Welcome, prospective member

Glad we got to talk. Here’s what’s next.

Now that you’ve had your discovery call, this page walks you through the
full path to joining EO Chicago, the events you can come to, the application,
the investment, and what your first six months as a member look like.

129
Chicago members
$1.823B
Combined annual revenue
20,000+
EO members worldwide

What EO Chicago is

A peer network for the
people running the room.

EO Chicago is one chapter of a 20,000-member global community of entrepreneurs running
businesses with $1M+ in annual revenue. You’ll build a network of like-minded operators,
learn how to navigate the day-to-day of running a company, and grow through executive
education and events, all alongside peers who’ve been in your seat.

Forum

An intimate peer group of 6–8 entrepreneurs who meet monthly. The heart of EO.

Events

Speakers, dinners, and member experiences across Chicago, year-round.

Global

Access to events, chapters, programs, and members in 200+ cities worldwide.

Section 01 · Joining

Your path to becoming a member

Four steps. Built to make sure EO Chicago is the right fit for you, and you for us.

1

Discovery call

DONE

You’re here. You’ve connected with our Membership Committee and gotten a feel for
what EO Chicago is about. This page captures everything we discussed so you have it
in one place.

2

Come to an event

OPTIONAL

The best way to feel EO Chicago is to be in the room. Below are events open to
prospective members. Optional, but highly encouraged.

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3

Attend a Mock Forum

REQUIRED

This is your chance to experience EO’s signature forum format, an intimate peer
group where real conversations happen. Come ready to engage: the mock forum is a
two-way process. Just as you’re evaluating EO, current members are getting to know
you to make sure we’re the right fit for each other.

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4

Apply & make payment

REQUIRED

You’ll receive an offer email with details on how to apply online, submit
verification that your business generates $1M+ in annual revenue, and how to
complete payment.

Revenue requirement: Your business must generate $1M+ in annual
revenue. Verification is submitted as part of the online application.

Section 02 · Investment

What it costs to join

When you join EO Chicago, you’re joining both a local chapter and a global organization.
Same values, separate entities, payment goes to each independently.

Local

EO Chicago

Initiation (one-time)
$3,500
Annual dues
$5,558
Year 1
$9,058
Global

EO Network

Initiation (one-time)
$3,500
Annual dues
$2,630
Year 1
$6,130

Combined first-year investment
Annual dues are prorated by the month you join. Fiscal year starts July 1.

$15,188

Section 03 · After You Join

Your first six months

Full member access starts the moment your payment clears. Forum placement
typically takes four to six months.

Getting into your forum
4–6 month journey

A

Forum Training

Held quarterly. The language, format, and culture of EO forum, required for every new member.

In-person in Chicago is strongly preferred. If the next Chicago date doesn’t work,
you can attend in another EO chapter city or virtually.

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B

Launchpad Forums

Attend three monthly Launchpad sessions, a practice forum that helps you get comfortable before being placed.

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C

Forum Placement

After your three Launchpads, you’ll be placed into an existing EO forum: your long-term peer group of 6–8 fellow entrepreneurs.

From the moment you pay
Full member access

Sign up for events

Full access to the EO Chicago calendar from day one. There’s always something worth showing up for.

New Member Dinner

Twice a year, new members are welcomed with a dedicated dinner, a relaxed setting to meet the community.

Global programming

Tap into EO’s worldwide network of 20,000+ entrepreneurs, regional events, and leadership programs.

Section 04 · FAQ

Questions we get a lot

Do I have to be a Chicago resident?

+

No, but your business or your role should bring you into Chicago regularly enough to participate in the community. Most events are in-person at EO House or partner venues around the city.

What if my revenue is close to but under $1M?

+

The $1M threshold is firm for full EO membership. If you’re scaling toward it, ask us about the EO Accelerator program, it’s designed for founders on the path.

Can I attend an event before I apply?

+

Yes. The prospect events listed above and the Mock Forum are open to you now. We strongly encourage attending at least one before applying.

How long does the application take?

+

Once you receive your offer email, most prospects complete the application and verification in under an hour. Forum training and Launchpad scheduling happens after.

Is there a discount if I join mid-year?

+

Annual dues are prorated by the month you join. The fiscal year starts July 1, so a January start pays roughly six months of dues for that fiscal year.

Can I leave if it isn’t a fit?

+

Yes. Annual dues are paid yearly and are non-refundable; the initiation fee is one-time. Most members renew, but there’s no long-term contract.

Still have questions?

We’re here for you.

This page is shared with prospective members only and isn’t publicly listed.
Drop us a note anytime, we look forward to welcoming you in.

membership@eochicago.org