking, affordable pricing. Happy to be a member of this space and community.”

Jocelyn Jones: “They provide a wonderful environment for entreprenuers to collaborate, work, and grow their business. I especially appreciate the opportunities they provide for us to network and share resources with each other. I would highly recommend this location for any small business owner.”

Google Rating:

4.9/5 (47 Reviews)

Make Offices Coworking  Space in Chicago

Make Offices has three Chicago locations that cater to everyone from remote workers to Fortune 500 companies, each encouraging versatility, professional competence, top-notch technical support, and excellent value for money.

Their River North site provides month-to-month membership packages beginning at $300 per month for an open desk, as well as $35 day tickets. For maximum convenience, the area is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Meeting rooms, a game room, mail collection, fast Wi-Fi, premium coffee and tea, relaxation rooms with massage chairs, craft beer on tap, and regular networking events are among the facilities.

Amenities:

Fast Wifi, Free Kombucha and Sparkling Water, Coffee Tea and Snacks, Dog Friendly Offices, Conference Rooms

Location:

Bike Storage, Conference Rooms, Unlimited Craft Beer, Relaxation Rooms, High speed Wi-Fi, Beverages

Ideal For:

Freelancers, Professionals, Entrepreneurs, Startups

Social Handles:

https://www.instagram.com/makeoffices/

https://www.facebook.com/makeoffices/

Pricing and Membership plans:

Hot Desk: $350/month

Virtual Office: $75/month

Day Pass: $35/month

Reviews :

Pierre Taillandier: “Great location, conveniently located near lots of restaurants and stores. Amazing and friendly staff! Hannah and Jess do a terrific job at making this location a great place to work from and also to have fun at!”

Marissa R: “We love our office at Make! The set up, cost, and size are perfect for us, and the location is close to a lot of lunch and activity options. Would recommend to businesses looking for a coworking space/office!”

Google Rating:

4.7/5 (17 Reviews)

Convene Coworking Space in Chicago

Whenever you need to rent event space for a business opening party, a corporate brunch, a semiannual staff meeting, or a hundred-person seminar, Convene is the solution. Modern conveniences, a fully manned kitchen, sun-drenched interiors, luxurious couches, and verdant plants abound in this futuristic chic venue.

It's a place where you just want to be. You'll find the right space to work here thanks to Convene's careful mix of collaboration, meeting, relaxation, and focus zones.

Members frequently have their morning tea in the cafe' or take part in one of the many networking events and group discussions held throughout the year.

Amenities:

Fully Air Conditioned, Security, Cleaning Services, High Speed Internet, Water, Tea & Coffee Supply

Location:

16 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603, United States

Ideal For:

Professionals, Businesses, Startups, Enterprises

Social Handles:

https://www.instagram.com/convene/

https://www.facebook.com/AtConvene

Pricing and Membership plans:

Available on Request

Reviews :

David Shwartz: “A great space for a business meeting or conference. Not the Wework type of solution much more professional oriented, but with all the services and snacks”

June Hankins: “Beautiful event space, excellent food and service!”

Google Rating:

4.7/5 (43 Reviews)

Homiey Coworking  Space in Chicago

Homiey is a bright, trendy gathering spot that's a cross between an Internet cafe and a business office. It advertises itself as a woman-owned and Black-owned business, with locations in Chicago's Humboldt Park and Noble Square neighbourhoods.

This coworking space in Chicago is a better alternative to working from home or in a crowded coffee shop. There aren't many premium facilities because it's a more comfortable and friendly atmosphere, but it does have complimentary coffee and pastries, high-speed Internet, and comfortable furniture.

A common printer, a meeting room, two phone booths, and a kitchenette are also available to members. Organizations can use Homiey to meet with customers and conduct assessments.

Amenities:

Cleaning Services, High Speed Wi-Fi, Security, Admin Office Services, Beverages

Location:

1250 W Augusta Blvd, Chicago, IL 60642, United States

Ideal For:

Freelancers, Entrepreneurs, Startrups, Enterprises

Social Handles:

Pricing and Membership plans:

Week Pass: $50

Monthly Membership: $150

Group Membership: $250

Reviews :

Google Rating:

25N Coworking  Space in Chicago

25N Coworking in Arlington Heights is a wonderful place to work, with a modern and stylish design and complete workplace utilities. The area is primarily made up of open spaces, with a range of meeting rooms to meet a variety of demands.

The personnel at this location takes coworking to a whole new level: they are competent, courteous, and accommodating. This venue is definitely a jewel in Chicago, according to the members.

If you want to grow your business network, this is also a great place to go: there are a lot of networking events and activities going on here! 25N Coworking also has a facility at 25 N River Ln, Geneva, IL 60134, which is a little further out of town but has the same great services!

Amenities:

Onsite Community Manager, High-speed Wi-Fi, Complimentary coffee & tea Quiet, acoustically optimized workspaces, Bookable Conference Rooms

Location:

3400 W Stonegate Blvd UNIT 101, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, United States

Ideal For:

Startups, Freelancers, Entrepreneurs, Businesses

Social Handles:

https://instagram.com/25ncoworking

https://facebook.com/25ncoworking

Pricing and Membership plans:

Available on Request

Reviews :

Rick France: “Wonderful place to work, I have been a remote worker for 5 years now and I cannot tell you how appreciative I am to have a place like this near my home. Its affordable, clean, and the staff is extremely friendly. It reminds me of an office I would actually enjoy going to! Thanks for all you do team 25N!!!!!!”

Jim Gignac: “It was so easy to arrange the appointment. The space we used was comfortable and gave us the privacy we desired. We will be using it again! (School of Rock Arlington Heights”

Google Rating:

4.8/5 (30 Reviews)

Ampersand  Coworking Space in Chicago

In the centre of Logan Square, Ampersand is a coworking and events space. Ampersand stands out from every other coworking space in Chicago because of its loft-like decor and serene atmosphere. Ampersand is the place to meet clients, close sales, and work without distractions, with all the conveniences of a prime office, without the unneeded loudness and snobbery.

You can use Day Passes, book a Hot Desk, book a Committed Desk, or customise a Private Office at the space. Your subscriptions go a little further to assist essential causes like females in comics, human trafficking and slavery prevention, meditation and awareness, and local performers and artists.

Amenities:

24/7 Access, Bike Parking, Phone Booths, Breakout Area, Printer/Scanner

Location:

3317 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, United States

Ideal For:

Businesses, Freelancers, Professionals, Entrepreneurs

Social Handles:

http://instagram.com/ampersandcowork/

https://www.facebook.com/ampersandcowork/

Pricing and Membership plans:

Dedicated Desk: $350/month

Hot Desk: $195/month

Conference Room: $75/hour

Reviews :

Kathleen Hawkins: “Thank you for being great members of the community and great neighbors. I live directly behind you and appreciate the consideration for us as neighbors. Keep it up and cheers to many more successful events for you all!”

Mathew LaFleur: “Nice airy space, great people, roof deck is pretty sweet with a hammock, grill, small space for bar service. Lots of options for work space reserving. I dig it.”

Google Rating:

4.9/5 (31 Reviews)

2112  Coworking Space in Chicago

This one-of-a-kind location, residing in a giant industrial storeroom within Fort Knox Studios was formerly a movie production facility, but is now one of Chicago's premier coworking spaces. Some of the content creators who call 2112 home include music producers, film directors, graphic artists, lifestyle retail companies, and advertising experts.

Through instructional programming and weekly events, 2112 is owned and operated by a brilliant and dedicated team of creatives who enable interconnectivity and cooperation.

This is Chicago's first incubator dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and disrupting the music, cinema, multimedia, and innovative technology industries.

As a result, if you're looking for intellectual stimulation, 2112 is the ideal Chicago coworking space for you. There is nothing else like it, and that is why singer Jennifer Hudson reserves a recording studio here on a regular basis.

Amenities:

Educational Programming and Weekly Networking Events, Full Kitchen with Water, Coffee, and Snacks, Lofted Lounge Space, Conference & Break Out Rooms, 24/7 Access

Location:

4245 N Knox Ave #1904, Chicago, IL 60641, United States

Ideal For:

Professionals, Freelancers, Entrepreneurs, Businesses

Social Handles:

https://www.facebook.com/2112inc?fref=ts

Pricing and Membership plans:

Reserved Desk Space: $375/month

Unreserved Workspace: $250/month

Private Office Space: $450/month

Reviews :

Rockin Rana: “Came here for a benefit and got to see the works of such great veteran artists as Sergio Mayora and many new up and coming artist. Had a great time and was able to purchase some great art pieces.”

Mark Lassoff: “Impressive coworking space for creatives and musicians. Great facility and programs.”

Google Rating:

4.8/5 (36 Reviews)

mHUB Coworking Space in Chicago

mHUB is a sanctuary for practitioners who need to research and validate models and prototypes. A network of design professionals, programmers, marketers, technicians, and producers may be found at this coworking space in Chicago.

Ten fabrication facilities are housed in the 63,000-square-foot building, which helps to shorten product development cycles.

It has a 3D printing lab, computing labs, metal workshop, and microfactory, as well as other resources for product creation and prototyping worth roughly $5 million.

Coworking costs $350 per month, while working full-time in the shop costs $250 per month. Coworking members have access to desks as well as store discounts.

Amenities:

Prototyping Shops, Daily Coffee, High Speed Internet, Daily Cleaning, Front Desk Services

Location:

965 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642, United States

Ideal For:

product designers and developers, entrepreneurs, engineers and manufacturers, corporate leaders, industry experts

Social Handles:

http://instagram.com/mhubchicago

https://www.facebook.com/mHUBChicago/

Pricing and Membership plans:

Shared Workspace: $350/month

Reserved Desk: $450/month

Enterprises: $3500/year

Reviews :

Stephanie Wheat: “I love the space and the collaborative members! Simply amazing!!!”

Michael Donelley: “Incredible innovation space, going to change the world of manufacturing by making it so accessible. The staff is amazing and they host really great community events!”

Google Rating:

4.8/5 (24 Reviews)

WeWork Coworking Space in Chicago

WeWork is likely the most well-known coworking space, offering entrepreneurs, freelancers, techies, and inventors a creative and collaborative environment in which to turn their ideas into reality.

With more than seventy facilities in more than twenty cities across the world, WeWork has established itself as a global force in the coworking movement. Over 40,000 people have signed up as members, and over 8,800 businesses have joined as well.

Amenities:

Enhanced cleaning services, Touch-free dispensers, Enhanced HVAC standards, Parking, Dog friendly

Location:

125 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60603, United States

Ideal For:

Startups, Businesses, Entrepreneurs, Freelancers

Social Handles:

https://instagram.com/wework

https://facebook.com/wework

Pricing and Membership plans:

Available on Request

Reviews :

Samir Musali: “Friendly staff, great location”

Lauren Thorpe: “Love the location and events they host. Great place to work if you have your own business. Staff is great”

Google Rating:

4.2/5 (58 Reviews)

Second Shift Coworking Space in Chicago

To improve their operations, solopreneurs need to socialize, which implies they thrive in open, interactive, and community-oriented offices.

As a result, at Second Shift, Chicago, solo entrepreneurs from diverse industries, degrees of experience, and hobbies join together to work.

This dog-friendly, compact coworking space in Chicago has nice sunlight and a variety of seating arrangements. Private telephone booths, conference spaces, standing and sitting desks, private rooms, and a "ideation station" with chalkboard and "thinking bench" are all available.

With an attractive concrete block and timber atmosphere, wood workstations, and colourful pillows throughout, the workspace is easygoing and pleasant.

Amenities:

24/7 Access, Craft Beer, Phone Booths, Extra Monitors, Fast Wi-fi

Location:

3432 W Diversey Ave floor 2, Chicago, IL 60647, United States

Ideal For:

Entrepreneurs, Enterprises, Professionals, Startups

Social Handles:

Pricing and Membership plans:

Dedicated Desk: $385/month

Small Offices: $650/month

Large Office: $1500/month

Reviews :

Taylor C: “Second shift is an awesome, clean coworking space with a super friendly community of remote workers, small teams and entrepreneurs! They have taken all the necessary precautions to make me feel safe returning during the COVID pandemic. I love working remote from here and the community manager Raquel is awesome!;

Kevin Logstreth: “Second Shift is exactly what I wanted in a co-working space. It is very well laid out with thoughtful touches. Great coffee, natural light, booths to have phone conversations, meeting rooms, great community engagement and awesome staff.”

Google Rating:

4.9/5 (32 Reviews)

Industrious Office Coworking Space in Chicago

Industrious Office's River North site is their initial coworking space in Chicago, with locations all throughout the city. It is at the heart of the city's artistic and recreational sectors, abutting the posh Magnificent Mile. The facility is located within a sprawling 1950s conversion with numerous storeys.

The cost of membership is $420, and the cost of private office space varies based on the size of the team. Ultra-fast internet, limitless free printing, payphones, fitness rooms, and lounge areas are among the amenities. Frequent member events, such as carefully selected speaker panels and group offsites, as well as vibrant gatherings, are also here.

Amenities:

Wellness Room, Private Conference Rooms, Office Supplies, Unlimited Color Printing, Fast &Secure Wi-Fi

Location:

171 N Aberdeen St Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

Ideal For:

Startups, Freelancers, Businesses, Entrepreneurs

Social Handles:

https://instagram.com/industrioushq

https://www.facebook.com/IndustriousOffice

Pricing and Membership plans:

Virtual: On Request

Office: Starting from $806/month

Private Suite: Starting at $650/month

Reviews :

Lara Hourquebie: “Wonderful experience working at Industrious - friendly and effective staff, clean, free food, great vibe - love this place”

Seetha Rami Reddy: “Its been amazing at Industrious, Great place to share the work space, wonderful staff. I will recommend this place”

Google Rating:

4.8/5 (40 Reviews)

Conclusion

In Chicago, there are a variety of amazing coworking spaces to choose from, each with its own culture, workspace, and amenities. It can be time-consuming and complex to locate and secure a coworking or flex office in the correct location and at the right pricing.

Some places are better for stunning clients, hosting an event, recruiting tech talent, or discovering sources of inspiration, while others are ideal for connecting and brainstorming. Luckily, we've already done the elbow grease for you.

The list above is meant to assist you in finding the best coworking space in Chicago and the surrounding area. We recommend contacting each coworking space in Chicago directly for the most up-to-date details on desk prices and activities.

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written by :

Pinakin V

Pinakin V is a hands-on marketer with experience in IT, EdTech, and corporate real estate. He’s passionate about crafting practical solutions for coworking and managed office spaces. When he’s not working, he enjoys hosting events and cycling around town while catching up on his favorite podcasts.